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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out raves events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the raves events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find raves events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Raves Events Today

Join in-person Raves events happening right now

Contra dance with Big Scioty on Feb. 7 - First Congregational Church
Contra dance with Big Scioty on Feb. 7 - First Congregational Church
**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like youโ€™ve seen in period films such as โ€œPride and Prejudiceโ€, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. Thatโ€™s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like โ€œswing your partnerโ€ and โ€œdo-si-do,โ€ like youโ€™ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alรก โ€œRiverdance.โ€ Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THATโ€™s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!
Badass Book Club
Badass Book Club
Birthday Brunch: Celebrating February Birthdays @Forno
Birthday Brunch: Celebrating February Birthdays @Forno
Celebrating February Birthdays at Forno Kitchen and Bar! Complimentary mimosa for the birthday attendees
๐Ÿ’ƒ Lincoln Street Salsa Saturdays! ๐Ÿ’ƒ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing! ๐Ÿ’ƒ
๐Ÿ’ƒ Lincoln Street Salsa Saturdays! ๐Ÿ’ƒ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing! ๐Ÿ’ƒ
**๐Ÿ’ฅ Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ At Columbusโ€™ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm โ€“ 1 am **.** **๐Ÿ’ฅ Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ Free Parking!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ BYOB!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthonyโ€™s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ** 8:00 pm โ€“ 8:30 pm **๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ** 8:30 pm โ€“ 9:30 pm **๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐——๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ Class!** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ** 9:30 pm โ€“ 1 am **๐—ข๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜†!** **.** **โœ… Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **โœ… No Experience Necessary!** **โœ… No Partner Required!** **โœ… Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **โœ… $15 Cash / $16 Card** **โœ… College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **โœ… BYOB** **โœ… Age 18+** **.** **โœ… Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place forโ€ฆ** **.** **๐Ÿ‘‰ Learning to Dance** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Social Dancing **๐Ÿ‘‰ Birthday Celebration** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Bachelorette Parties **๐Ÿ‘‰ Girlโ€™s Night Out** **๐Ÿ‘‰ Date Night** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **๐Ÿ‘‰ Meeting New People** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** โœ… **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/) Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146
Astra Rooftop
Astra Rooftop
Hello everyone! For our first dinner together, weโ€™re keeping things low-key and casual. Take a look at the menu and let us know what you think we want this to be easy, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone. Quick housekeeping note: many restaurants require most of the party to be present before seating. No-shows impact the entire group, so if someone repeatedly commits and doesnโ€™t show more than once, weโ€™ll have to remove you from future dinners to keep things fair and smooth for everyone. Looking forward to a great night and even better conversations ๐Ÿฝ๏ธโœจ
Meet us at the Brazilian Grill & Bakery!
Meet us at the Brazilian Grill & Bakery!
Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will individually choose from the buffet and pay for their own meal, by weight.)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Lincoln Street Salsa ๐Ÿ”ฅ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!๐Ÿ”ฅ
๐Ÿ”ฅ Lincoln Street Salsa ๐Ÿ”ฅ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!๐Ÿ”ฅ
**๐Ÿ’ฅ Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ At Columbusโ€™ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm โ€“ 1 am **.** **๐Ÿ’ฅ Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ Free Parking!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ BYOB!** **๐Ÿ’ฅ Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthonyโ€™s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ** 8:00 pm โ€“ 8:30 pm **๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ** 8:30 pm โ€“ 9:30 pm **๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐——๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ Class!** **.** **๐ŸŸฃ** 9:30 pm โ€“ 1 am **๐—ข๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐——๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜†!** **.** **โœ… Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **โœ… No Experience Necessary!** **โœ… No Partner Required!** **โœ… Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **โœ… $15 Cash / $16 Card** **โœ… College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **โœ… BYOB** **โœ… Age 18+** **.** **โœ… Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place forโ€ฆ** **.** **๐Ÿ‘‰ Learning to Dance** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Social Dancing **๐Ÿ‘‰ Birthday Celebration** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Bachelorette Parties **๐Ÿ‘‰ Girlโ€™s Night Out** **๐Ÿ‘‰ Date Night** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **๐Ÿ‘‰ Meeting New People** **๐Ÿ‘‰** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** โœ… **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .

