Safe Neighborhood

**###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-friday-march-13-2026 in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won't accurately reflect the actual number of attendees; typically there are around 30-40 people in attendance. **What's It Like?** Do you wish you could have more of the kinds of conversations you have late at night where for some reason, you feel safe talking about the things you actually care about? Bring your friends (or come by yourself- most people do!) and spend your Friday night at an event where you know everyone else is there for the same reason. We'll be offering 'big talk' conversational prompts on them to get you started, and we'll have lots of structure to make sure that you actually talk to people and that it's not awkward. There will be drinks and snacks available for sale! **There is a 1 drink/food item minimum purchase for this event,** so please keep that in mind. **Check-in** for this event will begin around **6:45 pm**. Please do your best to arrive before 7:00 pm so we can begin as close to on time as possible. Skip the Small Talk is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone. Check out our safety policy here: tinyurl.com/ststSafety Please see our event [page](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-friday-march-13-2026) for more accessibility info. **Ready to Skip the Small Talk With Us?** **[Grab a ticket](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-friday-march-13-2026)** since entry is on a first come first serve basis and we tend to sell out in advance for these-- once we are out of tickets, we will NOT be able to accommodate folks at the door. metrobar has lots of other fun events going on, too. Feel free to check them out **[here](https://metrobardc.com)**! If you want to be the first to hear about our events before we sell out, feel free to join our mailing list at [Skip the Small Talk Mailing List Sign-Up](https://sendfox.com/skipthesmalltalk) **###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-friday-march-13-2026 in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won't accurately reflect the actual number of attendees; typically there are around 30-40 people in attendance.

**☕ Welcome to the Kindness Cafe Crew! 🌟** Hey there, wonderful souls! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new meetup group: **Kindness Cafe Crew!** 🎉 Our mission? To gather amazing people like YOU to share life experiences, learn from one another, and sprinkle a little kindness into our lives! Join us at **Panera** for a cozy cup of coffee, delightful conversations, and a chance to connect with fellow kindness enthusiasts. Let’s create a warm space where we can get to know each other better while sharing stories and insights that help us grow. So, grab your favorite mug and come be part of our journey! We can’t wait to meet you and make some beautiful memories together! **See you at the cafe! ❤️**

UPDATE: Here is the CalTopo track (thanks, Vinay!): https://caltopo.com/m/PD2AAFC/SSC7R007HN4A781U Let’s just stay in the “neighborhood” next month. I considered backpacking another segment of West Virginia’s Allegheny Trail, but it is too far to drive and set up a shuttle for an ordinary weekend. I’ll save it for Memorial Day weekend in May. But don’t let the “neighborhood" tag fool you. This 36 mile loop features 3,700 feet of climbing Saturday and 2,400 Sunday. If you’ve been getting soft during these cold winter weeks, you’ll feel this one! (I’ve given this trip the “neighborhood” title because it is in our “backyard” and because it goes over Neighbor Mountain. Ok. I’ve had funnier trip titles . . .) **FRIDAY**: We’ll meet at the Vienna Metro at 5:00 p.m. to park at Thornton Gap. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1wd8gzfJnYSXh2v87DC We’ll hike 1.5 miles north on the Appalachian Trail to camp at the Pass Mtn. Hut. It will be 1.5 miles. **SATURDAY**: We’ll hike north on the AT, turn left on the Neighbor Mtn Trail, turn right on the Jeremy’s Run Trail back to the AT, continuing north to the Gravel Springs Hut. It will be 22 miles. **SUNDAY:** We’ll hike south on the AT to Keyser Run Rd to Pole Link Bridge Trail to Piney Branch Trail to Hull School Trail to Rocky Branch Trail back to the AT south to Thornton Gap. It will be 15 miles. **DC ULers have maps!:** https://store.avenza.com/products/shenandoah-national-park-north-district-patc-map-9-edition-20-potomac-appalachian-trail-club-inc-map?queryID=undefined&objectID=44993907359900 I can also email you a .gpx track if you request. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-**THE IMPORTANT WARNINGS**\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I’ve been hiking with DCUL since 2017 but have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational.
You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup, we engage by email, text, or the app, and you meet me at the Metro. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip until you make physical contact with me and I recognize you as a co-participant. I’m open to questions. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/) COVID-19 policy: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/ Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DCUL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)

