Rooftops
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out rooftops events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the rooftops events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find rooftops events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Rooftops Events Today
Join in-person Rooftops events happening right now
Starting a Business from Scratch-Meetup Group
Hey guys! We are plenty! So the first meetup starts May 23rd on 19:00 pm, we’ll meet at Attica Rooftop Bar.
Because it’s not reserved it’s helpful you write me a quick message to confirm that you’re coming.
The first meetup will not be charged, the ongoing ones depends on the location and the confirmation.
I’ll let you know once you send me a message to confirm your invitation.
Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Nightclub Access
**Get ready to hop from bar to bar, sip on unlimited drinks, and dance the night away at the Athens Party Pub Crawl - it's gonna be legendary!**
## Highlights
* Feel the rush of excitement of **meeting new people** and dancing the night away
* Opt to include an **open bar for 1 hour**, including beer and wine or long drinks
* Be led by **experienced and fun local hosts** and explore Athen's nightlife
* **Dance, drink, and mingle** with fellow party enthusiasts from around the globe
* Breeze past long lines at the nightclub and relax knowing **entry is covered**
## Full description
Experience the ultimate night in Athens with 1 FULL HOUR of Unlimited Drinks (8€ - 35€+ Value!)\*, free shots, and Free Nightclub Access (10€ Value!) while meeting nightlife lovers from around the world!
Get ready to celebrate like never before with the Best Pub Crawl in Athens! Embark on an epic pub crawl through Athens' hottest nightlife spots. Dance, drink, and mingle with fellow nightlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Enjoy an hour of unlimited drinks and free shots at each\* venue, while our energetic party hosts lead you through the night. Skip the lines and get access to the city's best clubs. Book now and make your night in Athens unforgettable!
**\* We offer three ticket options:**
1\. The **Sober Owl Ticket**: Does not include an open bar \| Includes: A Free Shot at each Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club
2\. The **Tipsy Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited beer or wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club
3\. The **Drunken Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited long drinks \(Gin/Vodka/Rum/Tequila\)\, beer\, and wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club
## Includes
* Local Experienced event host(s)
* Bar crawl: Visit 2 Bars & 1 Nightclub
* 1 hour of unlimited drinks (depending on ticket option chosen)
* 2-3 Free Shots (depending on ticket option chosen)
* Discounts in Cocktails (1st Venue)
* Skip-the-line & Free entry to Nightclub
## What to bring
* Your Best Mood 🤩
* Comfortable shoes for dancing 🕺💃
* Camera
* Charged Smartphone
## Not allowed
* Intoxication
## Know before you go
* This is an Adults only event. 18+ years old
## Booking Terms & Conditions - Code of Conduct
By participating in any event (including pub crawls) organised and hosted by Athens Party Pub Crawl, you the participant & every person your booking is consisted of, agree to the following terms and conditions without restriction: [https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct](https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct "https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct")
Saturday Social at Mint Bar – Meet, Talk & See Where the Night Goes
Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt
✨ Start Your Night With People, Not Noise ✨
Saturday night at Mint Bar isn’t about standing alone with a drink 🍸
It’s about arriving somewhere you’re already expected 🤍
