Outdoors

As the other days of the long weekend look somewhat rainy, here another suggestion for the sunny Friday - a hike starting and ending in the picturesque town of Dinant. We will get a warm-up climb out of town along the quarry of Leffe, until the path levels out and takes us on a big loop on top of the plateau, with mostly open landscape, fields, meadows and apparently even some wineyards. Expect wide views, some small forests and a few pretty villages along the way. Finally we will steeply descend back into Dinant, where we can find treats for all tastes before heading home. The number of participants is limited to 20, so please manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average moving speed of 5km/h. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Komoot:** https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2797070348?share_token=ampZcY2zXOi42SDm4snE9c1mxHKcu56TO4PNySvYJnl00cHCmq&ref=wtd **Wikiloc:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/dinant-loop-261693472 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9.10 in Bruxelles Schuman train station in front of the ticket machines. Our train (IC 2509 to Dinant) leaves from platform 2 at 09.23. We'll arrive in Dinant at 10.49. ●● Train ticket: One way ticket is 11.40€ or 6.80€ with train+ ●● Trains back to Brussels: Direct trains from Dinant to BXL are every hour at XX.13, with an additional connection at XX.38 with change in Namur every two hours. ●● Specifics: Distance: ± 25 km Elevation gain: 420 m Net walking time: ± 5.5 h Weather forecast: sunny and warm. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes * Comfortable hiking shoes * water + food for the breaks * tick/mosquito repellent * Compeed for blisters * some small money for the drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

What's up Friends! 👋 If the weather gods feel generous 🌤️, we’re going full park mode: picnic 🧺🌳, games, laughs… and a touch of chaos ✨ ‼️If not - we'll switch to the usual indoor format at Le Pantin or Café Leopold PDN. 📍Where Park Cinquantenaire, Tour de Tournai 🏰 (that little castle-looking thingy in the park). Can’t find us? 🤷‍♀️ Just ping me here. 💡 The Idea Chill picnic: bring your own drinks 🧃, snacks 🥪🍓, blanket, and games 🎲🏸 (sharing always appreciated 😋). We’ll break into small groups depending on the vibe: games, chats, sports. ⏱️ Timing We kick off at 14:00. Stay as long as you like. Joining later? Just drop a message in the chat in case we decide to move 😊. 🎲🏸 Games All games are welcome in the park - boards, cards, balls, random stuff! I’ll have a few with me, but feel free to add your own favorites too. 🚦On the waitlist but really want to join? Or got any questions? Just DM me. 📢 Extra info might drop in the group chat or via DM 💬. Check your messages 👀 the day before so you don't miss anything critical 🙄. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Games we play = group decision 👉 Smaller groups = cozier vibes 👉 Got a favorite game? Suggest it or show up with it 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 If you’re on the waitlist, showing up is at your own risk 😄 See you there, folks 😉

We do cycles of 4-6 weeks, with a progressive intensity, and the last session is lighter. Program: 15’ warm up **To be defined** Cool down to get back to the starting point… or more S=All out sprint RF = Run fast, at MAS (Maximum aerobic speed) CF = Run comfortably fast (1h threshold) J = Jog, recuperation Notes: It should take about one hour in total, as the cool down will end when we reach back to the meeting point. It's NOT required to have an activity tracker or smart watch to be able to follow the program, as I'll be giving signals with a whistle. For the "run" part, you can follow your own pace and we'll be regrouping in the "jog" part. Intervals training is not advised for total beginners. To have an idea, the average pace at the warm up is around 5'45"/km-6'/km so this pace should feel very comfortable ***Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability.*** By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

