Park

🧺🌍 **International Picnic at Parc Egmont** 🌍🧺 Join us for a relaxed multicultural picnic at Parc Egmont on: 📅 **Sunday, 7 July** 🕐 **From 13:00** 📍 **Parc Egmont, Brussels** While nobody can guarantee the weather, I'm feeling optimistic and expecting a pleasant day to enjoy good food, good conversations, and good company outdoors. The only thing you need to bring is **something to share**. It can be homemade, store-bought, traditional, or simply your favorite snack. 🍉 Fruits and fresh vegetables are especially appreciated. 🥗 Salads, snacks, desserts, and specialties from any culture are welcome. 🥤 All drinks are welcome too. This picnic is about sharing, meeting people from different backgrounds, and enjoying a friendly atmosphere together. No agenda, no pressure—just a simple afternoon of community, food, and conversation. Please bring a blanket if you have one, help keep the park clean, and come with a spirit of respect and openness. Looking forward to seeing what everyone brings to the grass haha! 😊

Hi everyone, Let's meet for a classic, social short hike (9 km) from Herrmann-Debroux to the Hippodrome, with a coffee pause at the beautiful Rouge-Cloister. Just bring some snacks, water, and running or hiking shoes—nothing special. **Exit points are available after 5 km at Watermael-Boitsfort, and at the Hippodrome at the end. Many trams and buses can take you back to Herrmann-Debroux or elsewhere.** At the end, we can have a drink at the Hippodrome. I just need to check if the O2 Terrace allows just drinks, or if the bar at the Golf Club is open. It is not a LOOP Register only if you are reasonably motivated to participate. As a matter of courtesy towards the people on the waiting list, if you are unable to come, cancel as soon as possible. [Newsletter](https://meetup.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a3689edfe6f0e062b4687aecd&id=8ca9255158) [Free donation to cover Meetup Annual Fee](https://www.paypal.com/pool/9nkCD96sSK?sr=wccr) See you soon, Enrico 0456227747 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***WhatsApp "share live location"*** When participating in our hikes, you should understand how to use the WhatsApp function **"share live location"**. WhatsApp "share live location" is very handy in case you remain behind, arrive late or get lost. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***MeetUp privacy settings*** Turn off the privacy settings in MeetUp, for not preventing the organizers from contacting you by direct message. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you want to be part of the "Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group just send a WhatsApp or SMS message to 0476 796026 (Vincenzo) with your name and the request to subscribe.

The train situation looks much better this weekend, so let's go for a gorgeous hike along the Ourte Valley. We start in Complain-la-Tour and slowly but steadily climb out of the river valley towards the plateau. We will walk up and down through a varied landscape with forests and open fields, pass the mighty castle of Anthisnes before finally starting the descend to Esneux, our final destination. There we will find plenty of offers for a final drink and other (sweet ;-) temptations. 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 somewhere close to an average speed of 4.5 to 5 km/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: kommot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/3007376224?share_token=aips9XNt1tZ8Xj7XkoRGEMLvdKj1Uv8uizqb6xLBq9ERt6QBt9&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=472114460035 wiciloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/comblain-la-tour-esneux-267596124 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8.45 in Bruxelles Central train station. Our train (IC 507 to Eupen) leaves from platform 3 at 9.01. We change in Liege and arrive in Comblain-la-Tour at 10.47. ●● Train ticket: 14.90€ (9.00€ with train+) each way ●● Trains back to Brussels: One per hour via Liege, XX.27 on even hours and XX.40 on uneven hours. ●● Specifics: Distance: \~ 26 km Elevation gain: around 400m Net walking time: \~ 6h Weather forecast: Quite cool, but dry. Some sun if we are lucky. 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.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes * Waterproof, comfortable hiking shoes * sufficient water + food for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * Small change for the drink (cafes in the countryside do not necessarily take cards!) ●● 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.

