Outdoors

Friday social drinks with tapas, ...hams & cheese, chicken wings, pickles, sausages, pizza, fruits, calamari, different types of steaks, pasta, risotto, lobster, shell foods etc 😋🌞🎉🎉😱🆕🥞🥯🥩🍖🍔🌭🍕🍝🧆🥙🥗 rooftop hh drinks at IFC, beautiful outdoor lounge, gardens... beautiful sunset ! sunset around 6:30-6:50pm..great to take photos there!! ^°^ chitchat with interesting topics ~ $150-$200 each $40-60 each glass wines/ sparkling wines/ beers/ $50-80 cocktails/ mocktails $200-350 for A La Carte!

**Acro Yoga Community Description** Join us for free Acro Yoga sessions in the beautiful Tamar Park every Friday and Sunday! Our outdoor gatherings welcome everyone interested in exploring Acro Yoga, regardless of experience level. Please sign up on Meetup before joining to stay updated on our sessions and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Keep in mind that the practice involves close partner work, so communication and comfort are key. If any issues arise, we encourage respectful handling and prioritizing safety. Come solo or bring a friend, and enjoy a unique workout that combines fitness, play, and social interaction. We look forward to seeing you there!

Meetup New Friends at Central HK (Free Entry) Time: Friday night usually \~7:30pm to 10pm (Weekly) Location: Central Market G/F (Center area), Central Hong Kong. 香港中環與新朋友見面 (Free Entry) 時間：週五晚上(通常) \~7:30pm 至 10pm（每週） 地點：香港中環中環街市地下（中心區）

# 🏖️五一假期玩足 5 粒鐘！40人大型假日派對🎉 🎤唱K x 🎱桌球 x 🎲 桌遊 x 🀄麻雀x 🎯鏢機 x 🎮 街機 x 👫識朋友 五一公眾假期，唔想出街同人迫，又唔想悶喺屋企？🏠 難得紅日放假，最啱就係識下新朋友，盡情玩樂叉叉電！🔋 我哋已包起可容納50\~60人嘅大場地，邀請大家一齊玩！🎉 由下晝玩到夜晚，由陌生玩到熟絡✨👫👭👬 🔥 現場有咩玩？ 🎤 唱K： 同鍾意唱歌嘅朋友一齊唱，大展歌喉 🎱 桌球/鏢機： 手痕想切磋？隨時開波 🎮 街機遊戲： 大量好玩童年回憶遊戲 🎲 Boardgame： 輕鬆好玩 Party 類，輕策桌遊邊玩邊傾 🀄 麻雀： 假期點少得打牌？自動麻雀機準備就緒！ ✨特別安排 🚫 不需公開自我介紹。 🔄 Speed Social： 分組換檯精簡快速交流，極速熱身，輕鬆認識其他參加者 🤝 分組破冰遊戲： 輕鬆好玩嘅互動 Game，零尷尬破冰 (約15分鐘，自由參與) 🍔 食物飲品安排(自費)： 自由度 Max！你可以： 1️⃣ 食飽先過黎 2️⃣ 現場同其他參加者夾份叫外賣 (一齊食最開心🍕) 3️⃣ 自備私伙美食/酒精飲品 (BYOB 🍻) ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ 📅 日期：5月1日 (公眾假期) ⏰ 時間：4PM - 9PM (歡迎隨時加入及離場) 📍 地點：荔枝角 Party Room (近地鐵出口 2 分鐘步程，極速到達！) 👥 對象：80/90/00後 🔥 名額：限量 40 名 🎫 費用： ⚡ Meetup優惠：$178/位 ✨ 女生優惠額外再減 $30/位 (價格或會因情況而向上調整, 以最後顯示價格為準) 正價：$200/位 ⚠️ 注意： 名額有限，請盡早報名留位。 如臨時嚟唔到，可轉讓位置比朋友。 #五一好去處 #假日派對 #識朋友 #麻雀派對 #荔枝角 #PartyRoom #性價比高 ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ **🎟️ 預約席位** 為確保男女比例平衡與社交質素，所有席位以收到轉賬確認為準。 * **查詢/報名 WhatsApp：** 91622624 * **一鍵報名：**[https://wa.me/85291622624?text=我想報名參加5月1日假日派對](https://wa.me/85291622624?text=%E6%88%91%E6%83%B3%E5%A0%B1%E5%90%8D%E5%8F%83%E5%8A%A05%E6%9C%881%E6%97%A5%E5%81%87%E6%97%A5%E6%B4%BE%E5%B0%8D) * \*參加者多於 whatsapp 直接報名, Meetup報名人數不準 **【轉賬方式】** * **PayMe 連結：** [https://payme.hsbc/kuuu](https://payme.hsbc/kuuu) * **FPS 轉數快：** 91622624 * *請於轉賬後 WhatsApp 截圖至 91622624 確認* ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ **🌟 關於 KAIROS 刻遇** 我們持續優化每一場聚會的質地，致力於在繁忙的都市中，為優秀的靈魂打造更舒適、更有深度的連結場域。 【刻遇預告】KAIROS 刻遇｜在時光的流動中，精準對焦 當 Chronos 的指針不停走動，我們選擇在 Kairos 的瞬間停駐。 活動地圖已開啟，誠邀每一位，在對的時間，遇見對的人。 📅 刻遇日程 May 1 (Fri) 4pm-9pm：🏖️五一假期大型假日派對🎉**👫👭👬** [https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314093638/](https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314093638/) May 2 \~ May 3：兩日一夜 Chill 輕鬆互動Trip ＋ 🏎️ 高卡車 ​​ 🎉 [https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314211590/](https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314211590/) May 17 (Fri) 4pm-10pm：🎤✨6小時🎶唱K Party】👫👭👬✨🎉🥳 [https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314538825/](https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314538825/) May 30 \~ May 31：兩日一夜 Chill 輕鬆互動Trip ＋ 🏎️ 越野車 ​​ 🎉 [https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314211628/](https://www.meetup.com/kairos/events/314211628/) 🎟️ 報名與留位 名額稀缺，請透過 WhatsApp 或 Meetup 預約你的席位： 📲 WhatsApp 直接報名： [https://wa.me/85291622624?text=我想報名參加活動](https://wa.me/85291622624?text=%E6%88%91%E6%83%B3%E5%A0%B1%E5%90%8D%E5%8F%83%E5%8A%A0%E6%B4%BB%E5%8B%95) 期待在更趨近完美的時光中與你相遇。 「不為消磨時光，只為刻畫靈魂。」

