Urban Exploration

**\*\*You must purchase a ticket [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2926832). \*\*** Ever find yourself nodding along at a wine tasting, wishing you knew what to actually say — or even what to look for? This is the evening that changes that. Speak Fluent Wine is a hands-on tasting experience designed to teach you the exact framework wine professionals use to evaluate what's in the glass. You'll go from "I just know what I like" to understanding \*why\* you like it — and having the words to say so. Here's what we'll cover: ?? Sight — What color and clarity reveal before the first sip ?? Nose — How to train your sense of smell and identify aromas with confidence ?? Palate — Decoding what your taste buds are picking up: sweetness, acidity, tannins, body, and finish ?? Structure — How the elements of a wine interact, including how acidity softens sweetness and tames tannins ??? Language — The vocabulary professionals use, demystified and made practical Once we've broken down the framework, Total Wine's expert staff will lead a short guided tasting — putting everything you've just learned directly into practice. Snacks and water will be provided. Cost is $25 No experience necessary. No judgement. Just great wine, a welcoming atmosphere, and the confidence you've been waiting to find. **\*\*You must purchase a ticket [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2926832). \*\***

**SHORT NOTICE** **NOTE THE DIFFERENT STARTING TIME!!!!** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Eclarions Colonial Village * START LOC: Bluemont Park South Parking, 325 or 329 N Manchester, Arlington, VA * START GPS: [38.868907,-77.1342983](https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Bluemont+Parking+Area/@38.868907,-77.1342983,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b50016fd88fd:0x8afb6bdf9318a324!8m2!3d38.8689029!4d-77.1317234!16s%2Fg%2F11xgvpr5kw!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) * START PARKING: Bluemont Park South Parking lot (restroom available) * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:40am ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 10:45am * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * DISTANCE: 16.8 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_KOFFEEK_ECLARION_CV_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55288414](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55288414?privacy_code=cwnivPcAXxrCEI9jmSULVfOPEPIgyOWA) **Notes:** * This ride is organized "lean" * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** * **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** The ride is a 16.8 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will ride the Loop Counter-Clockwise starting from the south Bluemont Park lot and stop for our "Koffee Klatch" at Eclaion on Wilson Blvd in Colonial Village at mile 11.5. We will exit the Triangle/Loop at Scott St (about mile ) and take that to Quinn. After coffee we will ride Wilson to Veitch and reconnect with the Triangle/Loop just after mile 12 after Mom's Organic Market and head on back to Bluemont. You are not required to drink or even like coffee. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** This week's coffee shop is the Ride WITHIN The Ride! [Eclarions](https://www.eclairons.com/) 1737 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above. ......................................................................................................................

Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street. Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу! Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor. 1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station. This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available. Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late! RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.) Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street. And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that. See you there! Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.

Let’s take DC UW on the road, and do a New York City walk! For this walk we will walk the entire length of Manhattan from Inwood in the north all the way to the Statue of Liberty lookout in the south. We will take a very meandering route through many of the parks and green spaces of Manhattan and hit up some of the top sights/attractions. Disclaimer: This is an all day affair. Expect to be up at or before 4am and not to be home until after midnight. While in NYC we will be walking 20+ miles. That means 8+ hours on our feet walking briskly. I also expect everyone to be self sufficient in navigation in case we are separated (I will be giving out physical maps of the route when we get to NYC). Logistics: We will be taking the train to New York. We will meet in the main hall of Union Station bright and early for the 5:20 AM Northeast Regional 160. Make sure to arrive 15-30 minutes early, also note that the metro does not run this early so you will need your own transportation (uber, walk/bike if you live close, etc.) We will get to NYC Penn Station at roughly 8:45 AM. Once we regroup we will take the subway to Inwood and start our walk. At the end of the day we will take the subway back to Penn Station and the 8:01 PM Northeast Regional 165 back to Union Station, getting back at 11:30 PM. Metro runs until 2 am on Saturday’s so we’ll be able to metro home. Departure Train: Northeast Regional 160 at 5:20 am. WAS -> NYP Return Train: Northeast Regional 165 at 8:01 pm. NYP -> WAS Preparations: Please bring everything you may need to for an all day excursion. That includes a backpack with water, snacks, potential rain gear depending on weather, and potentially a packaged lunch (I haven’t fully decided on the food situation, but I’m hoping we can have a picnic lunch as a group in central park). Start Location: Union Station (main hall) End Location: Union Station Mileage: \~20 Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2765159836?share_token=aw4NS31Zmdq5ggP2098zzOCnxoqWtzEt2XqY39KwgXOVUZV1FC&ref=wtd

