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✨ **Meet new people in Brussels in a friendly, relaxed and international atmosphere.** The ambience is relatively quiet, calm and sober for easy-going casual conversation, with no chaos and loud party music in the background! 🍻 Large selection of **drinks and food** available 🌍 **Internationals, expats & locals** welcome 💪 Organized weekly **since early 2025** 🌳 We have a **private outdoor garden** at the back of the brasserie entirely reserved for our Meetup throughout the whole summer! 📱Please **join our WhatsApp community** via the following invite link for receiving all the latest updates regarding this and many other social events in Bruxelles: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 **Over 10,000 members** **overall in our multicultural and diverse Brussels community!** Many of our participants work in EU institutions, NGOs, tech and international organizations. The event was also covered in a recent article from Brussels Times: [https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1949146/euromeet-the-real-life-brussels-social-network](https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1949146/euromeet-the-real-life-brussels-social-network) 😀 Our events usually attract **30–40 attendees each week**, with an age average of around 35 years old (the event announcement is relayed across multiple social media, not just on this page). Many participants come with friends or colleagues, so feel free to bring someone along! 👩 Our events usually also attract a **balanced mix of men and women**, and many participants attend solo for the first time. The organizer and host of the event will help introduce you to other participants, in case you don't know anyone else yet when you first arrive at the event. Our events remain a relaxed international social meetup experience focused on friendship, conversation and community — **not a dating event.** 🩷 **Safe, respectful environment, and zero tolerance for any harassment!** The organizer is always present all evening in case of problems. You can also leave any anonymous feedback about the event here under this form: [https://gmogni.aidaform.com/brasserie-meetup-feedback-form](https://gmogni.aidaform.com/brasserie-meetup-feedback-form) **.** Looking to meet new people and expand your social circle in Brussels, as well as your network of professional contacts? Join us **every Friday evening anytime from 18:30** **and until at least 23h** **at** **the** **“Quartier Leopold”** **brasserie**, in the heart of the famous Place du Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament, for a fun, relaxed night of **drinks, food, spontaneous conversations, and great vibes**! 💛 . 📍 **Location**: “Quartier Leopold” brasserie, Pl. du Luxembourg 9, 1050 Ixelles 📌 **Google Maps**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCvSP1AGZNX2ZV3C8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCvSP1AGZNX2ZV3C8) (don't worry if you see the bar marked as "closed" on Google Maps for the Friday nights, they will always be open for us!) **🌐 Website of the venue**: [https://www.quartier-leopold.be/en](https://www.quartier-leopold.be/en) 📸 **Pictures gallery from previous events:** [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRbsinA1wEtUrDhlyw8K6Uz9YKeq0_dw?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRbsinA1wEtUrDhlyw8K6Uz9YKeq0_dw?usp=sharing) . ✨ **Why you’ll love it**: ✅ **Everyone is welcome**, even if you don’t know anyone else yet—expats, locals, newcomers, solo adventurers, or groups! ✅ **Best time for newcomers:** 18:30–19:30, when it’s easier to meet people. ✅ Completely **free to attend**—just grab a drink and join the fun! Please ask the bartenders when you arrive if unsure where to find our meetup group and tables ✅ Possibility to make also useful **professional exchanges and networking** with other participants who work in similar domains, so remember to bring also your business card! ✅ Tons of **indoor and outdoor space available.** ✅ Possibility to have **dinner at the brasserie** during the meetup (until 22h), thanks to its comprehensive selection of dishes available in the menu: [https://www.quartier-leopold.be/web/content/1467?unique=b27f82e985f525417a92cbeaf0f1ac1c5e2fb4a0](https://www.quartier-leopold.be/web/content/1467?unique=b27f82e985f525417a92cbeaf0f1ac1c5e2fb4a0) ✅ **Want to keep the night going?** After the meetup, we often continue as a group to explore nightlife hotspots in the city center. . 💬 **Stay connected with our Community**: ▶️ Join our **Facebook/Messenger chat** to get updates and easily find the group on arrival:[ ](https://m.me/ch/Abaqvj9lxNT3_xh7/ "https://m.me/ch/Abaqvj9lxNT3_xh7/")[https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/](https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/) ▶️ Otherwise, if you prefer to use **WhatsApp**, please join this other group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0) ▶️ And don’t forget to join our **EuroMeet Facebook group** for many more social events in Brussels: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet](https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet) ▶️ Finally, we also manage a **professional networking group on LinkedIn** as well, for more easily retrieving each other's LinkedIn profiles and identifying people who also work in similar domains: [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/) . Come alone or bring a friend—either way, you’ll leave with **new friends, great memories, and maybe even some ideas on how to develop further your professional career!** See you this Friday! 🍻✨😀 . 📧 **Got questions or comments?** Reach out to the **organizer Gabriele**: gabriele.mogni@gmail.com . **Our community values respect and inclusiveness**. If you ever feel uncomfortable, the organizer is present all evening to help. . 👉 Please **Sign Up via this page** if you would like to attend our next event, so that we can plan accordingly. . *** #EuroMeet #BrusselsMeetup #MeetNewPeople #MakeNewFriends #InternationalBrussels #ExpatsInBrussels #BrusselsSocial #BrusselsEvents #BrusselsLife #FridayVibes #AfterWorkBrussels #InternationalFriends #ExpatLife #SocialNetworking #YoungProfessionalsBrussels #NetworkingBrussels #BrusselsCommunity #PlaceLuxembourg #BrusselsAfterWork #DiscoverBrussels #SocialInBrussels #FriendsInBrussels #MeetupBrussels #ExpatsBelgium #LifeInBrussels #InternationalCommunity #BrusselsByNight #BelgiumEvents #WeekendInBrussels #NewFriendsNewExperiences