Raves Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Love From The Earth | Vegan Pop Up
Love From The Earth | Vegan Pop Up
Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earthโ€”with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Donโ€™t miss outโ€”see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.
 FREE Pizza Social at our KIND MEALS meeting at Mikey's Late Night Slice!
FREE Pizza Social at our KIND MEALS meeting at Mikey's Late Night Slice!
Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!
Psychic  Fair
Psychic Fair
We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH
Ultimate Frisbee on Sunday at 3 pm
Ultimate Frisbee on Sunday at 3 pm
Sunday Morning Coffee at The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
Sunday Morning Coffee at The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

Raves Events Near You

Connect with your local Raves community

๐Ÿธ Interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class & Social Hour
๐Ÿธ Interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class & Social Hour
Join us for an interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class at TownHall โ€” a fun, social experience designed to bring people together over great drinks, great food, and great conversation. During the class, youโ€™ll learn how to craft several different Bombay Gin cocktails, guided by a master mixologist in a relaxed, high-energy setting. This isnโ€™t a lecture โ€” itโ€™s hands-on, engaging, and built to spark connection, laughter, and good vibes. Whether you come solo or with friends, this experience makes it easy to meet people, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and unwind mid-week. โœจ Whatโ€™s Included (A Ton ๐Ÿ˜) โ€ข Multiple Bombay Gin cocktails โ€ข Interactive cocktail instruction โ€ข Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall โ€ข A lively, social atmosphere ๐Ÿธ Sponsored by Bombay Gin ๐Ÿฝ Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall Must be 21+ to attend $20 fee per person ๏ฟผ
The Avenue Steak Tavern
The Avenue Steak Tavern
For our next dinner event, Avenue Steak Tavern in Dublin, Ohio! A few friends have been raving about the great food and super friendly service, so itโ€™s time for us to see what the hype is about. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and get ready for a night of good vibes and even better meals. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ๐Ÿฅฉ
โค๏ธ LIVE SALSA BAND! โค๏ธ VALENTINE'S DAY! โค๏ธ Singles and Couples Welcome! โค๏ธ
โค๏ธ LIVE SALSA BAND! โค๏ธ VALENTINE'S DAY! โค๏ธ Singles and Couples Welcome! โค๏ธ
๐Ÿ’– ๐•๐€๐‹๐„๐๐“๐ˆ๐๐„โ€™๐’ ๐ƒ๐€๐˜ ๐‹๐ˆ๐•๐„ ๐’๐€๐‹๐’๐€ ๐๐€๐๐ƒ! ๐Ÿ’– ๐’๐ˆ๐๐†๐‹๐„๐’ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐‚๐Ž๐”P๐‹๐„๐’ ๐–๐ž๐ฅ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ž! . ๐‹๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐  ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ž๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐•๐š๐ฅ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐žโ€™๐ฌ ๐ƒ๐š๐ฒ? ๐–๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐ง๐จ ๐Ÿ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ ๐›๐ž๐œ๐š๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ž โ€œ๐–๐ž ๐†๐จ๐ญ ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ!โ€ ๐Ÿ’ฏ . ๐“๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐ž๐ซ๐Ÿ๐ž๐œ๐ญ ๐ƒ๐š๐ญ๐ž ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐‚๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ! . ๐“๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐ž๐ซ๐Ÿ๐ž๐œ๐ญ ๐‘๐จ๐ฆ๐š๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐œ / ๐…๐ฎ๐ง ๐„๐ฌ๐œ๐š๐ฉ๐ž ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐’๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ! . ๐†๐ž๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐Ž๐– ๐›๐ž๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ž ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ ๐จ ๐”๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ/๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ ๐š๐ญ ๐Œ๐ข๐๐ง๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ! . ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐‹๐ข๐ง๐œ๐จ๐ฅ๐ง ๐’๐ญ๐ซ๐ž๐ž๐ญ ๐’๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ๐š ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐…๐ž๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐‹๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐’๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ๐š ๐๐š๐ง๐: ๐€๐ฅ ๐’๐จ๐ง ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฅ ๐ˆ๐ฒ๐š! . ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐’๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐š๐ฒ, ๐…๐ž๐›๐ซ๐ฎ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’ ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐Ÿ– ๐ฉ๐ฆ โ€“ ๐Ÿ ๐š๐ฆ . ๐ŸŸฃ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue ๐ŸŸฃ Dancing All Night Long! . ๐Ÿ‘‰ ๐๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐’๐”๐๐„๐‘ ๐„๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐“๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐Ž๐– ๐š๐ญ: https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-super/ . Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 . ๐ŸŸฃ ๐‘๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง 8:00 pm โ€“ 8:30 pm . ๐ŸŸฃ ๐๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ง๐ž๐ซ ๐ƒ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐‹๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ง! 8:30 pm โ€“ 9:30 pm . ๐ŸŸฃ ๐Ž๐ฉ๐ž๐ง ๐ƒ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐–๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐‹๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐’๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ๐š ๐๐š๐ง๐! 9:30 pm โ€“ 1:00 am . โœ… Cover Includes Dance Lesson and/or Party! . ๐Ÿ‘‰ ๐๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐’๐”๐๐„๐‘ ๐„๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐“๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐Ž๐– ๐š๐ญ: https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-super/ . ๐Ÿ‘‰ $๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ ๐’๐”๐๐„๐‘ ๐„๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐“๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ฌ (๐„๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐Ÿ/๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ ๐š๐ญ ๐Œ๐ข๐๐ง๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ!) . ๐Ÿ‘‰ $๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“ ๐„๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐“๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ฌ (๐„๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐Ÿ/๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’ @ ๐Ÿ“ ๐ฉ๐ฆ!) . ๐Ÿ‘‰ $๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ ๐€๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ƒ๐จ๐จ๐ซ . โœ… ๐๐จ ๐„๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐๐ž๐œ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ! โœ… ๐๐จ ๐๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐ž๐ซ ๐‘๐ž๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ซ๐ž๐! โœ… Always Other People to Dance With! โœ… Singles, Couples, Beginners, and Pros Welcome! . โœ… BYOB โœ… 18+ . โœ… ๐๐ฎ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ? ๐•๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ: LincolnStreetSalsa.com ๐Ž๐ซ ๐“๐ž๐ฑ๐ญ ๐“๐จ๐๐: ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’-๐Ÿ•๐Ÿ•๐Ÿ’-๐Ÿ–๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ” . ๐Ÿ‘‰ ๐๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐’๐”๐๐„๐‘ ๐„๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐“๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ž๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐Ž๐– ๐š๐ญ: https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-super/ .
Trails & Valentines! Quarry Trails Metro Park / Johnnie's Tavern
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 269โ€“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.
Coffee Trail! Lets try this again
Coffee Trail! Lets try this again
Discount Tuesday: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DONโ€™T DIE at Marcus Crosswoods!
Discount Tuesday: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DONโ€™T DIE at Marcus Crosswoods!
Join us for a CMG Discount Tuesday event to see the hilarious, action-packed and absolutely-bonkers-looking sci-fi-action-comedy, GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DONโ€™T DIE! The film follows a man from the future who recruits diners at an LA restaurant to help combat rogue AI. Hereโ€™s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DONโ€™T DIE: A man from the future arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence. The film is directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean series) and stars Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peรฑa, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkFW7BZyqkI EARLY BUZZ AND REVIEWS: Early reviews have been stellar with the film earning a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes! โ€œIt offers laughs, thrills, and itโ€™s a thinker; you will not be disappointed.โ€ Itโ€™s a โ€œlaugh-filled yet incredibly dark and poignant fever dream that pleads for a safer AI tomorrowโ€ and director Gore Verbinski's โ€œcommand over utter chaos is nothing short of marvelous!โ€ PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:20pm showing and meet in the bar area between 5:45 and 6:00pm! A smaller theater so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! (If we fill it up, we can sometimes persuade them to move it to a larger theater.) One you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Should be a fun one, Dan
๐Ÿธ Cocktails @ The Go Go
๐Ÿธ Cocktails @ The Go Go