一直学习工作也许累了，换个生活体验，试试不一样的周末 5月2日下午两点，从鰂鱼涌海滨出发，沿着东岸板道慢慢走到湾仔，途中逛逛路途中的几个活动或者几个免费展览——一边看海吹风，一边顺路认识几个新朋友，每段路、每个人或展都能获得有用的新知识新体验新成长，轻轻松松过一个有玩有学的周末下午。 时间：5月2日（周六）14：00 地点：报名后告知 注意： 此活动有人数限制，活动过程中请保持友善，务必遵守相关法律法规，本活动和组织者不对参加成员安全负任何责任，请大家为自己安全负责。活动中不讨论政治，宗教等。 活动内容不代表活动组织者观点 本文和活动中的介绍内容和图片仅供参考 本活动安排可能会临时发生变化，请大家留意 如不同意或者违反以上内容，不可参加本次活动或可能会被要求离开活动 本活动不收取任何费用，活动过程中可以随时 活動內容請以中文版為准 Maybe you’ve been studying and working for a while and feel tired—why not try a different kind of weekend experience? **At 2:00 PM on May 2 (Saturday)**, we’ll set off from **Quarry Bay waterfront** and take a leisurely walk along the **East Coast Promenade** all the way to **Wan Chai**. Along the way, we’ll drop by a few scheduled activities or **some free exhibitions**. Enjoy the sea breeze, discover new things step by step, and meet a few new friends along the route. Each stretch of the journey, each person you meet, and each exhibition you visit can bring you useful new knowledge, fresh experiences, and personal growth—so you can easily have a weekend afternoon that’s both fun and educational. - **Time:** 2:00 PM, May 2 (Saturday) - **Meeting point:** Will be shared after registration --- ## Important Notes This activity has a limited number of participants. During the event, please remain friendly and **follow all relevant laws and regulations**. **The organizers and this activity do not assume any responsibility for participants’ safety**. Please take responsibility for your own safety. - We do **not** discuss politics, religion, etc. during the activity. - The content of this activity does **not** represent the organizers’ viewpoints. - The text and images in this post are for reference only. - The activity plan **may change temporarily**—please stay alert and check for updates. - If you do not agree with the rules above or violate them, you may not be allowed to participate in this event or may be asked to leave. - **No fee** is charged for this activity. You may leave at any time during the activity (subject to on-site arrangements).

