Park

### Slow down, reconnect, and discover one of Wallonia’s hidden green gems. Escape the city for a refreshing Sunday surrounded by nature, heritage, and great company. Join Sunday Vacations for a relaxed day trip to the beautiful **Abbaye de La Ramée** in Jodoigne during the annual **Rendez-vous aux Jardins** weekend. Together, we'll explore a remarkable natural site, wander through the Fruiticum orchard with more than 250 fruit varieties, enjoy guided discoveries, and spend quality time with fellow internationals, expats, and locals. Whether you're looking to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, or simply take a break from your routine, this experience offers the perfect combination of nature, culture, and connection. People increasingly seek meaningful in-person experiences and outdoor activities that foster genuine social connections. ## 🌿 Experience Overview Nestled in a preserved natural setting, Abbaye de La Ramée offers a unique opportunity to discover a living heritage landscape filled with rare fruit trees, woodland paths, gardens, and peaceful spaces for reflection. During the "Rendez-vous aux Jardins" weekend, visitors can enjoy: - Guided visits of the Fruiticum orchard - Nature and biodiversity animations - Garden and horticultural exhibitions - Food truck and local refreshments - Informal social moments with the Sunday Vacations community ## 🌍 Event Type **🌿 Curated Experience** ## ✨ Highlights ✅ Explore the Fruiticum with 250+ fruit varieties ✅ Guided orchard visit with ASBL POMKO ✅ Meet fellow internationals, expats, and locals ✅ Enjoy a peaceful nature escape outside Brussels ✅ Discover biodiversity and garden design initiatives ✅ Food truck, local drinks, and relaxed community atmosphere ✅ Solo joiners warmly welcome ## 🗓️ Plan & Itinerary ### Saturday 6 June **12:15** Meet at Brussels-Schuman Station **12:52** IC train departure to Ottignies **13:15** Arrival in Ottignies **13:21** Local S8 train to Louvain-la-Neuve **13:28** Arrival in Louvain-la-Neuve **13:46** E1 bus towards Jodoigne **14:08** Arrival at Glimes Route de Glimes **14:08 – 14:31** Walk together to Abbaye de La Ramée **14:30 – 16:30** Explore the site, enjoy the gardens, guided visits, exhibitions, and social time **16:30** Group departure **16:48** E1 bus from Jauchelette Route de Jauchelette **17:16** Arrival Louvain-la-Neuve **17:30** S8 train to Ottignies **17:37** Arrival Ottignies **17:44** IC train to Brussels-Schuman **18:07** Arrival Brussels-Schuman *Participants are welcome to stay longer and return independently if preferred.* ## 📍 Meeting Point **Primary Meeting Point** Brussels-Schuman Station **Meeting Time:** 12:15 **Alternative Meeting Point** L'Abbaye de La Ramée Rue de l'Abbaye 19 1370 Jodoigne Meeting directly at the venue is possible. ## 💰 Price / Contribution ### Sunday Vacations Community Contribution - Explorer Members: €5 - Ambassador/Voyager members : Free Transport tickets are not included. Food, drinks, and any purchases on-site are paid individually. **VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code.** ## 🧭 Membership Become part of the Sunday Vacations community: ### Explorer Starting at €5/year Access to community events and updates. ### Voyager Starting at €50/year Support the growth of curated experiences. ### Ambassador Starting at €150/year Help build a thriving international community. ## 👥 Who This Is For This experience is perfect for: - Nature lovers - Garden enthusiasts - Solo joiners - Newcomers looking to meet people - Anyone seeking a relaxed Sunday outdoors No prior experience required. ## 🎒 What To Bring - Comfortable walking shoes - Water bottle - Weather-appropriate clothing - Light rain jacket if needed - Camera or phone - Transport pass or ticket Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash. ## ⚠️ Important Notes - No access to the interior buildings of the Abbey. - Event takes place primarily outdoors. - Programme may vary depending on weather and site organisers. - Participants remain responsible for their own transport arrangements. - Public transport times may be adjusted closer to the event date. ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts solely as a community organiser and facilitator. Transport services, site access, guided visits, food services, exhibitions, and all other third-party services are provided under the responsibility of their respective operators. Participation is voluntary and at your own responsibility. **Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under a legal volunteer insurance framework.** ## 🌱 Ready to Join? Take a break from the city, discover a hidden corner of Wallonia, and spend a Sunday connecting with nature and new people. **Reserve your spot and join us for a beautiful Garden Escape at Abbaye de La Ramée.**