What’s up Friends! 👋 If the weather behaves, we’re going for a chill drawing meetup: good vibes, new people, sketching side by side ✨ 📍 Where We meet at Park Cinquantenaire, in front of the "Tour de Tournai" 🏰 (the tiny castle-looking thingy). From there, we’ll pick a spot that feels right - usually somewhere outdoors 🌿 Can’t find us? 🤷🏻 Ping me here. 💡 The Idea Simple: we sit, we draw, we chat. No teacher, no pressure. Just people sketching next to each other and sharing tips if it happens naturally. Bring whatever you like: notebook + pen ✏️ or full watercolor chaos 🎨💦 All styles, all levels welcome. Don't forget to dress for the weather (we’re usually outside) and bring something to sit on - blanket, mat, foldable chair… whatever keeps you comfy. ⏱️ Timing We start at 14:00. Stay as long as you like. Joining later? Drop a message in the chat in case we’ve moved 😊 Once the sketches are done (or we need a break), we might grab a drink if we feel like it. 💸 Price Free. Just show up and draw. 🚦 On the waitlist but really want to join? Or got questions? DM me. 📢 Extra info might drop in the group chat or via DM 💬 Check your messages the day before so you don’t miss anything important 👀 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Draw what you want, how you want - no judgement 👉 Sharing tips = welcome, not expected 👉 Small groups = chill vibes 👉 Got cool materials? Bring them, flex them 👉 Keep your valuables close — it’s easy to get carried away 👉 Can’t make it? Cancel in time so someone else can join 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waitlist See you there 😉

**Step out of the city, slow down, and reconnect — with nature and new people.** ### 🌱 Experience Overview Join us for a relaxed afternoon walk through the beautiful **Forêt de Soignes**, one of Brussels’ most peaceful natural escapes. This is a soft, social hike designed for connection — no rush, no pressure — just fresh air, forest paths, and good conversations. We’ll start at **Gare Boitsfort** and follow a scenic route through the forest and the southern edges of Uccle, gradually making our way to **Gare Uccle Calevoet**, where we’ll wrap up with drinks together. Expect a mix of tall beech trees, quiet trails, and that feeling of being far away — while still in Brussels. ### 🌍 Event Type 🌍 **Community Event** ### ✨ Highlights - Easy, relaxed walk through the Sonian Forest - Social & welcoming group (solo joiners always welcome) - Nature immersion without leaving Brussels - Golden hour forest atmosphere (weather looks sunny ☀️) - Drinks together at the end near Uccle Calevoet ### 🗺️ Plan / Itinerary - **14:30** — Meet at Gare Boitsfort - Short intro & group welcome by **Somang** - Begin relaxed walk through the forest *Breaks for chats, photos, and enjoying nature* - *~17:30 **— Arrival at Gare Uccle Calevoet - Optional drinks together nearby 🍻 *(Exact timing may vary slightly depending on group pace)* ### 📍 Meeting Point **Gare Boitsfort (Train Station)** Easy access via S-train End point:** Gare Uccle Calevoet** ### 💸 Price / Contribution **Free for Sunday Vacations members** ### 🧭 Membership To join this event, you need to be part of the Sunday Vacations community: - Explorer — Starting at €5/year - Voyager — Starting at €50/year - Ambassador — Starting at €150/year Your membership supports the community and allows you to join all our events. Join here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/category/all-products ### 👥 Who This Is For - People looking to meet others in a natural setting - Anyone who enjoys relaxed walks and meaningful conversations - Solo joiners — most people come alone ### 🎒 What to Bring - Comfortable walking shoes - Water - Light snack (optional) - Weather-appropriate clothing - Good energy & openness to meet new people ### ⚠️ Important Notes - This is a relaxed, social walk — not a guided hike or fitness event - We’ll stay together as a group, but everyone joins at their own pace - Participation in drinks after the walk is optional - Please arrive on time to respect the group ### ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations (UJAMAA ASBL) acts as a community organiser. This is not a guided tour or travel package. Participants are responsible for their own safety and participation. Any food or drinks consumed are at participants’ own expense and arranged individually with the venue. **VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code.** ### 👉 Call to Action Spots are open — just bring your curiosity and join us 🌿 Come walk, connect, and enjoy a different side of Brussels.