Karin's hike for Sunday has a long waitlist. Therefore, I am proposing an alternative hike in the area of Geraardsbergen. We will start in Schendelbeke, which is a small railway station with immediate access to some nature trails. On the way we will first walk through the reserve "De Gavers", followed by multiple small forests. We also pass by two famous hills of the Tour of Flanders bike race, namely the "Bosberg" and the "Muur". In general the track goes over rolling hills with some great views on the way. We finish our hike in Geraardsbergen with a beer, or a coffee and a local cake called "Mattentaart". Important: As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you 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 speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/t/267639656?wa=sc ●●Meeting point: We meet at the railway station of Schendelbeke at 10h47. If you start from Brussels-Central, you should take train IC 3632 direction Aalst & De Panne at 9h45. In Denderleeuw you have 14 minutes to change to train S3 2260 direction Geraardsbergen. I live in Ghent, so I will only see you on this second train. Let's try to meet in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket to Geraardsbergen should be ok or two separate tickets Brussels-Schendelbeke and Geraardsbergen-Brussels. ●● Back to Brussels: In Geraardsbergen there are two trains per hour to get back to Brussels (with a change in Denderleeuw or Edingen). ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 25km Elevation gain: 250m Net walking time: ca 5-6h Weather forecast: Looks ok for the moment. 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 website or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water + food for the breaks * sun cream * Compeed for blisters * some small money for 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. People with the "go-with-the-flow" label are only moved from the waitlist 24 hours before the hike. I give you the label "go-with-the-flow" if you did not show up in one of my hikes before, or if you canceled for one of these hikes less than 24 hours in advance without a good reason. ●● 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. Moreover, the organisers aren't tour operators, so they don't feel obliged to answer to every text message or email!

Join us for a beautiful Sunday combining **Ghent city vibes** and a visit to one of Belgium’s most stunning castles: **Château d’Ooidonk** 🌿 This is more than just a visit — it’s a **full day experience** with an international group: train journey, lunch, city walk, and a guided castle visit. ✨ We will have **2 English-speaking guides** for the castle visit. ## 🌍 Why join? Many in Belgium don’t get the chance to discover places like Ooidonk — this is a great opportunity to explore Belgian heritage in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Expect: - A **guided visit inside the castle** 🏰 - Access to the **beautiful surrounding gardens** 🌳 - A **day in Ghent city center** - A **friendly international group** - A smooth, well-organized experience ## 📅 Event Plan ### 🚆 Optional: Group Departure from Brussels 📍 **Meeting point:** Bruxelles-Central – on the train platform 🕥 **Meeting time:** **10:30** 🚆 Train departure: **10:43** 👉 We will meet directly on the platform and travel together. ⚠️ Exact platform details will be shared in the WhatsApp group. ### 🍽️ Lunch & Walk in Ghent (optional) 🕛 Around **12:00 – Lunch in Ghent** 🚶 Optional walk through the historic center (canals, Graslei, etc.) ### 🚌 Transport to the Castle - Departure from **Gent Korenmarkt** - Bus **12a** - ~25 min ride - 🚶~ 20–25 min walk to the castle 👉 We’ll go together as a group. ### 🏰 Château d’Ooidonk Visit 🕒 Guided tour: **15:00 sharp** ⏰ Arrival: around **14:45** ### 🔙 Return to Brussels We will head back after the visit. 🕖 **Expected return in Brussels: around 19:00** 👉 Of course, you are free to stay longer in Ghent if you prefer. ## 💰 Pricing **€25 per person for Explorer members** **€20 per person for Ambassador and Voyager members** Includes: - Castle entrance - Garden access - English guided tour 👉 Membership required (from €5/year): [https://www.sundayvacations.com](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ## ⚠️ How to Join (Important) 1. Become a member 2. Join the WhatsApp group (link shared after RSVP) 3. Complete the payment via the links shared in WhatsApp 👉 Your spot is confirmed only after payment. ## 📲 WhatsApp Group The WhatsApp group is essential for: - Payment links - Exact meeting points - Live coordination - Final updates ## ⚠️ Important - Joining from Brussels / Ghent is **optional** - You can also come directly to the castle - Please RSVP only if you intend to join - No-shows impact the group ## 🌿 Optional After the visit, we may go for a drink nearby 🍷 ## ✨ Sunday Vacations Spirit We keep things **easy, social, and welcoming** — no pressure, just good vibes and great experiences. Even if you’re new, it’s very easy to join — we travel and move together as a group 😊

Join us on Sunday, June 7th, for our weekly morning run to get your day started on the right foot! We are gathering at our regular haunt, Café Belga, and we can't wait to see you there—whether you're a first-timer with the Brussels Runners Meetup or a familiar face. What to Expect: Distance: \~13 km Pace: \~6 min/km Mixed Terrain: A great combination of dirt paths, forest trails, and some road sections. Scenic Views: Enjoy the local beauty as we traverse diverse landscapes starting right from Place Flagey. Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. Post-Run Coffee: We'll wrap things up right where we started for an optional gathering, refreshments, and camaraderie at Café Belga. Bag drop : available for this run. See you all on June 7th outside Belga! Let's hit the trails.