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Hi, Refreshing 15km walk from Beersel train station to place de la Liberté where we can end with a beer, ice cream or home made ginger tea @Caberdouche before the Red Devils match 🥂 We meet on the train track at Brussels Luxembourg station at 9:35, train departure at 9:53, arriving in Beersel at 10:14 where we start hiking. Bring your lunch that we will eat in a parc, 1.5 liters of water and your rain gear just in case (current forecasts says almost dry till arrival 😅). Sign in only if you are committed to come and bring your best vibes to share a funny walk together 🥂

Join Us for a Meditative Forest Walk We warmly invite you to a silent, meditative walk through the forest, where we will move together in stillness for about one hour. This gentle practice helps you reconnect with nature, slow down the mind, and notice the subtle details—both around you and within you. By walking silently, we create space for calm, clarity, and unexpected insights. Details: Date & Time: Saturday 6 June Meeting Point: Herrmann Debroux Metro (exit straight ahead after leaving the platform) Start Time: We begin walking at 16:10 sharp, so please arrive on time if you plan to join. Practical Note: Please wear weather-proof walking shoes, as the forest paths can get a bit muddy when rainy. After the walk, you are warmly welcome to join for a drink at Rouge Cloître. It’s a cosy, creative space to end the evening together if you feel like staying on. If you're in the mood for a quiet inward journey, we would be delighted to walk with you this Friday. For any questions or to let me know you’re coming, feel free to contact me at 0474 60 83 70. Looking forward to sharing this peaceful moment with you.

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 18:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: * 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) * reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 135€

 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 

📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 

See you at the walls folks😉

Start your Saturday slowly, connect with new people, and discover the warmth of a traditional Moroccan brunch experience Join us for a cozy and social morning filled with authentic flavours, mint tea, conversations, and good vibes in an international atmosphere Whether you’re new in Brussels, coming solo, or simply looking for a relaxed weekend moment — you’re welcome -- ## 🌿 Experience Overview We’re bringing together a small community brunch inspired by traditional Moroccan hospitality. Expect a generous table with sweet and savoury specialties, tea, fresh juice, and a welcoming atmosphere designed for connection and discovery This is not just about food — it’s about sharing a moment together -- ## 🌍 Event Type 🌍 Community Event ## ✨ Highlights - Authentic Moroccan brunch experience - Traditional Moroccan pancakes & specialties - Fresh orange juice and Moroccan mint tea - Relaxed social atmosphere - Meet internationals, expats, and locals in Brussels - Solo joiners welcome -- ## 🕥 Plan **10:30 AM** – Welcome & introduction **10:45 AM** – Moroccan brunch is serve **11:30 AM** – Social time & conversation **12:30 PM** – Slow ending & free networking -- ## 🎟️ Contribution - *€15 total* - €12 brunch contribution - €3 community organising fee Includes - Moroccan pancakes (crêpes marocaines) - Moroccan mint tea - Fresh orange juice - Olives - Chees - Additional Moroccan brunch specialties ⚠️ *Pre-booking is required.* The venue needs to confirm the number of participants in advance, so tickets must be booked online before the event. Spots are limited to maintain a relaxed and social atmosphere VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code -- ## 🌟 Membership Sunday Vacations Memberships - Explorer — €5/year - Voyager — €50/year - Ambassador — €150/year Members receive access to selected community experiences, priority booking opportunities, and special member-only activities throughout the year -- ## 👥 Who This Is For - International professionals - Expats in Brussels - Curious food lovers - Solo joiners - People looking to meet others in a relaxed setting - Anyone who enjoys culture, connection, and slow weekend moments -- ## 🎒 What to Bring - Your booking confirmation - Your good energy - Appetite for Moroccan flavour - Openness to meeting new people -- ## ❗ Important Notes - Pre-booking online is mandatory - No walk-ins guarantee - Please arrive on time so we can start together - Solo participants are very welcome - Food selection may vary slightly depending on availability -- ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a community organiser facilitating social and cultural experiences for participants and members The brunch is provided in collaboration with the hosting venue This event is organised as a community gathering and does not constitute a package travel service or travel agency activity Participants attend at their own responsibility -- ## 🤍 Reserve Your Spot Come enjoy a warm Moroccan brunch, discover new flavours, and spend your Saturday morning with great people in Brussels 🎟️ Book your ticket online to secure your place

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

🧺🌍 **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 😊

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

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.