Outdoors

In one of the **most remote corners of Central Asia** lies the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan. Known as the **land of Noah** and holding one of the most picturesque secrets of Azerbaijan and **resembling the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the Alinja Fortress towers over Nakhchivan below.** While considered autonomous, with its own legislature and ruler, the region is **presided over by Azerbaijan** despite sharing no land border whatsoever and wedged between Turkey, Armenia and Iran. In one short weekend we will climb the 3000 stairs to the fortress, visit Noah’s Tomb, and wander through the monuments, minarets, and palaces of this ancient and fascinating land before returning to Dubai with memories of a lifetime! **Let’s go!** **Day 1 // Friday** Meeting at DXB T2 at 16:30 for a direct flight to Baku at 18:20. Immigration clearance and overnight. **Day 1 // Saturday** After breakfast short connecting flight to Nakhchivan. Start with exploration of Noah’s Tomb and the Momina Khatun Monument, which the locals call the **“Taj Mahal of Nakhchivan”**. Once the site of **thousands of houses, dozens of mosques, mausoleums, and minarets**, all that remains is the mosaic columns and minarets of Garabaghlar. Overnight in 5 star hotel. **DAY 2 // Sunday** With stops to see few other sites, we will begin the **climb of 3000 stairs up to Alinja Fortress** and see for ourselves why it is the Machu Picchu of Central Asia. Past lunch we will visit the most curious **hospital inside a salt mine** for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis! Afterwards we will descend the caves of Ashabu before making a quick visit to carpet museum for souvenirs. Further on flight to Baku and flight home. Back in DXB Monday 01:20am. **Level:** Easy **Activities:** Trekking, sightseeing, experience of secluded culture. **Duration:** Weekend **Accommodation & meals:** **5 star hotel** **in Nakhchivan** \- double sharing\. Meals excluded\. Bring your fav snacks for the road\. **Cost: 2,100 AED** **incl. domestic flights**, until APR 01. Limited domestic flights availability! International flights excluded. **Specifically excluded:** * visa, * meals, * single room supplement. **Visas:** Most of passports are entitled for [evisa](https://evisa.gov.az/en/), UAE residence visa holders - visa on arrival. [More info here.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Azerbaijan) See yah in Mini Machu x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com](docs@trekkup.com) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Are you ready for weekend overload of **iconic forts, romantic palaces**, **ancient treasures and hidden secrets**? From Jaipur to Agra, Amer Fort and Taj Mahal, **on bike, boat, and rail**! [https://vimeo.com/201904755](https://vimeo.com/201904755) This is one intensive weekend through the highlights of **Agra** and **Jaipur**, from the **iconic Taj Mahal** on the banks of the river Yamuna to the **mysterious Amer Fort** with legends under every Mughal arch. The Taj, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her 14th child. Set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets, the imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones. We'll **travel in style by Indian train**, crisscross the country-side on bike, wander the streets of Agra and the hidden courtyards of Amer, and watch the sun set behind the Taj Mahal from the riverside. **Let's go!!** **Day 0 // Friday // Departure to Jaipur** Meeting at Sharjah Airport for direct flight to Jaipur around midnight. **Day 1 // Saturday // Train, Bike, Rikshaws** After arrival and immigration, we’ll have a short breakfast on way to train station (Class 1, with AC!) for ride to Agra and check-in to Hotel TAJ. Take time for a rest or enjoy the bar and swimming pool then hop on our bikes for an easy ride in the countryside around the Taj Mahal. Passing by local villages, we’ll stop to observe local life and handicrafts before we reach the Yamuna River for admiring sunset over the Taj. In the evening we’ll wander the old city of Agra before returning to hotel for dinner and rest. **Day 2 // Sunday // Amer Fort & Monkey Temple** Early start with sunrise at Taj Mahal, quick breakfast, head back to Jaipur with look around the Amer Fort and Monkey Temple before dark. Once we’re done with sightseeing we enjoy spectacular view from a fort high above the city. **Day 3 // Monday // Departure for Sharjah** We’ll finish this spectacular weekend on a late **night flight to DUBAI.** Back home in time for breakfast. **Level of Difficulty:** Easy, available for beginners. **Activities:** Sightseeing, leisure cycling, train hopping. **Duration:** Weekend. **Cost:** **AED 3,750 incl. flights** on Air Arabia from SHJ and Air India to DXB, until APR 01. Past this date cost will change. **Accommodation & Meals:** Hotels, double sharing. All meals included. **Visas:** Most of nationalities are eligible for E-visa: [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/). For more information: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_India). See yah in Agra x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 00971504848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