Join Sunday Vacations for an **unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan**, following the legendary Silk Road across ancient cities, deserts, and mountain villages. This 11-day adventure blends **UNESCO heritage, vibrant bazaars, desert yurts, and warm Uzbek hospitality**. 🌍 **Itinerary Highlights** * **Istanbul – Urgench – Khiva**: Step into a fairy-tale city of minarets, mosaics, and ancient fortresses. Explore the UNESCO-listed **Itchan-Kala** and its iconic Kalta Minor Minaret. * **Across the Kyzylkum Desert**: Travel through the Red Sands towards Bukhara, once a major hub of Islamic learning and trade. Visit mosques, madrassas, and bustling markets. * **Bukhara – Gijduvan – Nurata**: Discover traditional ceramics and textiles, see the remains of Alexander the Great’s fortress, and enjoy dinner under the stars. * **Yurt Camp in the Desert**: Spend a magical night in a traditional yurt, ride camels across the steppe (optional), and share songs around the fire. * **Village Stay**: Immerse yourself in authentic village life at Hayat, in the Nuratau mountains. Learn about local customs and enjoy Uzbek hospitality. * **Samarkand**: The legendary capital of Tamerlane, where the majestic **Registan Square**, the **Bibi-Khanum Mosque**, and the **Shah-i-Zinda necropolis** reveal centuries of history. * **Tashkent**: Explore Uzbekistan’s modern capital with its mix of Soviet architecture and Islamic monuments before flying back to Istanbul. ### Why join? This trip is more than sightseeing – it’s a chance to **connect with fellow Sunday Vacations travelers**, experience the legendary Silk Road, and bring home memories of desert nights, vibrant bazaars, and one of the world’s richest cultural crossroads. 🔗 RSVP to secure your spot – places are limited!