Next up on the Best of Bars series - meeting up at Punchbowl Social in the Ballston Quarter Shopping Center! 🍔 Food, Games & Vibes: Punchbowl Social is a 3-floor bar and restaurant. The top floor has everything from arcades, to bowling, darts, and foosball. There's also a comfortable outdoor patio area if the weather's nice. Their happy hour menu (until 6:30pm) has select cocktails and beers for $5-6, and select bites and snacks ranging mostly around $5-8. The non-HH food and cocktail menus also have a wide selection to choose from. View the menus at this link, and scroll to the bottom: [https://punchbowlsocial.com/location/arlington](https://punchbowlsocial.com/location/arlington) 🤝 Meet & Mingle: This hangout is all about the social vibe — chatting, laughing, and meeting other young professionals while enjoying great food and drinks. Each floor has a different vibe, so come meet and explore the place, and find your nook to hang out with if you want to branch off of the main group! **We will aim to meet at the 2nd floor bar, since it's a better setting for socializing.** **🚗Punchbowl Social Location + details:** 4238 Wilson Blvd.Suite 1180 Arlington, VA 22203 **Happy Hour 3-6:30pm** **HH Food/Drink Menu:** [https://punchbowlsocial.com/happy-hour](https://punchbowlsocial.com/happy-hour) ### 🅿️**Parking:** Cheapest parking around is to park in the Ballston Public Parking garage next-door to the bar. 627 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203 Rates: Up to 3 hours, $1 3-4 hours, $3 4-5 hours, $5 ### **🚇Transit:** Take the Orange/Silver lines to Ballston-MU stop, walk 2 blocks east to N Randolph St. Turn right and walk south 2 blocks. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsQFQkfynrQcBkB96

Social Sips & Bites - it’s time for another epic night out! We’re heading to Tommy Joe’s for a high-energy evening packed with great drinks, loud sing-along moments, and that unbeatable SSB vibe. We’ll roll in at 7:00 PM to grab drinks, take over some space, and warm things up before the band hits. **Pop-Up Audio** is bringing the heat with rock, alt rock, and pop hits from the ’80s to today — the kind of songs that have you singing at the top of your lungs and dancing without even realizing it. Come early. Stay late. Bring a friend. Expect strong drinks, big laughs, and a dance floor that won’t quit. Let’s make it another legendary SSB night.

Collaboration with other Meetup groups! Meet on the 3rd floor! We are going to be mixing things up tonight! Come unwind and grab food and/or drinks while meeting people.🍻🍝 Punch Bowl Social is a 24000 square foot, multi-floor venue with bars, food, and various activities including darts, pool, arcade games, bowling and more. We anticipate meeting up at the **second floor** where there is a full bar and it is quieter. We have a table reserved there for us all! It’s a chill event so stay for an hour or the whole time. Have a drink and unwind, go play darts with some new friends, try bowling at their indoor lanes - always something new and interesting to do. 🎳👾🎤🎯

Join us for the Friday Night Fitness Skate! A 12 or 8 mile fitness skate that skates the same route each week so you will know the route and pavement hazards (since it is dark) and be able to work on form, endurance or speed as the cold wind is pushing against you! ;) The route has nice long stretches of uninterrupted skating, open roads with very few cars and the regroups are short and infrequent. We will meet at Freedom Plaza at 7pm as long as it is not raining, snowing and the pavement is not wet or icy. We’ll warm up with a skate to the Capital and then skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. From the Lincoln we will proceed to Haynes Point down Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile Haynes Point loop (12 mile total skate) or practice stops or stunts at the regroup spot while others skate the loop (8.5 mile total skate.) The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive and a couple patches here and there. The wind can be very strong and cold especially on Ohio Drive and Haynes Point as we skate adjacent to the water. Please feel free to jazz up your gear with lights, I wear a helmet bike light (since it is pretty dark) and a set of body lights. Most of the regulars skate with lighted wheels for fun! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will update this post via the comment section around 6pm on Friday. Of course, all skating is at your own risk. Hope you will come join us!

Join the group for *Safety Not Guaranteed* at Signature Theatre on Saturday, March 14 at 8PM! You can purchase tickets from TodayTix at [https://www.todaytix.com/washington-dc/shows/44349-safety-not-guaranteed](https://www.todaytix.com/washington-dc/shows/44349-safety-not-guaranteed). There's currently 1 $47 seat left in the dress circle. An imaginative indie-rock musical by Guster’s Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire (*Soon*, *Glory Days*) based on the film of the same name. *WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You’ll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED.* After seeing this classified ad, ambitious journalist Darius sets out on an expedition to find its writer. When she agrees to go along for the ride, however, Darius finds herself in way over her head. Heartwarming and hilarious, with an electrifying score, *Safety Not Guaranteed* asks, if you could go back and change your story – would you? “Ridiculous fun…*Safety Not Guaranteed* has an appealingly indie sound...I caught myself humming” – *The New York Times*