The coming of spring offers an opportunity for an East Asian adventure of remarkable contrasts – from the Instagram-worthy **cherry blossom season in South Korea**’s buzzing capital of Seoul, to timeless pastoral traditions in the **remote nomadic camps of Mongolia**, and finally to the imperial grandeur of **Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.** Linking Mongolia and China, we will travel on the legendary **Trans-Mongolian Railway** – a true bucket-list experience for many travellers. **While Korea has much to explore**, a few days are enough to see the main sights in and around the capital and enjoy the magical backdrop of **bright pink blossoms in full bloom**. Highlights of Seoul range from ancient palaces to vibrant modern shopping districts, and a day trip from the city offers the chance to delve deeper into the country’s fascinating nature and culture. **Mongolia, by contrast, remains shrouded in a mystery** despite its gradual opening to the world. This vast, landlocked nation between Russia and China is home to only around three million inhabitants. With grassland and desert steppe landscapes covering an area the size of Western Europe, a large share of the population still upholds its ancestral nomadic heritage. Here, more than half of Mongolia’s nationals continue to live in round yurts, or gers, which are as mobile as the people themselves. Yet Mongolia is a country of striking contrasts. There is a clear divide between its capital, Ulaanbaatar – with its upscale restaurants and high-end boutiques – and the rural heartlands, where traditional ways of life remain firmly rooted. **Genghis Khan, regarded as the founding father of Mongolia,** came to power in 1206. By uniting several nomadic tribes in the northeast, he laid the foundations of what would become the world’s largest contiguous empire – surpassed only by the British Empire in the 19th century. In just a few decades, his cavalry conquered a realm greater in both size and population than that of the Romans at their peak. It is hardly surprising that he is revered as a national hero, immortalised by an imposing 40-metre-high statue – the world’s largest equestrian monument – located in a complex just outside Ulaanbaatar. Today, Mongolia is undergoing rapid change. Yet despite these transformations, its country dwellers, scattered across immense landscapes with limited communication, remain unfailingly hospitable – always ready to welcome a visitor with a bowl of warm, salty milk tea. After exploring Mongolia’s sweeping wilderness and vibrant capital, the **journey continues south along one of the world’s most storied rail routes**. Boarding the Trans-Mongolian train in Ulaanbaatar offers a gentle transition from the steppe to the cities of China, with hours of evolving scenery framed by the carriage windows. The steady rhythm of the train, conversations in the dining car, and the gradual shift in landscape create a sense of travelling through time as much as through geography. **Beijing greets travellers with an immediate sense of scale and history**. Its landmark attractions are impressive not only for their grandeur, but also for the way they bridge imperial tradition and modern urban life. A visit to the Forbidden City offers a glimpse into the former seat of Chinese power, its courtyards and halls laid out with a precision that reflects centuries of dynastic rule. From there, a day trip to the Great Wall reveals the sheer ambition of ancient engineering – watchtowers marching across rugged mountains in a way that almost defies belief when seen in person. Yet some of Beijing’s most memorable moments are found in its quieter corners. The hutongs, with their narrow lanes and traditional courtyard homes, provide a more intimate view of the city’s daily rhythm. Small cafés, family-run noodle shops and simple scenes of local life offer a striking counterpoint to the imposing monuments and broad avenues elsewhere in the capital. **Let’s go!