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.**

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

Ciao a tutti! Ci ritroviamo ogni venerdì dalle 18:30 per un bicchiere (si può anche mangiare) da Poppy's Bar, che si trova a 2 minuti di camminata da Parvis St Gilles. Un tavolo per 20 persone è riservato sotto il nome di Salvatore. Dunque, se non ci sono o se sarò in ritardo, potrete chiedere al barista. È un incontro informale, perché non è un evento strutturato, ma piuttosto un gruppo di persone che si riuniscono per parlare e praticare l'italiano. Anche i nativi italiani sono benvenuti :) Tutto ciò che serve è un sorriso — e puoi anche portare un amico! 👉 **Importante:** * È obbligatorio essere iscritti all’evento su Meetup per partecipare. L’iscrizione è importante per gli organizzatori, perché permette di conoscere il numero dei partecipanti e di garantire la sicurezza e il benessere di tutti i presenti. * Se cambiano le vostre circostanze e non potete più venire, annullate la vostra partecipazione per lasciare posto ad altri. * Vi chiediamo di assicuravi di pagare i vostri consumi, per evitare che gli organizatori saranno rimasti a pagare per gli altri. * Per mantenere un’atmosfera piacevole e rilassata per tutti, vi chiediamo anche di evitare discutere delle temi volgare, * Si prega di non parlare di politica cosi ci godiama la serata in tranquilita, di rispettare tutti i partecipanti e di non trattare l’incontro come un appuntamento romantici o intimo: l’obiettivo è semplicemente praticare e migliorare l’italiano in un ambiente piacevole e rilassato. PS : FR - Table de conversation en italien chaque vendredi de 18h30 à 22h00 au bar Poppy's, à deux minutes à pied du Parvis St-Gilles" (adresse : rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles) NL - Praattafel in het Italiaans elke vrijdag van 18.30 tot 22.00 uur in de Poppys bar, op twee minuten lopen van Sint-Gillisvoorplein (adres: 11 Moskoustraat, 1060 Sint-Gillis) EN - Conversation table in Italian every Friday from 18:30 till 22:00 at Poppy's, 2 minutes walk from tram stop Parvis Saint-Gilles (address : Rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles) ES - Mesa de conversación en Italiano cada viernes desde las 18:30 hasta las 22:00 en el bar Poppy's, a dos minutos a pie de la parada del tranvia Parvis St-Gilles (direccion: Rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles)

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

**Welcome to The Club.** A **curated** social community in Brussels for people who want real connections, memorable experiences, and **better energy than the usual random meetup chaos**. Most of our events happen in **private homes**, gardens, hidden places around Brussels, or unusual locations outside the city. The goal is simple: create the kind of atmosphere where people actually talk, laugh, connect, and want to come back. We organize things like: • gourmet lunches & dinners • picnics & roadtrips • cooking nights • walks around Brussels • karaoke & movie nights • debates & discussions • card and social games • occasional “chaperoned” social evenings where people can meet naturally in a safe environment The difference is that we personally curate and vet new members. The host actively introduces newcomers, helps people integrate into the group, and keeps the atmosphere respectful and relaxed. We have zero tolerance for creepy behavior, unwanted pressure, spam, random uninvited people, or drama. *Unfortunately, posting too many details publicly on Meetup or on the internet in general quickly attracts bots, scammers, fake profiles, crypto weirdos, and people who completely ruin the vibe for everyone else.* That’s why most of our real coordination happens privately through our ***vetted WhatsApp community***. To join, simply scan the QR code in the image. If you are on your phone and cannot scan it directly: • take a screenshot of the image • open the screenshot in your photo gallery • most phones can automatically detect QR codes from photos by long pressing or using Google Lens / iPhone scan feature Then request access to the group and introduce yourself briefly. See you soon

Got clothes you no longer wear? Join us for a fun and sustainable clothes swap in Park Royal! Bring along clothes you are ready to part with and trade them with some new treasures. Please make sure you only bring clothes that is: - washed - undamaged - and that you don't mind trading 1-to-1 against another item. See you there!

