Sports and Socials

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

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!

Run: 2321-ish Venue: VEIKOU PARK – GALATSI – meeting point on IRAS street [ see link below] On inn: some local taverna that Google recommends.. **MisDirections: Look for the Blue H\*sh Flag!! [see coordinates below]** **LOCATION** MAP LINK [https://maps.app.goo.gl/mas61CDiRZBUFeSg9?g_st=iwb](https://maps.app.goo.gl/mas61CDiRZBUFeSg9?g_st=iwb)

⚠️ **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.

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!

📅Την Κυριακή 19 Απριλίου, ώρα 16:00 και σχεδόν στην καρδιά της Άνοιξης, ξεκινάμε από την μονή Αγίου Ιωάννη Κυνηγού στην Αγία Παρασκευή για να πιάσουμε μία από τις κορυφές του Υμηττού. Την κορυφή Κορακοβούνι! 🎋 Πρόκειται για μία όμορφη ημικυκλική διαδρομή 8,5 χιλιομέτρων στον Βόρειο Υμηττό, με αρκετές εναλλαγές τοπίων αλλά και γεμάτη με εντυπωσιακά σημεία θέας προς το λεκανοπέδιο! (Δείτε τις φώτο πιο κάτω) Στη πορεία μας θα συναντήσουμε και το περιβόητο σπήλαιο λιονταριού! Το όνομα του σπηλαίου δεν είναι τυχαίο. Περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες στο σημείο. ⚠️ ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ: Η διαδρομή αν και σχετικά μικρής απόστασης ΔΕΝ λογίζεται ως εύκολη ή κατάλληλη για αρχάριους. Το πρώτο μισό της διαδρομής έχει ανοδική κλίση, ή όποια σε διάφορα σημεία αυξομειώνεται. Το δεύτερο μισό έχει και κάποια σημεία με έντονη καθοδική κλίση. Επίσης το 80% της διαδρομής είναι μέσα από μονοπάτια. ⌛ Η διάρκεια της μετρήθηκε επί τόπου με scouting στις 3 ώρες, ωστόσο για όσους επιχειρήσουν να το τολμήσουν, ας γνωρίζουν ότι ο ρυθμός θα είναι απόλυτα χαλαρός, με μπόλικα διαλείμματα και χωρίς πίεση χρόνου. Γι αυτό επιβάλεται να πάρετε μαζί σας και φακό. Διότι δεν ξέρουμε αν οι 3 ώρες γίνουν 5 στο τέλος λόγω μείωσης του ρυθμού βάδισης ή της αύξησης αριθμού στάσεων! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Εκτός από φακό, μαζί σας πρέπει να έχετε και: 💧 ΤΟΥΛΑΧΙΣΤΟΝ 1 λίτρο νερό. Ιδανικά 1,5. 👟Αντιολισθητικά υποδήματα 🧢 Καπέλο (προαιρετικά) 🦯 Όσοι έχουν μπατόν ας τα φέρουν θα φανούν χρήσιμα. Και όσοι δεν έχουν, αν σκέφτονται να αγοράσουν, μάλλον τώρα είναι η κατάλληλη ώρα. Δεν θα το μετανιώσουν. Ειδικά όσοι δεν έχουν πολύ καλή φυσική κατάσταση. 😎 Επίσης απαραίτητο κρίνεται: 😋Την προηγούμενη μέρα να έχετε φάει καλά. 🍌🥜 Την ημέρα της δραστηριότητας να έχετε κομμένα νύχια ποδιών (ναι!) και μαζί σας ενεργειακά σνακ όπως, μπανάνες, σταφίδες, ξηρούς καρπούς ή έστω ενεργειακές μπάρες. 🗺️ Εδώ είναι το ακριβές [στίγμα συνάντησης](https://maps.app.goo.gl/68xZp6Y8rpc56eJg9) 👈🏻 ✍🏻 Συμμετοχή μπορείτε να δηλώσετε μόνο μέσα από αυτή [την φόρμα](https://luma.com/ktax0bjb)[ ](https://luma.com/6rnovtzz)👈🏻

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.

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

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!

Run: 2321-ish Venue: VEIKOU PARK – GALATSI – meeting point on IRAS street [ see link below] On inn: some local taverna that Google recommends.. **MisDirections: Look for the Blue H\*sh Flag!! [see coordinates below]** **LOCATION** MAP LINK [https://maps.app.goo.gl/mas61CDiRZBUFeSg9?g_st=iwb](https://maps.app.goo.gl/mas61CDiRZBUFeSg9?g_st=iwb)

⚠️ **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.

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!