** **Day 0 // Departure** Meeting at airport for a direct flight to Seoul. **DAY 1 // Arrival in Seoul** Welcome to Seoul, the energetic capital of South Korea and a major hub for commerce, fashion, beauty and youth culture. After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy an easy first day to recover from travel while getting an authentic taste of local life. Visit Noryangjin Fish Market, where stalls are piled high with fresh seafood and you can watch vendors and buyers in action or sample a simple meal. Continue on to Museum Kimchikan to learn how Korea’s most famous dish is made and why it is such an essential part of everyday life. In the evening, head to the Banpo Bridge area for a relaxed riverside stroll and views of the illuminated bridge before returning to the hotel to rest. **DAY 2 // Seoul & Cherry blossoms** After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and set out for a full day of sightseeing around Seoul. Begin at Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and then witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Deoksugung Palace on Tuesdays), with time to explore its grand courtyards and palace buildings. Stop at Cheongwadae Sarangchae (or the National Palace Museum on Mondays) to gain more insight into Korea’s history, then visit a Ginseng Center before a lunch break at your own expense. In the afternoon, browse traditional shops and galleries in Insadong, then continue to busy Namdaemun or Dongdaemun Market to experience the city’s lively street scenes and bargain-filled stalls. Finish the day with a ride on the N Seoul Tower cable car (tower admission without lift) for panoramic views of the city, and then be dropped off in the Myeongdong or City Hall area for an evening at leisure. **DAY 3 // Cherries in countryside** Leave the city behind this morning for an escape into the lakes and hills of Gangwon-do. Drive towards Chuncheon, where we'll visit Alpaca World to meet gentle alpacas in a mountain setting, or opt instead for a scenic rail bike or canoeing at Chuncheon Mulle-gil, along the Bukhan River. Continue to Mt. Samaksan for one of Korea’s longest cable car with sweeping views over Uiam Lake. In the afternoon head to Nami Island, known for its cherry-lined avenues, riverside paths and famous K-drama filming spots. Free time to stroll or relax in the shade. Return to Seoul in the evening, free time at leisure. **DAY 4 // Mongolia – Ulaan Battar** In the morning short flight to Ulaan Battar, capitol of Mongolia. We’ll start with Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s grand central plaza, framed by the Parliament House and statues of Mongolia’s national heroes, for an introduction to the country’s political and cultural heart. Continue up to the Zaisan Hill Memorial, a Soviet-era monument perched on a ridge above the city, where wide views open over Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills. In the evening, experience a traditional Mongolian folk performance, with music, dance and perhaps a taste to set the tone for your journey. **Day 5 // Terelj National Park & Ger Life** Begin the day at Gandan Monastery, the spiritual heart of Mongolian Buddhism, where monks gather for prayers beneath towering temple halls. Next we'll leave the city and drive east to the **Genghis Khan** Statue Complex, where a gleaming 40-metre equestrian statue of the Great Khan rises from the steppe; explore the small museum beneath and climb up inside the monument for panoramic views. From here, continue into Gorkhi–Terelj National Park, a landscape of granite outcrops, larch forests and wide meadows. Stop at the iconic **Turtle Rock**, a natural formation shaped like a giant turtle, then, time permitting, make the short walk up to **Ariyabal Meditation Temple**, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary overlooking the valleys below. Later, visit a local nomadic family to sample traditional dairy products and learn about the rhythms of Mongolian nomadic life. In the evening we'll settle in a Terelj ger camp, enjoying the quiet of the countryside under big Mongolian skies. **Day 6 // Modern Ulaan** Enjoy breakfast in the ger camp before drive back, watching the steppe slowly give way again to the city’s skyline. On the way, stop at Sain Nomuun Monastery, a lesser-visited Buddhist complex that offers a more intimate glimpse of contemporary religious life. Back in the capital, visit the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, the former winter residence of Mongolia’s last spiritual and political ruler, with richly decorated temples and chambers filled with thrones, gifts and ritual objects. In the late afternoon, visit local bazaar and souvenir