City Walks

👋 Qui veut intégrer un groupe d'amis en cours de constitution pour faire des sorties et activités ensemble sur Paris et la région parisienne ? Voici quelques exemples de sorties proposées dans ce groupe : ❇️ apéro, afterwork, bars, restaurants, brunch, pique-nique ❇️ ciné, concert, théatre, musée ❇️ sports (tennis, initiation au golf, hiit, running, escalade, etc.) ❇️ jeux de société (poker, loup garou...) et en plein air (mollky, pétanque...) ❇️ week-end ❇️ et tout ce que tu pourras proposer. 💥💥 Ouverture, respect et bienveillance sont les valeurs qui animent le groupe 💥💥 Si tout cela te parle, inscris toi à notre groupe "Sorties et rencontres amicales - Paris" pour être informé(e) de toutes les sorties, il vient tout juste d'être créé sur Meetup et nous serons heureux de faire ta connaissance lors d'une prochaine sortie 👋 Ne te fie pas au nombre de participants sur Meetup, nous sommes sur plusieurs sites et Meetup est le dernier sur lequel nous avons ouvert un compte. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* BIEN LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT CI-DESSOUS \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **NB : INUTILE DE CLIQUER SUR "Participer" SUR CETTE FICHE.** Inscris toi juste au groupe et clique sur "Participer" uniquement sur les activités / sorties qui ont lieu de façon sure et certaine et qui sont toutes précédées des symboles 💥💥 devant leur titre. **Si dans le titre de la sortie il n'y a pas les symboles 💥💥 c'est que la sortie n'est pas confirmée.** Nos sorties (et celle d'autres utilisateurs) sont également publiées sur l'application gratuite de rencontres amicales Weezem : 👉 Appstore : [https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/weezem/id1547233803](https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/weezem/id1547233803) 👉 Google Play : [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezemapp](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezemapp) Tu peux aussi t'inscrire au groupe Whatsapp Weezem ici pour être informé(e) de nos futures sorties 👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoYNpq9JUyFB6RbIIDjblC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoYNpq9JUyFB6RbIIDjblC) A très vite. Patrice

📆 **Every Wednesday**, join an exclusive table of ambitious founders in a handpicked venue. 💡 *You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.* **Choose your circle wisely — it will shape your future.** 🔗 Application required: [thefiveclub.co](https://thefiveclub.co) *** 🥂 **Every Wednesday**, join a table of **6 inspiring founders**, carefully selected for you. 😌 A relaxed atmosphere, no pressure. 🤝 The goal: build genuine affinities, friendships, and long-lasting connections. *** 🔍 **How it works:** 🔴 Sign Up & Apply on : [thefiveclub.co](thefiveclub.co) 1️⃣ Pick a Wednesday and confirm your **membership** to join the club 2️⃣ Invite members you've previously met at afterworks or dinners 3️⃣ 24h before, you’ll receive the 📍 **restaurant address** and 🧑‍💼 **participant list** (bios + LinkedIn) 4️⃣ On the day: come as you are — we handle the 🍽️ booking, 🛠️ logistics, and ✨ ambiance 5️⃣ After the dinner: Add to your circle the founders you connected with most, 6️⃣ Reinvite them to future dinners or reconnect via curated events in the app 📲 ***

Passionné(e) de voyage solo, d'aventures et de terres inconnues. Marre d'attendre que les autres soient dispos pour cocher ta bucket list ? Viens passer une soirée avec des gens qui sont partis seuls, qui en reviennent, ou qui s'apprêtent à sauter le pas. On échange les anecdotes, les pires galères, les meilleures surprises et peut-être qu'on repart avec un(e) futur(e) compagnon de route. Un apéro convivial et sans prise de tête. On arrive seul(e), on repart avec une communauté. **Pour qui :** solo travelers basés à Paris, expatriés, curieux du monde, ceux qui rêvent encore de se lancer Je serai là pour accueillir tout le monde. English speakers very welcome. 📅 Mercredi à 19h 📍 Adresse révélée après inscription ✨ → justgutsy.com