***Let’s go hiking in the Ardennes***. This journey takes us through a part of the ***Calestienne, a geological region shaped by limestone rock***. Expect plenty of ***steep climbs, solid elevation gain*** and mostly unpaved trails. Our reward is conquering the ***rocks of Sy*** and offering ***stunning views over the Ourthe***. Along the way we pass ***caves, striking rock formations, the ruins of Logne Castle***, wide fields and some quiet hamlets. The landscape shifts between forests, open countryside and ***beautiful panoramic views.*** ***After our hike*** we continue our good habit of ***taking a nice beer/pancake/snack in a local pub*** in Barvaux before returning to Brussels. **Please don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)** We will walk at ***an average speed of 5km/h*** both on paved and unpaved roads. ***I’ve never walked this road before so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning***. Be prepared for this. ***●●Meeting point*** We meet at ***08h45*** in front of Starbucks in ***Brussels Central.*** The train (IC507 – Eupen) leaves at ***09h01 from platform 3***. We arrive at 10h00 in Liege Guilmins on platform 5 where we change to train (L5559 – Marloie) who leaves at 10h13 from platform 5. We arrive ***11h05 at our destination Barvaux and start our hike.*** ***●● Train tickets*** ***\- single ticket Brussels to Barvaux \(14\,90 € weekend / 09\,00 € with train card\+\)*** ***\- single ticket Barvaux to Brussels \(14\,90 € weekend / 9\,00 € with train card\+\)*** ***●● Train back to Brussels*** There are **2** ***trains every two hours*** from Barvaux to Brussels at ***XX:06 and XX:54***. For more info check [www.nmbs.be](http://www.nmbs.be) **LAST TRAIN = 21h54** ***●● Specifics*** distance: \~ 26 km elevation gain: \~ 656 m net walking time: \~ 6h00 level: ***intermediate – hiking expercience is an advantage*** ***In the unlikely case of too bad weather we may cancel a hike even few hours before the event. If this must happen we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the [Meetup](http://meetup.com/) website and/or your emails.*** ●● ***What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – ***waterproof hiking shoes*** \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water and food for lunch/breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) **\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** ●● ***Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if you ***really intend to come***. And if your plans change ***update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel at the last day (24h) or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP - but not Wait Listed) **●● *Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability*** **By signing up for this event you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.**

CE VENDREDI 01.05.2026 – C’EST CONGE ET ON EN PROFITE ! **[Open Air - Bois de la Cambre | Le Flore x Les Belges Jeunesses \[FRI. 01/05\] | FREE ENTRANCE](https://fb.me/e/7dQcC2euW)** *** Les Belges Jeunesses 🇧🇪 🎉 APÉRO GRATUIT – 1er MAI 🎉 📍 Bois de la Cambre – INDOOR & OUTDOOR 🗓 Jour férié – Vendredi 1er mai 🕐 Dès 15h30 jusqu’à 23:50 ! Les Belges Jeunesses X Le flore *** =>>> ENTREE GRATUITE > VOICI LE LIEN : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15753](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15753) =>>> Facebook : [https://fb.me/e/2xdLyxqkLI](https://fb.me/e/2xdLyxqkLI) *** Tu l'attendais ? On est de retour à nos premiers amours : les Opens Air! Un apéro 100% GRATUIT, en pleine nature au cœur de Bruxelles, pour profiter du jour férié comme il se doit ☀️🍹 🔥 Open Air & Indoor – on est prêts pour TOUT ! Soleil ou pluie, l’ambiance sera au rendez-vous 🌈 🎶 Music chill, rires, rencontres et vibes chill ! 🍷 Bar accessible – softs, vins, bières et cocktails 🍕 Food & petits snacks Ramène tes potes, ton plaid, ton plus beau sourire et viens trinquer avec nous ! Car nous t'invitons à l'Afterwork à ne pas manquer [15:30 - 23:50] ! OUI OUI, c'est GRATUIT, en plein air en plein centre de Bruxelles 🌳 Vous avez deviné ? On se retrouve bien en effet au Flore (Bois de la Cambre) pour profiter d'un véritable moment de décompression en terrasse 🥂 Un moment de légèreté dans la nature avec tes potes ou tes collègues pour profiter du soleil et ne pas se prendre la tête ☀️ *** Info’s ▔▔▔ → Free Entrance → Vendredi 01er mai de 15h30 à 23h50 → Facile d’accès en transports en commun, vélo ou la trottinette ! → La direction se réserve le droit d'entrée → Minimum 18 ans → Questions ? +32475287454 *** Rendez-vous au Flore Chemin de la Meute, 1 1000 Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Belgique POUR l'AFTER, ON VOUS DIRA LE SOIR-MÊME...

