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Yes! Check out real ale events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the real ale events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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real ale Events Today
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Choose Your Movie: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES vs HOKUM at Cinemark Stoneridge!
Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk
HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc
PLAN: For those seeing HOKUM, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 6:50pm! For those seeing THE SHEEP DETECTIVES, please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 7:00pm! For BOTH films, we’ll plan for a pre-show bite at nearby El Vaquero! For those joining for dinner, we’ll meet at El Vaquero at 5:45pm!
Should be a couple of fun movies and a good time together, Dan
Fun & easy way to play more tennis (read event description)
We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches.
These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun!
Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up:
https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/
If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works.
Happy hitting!
- Scott
Pickleball Beginners Workshop - Columbus Ski Club
✨ **Pickleball Clinic (for all skill levels)**
**(TUES MAY 12, 7-9)**
**YOU MUST SIGN UP AND PAY PRIOR TO TUESDAYS CLINIC WITH LINK BELOW:**
[Pickleball Summer 2026 - Calendar - Columbus Ski Club](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=686961&item_id=2948671&actr=3)
No equipment required (bring your own paddle if you prefer). Non beginners are also welcome for the clinic to improve skills and learn strategy. We will break the group into 2 to learn based on skill levels.
Come out, improve your game, and meet great people. All skill levels welcome!
Columbus Ski Club Membership is not required for the workshops. Try out the sport before committing to the 8 week league.
In Person Event: The Secrets to Mental Health
Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it?
How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Free In-Person Meeting: Healing from Trauma and Past Betrayals
This is a free, in person meeting.
Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse.
Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well.
Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship.
Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action?
Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships!
Break free from self imposed limitations
Here we will discuss:
• How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes.
• Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you?
• Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it?
• Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love?
• Fights & arguments - what's really behind them?
• What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others?
• How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change?
• Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them?
• How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about?
• How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career?
Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general.
Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person.
Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life.
We look forward to having you join us!
This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Columbus Arduino Raspberry Pi Enthusiasts (CARPE) (Check Location)
Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration!
This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired.
**New to electronics or curious about tinkering?**
You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building.
While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.
real ale Events This Week
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PO Box 21 Speakeasy
PO Box 21. Is a speakeasy in the basement of Highbanks Distillery in Westerville.
Check out the menu:
https://www.poboxtwentyone.com/home
Understanding the Columbus Housing Market: Let’s Talk Downsizing for Seniors
**Join Katie McCartney, SRES®, for a clear and easy‑to‑understand update on what the 2026 Central Ohio housing market means for seniors and their families.** Whether you’re planning ahead, helping a parent make decisions, or simply trying to understand today’s market, this session offers reliable insights without pressure or overwhelm.
During this free class, Katie will break down the trends shaping housing for older adults in Central Ohio, explain what families should realistically expect in 2026, and answer your questions during an open Q&A. This is a supportive, information‑focused workshop designed to give you confidence and clarity — no sales pitch, just helpful guidance.
***
**Ideal for:**
* Seniors considering future housing options
* Adult children supporting aging parents
* Anyone seeking a calm, trustworthy source of market information
***
**What You’ll Learn:**
* A senior‑friendly look at the 2026 Central Ohio housing market
* Personalized answers during an open Q&A
You’ll leave with a better understanding of your options and your next steps.
***
**Hosted by:**
**Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) with** Pillar Realty, LLC
Compassionate guidance for seniors navigating housing transitions in Central Ohio.
***
**Location:** Columbus Metropolitan Library: Dublin Branch
75 N High St, Dublin, OH 43017 ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL2vbJgUHqTncbHZ9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL2vbJgUHqTncbHZ9))
Meeting Room 1
**Doors Open:** 1 PM
**Seats:** Limited Seating (first come, first served)
**Cost:** Complimentary
Dinner at Highbanks Distillery Westerville
We will have dinner after our drink at the speakeasy. If people want to attend both the speakeasy and dinner please rsvp for both events.
This is the menu for dinner:
https://www.highbankco.com/westerville
Newark Area Traders and Exchangers
Newark Area Traders and Exchangers
Please join us!
You won't want to miss this meeting!
We have new investor topics every week. Finally, we will go over properties for sale, needs, and wants. Please carve out time to come join us Friday at 8 a.m. EST
Don't forget to like us on Facebook, Newark Area Traders and Exchangers.
NEWARK AREA TRADE & EXCHANGERS
975 Mt. Vernon Rd. (Entry at the front doors)
Newark, OH 43055
Dues are $5 minimum per person, per week. Part of this goes to our treasurer to fund the meeting and the balance to the church for the use of their room. “Opportunity for Generosity”!