This is a social meetup where people actually talk 💬 laugh 😄 move around 🚶♂️🚶♀️ and connect—naturally, without forcing anything ✨
Think of it as the starting point of your night 🌙
A place to warm up 🔥 meet people 🤝 feel the vibe 🎶 and see where the evening wants to go ✨
🌊 How the Night Flows
We gather around the big tables first 🪑🪑
Easy group conversations 💬 No pressure. No “who do I talk to?” 🙌
From there, the night opens up ✨
• People rotate naturally 🔄
• Small chats turn into bigger ones 🗣️➡️🗣️🗣️
• You meet someone new without trying too hard 😊
• Sometimes we dance 💃🕺 sometimes we don’t 🚶♀️
• The vibe decides 🎧✨
You’re free to move 🚶 stay 🪑 join 🤝 step back 🌿 rejoin 🔄
Nothing is fixed. Everything is fluid 🌊
🤍 You’re Not Walking In Alone
I’ll be there the whole night 🙋♂️
Welcoming people 👋 introducing faces 🤝 connecting energy ⚡
If you come solo 🚶♂️ you won’t stay solo—unless you want to 😊
This event brings together people from multiple social networks & platforms 🌍📲
Different backgrounds 🌎 different circles 🔵🟢🟣 same open mindset ✨
Every week:
New faces ✨
Familiar smiles 🙂
Easy connections 🤍
🎶 The Atmosphere
• Social & warm 🤍
• Music that supports conversation 💬 then lifts the room 🎶
• Open-air space 🌿 room to breathe 😌
• Friendly, curious, respectful people ✨
Easy to join 🤝
Easy to stay 🪑
Easy to feel part of it 🤍
🍹 Community Drink Prices
Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic — €7
Sangria — €3 🍷
Shots — €2.5 🥃
📍 Logistics
📌 Mint Bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9
🕤 Start: 21:30
⏳ End: when the night naturally evolves ✨
🎟 Entry: FREE
Just say you’re with the community 🤍
👕 No dress code
Comfort > fashion 😌
🚇 Getting Around
Saturday nights in Athens run smoothly 🌃
🚇 Metro all night
🚌 24h buses
Safe, easy, stress-free travel ✨
🌟 Why This Works
No plan needed 🧠
No friends required 👥
No pressure to stay 🕊️
Come for one drink 🍸
Stay for the people 🤍
Leave with a smile 😄
For many, this becomes:
✨ The start of the night
✨ The place they meet their people
✨ The reason the night turns memorable
💫 Final Thought
Some nights start with music 🎶
Better nights start with people 🤍
This is where we gather 🤝
Connect ✨
And let the night take shape 🌙
See you Saturday 💫
Follow us on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA==
Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events
#LanguageExchange #Travelers #Locals #Nightlife #BarLife #PubVibes #PartyTime #SocialEvent #MeetFriends #MeetNewPeople #Conversation #Chat #Dating #RelationshipGoals #Connection #Singles #AdventureTime #FunNight #GoingOut #SoloNight #Drinks #Cocktails #MusicLovers #DJNight #DanceParty #ClubVibes #WeekendVibes #MeetupGroup #InternationalFriends #ExpatsLife #TouristsInAthens #CityLife #UrbanCulture #Ταξιδιώτες #Ντόπιοι #ΝυχτερινήΖωή #Μπαρ #Πάρτι #Κοινωνικό #Εκδήλωση #Φίλοι #Γνωριμίες #Κουβέντα #Συζήτηση #Ραντεβού #Σχέση #Σύνδεση #Σινγκλς #Περιπέτεια #Διασκέδαση #Έξοδος #Μόνος #Ποτά #Κοκτέιλ #Μουσική #Χορός #Κλαμπ #VibesΠάρτι #Σαββατοκύριακο #ΟμάδαMeetup #Διεθνές #Εξάπτες #Τουρίστες #ΖωήΠόλης #Πολιτισμός #Εξερεύνηση #Κοινότητα #Κοινωνικοποίηση #Δικτύωση #ΒραδινήΈξοδος #Φιλία #Lifestyle #ΤοπικοίΟδηγοί #ΤαξιδιωτικέςΣυμβουλές #HangoutSpot #ΔιασκεδαστικήΝύχτα #ΣχέδιαΣαββατοκύριακου
Saturday Social at Mint Bar – International Mingle event
Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt
✨ Start Your Night With People, Not Noise ✨
Saturday night at Mint Bar isn’t about standing alone with a drink 🍸
It’s about arriving somewhere you’re already expected 🤍
This is a social meetup where people actually talk 💬 laugh 😄 move around 🚶♂️🚶♀️ and connect—naturally, without forcing anything ✨
Think of it as the starting point of your night 🌙
A place to warm up 🔥 meet people 🤝 feel the vibe 🎶 and see where the evening wants to go ✨
🌊 How the Night Flows
We gather around the big tables first 🪑🪑