### Escape the city. Slow down. Walk together. ## 🌿 Experience Overview Join us for a relaxed community walk from Boitsfort into the heart of the Sonian Forest, ending at the beautiful Château de La Hulpe. This is a simple idea: fresh air, nature, and good people. No pressure — just an afternoon to disconnect from the city and reconnect with others. Because at the end of the day, people join for connection just as much as the activity . ## 🌍 Event Type **🌍 Community Event** ## ✨ Highlights - Walk through the historic Boitsfort hippodrome & ponds - Explore the peaceful Sonian Forest “beech cathedral” - Pass through the Groenendael Arboretum - Arrive at the stunning Château de La Hulpe - Friendly, social atmosphere — solo joiners welcome ## 🗺️ Plan / Itinerary **13:00** – Meet at Boitsfort tram stop (Tram 8) **13:10** – Departure (we leave on time) **Afternoon** – Walk through forest & nature trails **~18:00 **– Arrival at La Hulpe train station ## 📍 Meeting Point Just outside** Boitsfort Tram 8 station** ## 💰 Price / Contribution - This is a** members-only event** - No additional participation fee ## 🧭 Membership (Required) To join this walk, an active Sunday Vacations membership is required: - Explorer – €5/year - Voyager – €50/year - Ambassador – €150/year Your membership supports the community and helps us organise more experiences like this. Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/category/all-products](https://www.sundayvacations.com/category/all-products) ## 👥 Who This Is For - Expats & locals in Brussels - People who enjoy long walks in nature - Solo joiners looking for a social outdoor activity - Anyone needing a break from routine ## 🎒 What to Bring - Comfortable walking shoes - Water - Layers (it can get cooler in the forest) - Rain jacket (just in case) ## ⚠️ Important Notes - Distance: ~17 km - Duration:~ 4.5 hours - Pace: Casual to moderate (group stays together) - Please RSVP only if you plan to attend - Update your RSVP if your plans change - We won’t wait after departure time ## 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at** La Hulpe train station **with easy connections back to Brussels. ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations (UJAMAA ASBL) acts as a** community organiser**, not a travel agency. Participants join at their own responsibility and manage their own transport and personal needs. This is a** non-commercial community activity **without professional guiding services. VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. ## 👉 Call to Action Become a member, join the walk, and spend your Sunday differently 🌿

Hi WW's, This Sunday we shall repeat the walk from February . The walk will be about 10km . The walk may be modified depending on the weather. We will meet in front of Sint Michielskerk and walk into the Brabant nature area and along the Dijle Valley. The walk should look like : https://mapy.com/s/juceperofe We plan to leave on time. If you are late , then please follow the map to catch us up. You should wear good walking clothing and shoes plus drinks/snacks to keep you going. Afterwards we will go to an interesting little pub on the Bollestraat. 't Kleine Verzet. http://www.tkleinverzet.vlaanderen/ If you have any questions , you can contact me on 0472 613 518. See you on Sunday. Rory .