Founders: Gerald DePalmo and Furman Tinon (and others)
Established 60 +/- years ago and still going strong!
Zoom meeting.
Topic: NEWARK AREA TRADE & EXCHANGERS
Time: 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcrfuuoqTMvH9Ox4pAJb3wmj1KuwP_Vuylj/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrqDIoGtOdtRyARpwqBIr4a_TwtlxYgvpyhEv1IgpRMRT7PLNpJ6VPL-7F](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcrfuuoqTMvH9Ox4pAJb3wmj1KuwP_Vuylj/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrqDIoGtOdtRyARpwqBIr4a_TwtlxYgvpyhEv1IgpRMRT7PLNpJ6VPL-7F)
Join Zoom Meeting
[https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83692078557?pwd=OXNKVGk4alRPNG1BdlNhdFNDQTFSUT09](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83692078557?pwd=OXNKVGk4alRPNG1BdlNhdFNDQTFSUT09)
Meeting ID: 836 9207 8557
Passcode: 215853
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,83692078557#,,,,\*215853# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,83692078557#,,,,\*215853# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 836 9207 8557
Passcode: 215853
Find your local number: [https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc1yVEZLS1](https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc1yVEZLS1)
The Patio Society @ Gemüt Biergarten
Meet at Gemüt (on the patio) at 6:30 for our first Patio Society event. RSVP to let us know you’re coming!
How Toxic People Affect Your Health & Happiness
Do toxic people weigh you down? Affect your happiness? How can having toxic relationships affect your Health? And moreover, how can you spot them before it’s too late?
Attend this in-person meeting to find out how to spot these people and remove their negative emotions from your life.
This event is hosted by The Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center in Central Ohio.
Women’s Night Out: Boots, Bites & Good Vibes
Who’s up for a fun night out?
Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun!
Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together.
• Lively atmosphere with country vibes
• Delicious food + drinks
• Music, dancing, and lots of laughs
• Great conversation and new connections
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How to Get Off-Market Deals With Direct-to-Seller Marketing
**How to Get Off-Market Deals With Direct-to-Seller Marketing**
Want to learn how to get off-market deals through direct-to-seller marketing without relying on agents, wholesalers, or the MLS for consistent deal flow?
That is exactly what we are covering at this next Columbus Investors Club Meetup.
Get Your Free Ticket **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-get-off-market-deals-with-direct-to-seller-marketing-tickets-1987845260686?aff=cicmeetupapp)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-get-off-market-deals-with-direct-to-seller-marketing-tickets-1987845260686?aff=cicmeetupapp)🎟️
Most investors who try to do off-market deals make the same mistake: they throw money into a marketing channel, pray that it works, and hope a deal comes out the other side. There is no real strategy, no clear math, no tracking, and no process to know what is actually working.
At this meetup, we are going to break down how to reverse engineer direct-to-seller marketing using our SCALE framework so you can approach your marketing with more clarity, confidence, and consistency.
We will cover how to think through inbound, outbound, and free marketing channels, how to choose the right channel for your goals, how to run the numbers before you spend, how to allocate the right budget, how to launch the campaign correctly, and how to evaluate and track performance so you can make better decisions moving forward.
**SCALE Framework:**
**S –** Select the right channel
**C –** Calculate the numbers
**A –** Allocate the budget
**L –** Launch the campaign
**E –** Evaluate and track it
**What We’ll Cover**
* How to get off-market deals through direct-to-seller marketing
* How to stop guessing and start reverse engineering your marketing
* The difference between inbound, outbound, and free marketing channels
* How to choose the right channel for your business and market
* How to calculate the numbers before launching
* How to allocate a budget based on goals, not emotion
* How to launch and track a campaign the right way
* How to create more consistent and predictable deal flow
**Date:** May 28, 2026 (Thursday)
**Time:** 6 - 8pm EST
**Location:** Ohio Brewing Company, 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
**Save Your Seat** → https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-get-off-market-deals-with-direct-to-seller-marketing-tickets-1987845260686?aff=cicmeetupapp
**FREE DRINKS & FOOD PROVIDED!**
**About Columbus Investors Club**
The Columbus Investors Club is a local meetup for real estate investors, aspiring investors, contractors, vendors, lenders, realtors, and other professionals who want to grow in the Columbus market.
The goal is to create real connection, real opportunity, and real growth by getting the right people in the room. Whether you are brand new or already doing deals, this is a place to build relationships, learn from others in the business, find opportunities, and grow your presence in the local real estate community.
Newark Area Traders and Exchangers
Newark Area Traders and Exchangers
Please join us!
