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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out park events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the park events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Park Events Today
Join in-person Park events happening right now
Functional Movement & Yoga at Merci Studio & Optional Coffee - St Gilles
Functional Movement & Yoga at Le Repère Les Glacières
(please register in advance at [www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule](http://www.popupyogaconcepts.be/schedule))
A practise linking functional movement with yoga and functional breathwork.
This practise emphasises posture correction for spine health & breathing properly even when challenged in key poses and during movement.
This class is held in a close community giving the chance for people to meet others in a context of calm and wellbeing. We also go for a chai/coffee in the area after class, however this is not mandatory.
The location is hosted at Merci Studio in St Gilles (near the parvis) . Everyone is welcome as long as you have a kind and open hearted spirit :-)
Address
Merci Studio (4th floor)
Julien Dillensplein 1
1060 St Gilles
Drop in Rate 20 euros
MONT DES ARTS PARTY ✩ Catch Me I M single 💘 VALENTINE’S PARTY • 14/02
**MONT DES ARTS PARTY ✩ Catch Me I M single 💘 VALENTINE’S PARTY • at Plein Publiek Bxl • SAT 14/02 ✩**
💘 VALENTINE’S DAY 2026 – BRUSSELS’ HOTTEST PARTY 💘
Les Belges Jeunesses 🇧🇪 x Plein Publiek Bxl
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\>\>\> ✩ Catch Me I M single • Mont des Arts PARTY ✩
\>\>\> PRIORITY PASS : SKIP THE LINE / VENTE FLASH https://pleinpubliek\.stager\.co/shop/brussels/events/111602117
\>\>\> FACEBOOK / https://fb\.me/e/9RTPcXShp
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Single, taken or just here to dance?
This Valentine’s Day, love meets nightlife at the biggest festive event in Brussels!
📍 Mont des Arts
🔥 Les Belges Jeunesses x Plein Publiek BXL
An iconic venue, an insane vibe, a top line-up until sunrise at the Palais de la Dynastie.
Come with your crew, your crush… or alone — you might not leave that way 😉
Love is optional.
Dancing is mandatory.
💥 Mont des Arts Party – Valentine’s Edition 2026
Come Dance – Mingle With Hundreds - Join us - Bring Friends- Dress to Impress- Arrive Early- Spread The Word – Invite Friends-Everyone is Welcome
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Info’s
→ Saturday 14th of February 2026 de 23h00 à 4h00
→ Pleine Publiek, Mont des Arts, 1000 Bruxelles & Winter Terrace
→ Easy access by public transport, bike!
→ Management reserves the right of admission
→ Minimum age: 21+
Line Up : G-Froy & Madstone > BACK TO 2000's - 2010's -2020's
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
LET’S PARTY 💃🕺
Plein Publiek BXL \~ Palais de la Dynastie
Mont des Arts (Kunstberg) 5, 1000 Brussels Arts (Kunstberg) 5, 1000 Brussels
Football match at Parc du Cinquantenaire
If you have a ball, please bring it...
Let's gather at the Parc du Cinquantenaire close to the Tour de Tournai (https://goo.gl/maps/RsxFtTJydq92) and organize a *low-level* football match on the grass. Unless it rains badly as we're about to play, the game is on.
Players of any age, weight, sex and size are allowed. Come as you are, at any time after 4pm.
IMPORTANT REMINDER -- As Shitty Players, we don't bite or growl when someone misses the ball. We don't do penalties or yellow cards because we're so gentle we don't need them. We vaguely know of the existence of other rules like off-side but we'd rather ignore them than argue about them. We may or may not keep track of the score: this is a game where everyone wins.
To help build the Team, come with 2 t-shirts white and black (or similar colors: light grey and dark blue etc). Beer session will follow on the grass, for those who survive till the end.
You can also join the Facebook group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/176606662846112/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/b/3/600_460870931.jpeg
In the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes (Beernem-Aalter, 28km)
On Saturday I suggest a pretty long but flat hike from Beernem to Aalter. This hike will lead us through multiple short forests, parks and agricultural areas. We will follow the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, since we will pass by the castle of Wingene on the way. This castle was repeatedly in the news ten years ago, because its owner was killed in a mysterious murder in 2012, which fascinated many Belgians for several years. At our destination Aalter we will probably find an open bar for a drink.
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 4,5 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/250125630?wa=sc
●●Meeting point:
We meet at 10h12 in Beernem (in front of the railway station). If you start from Brussels-South, you should take train IC 530 towards Ostend at 09h03. In Ghent you have twelve minutes to change to train L 580 at 9h43 with direction Bruges and Zeebrugge-Strand. You should get out in Beernem. I am starting from Ghent, so I will jump on the train in Ghent. You can find me in the first car of the train.
●● Train tickets:
Return ticket Brussels-Beernem should be fine.
●● Back to Brussels:
In Aalter there is at least one direct train per hour back to Brussels.
●● Specifics:
Distance: ca 28km
Elevation gain: 100m
Net walking time: ca 7h
Weather forecast: Cold but probably dry.
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.com](http://meetup.com/)]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/)) website and/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.
●● 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!
