Urban Exploration

Please note the specific date and times of the Amtrak trains below when booking your ticket to Richmond. We are traveling to/from Richmond Main Street station, so please double check before booking your ticket (there are multiple amtrak stations in Richmond) 6/13 (DC --> Richmond): 7:00 am (Union Station) --> 7:18 am (Alexandria) --> 9:32 am (Richmond Main Street Station) 6/13 (Richmond --> DC): 4:49 pm (Richmond Main Street Station) --> 7:28 pm (Alexandria) --> 7:52 pm (Union Station) Let's take a day trip to visit our neighbor to the South: Richmond, VA. We'll take the Amtrak train from Union Station (or Alexandria VA) to meet at Main Street station in Richmond. After exploring the city, we'll grab a bite to eat before catching the train back to DC Sites we'll visit: \- Belle Isle \- James River \- Old Pump House \- Maymont Mansion \+ Gardens \- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts \(Free Admission\) Part I (1.8 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/crb5dBD8qgPhAeee7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/crb5dBD8qgPhAeee7 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/crb5dBD8qgPhAeee7") Part II (6.2 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQ9X5jgspKGZQXrP8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQ9X5jgspKGZQXrP8 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQ9X5jgspKGZQXrP8") Part III (4.2 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKK5zTjuFDJ3WjrE7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKK5zTjuFDJ3WjrE7 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKK5zTjuFDJ3WjrE7")

Capital City Social is at Dirty Habit’s courtyard for an elevated outdoor social that is curated for DC’s creative, professional, and social crowd. **👇RSVP HERE FOR ENTRY 👇** [REGISTER HERE FOR ENTRY](https://posh.vip/f/70573?t=meetup) ✦ WHAT’S INCLUDED 🍾 Welcome drink ticket on arrival — wine or beer included with every ticket 🌴 Access to Dirty Habit’s courtyard for their pop-up Tiki bar (perfect for summer) 🎮 Light social programming and icebreakers with exclusive prizes 📸 Professional photography throughout the evening 👥 A room full of DMV professionals, locals, and newcomers who actually showed up ✦ DRESS CODE 👗 Summer linens, tailored neutrals, cream tones. think European summer ✦ THE DETAILS 📍 Dirty Habit Courtyard — Kimpton Hotel Monaco 555 8th St NW, Washington DC ⏰ 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM 🌅 Look for the Capital City Social sign at the courtyard entrance ✦ GOOD TO KNOW 💳 Dirty Habit applies a 20% auto-gratuity to all bar tabs — plan accordingly 📸 Photographers will be present — by attending you consent to photos being used for Capital City Social content 📋 All attendees agree to our community [terms and standards](https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vS3KSK5lP-hDyGynBgCvOEotnuXv7s92BI72K0ZPMPyn5qXW7ODT4n8lOJvnhkkdqX9Kf0m5f7ucKaM/pub) to keep the group safe, welcoming, and fun for all 🚫 No athletic wear. Dress code is non-negotiable. ✦ FOLLOW THE COMMUNITY Stay in the loop for every drop, early bird alert, and future event. 📱 Instagram: @capitalcitysocial Tickets are non-refundable.