You won't want to miss this meeting!
We have new investor topics every week. Finally, we will go over properties for sale, needs, and wants. Please carve out time to come join us Friday at 8 a.m. EST
Don't forget to like us on Facebook, Newark Area Traders and Exchangers.
NEWARK AREA TRADE & EXCHANGERS
975 Mt. Vernon Rd. (Entry at the front doors)
Newark, OH 43055
Dues are $5 minimum per person, per week. Part of this goes to our treasurer to fund the meeting and the balance to the church for the use of their room. “Opportunity for Generosity”!
Founders: Gerald DePalmo and Furman Tinon (and others)
Established 60 +/- years ago and still going strong!
Zoom meeting.
Topic: NEWARK AREA TRADE & EXCHANGERS
Time: 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcrfuuoqTMvH9Ox4pAJb3wmj1KuwP_Vuylj/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrqDIoGtOdtRyARpwqBIr4a_TwtlxYgvpyhEv1IgpRMRT7PLNpJ6VPL-7F](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcrfuuoqTMvH9Ox4pAJb3wmj1KuwP_Vuylj/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrqDIoGtOdtRyARpwqBIr4a_TwtlxYgvpyhEv1IgpRMRT7PLNpJ6VPL-7F)
Join Zoom Meeting
[https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83692078557?pwd=OXNKVGk4alRPNG1BdlNhdFNDQTFSUT09](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83692078557?pwd=OXNKVGk4alRPNG1BdlNhdFNDQTFSUT09)
Meeting ID: 836 9207 8557
Passcode: 215853
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,83692078557#,,,,\*215853# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,83692078557#,,,,\*215853# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 836 9207 8557
Passcode: 215853
Find your local number: [https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc1yVEZLS1](https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc1yVEZLS1)
PBR Columbus-Tiki Party
🌺🍹 **TIKI PARTY @ PBR COWBOY BAR + SMOKEHOUSE** 🐂🌴
**Friday, May 15th**
Grab your crew and get ready to trade boots for beach vibes (or rock both 😏). We’re turning PBR into a tropical party for one night only—think island energy, great music, and a packed dance floor.
🔥 **How to Join the Party**
When you arrive, just **say “PBR Meetup” at the door** to get your wristband for exclusive drink specials all night!
🍹 **Exclusive Drink Specials-7pm-9pm**
$3 Domestic Draft – Miller Lite & Coors Light
$3 Well Liquor Cocktails
$4 Vizzy Seltzers
$5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Cazadores Reposado & Jack Daniels
$5 Select Shots – White Tea Shots & Fireball
💃 **What to Expect**
🌴 Tropical vibes + high-energy music
💃 Line dancing + dance floor all night
🤝 A fun, social crowd (perfect for groups or meeting new people)
📸 Plenty of moments you’ll want on camera
Whether you’re coming for the drinks, the dancing, or just a fun night out—this is your excuse to show up and go all in.
Throw on something tropical, bring your people, and we’ll see you at the party 🌺🍹
Board games at The Forge
The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~20 per person. Soft drink refills are 1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group!
The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play.
Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes.
We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area.
Parking can sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.
PBR Columbus Thursday Social-Line Dancing
📍 **Where:** PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse in Easton
📆 **When:** Thursday, May 14th
⏰ **Time:** 7PM–9PM
🕖 Check-in: 7PM–8:30PM at the host stand
Say **“PBR Meetup”** at the host stand to get your wristband for drink specials from 7PM–9PM
🍻 **Drink Specials (7PM–9PM)**
$3 Domestic Drafts – Miller Lite & Coors Light
$3 Well Liquor Cocktails
$4 Vizzy Seltzers
$5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Bombay, Dulce Vida Blanco & Jack Daniels
$5 Select Shots – White Tea & Fireball
🤠 **What’s Going On**
🎸 Live Music: 6:30PM–8:30PM
🐂 Bull Riding: 8:30PM–Close
💃 Line Dancing (w/Instructor): 9PM–10PM
🎧 DJ & Dance Floor: 9PM–Close
📍 **Location**
3950 Gramercy St., Columbus, OH 43219
🅿️ **Parking**
Free parking in the lot across the street or Easton West Garage
✔️ **Good to Know**
21+ event
Check in starts at 7pm and ends at 8:30PM to access specials
Tell the host you’re with the "PBR Meetup" group when you arrive
Grab a drink, meet some new people, and kick off your weekend the right way 🍻🤠
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**History**
The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville.
Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people.
As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support.
The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.
In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks.
**Where We'll Meet**
We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.



