🥐☕ Saturday Brunch @ Aksum Coffee – Coffee, Culture & New Connections
_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership)_
Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony.
This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors.
### 📍 Where?
**Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert
(Just a few steps from Grand Place)
### 🕚 When?
**Saturday at 11:30 AM**
Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle!
### 🍽️ What’s on the menu?
☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee
🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries
🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too)
🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter.
### 👋 Who’s joining?
Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect.
---
🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table.
By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)
Photowalk at Bright Brussels Festival 2026
Hello, join us in this walk through the different light art installations of the [10th edition of Bright Brussels Festival](https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/agenda/bright-festival).
We meet at the round square in front of Gare Centrale and walk straight to stop #15 Cycle of illusions at the carillon of Mont des Arts. Here [the map ](https://photoresk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/plan_site_v21.pdf)with the all different stops.
We should finish the walk within two hours and then we can all together get a drink somewhere.
Climb, Chill & Games 🧗♂️✨
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 14:00, 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.
🎲 If the vibe gets playful, we'll bring out the games!
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.
🧖♀️ Sauna included in price
👕 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😉
Park Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Terlanen and the Dyle through brabant nature park
We will meet in front of Sint Michielskerk and walk into the brabant nature area and along the Dijle Valley. Prepare for all that belgium can throw at you and stick to you, especially mud. Afterwards we will go to an interesting little pub on the Bollestraat. 't Kleine Verzet. http://www.tkleinverzet.vlaanderen/
The route is here https://mapy.com/s/remejudopo
Day Hike at the Valley of the Hoëgne (Dep. Leuven/Brussels)
Embark on a breathtaking 10km loop hike through the Hoëgne Valley in the Belgian Ardennes. This trail, known for its serene Hoëgne river, rustic wooden bridges, and verdant forests, caters to all skill levels. Enjoy the beauty of modest waterfalls and tranquil streams, perfect for both avid hikers and those seeking a peaceful nature retreat.
**Transportation to Hike:**
- **SNCB Train:** Departure at 08:01 from BRU.-CENTRAAL and 08:26 from LEUVEN, arriving at VERVIERS-CENTRAL at 09:22.
- **TEC Bus:** Departure at 09:40 from Verviers Central to Sart-Les-Spa Toquez.
**Return Journey:**
- **TEC Bus:** Departure at 15:59 from Sart-Les-Spa Toquez to Verviers Central.
- **SNCB Train:** Departure at 16:38 from VERVIERS-CENTRAL, arriving at LEUVEN at 17:30 and BRU.-CENTRAAL at 17:55.
**Lunch Details:**
(Group option) Around 13:30 at Le Chalet du Pont de Belleheid. Menu includes Grillade, Fondue fromage Valaisanne, accompaniments, and coffee..
Join us for a day of adventure and camaraderie, tailored to your hiking preferences!
🌈🚗 Day Trip to Durbuy-one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium
Dear Folks!!
✨ **Our road trip is coming!** 🚗🌿
We’re planning a relaxed day trip to explore one of the towns often described as **the most beautiful in Belgium** — a perfect little escape into charm, nature, and good company.
**Trip overview**
* Total duration: around **10 hours**
* Driving time: approximately **3.5 hours in total**
* Group size: **small and cozy** — limited to **6 people** (my van has 7 seats)
* If you prefer to drive your own car, you’re very welcome to join us as well
* Meeting point: **Tournay-Solvaypark Entrance (Boitsfort Train Station)**
💶 **Contribution:** **€20 per person**, which covers fuel, as well as snacks and drinks along the way. **Kindly complete your registration before signing up. Thank you.**
Yifei Yang BE12363234512492
Communication: your name+ event/membership
If you enjoy road trips, beautiful scenery, and meaningful conversations, this will be a lovely day to share together.
**P.S. We will leave together at 9h15, please be on time.**
I'm looking forward to seeing you guys! Cheers 🍻
Yifei
🌿 Balade Qigong Autour de Bruxelles #4 – Entre Geleytsbeek et vogelzangbeek
For more informations about all my classes, events, workshops and retreats
https://www.thehappybody.be/contact
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🇬🇧 This event is also open to English speakers – explanations will be given in both French and English
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
📅 Date : 15 Fevrier 2025 @ 11.00
📍 Départ : Arrêt Bus Engeland
📍 Arrivée : Metro Erasme
🚶♂️ Distance : ± 10 km
⏰ Durée : environ 2-3h (marche + Qigong)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
📲 Rejoignez aussi notre groupe WhatsApp pour rester informé des prochaines balades et échanges :
👉 Lien WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Itvnex4pum66nEhoYln1IT?mode=ems_copy_c
***
### **🌱 Description**
Rejoignez-nous pour la Quatrième étape de notre grand cycle « Les 12 Balades Qigong – Promenade Verte de Bruxelles ».
Chaque mois, nous parcourons un tronçon de la Promenade Verte en mêlant marche douce et pratique de Qigong en pleine nature.
Cette balade vous emmène à la découverte de la region entre le **Geleytsbeek** et le **Vogelzangbeek**, la balade change d’ambiance.
On suit l’eau, discrète mais omniprésente, entre zones plus sauvages et passages ouverts.