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

Let’s check out Northside Social in Falls Church. This is a community based cafe, and a popular place to just hang out. Whether you’re already in the area, or you’re willing to make the drive, venture out and you’ll be rewarded with relaxed conversation and good vibes on a Saturday morning. It’s worth it. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Join us for our new members meet and greet coffee and conversation event!This event we will talk about Travel. ( we will never talk about politics) A community coffee group is a regular, informal gathering designed to foster social connection, networking, or support among neighbors, friends, or community members. These meetings often take place in homes or local cafes to encourage, share resources, and strengthen local bonds in a casual, welcoming This is for a fun relaxing event to get to know other people. If you don't drink coffee then that is fine too , just come for the enjoyment of others and conversations. Location: Panera Bread- Metro friendly FREE Parking on Sunday's Members only please Seating is open ( this is a non reservation event) Food and Drinks available. Grab some Coffee and Meet new friends!

St. Patrick's is in the air! Let us get together. After all, we are all Irish on St. Patty's!:) Dress Code : Leprechaun, Munchkin, Lucky Lass, Green Shirt/Pant, Any thing green,..... ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. This is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR. BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES. WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp'!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** We will have specials, including our usual suspect MERtini:) Dress code : Chic and Elegant Event is 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * RSVP on Meetup is required. That is how we check you in. * We will have a registration station and check you in. Cover is $20. **But it is FREE with RSVP.** **DEETS :** ***\*Registration : 8:00PM-9:00PM*** ***You'll receive your wristband . If you can't make it by 10pm TEXT/EMAIL YOUR QR CODE to a friend, so that they can pick everything up for you.*** ***You can also text us at (202) 368-1878. So that we tell you which club we are at.*** ***But the party and specials continue till 3AM!*** ***\- Celebrate your birthday or your moments \(Graduation\, Anniversary\, Promotion\, Retirement\, Bachelorette/Bridal parties\,\.\.\.\.etc\) in life with us\!*** ***\- For bottle specials\, table reservation and girls night out TEXT 202\-368\-1878\.*** ***\~\~\~\~\~CHECK-IN DETAILS\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~*** ***1\. You need our wristband to get the specials\.*** ***2\. Photo ID: Everyone will be required to have a valid photo ID with them in order to enter\. If you forget your ID\, you will not be allowed in\.*** PARKING INFO Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking, we highly recommend you to get a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY! http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/0/600_447175488.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/7/600_447175495.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/2/600_436665186.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/8/600_436665192.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/e/8/9/600_433120585.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/a/d/600_433120877.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/7/600_433122375.jpeg

Let’s head to the arcade and have a Gay old time! We will have a large table reserved up front - look for a rainbow flag! If it is noce out we will set up on the outside patio. We can play our hearts out on old school 80s and 90s games. The kitchen will close at 3pm so come on the early side for lunch or snacks. They have parking! Lots of parking behind the arcade on 1st street as well as there own parking lot for patrons. This is a family friendly event! As well as pet friendly outside on their back patio.

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec in the auditorium, center upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

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

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join us for 2.5 mile hike at the Whitehall Community Park leaving from the Whitehall YMCA. We will do two 1.25 loops around the park all on a paved path, including one significant hill.

Join us for a night of board gaming with FANG (Fem All Night Gaming). **We are an all fem board game group** in Columbus, Ohio. No cis-men, please! We play modern hobby board games! If you're unsure what that is, we can teach you! We'll be meeting on the second floor of Giant Eagle in their cafe area. Giant Eagle has a lot of food and beverage options including their hot foods bars. You are also welcome to bring in any outside food.

***Okay, call me crazy but you have got to try their chip n dip!*** Club 185 is a true hidden gem in German Village! Seriously, old school, good comfort food and drink. We will try to gather in spaces near the windows. While we'll share Chip n Dip, you'll want to order a sandwich, too. **Where the Chip Began (1817)** Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.” **Chip and Dip Popularity** The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip. (Club 185 doesn't openly admit it, but I'm pretty sure that's their dip recipe!) **[Club 185](http://club185.com/)**—a true neighborhood bar serving since 1954, when it was known as a local 'speak-easy'. Located in German Village, Club 185 features a menu of quality casual comfort food and full bar. From politicians to lawyers, hardhats to hipsters—all find Club 185 the perfect place to tame their hunger and quench their thirst! **PARKING**: I know, brick street parallel parking can be a pain. Two other choices, metered parking along Livingston heading towards Children's Hospital or across the street in the large church lot (park in spaces farthest away from the church entrance doors, closer to the street). **PRE-EVENT**: **HAPPY HOUR (3-5pm)**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/), nearby.