**Get your tickets here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/event-list** **Waterfalls, Panoramic Viewpoints & Hidden Ardennes Treasures** **Escape Brussels and discover one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Belgium.** Join Sunday Vacations for a full-day hiking adventure through the legendary Ninglinspo Valley, often considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Belgium. Expect cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear river pools, dramatic forest trails, panoramic viewpoints, rugged Ardennes landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow explorers. This is not a casual stroll. It's a rewarding and sporty hike designed for people who love nature, movement, and discovering extraordinary places alongside a welcoming international community. Whether you're new to Brussels, an expat looking to meet like-minded people, or simply searching for an unforgettable Sunday outdoors, this hike offers the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and connection. **🌿 Curated Experience** **Experience Overview** The Ninglinspo is Belgium's only mountain river, carving its way through a wild valley filled with waterfalls, natural pools, wooden footbridges, rocky trails, and breathtaking viewpoints. Throughout the day, we'll follow the river upstream, climb towards spectacular panoramas overlooking the Ardennes, discover historic landmarks including the ruins of a medieval castle, and enjoy some of the most photogenic landscapes Belgium has to offer. Along the way, we'll share conversations, picnic together, and create new memories with a community of international professionals, expats, locals, and outdoor enthusiasts. People often join these experiences not only for the destination but for the people they meet along the way. Community and meaningful social connection remain among the strongest motivations for joining outdoor events. **Highlights** ✨ The famous Ninglinspo waterfalls ✨ Belgium's only mountain river ✨ Natural pools and forest streams ✨ Panoramic viewpoints over the Amblève Valley ✨ The spectacular Drouet viewpoint ✨ The historic ruins of Château de Montjardin ✨ Dense Ardennes forests ✨ Scenic wooden bridges and rocky paths ✨ Community picnic surrounded by nature ✨ International and welcoming atmosphere ✨ Perfect for solo joiners ✨ Nearly 19 km of adventure **Plan / Itinerary** **07:45 – Meet at Brussels Central Station** Meet the group, collect train tickets if applicable, and start the journey together. **10:00 – Arrival in Aywaille** Short coffee stop and welcome briefing. **10:10 – Start of the Hike** Distance: 18.9 km Difficulty: Moderate to Sporty Elevation: Approx. 600m+ Expected hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours **Stage 1: The Ninglinspo Valley** We begin by following the famous Ninglinspo River through one of Belgium's most spectacular natural landscapes. Expect: \*Cascading waterfalls * Crystal-clear pools \*Wooden bridges * Rocky river crossings \*Moss-covered forest scenery This section feels surprisingly wild and is one of the most photographed hiking areas in the country. **Stage 2: The Drouet Panorama** After a rewarding climb, we'll reach one of the highlights of the day. From the Drouet viewpoint, the Ardennes unfold beneath us with stunning views across forests, valleys, and rolling hills. A perfect moment for photos and a well-earned break. **Stage 3: Château de Montjardin** Continuing along scenic trails, we'll reach the remains of the medieval Château de Montjardin. Surrounded by forest and history, this hidden site offers a glimpse into the region's past and provides a unique atmosphere rarely found on Belgian hikes. **Stage 4: Picnic in Nature** We'll stop for a relaxed picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints or forest clearings along the route. Bring your own lunch and enjoy the views while getting to know fellow participants. **Stage 5: Return Through the Ardennes** Our return route follows the valley back towards Aywaille, with small variations where possible to discover additional viewpoints and quieter sections of trail. The afternoon light often transforms the valley, creating entirely different perspectives from those seen in the morning. **17:00 – Return to Aywaille** Optional social stop on a terrace for drinks and well-deserved relaxation. **17:55 – Return Train to Brussels** Expected arrival in Brussels early evening. **Meeting Point** 📍 Brussels Central Station Exact meeting location shared with registered participants. Participants are welcome to join directly in Aywaille if preferred. **Price / Contribution** **Sunday Vacations Community Contribution** Explorer Members: €5, Voyager and Ambassadors free Contribution includes: * Event organisation \*Volunteer coordination * Route planning \*Community hosting Not included: * Train tickets \*Food and drinks * Personal expenses \*Optional purchases during the day VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. **Membership** Become part of the Sunday Vacations community: **Explorer** €5/year **Voyager** €50/year **Ambassador** €150/year Members enjoy discounted event pricing and access to a growing network of international professionals, adventurers, and explorers. **Who This Is For** ✅ Nature lovers ✅ Hikers looking for a challenge ✅ Expats and international professionals ✅ Solo joiners ✅ Weekend adventurers ✅ Photography enthusiasts ✅ People looking to meet new friends This hike is suitable for participants with a reasonable fitness level and comfortable walking on uneven terrain. **What To Bring** \*Hiking shoes or trail shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing \*Rain jacket * Packed lunch \*Snacks * At least 1.5 litres of water \*Power bank (optional) * Small backpack \*Camera or phone for photos **Important Notes** \*This is a sporty hike with significant elevation gain. * Trails may be muddy and slippery in wet weather. \*The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather or trail conditions. * Participants join at their own responsibility and should ensure they are physically able to complete the route. \*Solo participants are warmly welcomed. * Respect for nature and fellow participants is expected throughout the day. **Legal Disclaimer** Sunday Vacations is a community organiser operated by UJAMAA ASBL and is not acting as a travel agency. Participants remain responsible for their own transport tickets, meals, personal equipment, travel arrangements, and personal expenses unless explicitly stated otherwise. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the COCOF volunteer insurance framework. **Call To Action** 🌲 Ready to discover Belgium's most beautiful river valley? Join us for a day of waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, forest trails, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable Ardennes scenery. Come for the landscapes. Stay for the people. **Reserve your place and explore the wild side of Belgium with Sunday Vacations.**