Fitness WorkOut

After arrived 莲塘口岸, cross the border and take metro No 8 to 莲塘站 and wait at Exit C, street level . We'll walk 3 Km fast up to 梧桐山电视塔 through 登云道, rising to 630 meters above sea level. The path is mainly a series of long stairs with a total of 3000 steps. After reaching the top, we'll run 7 Km slowly down a well paved road with no cars to 梧桐山河. The whole journey will take three hours. There are trees along the paths. We can buy drinks at the 电视塔。 We'll have lunch at 1 pm in a restaurant in a village under the mountain, and walk along the stream and visit coffee shops to take rest。 After lunch, we'll walk to a waterfall where we can dip our feet into the water. We'll take a bus back to the city and visit some parks. We'll have dinner together in a restaurant in a shopping mall.

集合地点：梧桐山艺术小镇 赤水洞村 麦当劳 （公交车211总站步行五分钟） 集合时间：早上九点 请加我 微信号：yukwokpo 慢跑步速 8分钟1公里。快走 12分钟1公里 沿着梧桐山河轻松跑3公里， 走2公里登碎石小路入仙湖公园（免票） 仙湖公园 边跑边看：镜湖，罗汉松园，紫薇园，仙湖， 天上人间，苏铁种质资源保护中心。 慢跑2公里到仙湖路地铁站。可以一起午饭。 全程快走+慢跑合共10公里。 活动结速约中午午12时。

* **Date & Time**: 3 May, Sunday – Meet at 9:30 AM for the hike; lunch starts around 12PM * **Overall duration**: hike and chill: 1.5hours + lunch: 1 hour + street food tasting 0.5 hour = around 3.5 hours * **Meeting Point & Venue**: \- Reachable by MTR easily in Hong Kong Island\. \- a less touristic viewing point with spectacular urban and coastal views \- The dim sum restaurant was opened in 1978 with traditional authentic dim sum options \*Detail will be shared in Whatsapp after RSVP and payment * **Hike Details**: Easy with steps 1.5/5⭐. Few minutes of mountain road is quite slippery. You may need to grab the tree branch. Around 30-minute trail to hike to the view point and half an hour to return — gentle paths with unbeatable city and sea vistas. A little bit of natural environment. Suitable for all fitness levels; bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. * Cost: HK$150 including hiking tour + local area exploration + one type of street food (Excluding lunch) by FPS 55073213 or Payme https://payme.hsbc/lincolncflam * **Vibe**: Relaxed and social, blending outdoor fun with culinary delight. Ideal for expats, and locals to connect over nature and food **Why Join?** Beside the famous Victoria Peak, it is a less touristic viewing point with spectacular urban and coastal views without long trek. This combo is the ultimate way to experience the city's blend of nature and culture! **Hey hikers, foodies, expats, locals, and adventure seekers!** Lace up your shoes for a quick, rewarding morning hike at a mountain near Eastern of HK, followed by a delicious dim sum lunch. This easy trail offers breath-taking panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the harbour—all in under 30 minutes of hiking. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a low-effort outing with high rewards. We'll wrap up with steaming baskets of dim sum classics to refuel and chat. #HongKongHikes #EasyHiking #SpectacularViews #HKEats #DimSumLovers #HongKongOutdoors #ExpatAdventures #LocalExperiences #FoodieHike **Photo Consent Notice**: By joining, you consent to photos/videos from the event being used for future promotions. If you'd rather opt out, just let me know!

**Total beginners** **welcome!** A whole new movement, fitness & self defense cultural activity **outdoors!** Structured progressive practices for **Strength**, **Flexibility,** **Coordination** & **Self Defense** skills in a fun group environment! Totally NOT what you expect, **serious cardio**, **whole body movement** & **practical!** You will really be surprised by what WE do but even more by what YOU can do! Nothing like what you imagine about Kung Fu, No screaming, No rigidness, No mysticism & No getting hit… but YES, definitely a fun workout with great people! **Curious?** To get an ideal of what class is like, hear instructor & hear student testimonials go to [https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu](https://www.instagram.com/natural.style.kungfu) **FEE:** 1st time TRIAL fee of $100 HKD for residents. Please RSVP here or Whatsapp me. Non-Resident $150 HKD. After trial 10 class package is $1500 HKD or $200 HKD single class. **WEAR:** Workout clothing, sports shoes & bring bottle of water! **WHEN:** Sunday 5:45 pm NEW people, 6 pm students. Please be on time, warm up very important for your 1st class! **WHERE:** Inside Kowloon Park. Meet at McDonalds across from Indoor Swimming Pool entrance, next to Sports Center. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, or Austin. Link below: [Kowloon Park Swimming Pool](https://maps.apple.com/?address=22%20Austin%20Rd,%20Tsim%20Sha%20Tsui,%20Kowloon,%20Hong%20Kong%20SAR,%20China&auid=15054175802527892571&ll=22.301815,114.170365&lsp=9902&q=Kowloon%20Park%20Swimming%20Pool&_ext=CjIKBAgEEAUKBAgFEAMKBQgGEKcBCgQIChAACgQIUhADCgQIVRAQCgQIWRADCgUIpAEQARIkKSODum0jNjZAMWByPQiohFxAORGqqD1gZDZAQaw+9nwmkVxA&t=m) **WHY:** Out of shape? Gym BORING? More? You want to exercise & have fun building strength, flexibility, coordination & self-defense skills while cultivating patience, focus, confidence & yes… discipline! **HOW:** To get in touch with me, Whatsapp .9420.0360. or email through Meetup. For more info about my art, please visit NaturalStyleKungfu.com. **\- Book a Private 1\-on\-1 Kungfu Class\!** Learn at your own pace & prepare for later group classes, choose the day & time suitable to you! Private Class in Kowloon Park: 1.5 Hours $500, other locations $900 **-**