Monthly meeting: Second Saturday of the month International House of Pancakes (IHOP) 775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 7:00 PM – 10 PM. Late arrivals always welcome. Look for the table with someone wearing a red hat. Questions, please call 1-240-644-5230 Agenda: What are more things we can do to wake people up? What can we do to get more people involved? Other things people would like to talk about. This will be a joint meeting with: DC 9/11 Truth [https://dc911truth.org/](https://dc911truth.org/) dc911truth Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc911truth/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc911truth/) 911 Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kyegaoqu/](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kyegaoqu/) Central Bank Digital Currencies CBDC Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdc/](https://www.meetup.com/central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdc/) Freedom of Speech Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/silver-spring-freedom-of-speech-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/silver-spring-freedom-of-speech-meetup-group/) One way to make it more difficult for them them to impose a digital currency on us is to use cash. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) With Digital Currency they can: Have a complete government dossier on every detail of your life. Use your purchase history to maintain a detailed social credit score for every person. Provide tax breaks to corporations who hire people with admirable social credit scores. Only grant government contracts to corporations with employees with admirable social credit scores. Adjust health insurance premiums to incentivize people to develop admirable social credit scores. Connect your social credit score with a digital ID to encourage you to look at only approved web sites when surfing the internet. Viewing conspiracy web sites could lower your Social Credit Score and make it difficult to get a job. With their electronic chain around your neck, they can control where, when, how you travel, what food you are allowed to buy etc. They will love the power to only allow you to use your digital money only where they want you to shop and allow you to buy only what they prefer you to buy. Require you to have to have a license to use your money. They will call it a Digital Currency License. Require you to take any vaccine they want you to take to maintain your digital currency license. Tax you in ways we have not even imagined. Adjust your income tax rate based on your social credit score. Use AI to increase your income tax rate if you eat too many hamburgers because they will tell you eating too many hamburgers will increase global warming. This is just one example of many behaviors they might not approve of. Adjust individual prices for different individuals. They will be able to make you pay more per pound for hamburger if you purchased too much red meat during the past 30 days. Require you to buy so many pounds of soy burger for every pound of hamburger to save the planet and increase the profits for the soy burger manufacturers. Turn off the digital money of people they consider to be spreading misinformation. Turn off the digital money of people they consider to be dangerous conspiracy theorists. Turn off your money at 8 PM if they want a curfew at 8 PM Turn off your money in another state if they do not want you to drive to another state without permission. Turn off your money when buying guns or ammo if they do not want you to buy guns or ammo. Turn off your digital money more than three miles away from your home if they want you to stay within three miles of your home during the next epidemic. Etc. etc. etc. From the standpoint of the government, one beauty of digital money is that your money is one “state emergency” away from being the government’s money. All they have to do is to take your digital money out of your Central Bank Digital Account for the “good of all”. It is not as easy for them to do this with physical cash, gold, stocks, or silver etc. Anything they **can** do, they will do. The essence of slavery is control. Digital Currency will enable them to make you, their slave. (in a global digital concentration camp). .

This Saturday's weather promises to be warm but not too hot, and no rain is forecast. Shade should be plentiful, Ah, what is so rare as a day in June? Starting at noon from the east side of CT Avenue at the Van Ness-UDC Metro station, we’ll first take the Soapstone Valley Trail to the Rock Creek Park Trail and head south. Bathrooms/water will be available at Peirce Mill. Then we’ll continue south beneath a couple of bridges before turning west through the Dumbarton Oaks area. After a rest stop at Trader Joes on Wisconsin Avenue, we’ll continue west on the Whitehaven Trail, which is surprisingly rugged for a short stretch. At the Glover-Archbold trail junction we’ll head north to the trailhead at Van Ness Street and finish at the nearby Tenleytown Metro Station, probably around 4:30 p.m. Beers at Guapos for those that are interested afterwards ([https://guaposrestaurant.com/guapostenleytown?utm_source=google](https://guaposrestaurant.com/guapostenleytown?utm_source=google)) Meet at noon Saturday at the top of the escalators on the east side of CT Avenue (near the CVS and Giant) at the Van Ness-UDC Metro Station. Bring plenty of beverages, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and the $5 Adventuring trip fee (cash or Venmo). Please click [here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Even though this is posted as a meetup event, this is a self-guided experience, we wont be walking as a group. Let's visit the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, one of Washington's most beautiful and underrated landmarks. We'll explore the monastery's stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, catacombs, grottos, and replicas of famous Holy Land sites. Often described as a hidden oasis in the city, this unique destination offers a fascinating blend of history, art, culture, and tranquility. Whether you're interested in architecture, photography, spirituality, history, or simply discovering new places and meeting great people, you're welcome to join us. **Cost:** Free **Who can attend:** Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith background. Please dress respectfully, as this is an active religious site. ### What makes it unique? * **A "Holy Land in America"** – It was created so Americans could experience replicas of important Christian sites in Jerusalem and the Holy Land without traveling overseas. * **Underground catacombs** – Few places in DC have catacombs. Walking through them feels like stepping into another era. * **Hidden gardens and grottos** – The 40+ acre grounds are filled with rose gardens, quiet pathways, fountains, and secluded prayer spaces. Many visitors are surprised such a peaceful retreat exists in the middle of the city. * **Architectural variety** – The monastery combines elements inspired by churches and shrines from the Middle East, Europe, and early Christianity. * **A living monastery** – Franciscan friars still live and worship there, so it is not just a museum or historic site. ### Why is it historically important? * The Franciscans have been custodians of many Christian holy sites in the Holy Land for nearly 800 years. * The monastery was founded in the late 1800s as the American headquarters supporting those missions. * It helped make pilgrimage experiences accessible to people who could not afford the long journey to Jerusalem. ### Why do non-religious visitors enjoy it? Even if you're not religious, the monastery offers: * Beautiful architecture and art * Excellent photography opportunities * A fascinating glimpse into history and world cultures * One of the quietest and most serene places in DC * A chance to explore hidden tunnels, chapels, and gardens that most tourists never see Many people visit expecting a church and leave feeling like they've discovered a secret European monastery tucked away in Washington. That's why it is often described as one of DC's most underrated attractions.