shopping. **DAY 7 :: Trans-mongolian train to Beijing** Today we board the Trans-Mongolian train in Ulaanbaatar and settle into our compartments as the city slowly slips away and the wide Mongolian steppe opens up outside the window. The first hours are spent watching familiar scenes of grazing horses, distant gers and rolling grasslands, all framed by the steady rhythm of the train on the tracks. As the route bends south, the landscape gradually changes, becoming more rugged and varied, with hills, valleys and scattered settlements marking the approach to the Chinese border. We’ll have time to read, chat with fellow passengers, visit the dining car for a simple hot meal and step into the corridor to photograph the views as they unfold. By evening, after border formalities, the train continues through the night towards Beijing, and you fall asleep to the gentle motion of the carriage, crossing quietly from the vast Mongolian steppe into northern China. **DAY 8 :: Arrival in Beijing & Hutongs** Arrive in Beijing at 14:35, where you are met at the station and assisted with a smooth transfer into the city. After check-in, set out to explore the historic hutongs, wandering through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. As you walk, soak up the everyday rhythm of local life, from old men playing cards to tiny shops selling snacks and trinkets. Continue to nearby markets or commercial streets, where you can browse for souvenirs and get a first taste of modern Beijing’s energy. Return to the hotel in the evening and unwind after your journey, overnight in Beijing. **Day 9 :: Forbidden City & Great Wall** Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for a full day of sightseeing in China’s capital. Begin with a guided visit to the Forbidden City, the vast former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its grand halls, courtyards and rich symbolism. Learn about the lives of emperors and the rituals of court life as you move through this UNESCO-listed complex. In the afternoon, drive out to the Great Wall at Juyongguan, where you have time to walk along the ancient ramparts and take in sweeping mountain views. Return to the hotel in the evening for some free time at leisure and overnight in Beijing. **Day 10 :: Temple of Heaven & Departure** Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant complex of temples and altars once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. Stroll through the surrounding park, where locals often practise tai chi, dance or play traditional games, giving a relaxed glimpse of everyday Beijing life. After some free time for a final walk or last-minute shopping, transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Bye, bye East Asia! **In brief:** DAY 1 :: Arrival in Seoul DAY 2 :: Seoul & Cherry Blossoms DAY 3 :: Cherries in countryside DAY 4 :: Mongolia – Ulaan Battar DAY 5 :: Terelj National Park & Ger Life DAY 6 :: Modern Ulaan DAY 7 :: Trans-mongolian train to Beijing DAY 8 :: Beijing & Hutongs DAY 9 :: Forbidden City & Great Wall DAY 10 :: Temple of Heaven & Departure **Level of difficulty:** Easy, available for everyone **Accommodation & meals:** Hotels - double sharing, 1 night aboard a train in soft sleeper, shared cabin. Meals excluded. **Cost:** **AED 14,370 all inclusive** of flights and train until MAR 30. Past this date cost will change. **Specifically excluded:** Meals, visa, insurance. **Visas:** · **Korea:** Most passports get visa on arrival, based on The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). [Other passports ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_South_Korea)\- third party visa agency only\. · **Mongolia:** visa free or e-visa. For passports non-eligible for visa on arrival, entry permit 150 USD + 90 USD payable on arrival. · **China:** EU, AUS passports visa free, except Czech Republic, Lithuania and Sweden. [Other passports ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_mainland_China)\- third party visa agency only\. *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See yah in Spring Asia x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 - 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball** on soft sand! 🌴🏐 Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, this fun and friendly game welcomes all skill levels. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the energy! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