Easy group conversations 💬 No pressure. No “who do I talk to?” 🙌
From there, the night opens up ✨
• People rotate naturally 🔄
• Small chats turn into bigger ones 🗣️➡️🗣️🗣️
• You meet someone new without trying too hard 😊
• Sometimes we dance 💃🕺 sometimes we don’t 🚶♀️
• The vibe decides 🎧✨
You’re free to move 🚶 stay 🪑 join 🤝 step back 🌿 rejoin 🔄
Nothing is fixed. Everything is fluid 🌊
🤍 You’re Not Walking In Alone
I’ll be there the whole night 🙋♂️
Welcoming people 👋 introducing faces 🤝 connecting energy ⚡
If you come solo 🚶♂️ you won’t stay solo—unless you want to 😊
This event brings together people from multiple social networks & platforms 🌍📲
Different backgrounds 🌎 different circles 🔵🟢🟣 same open mindset ✨
Every week:
New faces ✨
Familiar smiles 🙂
Easy connections 🤍
🎶 The Atmosphere
• Social & warm 🤍
• Music that supports conversation 💬 then lifts the room 🎶
• Open-air space 🌿 room to breathe 😌
• Friendly, curious, respectful people ✨
Easy to join 🤝
Easy to stay 🪑
Easy to feel part of it 🤍
🍹 Community Drink Prices
Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic — €7
Sangria — €3 🍷
Shots — €2.5 🥃
📍 Logistics
📌 Mint Bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9
🕤 Start: 21:30
⏳ End: when the night naturally evolves ✨
🎟 Entry: FREE
Just say you’re with the community 🤍
👕 No dress code
Comfort > fashion 😌
🚇 Getting Around
Saturday nights in Athens run smoothly 🌃
🚇 Metro all night
🚌 24h buses
Safe, easy, stress-free travel ✨
🌟 Why This Works
No plan needed 🧠
No friends required 👥
No pressure to stay 🕊️
Come for one drink 🍸
Stay for the people 🤍
Leave with a smile 😄
For many, this becomes:
✨ The start of the night
✨ The place they meet their people
✨ The reason the night turns memorable
💫 Final Thought
Some nights start with music 🎶
Better nights start with people 🤍
This is where we gather 🤝
Connect ✨
And let the night take shape 🌙
See you Saturday 💫
Follow us on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA==
Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events
#LanguageExchange #Travelers #Locals #Nightlife #BarLife #PubVibes #PartyTime #SocialEvent #MeetFriends #MeetNewPeople #Conversation #Chat #Dating #RelationshipGoals #Connection #Singles #AdventureTime #FunNight #GoingOut #SoloNight #Drinks #Cocktails #MusicLovers #DJNight #DanceParty #ClubVibes #WeekendVibes #MeetupGroup #InternationalFriends #ExpatsLife #TouristsInAthens #CityLife #UrbanCulture #Ταξιδιώτες #Ντόπιοι #ΝυχτερινήΖωή #Μπαρ #Πάρτι #Κοινωνικό #Εκδήλωση #Φίλοι #Γνωριμίες #Κουβέντα #Συζήτηση #Ραντεβού #Σχέση #Σύνδεση #Σινγκλς #Περιπέτεια #Διασκέδαση #Έξοδος #Μόνος #Ποτά #Κοκτέιλ #Μουσική #Χορός #Κλαμπ #VibesΠάρτι #Σαββατοκύριακο #ΟμάδαMeetup #Διεθνές #Εξάπτες #Τουρίστες #ΖωήΠόλης #Πολιτισμός #Εξερεύνηση #Κοινότητα #Κοινωνικοποίηση #Δικτύωση #ΒραδινήΈξοδος #Φιλία #Lifestyle #ΤοπικοίΟδηγοί #ΤαξιδιωτικέςΣυμβουλές #HangoutSpot #ΔιασκεδαστικήΝύχτα #ΣχέδιαΣαββατοκύριακου
Saturday Basketball Pickup Game in Athens. Sign up at www.basketble.com
Book your place at www.basketble.com
Time: 17.00-18.30 (Athens Time)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: 10 Euros (payment at the basketball court)
Facilities: Underground parking
Game Setup (depending on the number of players)
3 teams of 5 players playing against each other
Winner stays on but maximum 2 games
7 minute games
You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team
Come Out and Play!
SOLD OUT! Greece, May 23-29, 2026
Experience the timeless allure of Greece with WTA as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Santorini, marvel at the grandeur of Athens’ Acropolis, and immerse yourself in the sunny charm of Santorini. Uncover the secrets of ancient Greece, exploring open-air museums, historic cities, and breathtaking ruins that tell the tales of civilizations past. Witness spectacular sunsets, white-washed villages, and vibrant blue seas.