​A women’s circle is a gathering of women, by women, and for women, to come together in a safe space and supportive environment without judgment. We will share, listen, connect with our ourselves and our sisters. We might laugh, we might cry, we might share, we might just listen, but we come together with deep respect for one another’s journey, experience, and where we are at this moment in time to hold space for one another. To honor the sanctity and safety of the circle, we will create some guidelines for how we'll be together and what values we'll hold in our time together. The women's circle invites you to be in your heart, for whatever may be needed in the moment. This session will take us out into nature and enjoy a walk around the Park Abbery (Abdij van Park). After the walk there will be a possibility to get drinks together. **Meeting Point**: In front of the restaurant (Brasserie) at the Abbey. https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Jo5TfRTXg9YeKui6 What to expect: * 1.5-2 hrs hours of quality time for yourself, in the company of others. * Please arrive between 5 minutes early so we can start on time * We will enjoy a beautiful walk around the Park Abbey. This is an easy walk of about 4 km. What to bring and to know: * Please bring comfortable shoes for walking and check the weather before hand to dress accordingly. * If you have signed up but cannot make it after all, please cancel here on MeetUp, so we know not to expect you and so you can make that place available for another woman who may want to join.

**Join us for a relaxed day trip to beautiful Dinant! 🏰✨** We will meet at Central Station at 08:00 AM and take the 08:37 AM train to Dinant together 🚆. Once there, we’ll explore the city, enjoy the views, walk around, and do a light hikes in the area 🥾. The goal is simple: meet friendly people, enjoy nature, have good conversations, and take some nice photos 📸. Everyone is welcome, join us and bring a friend with you 😊. Please bring comfortable shoes and water 😁 Looking forward to discovering Dinant with you! 🙌 Join the WhatApp group for an easier communication: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FEtMTnGWfzE1pJAnKLkuD1](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FEtMTnGWfzE1pJAnKLkuD1) Personal number: 0471695419

Dear beautiful people, ####This is my favorite and last minute hiking plan to avoid our comfort zones 💪 This walk takes us through some park, I’ve made it a bit longer by including Den Brandt, a lovely park nearby. A quick heads-up: there aren’t many parking spots next to the starting point, but you’ll find a few parking lots in the area. Public transport is also a good option - trams 7 and 15 stop about 900 m away, and several buses stop close to the entrance. see you all Sunday [https://www.komoot.com/tour/2592644791](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2592644791) **Whatsapp group**: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BrlR1O98MTKLhciJSRNRlZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BrlR1O98MTKLhciJSRNRlZ) ( for new members contact the organizers) General information: *We wait for 5 minutes after the starting time if no one has announced they will be late. - If someone has informed us they will be late, we wait up to 15 minutes after the starting time. *The location of the group is shared in the WhatsApp group for approximately 45-50 minutes after the starting time for those arriving more than 15 minutes late. - To ensure everyone feels comfortable, and since some walking paths may not be dog-friendly, we kindly ask that you do not bring dogs or other pets. *Walks may be canceled due to forecasted heavy rain or temperatures above 30°C or below 5°C. A final decision will be made by 10 AM on the day of the walk. NOTES; It might be rain, so kindly remind all of you please bring your raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes and some little water.

Hi, 12 to 15km walk from Calevoet train station to the Fox food court where we can end with a beer, tartlet or home made ice tea 🥂 We meet on the train track at Brussels Midi station at 10:30, train departure at 10:44, arriving in Calevoet at 10:53 where we start hiking. Bring your lunch that we will eat in the Sonian forest, 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 🥂

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

**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.

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!