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles **Time**: Hike starts promptly at 8:15 p.m. and goes to approximately 10:15 p.m. (2 hours). It’s best to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the start of the hike (around 8:00 – 8:10 p.m). **Meeting Place**: Parking lot across from Old Angler's Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD. **Reservations**: Unlike CHC's Saturday bus hikes, signing up for Moonlight Hikes is not required. However, if you do sign up, you can be notified of a possible change in plan. Usually, light rain alone will not cancel the hike--for safety reasons, severe weather or a thunderstorm will. **Directions:** a. From the Beltway (I-495), take exit # 41, which is immediately north of the American Legion Bridge. When taking exit # 41, take it west towards Carderock / Great Falls, Maryland. b. This puts you on the Clara Barton Parkway, heading west. Stay on the Clara Barton Parkway for 1.7 miles until you come to a flashing stoplight. c. Make a left turn at the flashing stoplight onto MacArthur Blvd. Go for 1 mile until you see the Old Anglers Inn on your right side. Park in the parking lots across the street from the Old Anglers Inn. What to bring: a. A flashlight b. A small bottle of water c. Insect repellent d. Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are fine) Cost / Donation: There is no charge for this hike, in accordance with CHC’s permit from the National Park Service. **Difficulty / Terrain**: This hike is mostly over flat terrain along the C&O Canal towpath and the Berma Road. This hike is considered to be an easy hike. **Ages**: This hike is open to all ages, so long as they can comfortably walk 4 miles. Parents need to be mindful of small children during the hike for their safety. **Dogs**: Dogs are welcome, so long as they are kept on a leash at all times, are friendly around people and other dogs, and are not taken out on the walkway to Olmstead Island.

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[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114) 28 miles. Picnic break at Wolf Trap around 13.2 miles into the ride. We have toilets halfway along the trail and near the beginning of the trail. NEW: E-biking to Wolf Trap (+/- 27.4 miles). Download the trail here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114 PLEASE NOTE: We start from Lindway Terrace Park. It sounds so far away, but it is within e-biking range. Join us as we embark on a fantastic 28-mile e-bike ride to Wolf Trap National Park in Virginia and return via the W&OD trail. Be ready to e-bike through spectacular landscapes on rustic roads in McLean and Great Falls' upscale neighborhoods. We do not e-bike on gravel roads, but be aware of the hills. Charge your batteries. Wolf Trap National Park is a unique and beautiful destination in Northern Virginia's heart. It is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts, offering visitors various cultural and entertainment experiences. The park covers over 100 acres of lush woods and rolling hills, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors to the park can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park also features several trails that wind through the woods, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing place to spend the day, Wolf Trap National Park is the perfect destination. The park's highlight is the Filene Center, a beautiful outdoor theater that offers a unique and intimate performance experience. From classical music to rock concerts, the Filene Center has something to offer for everyone. Visitors can also take a backstage tour and learn about the history and workings of the theater. Wolf Trap National Park is a must-visit e-biking destination for anyone looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the arts. With its picturesque surroundings, diverse activities, and world-class performances, it's easy to see why Wolf Trap is a beloved destination for visitors of all ages. Did you know that E-bike Lovers is an Amazon Affiliate? [https://ebikelovers.com/reviews](https://ebikelovers.com/reviews) FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Join us for a lovely hike through the Billy Goat Trail. We will hike the easiest path of the trail which is the straight, easy walk leading up to the great falls waterfall. Walk is not intense at all, its just a bit long at about 7 miles roundtrip. You will get your 10K steps during this. Rated as pretty easy Use this address - (10790 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854) which is the parking lot for the trail (Attaching pics here to give a better visual). there is another parking lot up the street a little bit. If you cannot find parking in the lot you can drive up the road and find a spot along the couple streets there like (Stable lane) and park. We will meet infront of the bathrooms. Please be there by 10AM, account for traffic, parking and any delays that day so you arrive on time. Bring good walking shoes, water and a snack. Please join us for this wonderful day and get to meet your fellow meetup'ers! 🥰🌷 We will grab a bite to eat at fish taco - Cabin John after the hike. Restaurant address: 7945 Macarthur Blvd, Cabin John, MD 2081 ⚠️ Indemnity Clause By attending any event, you agree that you are participating at your own risk. The organizer, hosts nor any member are not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur before, during, or after the event. Each participant is solely responsible for their own safety, belongings, and well-being Hope to see you all there☀️💐?

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

Join us this Thursday 6:30 pm at the Westerville Veterans Memorial for two loops around the Westerville Sports Complex fields. This 1 mile loop is a flat fully paved trail that straddles Alum Creek. Join us for a beautiful evening hike together!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.