Highlights include:
* Explore the magnificent Acropolis with a expert guide who reveals the stories and people behind this ancient wonder
* Wander through whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira, perched on volcanic cliffs with spectacular sea views
* Sample authentic Greek cuisine at family-run tavernas away from tourist crowds
* Sail around Santorini’s caldera at sunset, swimming in volcanic hot springs
Fully Itinerary & Trip Details: [WTA Greece 2026](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/greece/)
Early Bird Price: $6,245 USD in Single Occupancy (your own private room at boutique 4-5\* hotels)
Book your spot on our website: [WTA Greece 2026](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/greece/)
The Empowered Woman Workshop
✨ Women’s Wellness & Empowerment Workshop ✨
Collab with @ellinronin
A powerful 3-hour experience designed to help women feel stronger, calmer, healthier, and more prepared in everyday life.
📍 Edem Beach, pin location will be provided
🗓 Saturday 23rd May 2026
⏰ 12-3pm
💫 Energy exchange: 40€ (first workshop discount from 50€)
🧘♀️ Part 1 — Breath, Mobility & Energy
🥋 Part 2 — Self-Defense & Staying Calm Under Pressure
☕ 15-minute break
⛑️ Part 3 — First Aid Basics
🔥 Part 4 — Martial Arts & Functional Training
We’ll also bring everything together through practical application, questions, and guidance throughout the workshop ✨
Bring your swimsuit in case you want to jump in the water after 💦
A unique experience combining wellness, resilience, movement, and empowerment 🤍
DM to reserve your space 🙌🏻💪🏼
Or sign up here :
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/angelikalessycoaching/2201618
Rooftops Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
🌲 In To The Green...!
🗓️ Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου και ώρα 17:30 επιστρέφουμε στην Βασίλισσα των βουνών της Αττικής! Την Πάρνηθα!
[Συμμετοχή μπορείτε να δηλώσετε πατώντας εδώ.](https://luma.com/yebxgu6e)
⏳Για περίπου τρεις ώρες πάμε να "χαθούμε" μέσα της και να γίνουμε ένα με αυτήν!
📹Το scouting και η βιντεοσκόπηση έγιναν 5 Μαΐου εξού οι φωτογραφίες που βλέπετε παρακάτω!
🦋 Πρόκειται για μία πανέμορφη κυκλική διαδρομή 9,5 χιλιομέτρων με χαμηλό βαθμό δυσκολίας κατάλληλη και για αρχάριους με καλή φυσική κατάσταση!
Η αρχική κατεύθυνση είναι προς σπήλαιο Πανός από Κρύα Πηγή Φυλής με ενδιάμεση αλλαγή πορείας προς το ρέμα της Γκούρας. Τα πρώτα 4 χιλιόμετρα είναι μέσα σε πανέμορφα γραφικά μονοπάτια βγαλμένα μέσα από παραμύθι. Η υπόλοιπη διαδρομή είναι πιο ξεκούραστη σε απόλυτα ομαλό δασικό δρόμο μέσα στο δάσος!
⚠️ Ωστόσο πρέπει να γνωρίζετε ότι υπάρχει ένα μικρό σημείο στο μονοπάτι περίπου 200 μέτρων που είχε καεί στην τελευταία πυρκαγιά. Εκεί έχει επέμβει η δασική υπηρεσία και έχει κόψει καμένους κορμούς δέντρων με αποτέλεσμα να καθιστούν εκείνα τα 200 μέτρα δύσβατα. Θα πρέπει να περάσουμε πάνω από τους κομμένους κορμούς! 🤷🏻♂️
⚠️ Η ακριβής διάρκεια της δραστηριότητας θα εξαρτηθεί από τον ομαδικό ρυθμό βάδισης καθώς και τις στάσεις που θα κάνουμε.
Σύσταση για υποδήματα με αντιολισθητική σόλα.
1. 750ml νερό τουλάχιστον μαζί σας.
2. Φορτισμένα κινητά ή φακό.
3. Δεν επιτρέπονται τα κατοικίδια.
☔ Σε περίπτωση δυσμενών καιρικών συνθηκών η δραστηριότητα ενδέχεται να ακυρωθεί ή αναβληθεί.
🗺️ Το ακριβές σημείο συνάντησης και εκκίνησης θα σας σταλεί αμέσως μετά την εκδήλωση συμμετοχής.
[Συμμετοχή μπορείτε να δηλώσετε πατώντας εδώ.](https://luma.com/yebxgu6e)
Greek Brunch: Make New Friends
⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
**Join the Athens Brunch Club and make new friends!**
Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit.
👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan.