Join Brussels Urban Explorers for a relaxed day trip to Ostend 😁 The idea is simple: spend time together, explore the city, walk by the sea, discover nice places, have a drink, and connect with like-minded people 🍹 This is not a formal tour or a strict sightseeing plan. It is a social day out with good conversations, good vibes, and the freedom to enjoy the moment together. **We will take the train on Sunday, 3 May, from Brussels Central Station at 09:50.** Everyone is welcome, especially people who enjoy discovering new places, meeting new friends, and sharing simple adventures.Join Brussels Urban Explorers for a relaxed day trip to Ostend.

Spirit Walks are unique nature hikes meant to lift up anyone's spirit, in a friendly, meaningful and even partially therapeutic way. It's usually a lot of fun, since we value authentic connection, share a healthy lunch, keep a positive/dynamic mindset, while maintaining safe, vulnerable space for whatever wants to come in the moment. We value an adventurous spirit, creativity, deep connection and authenticity. In a spontaneous way, it could happen that we stop and learn about a medicinal plant, do a somatic (stretch) exercise, do a silent meditation, an authentic relating game or a creative expression, all with the goal of coming back to ourselves, reconnect with others and get absorbed by the wonderful and powerful healing aspects of our surrounding nature. As a experienced trauma- and burn-out therapist, Ken knows very well how to create a feel-good, nurturing and healing atmosphere in a natural, unassuming way. It can bring back joy and energy in someone's life. You'll never feel alone. For this particular hike, we will experience the wonderful nature reserve the 'Doode Beemde' and its beautiful surroundings, starting and coming back at Oud-Heverlee station. It's nto a very difficult hike, nothing to stress about, it's around 13km. There's a few communication guidelines to keep in the back of your minds during our hikes: This is supposed to be inclusive, fun & a bit adventurous. We love some deep talks, but try to avoid any polarizing topics, gossip and complaining. Be respectful to each others' viewpoints and try not to judge too openly. We should be able to get back at the station around 16h45h approx. I'm personally going by car, if others of you have space in their car, please propose your free seats in the comment section of this hike. You're responsible for your own safety and well-being down the road. In case something happens (you get lost, you can't proceed,...), we will do our common best to find a solution, but don't expect the whole group to become dependent. Take care and see you soon! Ken

What's up Friends! 👋 
Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨ It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎
 The Idea: 📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 17:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: - 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) - reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 150€
 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 
📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 
See you at the walls folks😉

FOREST PLAY (10h-12h) The Forest Play - sessions are inclusive, nurturing and natural reconnecting events, focussing on restoring or replenishing energy, the sense of joy and personal perspective by interacting (and playing) with nature's healing elements. Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to get in touch with our inner-child and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again, bringing back the joy and vitality we all carry deeply within, but often believed to have been lost. Our hearts gradually open and start reconnecting again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore general holistic balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake to it, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do play gently with our personal comfort zones, sliding in and out, at times challenging our personal beliefs, convictions and limitations. These edges are where the real learning takes place, so take note. The sessions have powerful therapeutic value. They are developed, customised and guided by specialised trauma therapist Ken Christiaens. All exercises, while feeling light and fun, have a foundation in trauma and tension-releasing therapies, with elements of inner child work, constellations, reiki, NLP, somatic work, role/game play and meditation. Nature's increased healing potential (forest bathing) is fully being harnessed here. For more info on the therapeutic practice of Ken, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be PRACTICAL The Forest Play-session starts at 10h sharp and ends at 12h. It costs 18e to participate. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 8-10, Oud-Heverlee (please read location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky). You actually might get a bit dirty and sweaty at some point, please prepare for outdoor nature workout: sporty shoes with ribs, sporty clothes, maybe a small towel (feet might get dirty or wet) or anything you feel comfortable with. Regarding the payment: You will be asked to transfer 18e to Ken's account beforehand or bring it on the day itself. Your participation is only confirmed if you have confirmed the payment as well. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

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.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.