Small curated movie nights in a hidden garden in Ixelles, next to Place Flagey. A mix of: * **cult classics** * **recent movies** * **international cinema** * **comedy nights** * **karaoke & dubbing chaos nights** * **comfort food and summer vibes** **This is not a giant public Meetup** where 40 strangers stand awkwardly around overpriced drinks pretending networking is fun. Humanity already suffered enough. Our idea is simple: we gather in a private home and transform the courtyard into a small outdoor cinema. Sometimes we cook together before the movie: Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Japanese, Balkan, Greek, Latin American street food etc. Sometimes people simply grab pizza from the excellent pizzeria next door and join the screening. Food is intentionally relaxed: bowls, finger food, street food, popcorn, snacks, comfort food. **Some nights are more gourmet.** Some are glorified pizza-and-movie nights. Both are valid forms of civilization **;-)** ## **What makes this different** The group is i**ntentionally small**: usually 6 to 8 people maximum. **People are introduced properly.** Nobody gets abandoned in a corner. The atmosphere stays human, social and safe. **No heavy drinking.** **No creepy behavior.** No random people showing up uninvited. Smoking is allowed because is outside in the courtyard and occasionally we may have **hookah nights** depending on the movie/theme. ## **Typical evenings** * Wong Kar-wai + Asian comfort food * Spaghetti western + Italian street food * Anime + sushi night * Greek cinema + mezze * Balkan chaos cinema + burek * Cult movie dubbing nights where people voice scenes live karaoke-style Yes, this is a real thing now apparently. ## **Important** Because Meetups and public internet are full of bots, spam accounts and socially radioactive individuals, **we do NOT post the exact address publicly.** To join: scan the QR code on the image and request access to the private WhatsApp group or send me a DM. From there: * we announce movies * vote on menus * organize cooking nights * coordinate places **If you are new in Brussels, introverted, traveling, recently arrived, or simply tired of giant impersonal events, this may be your thing.**

Hi WW's, This Sunday we shall do a 10km loop walk starting and finishing at the centre sportif in Wavre. The walk should look something like : https://mapy.com/s/gefumotehe Be prepared for Belgian mud and rain !!! The Apres Walk will be in the centre sportif cafeteria where they have petite restauration. [Complexe sportif de Wavre « Justin Peeters » | Ville de Wavre](https://www.wavre.be/complexe-sportif-de-wavre-justin-peeters) As usual , we plan to leave on time , so if you are late use the map to catch us up. If you have any questions , you can contact me on 0472 613 518. See you on Sunday

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 17:00, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 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 any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

Hi everyone! Join us on sunday june 7th! We're going to Walibi Belgium, an amusement park near Brussels. Walibi has some very fun rollercoasters! Kondaa, Mecalodon, Tiki Waka, Vampire and more! [Discover everything the park has to offer here!](https://www.walibi.be/en/explore-the-park) **What you need to know:** \- Register your presence here on meetup before may 31 \- We are NOT taking care of tickets so if you would like to join\, [buy your ticket online](https://www.walibi.be/nl/tickets) in advance \- The park will be open from 10AM until 6PM\. \- You can get there by train via Brussels or we can drive and carpool See you there!

Join us for an open conversation about Pride, queer rights, and the importance of community in Kosovo. This gathering is meant to bring queer people together in a welcoming space, to reflect on what Pride means today: as a celebration, as a protest, as a space of visibility, and as a moment of connection. Together, we’ll exchange thoughts on the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in Kosovo, the challenges and the ways we can support one another. Everybody is welcome, no expertise is needed — just openness, respect, and a willingness to listen and share. **What to expect:** A relaxed conversation in an accessible venue. We’ll talk about Pride, rights, safety, solidarity, and the role of community in creating change. **Who is this for?** Queer people, LGBTQIA+ community members, allies, activists, and anyone who cares about equality and queer life in Kosovo. **Location to be announced.** But it will be in Prishtina. Come as you are. Bring your thoughts, your questions, your experiences, or simply your presence. Pride is also important for the conversations we have and the communities we build.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Hi Ladies , Let's Hike Blendon Woods Metro Park . We will meet at the nature center parking lot. Hiking about 4 miles completing the blendon woods loop and the sugarbush trail . Wear appropriate footwear and bring water for hydration .

**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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Join us for a full three mile hike this Thursday (6/11) at 6:30 pm at Sharon Woods Metro Park. This scenic hike includes dirt trails (with hills) through the woods, grass trails through the meadows and paved trails along the pond. Please be able to hike at least at a moderate pace so that the group doesn’t have to wait for you often. We don’t want to lose you!

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.