Difficult level: 3 stars Total biking distance: 50 Km We'll rent bikes in a bike shop . 大家樂單車店 元朗鳳攸北街9A號昌威大廈(元朗地鐵c出口直行出天橋搭電梯落最快) 9184 6881 [https://maps.google.com/?cid=3243260742189197608](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3243260742189197608) This is a sightseeing country biking tour that we'll stop to see rivers, farms, villages, old churches and temples. Kam Tin(錦田) and Yuen Long have the biggest farmlands and villages areas in Hong Kong. It's easy to visit these country areas on bicycles on the biking lanes and roads with few cars passing. In the farmland, some country lanes are narrow and winding, so you need to be good in controlling your bike. Most of the roads are flat and well paved. \*You can rent bikes at $50 or bring your own bike. Bring a spared tyre if you bring your own bike. We'll have lunch in a village restaurant. - Wear a helmet and gloves, bring a hat, sun screen and mosquito repellent. if any emergency, please call Benny 92100999 or Terence 54081914. \*For this biking trip, every member joins need to agree to the following: DISCLAIMER By joining the events of “Biking Swimming Camping Fun”, all participants are deemed to have agreed to exonerate the leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the events from any liabilities, claims, including but not limited to liabilities and claims as a result of any injuries or deaths or damages or penalties arising thereof. Those joining the events are at their own choosing and at their own risk.

ONLY PEOPLE WHO SUCCESSFULLY SIGN UP HERE CAN ATTEND. If you sign up and can no longer attend, please change your status to NOT GOING to allow others to participate. Thank you for your understanding :) MEETING POINT: Sun Yat Sen Park Water Fountain 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 🙌 Finally we are back! And time to burn some calories 🔥 Join us this upcoming Saturday morning for some sweat and fun! 🎉💦 Please arrive a few minutes early - skipping the warm-up puts you at greater risks for injuries. 10 mins of warm-up, 40 mins of workouts and 10 mins of stretching with tons of "air-fives" (COVID-friendly high-fives.) Who's in? **Your Coach** Lawrence Tai Wellness Coach Certified A.C.E. Fitness Instructor, Mvm Art(Soft Acrobatics) , Animal Flow lv3 instructor & Regional Leader, Gong Bath Facilitator, Fascia, Budokon, Breathework & YTT 500 Yoga Teacher, ANFT Forest Bathing Guide @https://www.instagram.com/bodynaturemind_lawrence ⚠️ 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ⚠️ Please take a minute to read the following information regarding your participation in FitFam workouts. By signing up for this session, you confirm that you have read and understood the terms and risks detailed below: 💬 WHATSAPP 💬 We have a WhatsApp group! If you've participated in several of our sessions and would like to stay engaged with other regular FitFammers, please let one of our leaders know at the end of a workout so they can add you to the group. 🙅 NOT GOING 🙅‍♂️ If you have signed up for a session and can no longer make it, please move yourself to "Not Going" so our leaders have a more accurate count of participants coming to their session. This also helps us plan workouts more effectively. 🔊 DISCLAIMER 🔊 By signing up for this session, you confirm that you have read and understood the terms and risks detailed in our Disclaimer and Release of Liability Agreement: https://www.meetup.com/fitfamhongkong/pages/29134671/Disclaimer_and_Release_of_Liability_Agreement For any other question regarding our workouts and our community, please refer to the FAQs page: https://www.meetup.com/fitfamhongkong/pages/29134429/FitFam_FAQs *** FitFam is accessible to everyone. No equipment, no previous experience or wallet needed. See you on the field!

**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.