Let's enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch! From the beginning, Fava Pot kept their eyes on the prize: serving the best of healthy, home-style Egyptian cuisine in an atmosphere that would make their customers feel like they were amongst a family. They do this by sourcing high-quality ingredients to cook their authentic meals. That means serving locally sourced foods such as chicken and game hens that are antibiotic-free and succulent meats that are grass-fed. And they also offer what more and more of our customers were asking for: delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their motto has always been Eat Healthy for a Good Cause -through every purchase you make, they give back to Egyptian orphans in need. There is lots of free parking!

Let's enjoy a hike on this next-to-last Sunday of spring in DC's Rock Creek Park! This one’s for car-free DC folks, those who want a short morning drive with easy parking, and anyone who wants to explore one of the region's great urban parks. This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length, though there is not much elevation gain. We’ll move at a steady 2–3 mph pace, with breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start. Please bring 2 liters of water with you. **Start location and time:** We’ll meet at 9 am at Picnic Grove 24 across from Rock Creek Tennis Center [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic) We'll gather at covered picnic table shown in the image below. I'll have a large blue hiking backpack. Note: We plan to start hiking promptly after our meeting time, but I'll allow a grace period of up to 10 minutes for late arrivals. Route: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd) **Transportation Options:** Driving or rideshare (Lyft/Uber): Yes! the meeting point is easy to get to and parking is free and plentiful. Buses: Indeed! Several buses go past this location on 16th Street. You can pick them up from Silver Spring metro (red line) or various metro stations in downtown DC. Please allow a little extra time if taking the bus, given variability in arrival times. Bikeshares - Of course! There are stations close by. CARPOOLING: Although this is one of our rare public transportation-accessible hikes, we encourage those with cars driving in from outside DC to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. We look forward to hiking with you! **Background Info About LMH:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