**Why this works:**
\* Smaller groups make real conversations easier.
\* Discover new brunch spots in your city, together.
\* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe.
\* If you hit it off with your brunch group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards.
**Note:**
RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on Meetup.com is only a placeholder.
This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.
Coffee & Chat at 12pm@En Aithria
Coffee & Chat (& Brunch)
Come and make new friends this Sunday over a nice coffee & chat (& Brunch), the perfect way to end the weekend.
Everyone is welcome, International & Greek, meeting in English (but other languages are welcome)
Let's meet at En Aithria from 12 to 16/17. Ask for the coffee group
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ecdSiXxg6sT8h6kF7
+32486805343 Whatsapp
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Sunday Basketball Pickup Game in Athens. Sign up at www.basketble.com
Book your place at www.basketble.com
Time: 17.00-18.30 (Athens Time)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: 10 Euros (payment at the basketball court)
Facilities: Underground parking
Game Setup (depending on the number of players)
3 teams of 5 players playing against each other
Winner stays on but maximum 2 games
7 minute games
You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team
Come Out and Play!
Shut Up & Write!® [PIRAEUS / Athens]
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done.
SCHEDULE:
11:00 - quick intros.
11:15 - timer starts: write for 1 hour.
12:15 - (the end) chat / take off / keep writing / socialising.
Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at To Theatron!
What Should I Bring?
Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Ideally come with your laptop fully charged in case there are not enough plugs for everyone.
Other Important Details:
-Theatron is close to the newly-opened metro station Dimotiko Theatro. The tram also stops right outside, and there are several bus stops nearby.
-There is a parking service nearby on Kountouriotou 137 if you are unable to find a parking space.
-Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.
The Empowered Woman Workshop
✨ Women’s Wellness & Empowerment Workshop ✨
Collab with @ellinronin
A powerful 3-hour experience designed to help women feel stronger, calmer, healthier, and more prepared in everyday life.
📍 Edem Beach, pin location will be provided
🗓 Saturday 23rd May 2026
⏰ 12-3pm
💫 Energy exchange: 40€ (first workshop discount from 50€)
🧘♀️ Part 1 — Breath, Mobility & Energy
🥋 Part 2 — Self-Defense & Staying Calm Under Pressure
☕ 15-minute break
⛑️ Part 3 — First Aid Basics
🔥 Part 4 — Martial Arts & Functional Training
We’ll also bring everything together through practical application, questions, and guidance throughout the workshop ✨
Bring your swimsuit in case you want to jump in the water after 💦
A unique experience combining wellness, resilience, movement, and empowerment 🤍
DM to reserve your space 🙌🏻💪🏼
Or sign up here :
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/angelikalessycoaching/2201618
ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΙΚΗ ΣΥΖΗΤΗΣΗ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΥ
Θα έχουμε συνάντηση κάθε δύο εβδομάδες ημέρα Σάββατο για να συζητάμε πάνω σε φιλοσοφικά θέματα και να καταθέτουμε απόψεις.
Όποιος ενδιαφέρεται να συνεισφέρει σε κάτι τέτοιο είναι ευπρόσδεκτος, θα χαρώ να σας γνωρίσω!
Στην πρώτη συνάντηση που θα γίνει μια πρώτη γνωριμία, θα φέρω ένα βιβλίο για τον 20ο αιώνα πάνω στο ευρύ θέμα Φιλοσοφία και Επιστήμες.
Rooftops Events Near You
Connect with your local Rooftops community
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.
ASH UU Topic: TBD
ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio
TBD
Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!
Feel Good Friday: POWER BALLAD at the Gateway Film Center + SHAKE NO. 8!
Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor.
BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!”
SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php)
PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show!
Should be a fun one, Dan
Monthly Meeting (TBD)
TOPIC (TBD):
Meeting Schedule:
1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members
2. 6:10 - Old Business
3. 6:20 - New Business
4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education
5. 7:15 - Break
6. 7:30 - Image Critique
7. 8:00 - Adjourn
Pre-Shoot Brief/Education:
NIK Collection 8
Image Critique:
Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting.
Providing Images for Critique:
For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed.
Images should follow these format rules:
JPG - 80% quality or higher
132 dpi resolution
2048 pixels across the long edge
Embedded colorspace - sRGB
🍕Pizza House 🍕
Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻
Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company!
Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.











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