📅Την Κυριακή 19 Απριλίου, ώρα 16:00 και σχεδόν στην καρδιά της Άνοιξης, ξεκινάμε από την μονή Αγίου Ιωάννη Κυνηγού στην Αγία Παρασκευή για να πιάσουμε μία από τις κορυφές του Υμηττού. Την κορυφή Κορακοβούνι! 🎋 Πρόκειται για μία όμορφη ημικυκλική διαδρομή 8,5 χιλιομέτρων στον Βόρειο Υμηττό, με αρκετές εναλλαγές τοπίων αλλά και γεμάτη με εντυπωσιακά σημεία θέας προς το λεκανοπέδιο! (Δείτε τις φώτο πιο κάτω) Στη πορεία μας θα συναντήσουμε και το περιβόητο σπήλαιο λιονταριού! Το όνομα του σπηλαίου δεν είναι τυχαίο. Περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες στο σημείο. ⚠️ ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ: Η διαδρομή αν και σχετικά μικρής απόστασης ΔΕΝ λογίζεται ως εύκολη ή κατάλληλη για αρχάριους. Το πρώτο μισό της διαδρομής έχει ανοδική κλίση, ή όποια σε διάφορα σημεία αυξομειώνεται. Το δεύτερο μισό έχει και κάποια σημεία με έντονη καθοδική κλίση. Επίσης το 80% της διαδρομής είναι μέσα από μονοπάτια. ⌛ Η διάρκεια της μετρήθηκε επί τόπου με scouting στις 3 ώρες, ωστόσο για όσους επιχειρήσουν να το τολμήσουν, ας γνωρίζουν ότι ο ρυθμός θα είναι απόλυτα χαλαρός, με μπόλικα διαλείμματα και χωρίς πίεση χρόνου. Γι αυτό επιβάλεται να πάρετε μαζί σας και φακό. Διότι δεν ξέρουμε αν οι 3 ώρες γίνουν 5 στο τέλος λόγω μείωσης του ρυθμού βάδισης ή της αύξησης αριθμού στάσεων! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Εκτός από φακό, μαζί σας πρέπει να έχετε και: 💧 ΤΟΥΛΑΧΙΣΤΟΝ 1 λίτρο νερό. Ιδανικά 1,5. 👟Αντιολισθητικά υποδήματα 🧢 Καπέλο (προαιρετικά) 🦯 Όσοι έχουν μπατόν ας τα φέρουν θα φανούν χρήσιμα. Και όσοι δεν έχουν, αν σκέφτονται να αγοράσουν, μάλλον τώρα είναι η κατάλληλη ώρα. Δεν θα το μετανιώσουν. Ειδικά όσοι δεν έχουν πολύ καλή φυσική κατάσταση. 😎 Επίσης απαραίτητο κρίνεται: 😋Την προηγούμενη μέρα να έχετε φάει καλά. 🍌🥜 Την ημέρα της δραστηριότητας να έχετε κομμένα νύχια ποδιών (ναι!) και μαζί σας ενεργειακά σνακ όπως, μπανάνες, σταφίδες, ξηρούς καρπούς ή έστω ενεργειακές μπάρες. 🗺️ Εδώ είναι το ακριβές [στίγμα συνάντησης](https://maps.app.goo.gl/68xZp6Y8rpc56eJg9) 👈🏻 ✍🏻 Συμμετοχή μπορείτε να δηλώσετε μόνο μέσα από αυτή [την φόρμα](https://luma.com/ktax0bjb)[ ](https://luma.com/6rnovtzz)👈🏻

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.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**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.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

We have never until now featured Zinfandel, the ubiquitous California grape with the Dublin Wine MeetUp Group. At its best Zinfandel, is rich, voluptuous, with great depth of red and blue fruits. Jammy and hedonistic are common descriptions Each person should bring one bottle of an quality Zinfandel wine; be creative and quality conscious, with some bottle age if possible. Turley, Martinelli, Biale, Seghesio, Ridge, Hartford Bedrock, Carlisle, Klinker Brick, Frog's Leap, and anything from the Rockpile vineyard is likely to be very good to great. The Prisoner wines began as a Zinfandel blend. Also bring a protein based appetizer to share and **a wine glass for your personal use.** Cheese and meats are best with these wines. There will be a gas grill behind the clubhouse to grill. We’ll gather at the Oak Creek clubhouse, where the Dublin Wine Group, hosted by Thom and supported by Timothy, will take it from there. Come join us for a fantastic mix of great wine, food, and even better company! The evening wraps up at 10 PM. **Please pay $10 at the door per person to cover the cost of the room rental and for the tableware, napkins, water and cups.** 🍷 **6:46 PM – Dublin Wine Group Social** 📍 **Oak Creek Clubhouse** **9005 Oak Village Blvd, Lewis Center, OH 43035** View on Maps (https://maps.apple.com/place?address=9005%20Oak%20Village%20Blvd,%20Lewis%20Center,%20OH%20%2043035,%20United%20States&coordinate=40.158011,-83.003901&name=Oak%20Creek%20at%20Polaris&place-id=I8D83B59D441EDD9B&map=explore)

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Come hang out to shop, sip + stroll through [Old Worthington](http://www.experienceworthington.com/)\- an outdoor event along the sidewalks of High St to kickoff the summer shopping season\. The shops will be open late\, store fronts will be decorated and people will be out on the town ready to start spreading warm weather cheer\!\! **START**: (6pm and earlier) at Graeters Ice Cream shop in the heart of it all. **NEXT**: about 6:15pm, we'll take a stroll and shop merch and homemade food tents. I'd love to introduce you to a new cafe, [Joyas](https://www.eatatjoyas.com/), along the stroll! (It will be too busy for us all to sit and eat so I'd recommend ordering to go) **FINALLY**: about 7pm, we'll settle in at House Wine (next to Graeters) for wine sampling and to enjoy our fresh eats! **PARKING**: Free Public Parking behind House Wine, behind Joyas and street parking.