Le chemin invite à ralentir, observer, respirer.
Une marche fluide, idéale pour sentir le lien entre mouvement, nature et calme intérieur.
Au fil du parcours, nous ferons des pauses pour pratiquer des mouvements simples de Qigong, accessibles à tous, afin de :
* harmoniser la respiration,
* libérer les tensions accumulées,
* s’ancrer profondément dans la nature environnante.
***
### **🎒 Infos pratiques**
* Activité ouverte à tous niveaux, aucune expérience en Qigong requise.
* Vêtements confortables et adaptés à la météo.
* Chaussures de marche conseillées (terrain parfois humide).
* Apporter une gourde d’eau.
***
### **💶 Participation**
👉 Contribution suggérée : 10 € (sur place) pour la session de QiGong
***
### **🔗 Réservations**
📲 Inscription obligatoire via Meetup pour garantir une bonne organisation.
Nombre de places limitées afin de garder un cadre convivial et respectueux.
***
✨ Venez découvrir Bruxelles autrement, en reliant marche, respiration et énergie du corps.
Oud Heeverle Loop hike 19K
I am annoucing a hike for Sunday at 11am starting at Oud Heeverle (people can also take the train that arrives at 11:04).
I have to apologise that at the moment I don't have time to post the details - it's an approximately 19k hike, mix of forest and fields, with a sculture trail. I will put more tomorrow morning, but you may sign up in the meantime.
Please check again tomorrow.
Silent Walk in the Forêt de Soignes
We will be walking through the forest for a little about 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you.
Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights.
*Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.*
We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side).
If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp.
There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like.
Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, February 14, at 14h**
My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.
Cinema Flagey : La grazia
**Cinema Flagey : La grazia**
15/02 @ 14h00
La grazia. 2025. Italy. Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. With Toni Servillo, Anna Ferzetti. DCP courtesy MUBI. In Italian; English subtitles. 131 min.
Perhaps the most fantastical plotline for a film this year would be “a political drama centered on thoughtful contemplation and ethical decision-making.” Oscar-winner Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, 2013) crafts a captivating contemporary tale about a fictional Italian president on the cusp of retirement, and several decisions that will shape his legacy. Brilliantly portrayed by Toni Servillo (winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at this year’s Venice Film Festival), this is a leader capable of restraint in a world that is pulling him to extremes. With a vibrant score, and Sorrentino’s signature lush urban visuals, La grazia seeks that rarest of qualities in today’s world: grace.
[Cinema RITCS](https://www.cinemaritcs.be/february-2026/)
[Museum of Modern Art](https://www.moma.org/calendar/events/10981)
**For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**
Park Events Near You
Connect with your local Park community
Sunday Board Games at Land-Grant Brewing
We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). They have multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays. Ray Ray's also has coffee, and the brewery has free water (and Jeni's ice cream).
You can come late or leave early. Please just sign up so I know to expect you.
**Notes on Parking**
* You'll (probably) have to park on the street, but street parking is free on Sundays.
* There are [parking garages](https://landgrantbrewing.com/parking/) a little farther away if you want. These are obviously not free, though.
* There is a [lot next door](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.0%22N+83%C2%B000'40.9%22W/@39.957211,-83.0119921,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x88388f3efd89238b:0xc139207386232411!2sLand-Grant+Brewing+Company!8m2!3d39.9577613!4d-83.011426!16s%2Fg%2F1pzt7t9df!3m3!8m2!3d39.957211!4d-83.011347?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) to the brewery that you're allowed to park in, but it is not free. I've never parked there, so I don't know anything about rates. (I'm told though that if you eat at Milo's Deli next door to this lot that Milo's will stamp your parking so it's free.)
* You're going to see odd signs on [Lucas St](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.1%22N+83%C2%B000'40.3%22W/@39.957256,-83.0124134,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zMznCsDU3JzI4LjgiTiA4M8KwMDAnNDEuNSJX!8m2!3d39.957993!4d-83.011536!3m3!8m2!3d39.957256!4d-83.011197?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) (saying it's a "private street") that will lead you to believe you're not allowed to park there, but you actually are.
* Columbus parking cops literally do not work on Sundays. This means that, even if you're driving a non-EV, you can park in the EV spots near the brewery.
**Games**
I do bring many games, but please bring some of your own as well.
Trails & Valentines! Quarry Trails Metro Park / Johnnie's Tavern
***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails**
[Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space.
In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration.
The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks.
Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city.
***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day**
The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD.
The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era.
Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection.
***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park**
Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg).
***(She loves me not.)* Summary**
For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way.
***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet**
Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event.
Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't.
We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going.
***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains**
There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails.
***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike**
Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.
Losing Weight in Columbus - Let's go for a stroll in Franklin Park
Join Losing weight in Columbus for a comfortable walk through Franklin Park on a Thursday afternoon.
We'll chat about goals and get to know each other, and it can be a good opportunity to do a meet and greet and get to know our community together!
We'll meet at the Franklin Park Conservatory close to the building (to make it easier to find the group), but we'll walk around the park surrounding the park.



