June 12-14 is Sails on the Potomac in Alexandria. ([https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24316](https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24316)). Fireworks at the Alexandria Waterfront at 9:00 PM on Saturday, June 13th. From the website: As a Sail 250 Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor, Alexandria will be hosting the largest tall ship event in the DC Metro region - Sails on the Potomac! This three-day event June 12-14, 2026 will highlight Alexandria's unique role in the birth of our new nation and its impact on today. Join us as we commemorate America's Story with music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs, and more! Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Tall Ships Weekend--Walking Tour of Historic Alexandria, Virginia, Sunday. June 14! On the weekend the tall ships berth in Alexandria, take a stroll around the town's core. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, and many others! Old Town has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and events, and eye-catching architecture. Immerse yourself in one of America’s most fascinating locales. Meet on the waterfront outside the Maritime Heritage Center, 0 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Fee: Prices start at $23. About 2 hours in length. Pre-register and Pre-pay at-- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-tall-ships-to-top-notch-tour-historic-alexandria-virginia-tickets-1990820763495?aff=oddtdtcreator Or PayPal, sending $24 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $23 in cash at the start of the tour. Our fun itinerary will select from: • Hometown of Presidents, Generals, Admirals, Musicians, Educators • Schools founded by George and Martha • Torpedo Factory from the world wars • The noted architects behind its stunning architecture • Locale of a famous Confederate, and Union Army, sculptor • The worst peacetime accident in Navy history • How the town started a world war • Locale of the biggest slave escape in U.S. history • Historic churches and cemeteries from revolutionary days • George and Martha’s home away from Mt. Vernon • Civil rights sit-downs and Underground rails • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • The first fatalities of the Civil War • The ghostly Mysterious Stranger • World-famous "Captain's Row" • The floating mansion • A presidential fistfight • The Curse of the Black Cat • The family that got Pierre L'Enfant fired • Graves of the Civil War and the "Second American Revolution" • The attack on a Revolutionary War hero And more! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of the adventure novel rooted in Alexandria's wild history, The Old Town Horror-- https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic/dp/B0BW2WR85N/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= And this book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette/dp/1476674868/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr And a book of fun essays on U.S. history & culture: https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should/dp/1596525495 Also a book on the history of Congress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJoCU6LsCM The Guide's tours are rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor!: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Think history’s dull? Think again! Lots of free street parking on the side streets south of King St. Nearest metro stop is King St., with a free trolley bus from there. As the 250th anniversary of America approaches, take a lovely, informative walk through America's most historic town.

**THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-06-14-creative-phone-photography-chinatown-penn-quarter Learn smartphone camera settings for creative images. From essential techniques for exposure, to composition and focusing tips in this vibrant DC area. We begin outdoors at the National Portrait Gallery and then explore the surrounding Chinatown/Penn Quarter area with its quirky architecture and street scenes. The class will start with basic instruction on the operation of the native mobile phone’s camera. We’ll then cover some of the more advanced features of setting focus and exposure independently. We’ll explore how to turn the mobile camera’s limitations such as one lens, fixed aperture, no zoom and a small sensor to advantages using creative techniques of focus, exposure and composition. You’ll create pictures on an easily paced photo walk with guided instruction coupled with gentle critique and suggestions to make your pictures the best they can be. This class is designed for users of iOS and Android mobile devices. Participants will need to bring a fully charged phone. THIS CLASS IS BEING OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-06-14-creative-phone-photography-chinatown-penn-quarter

Looking for a fun way to spend a day outdoors, meet great people, and enjoy some of Arlington's most scenic views? Join us for a relaxed group walk and picnic adventure! 📍 Where We'll Meet: We'll gather at Gravelly Point, (one of the best spots in the area to watch planes take off and land). There is a parking lot there for you to park your vehicles. 🚶 Our Route: From Gravelly Point, we'll stroll along the Potomac River trail toward Theodore Roosevelt Island, enjoying the scenery, conversation, and fresh air along the way. Once we get to the Roosevelt area parking lot, we will loop back around, and then head back to Gravelly Point. This is a social, easygoing walk—not a race! We'll take our time, chat, meet new people, and enjoy the journey. 🧺 Picnic Time: Once we're back at Gravelly Point, we'll spread out on the grass and enjoy a relaxing picnic together. Please bring: Your own lunch or snacks A blanket or lawn chair Water and any beverages you'd like Sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat if desired Your positive energy and good vibes! 🌞 What to Expect Beautiful waterfront views Airplane spotting Friendly conversations Light exercise New connections A relaxing picnic on the grass Whether you're new to the area or a longtime local, this is a great opportunity to get outside, meet people, and enjoy one of Arlington's best walking routes. 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!

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

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

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."

The restaurant’s website doesn’t have the dinner menu listed. I took a picture of the dinner menu.