# Join The Royals: Social Indoor Cricket @ Insportz Club (Al Quoz) 👑 **Are you looking for a consistent, competitive, and social indoor cricket game in Dubai? Welcome to The Royals.** We aren't just a weekly game; we are building Dubai’s most elite social cricket community. Whether you are a seasoned pro or someone looking to get back into the nets, our sessions at the iconic **Insportz Club** are the perfect place to play. ### 🏆 WHY PLAY WITH THE ROYALS? We believe in rewarding performance and commitment. Every game we track your runs, wickets, and overall impact to crown a **Most Valuable Player (MVP)**. * **The Monthly Grand Prize:** If you secure **10 MVPs in a single month**, you win an **AED 500 Noon Voucher!** 🛍️ ### 📍 THE VENUE: INSPORTZ CLUB, AL QUOZ We host our games at the legendary **Insportz Club**. It is the heart of indoor sports in Dubai, offering: * Professional-grade courts and nets. * Fully air-conditioned environment (perfect for Dubai weather). * Excellent facilities including changing rooms and a cafe for post-game banter. ### 📅 OUR SCHEDULE We play three nights a week to keep the momentum going: * **Mondays:** The Week Kick-off * **Wednesdays:** The Mid-week Grind * **Fridays:** Prime Social Night ### 📊 DATA & THE FUTURE Every game you play with us is recorded in our **Royals Registry**. We track your runs and wickets because, in 6 months, we are launching the **Royals Dubai Cricket App**. By joining us now, you’ll have a verified player profile and history ready for the big launch! ### 📝 HOW TO JOIN 1. **RSVP** on this Meetup event. 2. **Confirm your spot** via our WhatsApp group (Link provided upon RSVP). 3. **Show up & Play:** Bring your gear or use the high-quality equipment provided by Insportz. **Cost per session:** $$AED 35$$ **Format:** 8-a-side / 16 overs per side (Social Rules) **Don't just play the game—Join the Court. Become a Royal today!** 👑🏏

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

The season is officially ON and we’re kicking it off with a desert night like no other! 🌟 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** Imagine a giant outdoor screen, a crackling bonfire, cozy vibes, and an incredible community coming together under the stars **🌙** ✨ Beautiful ambient lighting to set the desert mood. 🎥 Outdoor movie on a large screen with amazing sound. 🔥 A cozy bonfire to keep you warm. 🍿 Popcorn, snacks, coffee, tea & water to keep the energy flowing. 🎶 After-party ambiance for chill vibes & deeper conversations. 🧠 Trivia Quiz right after the movie (played in groups — extra fun guaranteed!). No apps. No pressure. Just laughter, conversations, and a night where strangers become friends 💬🤝 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** Spend a night under the stars with people you’ve never met… and leaving with new stories, new friends, and maybe even unforgettable memories 🌠 🌌 Arrive and settle in under the starlit desert sky. 📽️ Movie starts 8:00 PM sharp (don’t be late — no exceptions 😉). 🔥 Gather ‘round the bonfire after the film. 🥨 Snack break and stretch those legs. 🧠 Team Trivia Quiz + fun activities to spark laughter & connection. ✨ Close the night with relaxed socializing in the serene desert air. Expect surprising questions. Unexpected toasts. Conversations that flow deeper than small talk 🥂 **How to Join:** 1. RSVP on Meetup 2. [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Adventure!

here another adventure Theme: Offroad, swim, oasis lake, phenomena. For those looking for a short weekend chillout check link to see: ( only the lake) https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHuT1A17/ weekend escape, this is your chance to break away and recharge with a perfect mix of chill and adventure. After an exceptional season of rainfall, the desert has transformed into something truly rare — a vast lake appearing where only sand is expected, a phenomenon that shows itself once every two to three years. Our journey kicks off with a relaxed off-roading experience, cruising through scenic terrain toward this hidden water body, where we can unwind, take in the views, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the middle of the desert. It’s all about slowing down, good vibes, and soaking in a moment that doesn’t come often. From there, we continue the experience into the mountains, where flowing streams and small waterfalls are now alive thanks to the recent rains. This part of the trip brings a gentle sense of exploration — light hikes, easy trails, and plenty of spots to dip into cool, running water. The theme is simple: lakes, swimming, off-roading, and nature at its best, without rushing or overplanning. Just a laid-back weekend filled with fresh air, movement, and great company, making the most of a rare natural season before it fades away.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.