**INSCRIPTION OBLIGATOIRE ICI UNIQUEMENT** 신청은 오직 여기서만 가능합니다 **: [https://luma.com/kore-france-coree](https://luma.com/kore-france-coree)** ✨ **Bienvenue chez Kore ! / Kore에 오신 것을 환영합니다!** ✨ Depuis 2021, nous avons eu le plaisir de vous réunir sous le nom de **"Groupe d’amitié France-Corée"**. Aujourd'hui, notre communauté évolue et devient **Kore** : un Social Club plus dynamique, plus structuré et toujours aussi bienveillant. Que vous soyez Coréen fraîchement arrivé à Paris ou Français passionné par la culture du Pays du Matin Calme, Kore est votre pont entre ces deux mondes. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🇰🇷 Pourquoi nous rejoindre ? \(왜 가입해야 하나요?\) Nous ne sommes pas qu'un simple groupe de rencontre, nous sommes une communauté qui privilégie la **qualité** et les **échanges authentiques**. (저희는 단순한 모임을 넘어, 진정성 있는 교류와 품질 높은 만남을 지향하는 커뮤니티입니다.) * **Échanges Linguistiques :** Pratiquez le français et le coréen avec des natifs. * **La Table de Kore :** Des dîners pour découvrir des pépites gastronomiques. * **Événements Culturels :** Seollal, Chuseok, ateliers et sorties thématiques. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🎫 Modalités d’inscription \(신청 방법\) Pour vous offrir une **facilité de réservation énorme** et une meilleure gestion, nous n'utilisons plus le système de paiement Meetup. Tout se passe désormais sur notre plateforme **Luma**. **Deux façons de participer :** 1. 💎 **Devenir Membre (Club Social) :** Abonnez-vous pour accéder gratuitement à tous nos événements réguliers, bénéficier d'un accès au WhatsApp privé des membres et de priorités de réservation. (멤버십 회원이 되어 모든 정기 이벤트 무료 참여, 프라이빗 단톡방 입장 및 우선 예약 혜택을 누리세요.) 2. 🎟️ **Ticket Guest (Visiteur) :** Vous pouvez également participer ponctuellement à l'événement de votre choix en prenant un ticket à l'unité sur Luma. (멤버십 없이도 Luma에서 개별 티켓을 구매하여 원하는 이벤트에 참여하실 수 있습니다.) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🚀 Comment s'inscrire à nos événements ? C'est ultra simple (2 clics !) : 1. Consultez notre agenda sur **Luma** ([LIEN ICI](https://luma.com/kore-france-coree)) 2. Choisissez votre événement et votre type de ticket (Membre ou Guest). 3. Recevez votre confirmation de participation Suivez-nous aussi sur Instagram pour suivre nos actualités : **[@KoreSocialClub](https://www.instagram.com/koresocialclub/)** À très vite pour de nouveaux souvenirs ! 새로운 추억을 함께 만들기를 기대합니다! 곧 만나요!

Venez comme vous êtes ! / Come as you are! Venez dessiner avec nous autour d'un verre au QG de l'Art Club. Cet événement est gratuit et ouvert à tous les niveaux. Venez comme vous êtes ! Ne vous inquiétez pas, si vous ne savez pas dessiner, nous pouvons vous donner quelques conseils. Vous nous trouverez au sous-sol du bar (escaliers à fond du bar à droite). Attention, le réseau n'est pas très bon. Il est possible que nous ne soyons pas en mesure de vous répondre. Veuillez apporter vos propres matériaux (carnet, crayons, stylos) si possible. On propose 2 thèmes à chaque session, ils sont juste là pour donner un point de départ à l'inspiration ✨, si besoin. Mais libre à vous de dessiner tout ce qui vous passe par la tête sans forcément les respectez ! 😊 Au plaisir de vous voir ! *** Notre compte Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ the_art_club_paris/ Prix : il vous sera demandé d'acheter une consommation du bar (pensez à retirer du liquide, le BDA ne prend pas la carte en dessous de 20€) ———— Come as you are! Don't worry, if you don't know how to draw, we can give you some tips. You will find us at the basement. Be careful, the reception is not very good. We may not be able to answer you. Please bring your own materials (drawing pad, pens, pencils) if possible. We announce two themes for each session. This is just to give a start point for inspiration ✨, if needed. However, you are totally free to draw whatever you would like to, no need to follow them if do not want to. 😊 We look forward to seeing you! *** Our Instagram account: https:// www.instagram.com/the_art_club_paris/ Price: all attendees need to purchase something to drink (please have cash, the BDA do not take card payment under 20€).

Bonjour à tous ! Le cours de Tonicité & Souplesse du Danseur avec Camille est conçu pour booster votre condition physique et votre flexibilité ! Spécialement pensé pour les danseurs, il combine des exercices ciblés qui renforcent la musculature profonde, améliorent votre posture, équilibre et résistance, tout en affinant votre souplesse pour perfectionner votre technique de danse. Un véritable atout pour faire évoluer votre danse vers le niveau supérieur ! 👉 Le cours d’essai est proposé au tarif de **5€**. **INSCRIPTION COURS D'ESSAI :** [https://latinflow.fr/sinscrire-maintenant](https://latinflow.fr/sinscrire-maintenant) 📅 **PLANNING DES COURS :** 🔹 **Studios Micadanses** (Paris 4e) *15 rue Geoffroy l’Asnier – M° Saint-Paul / Hôtel de Ville / Pont Marie* **Mardi :** * 21h-22h : Salsa Portoricaine On2 – Débutant+/Inter **Mercredi :** * 19h-20h : Tonicité & Souplesse – Tous niveaux * 20h-21h : Bachata – Débutant * 21h-22h : Bachata – Inter/Avancé 🔹 **Loft Lechapelais (Paris 17e)** *6 rue Lechapelais – M° La Fourche / Place de Clichy / Rome* **Samedi :** * 14h-15h : Salsa On1 – Inter * 15h-16h : Salsa On1 – Débutant * 16h-17h : Bachata – Débutant Toutes les salles sont spacieuses et équipées de miroirs. \#\#\# 📲 **INFOS & RÉSERVATIONS :** * Tél : 06 27 48 50 88 * Email : [yous.dance@gmail.com](http://yous.dance@gmail.com/) * Insta : @yous.dance / @cami.danse * Facebook : [Yous.dance](https://www.facebook.com/yous.dance) * Site : [https://latinflow.fr/](https://latinflow.fr/)

*Bonjour à tous ! * Rejoins nous pour rencontrer des gens du monde entier dans une ambiance friendly. Les participants sont russes, espagnols, grec, italien, français, ukrainiens, indiens … Ils viennent de tous les pays, c’est l’afterwork international ! Nous sommes là pour une rencontre amicale !!! ** Concept** Internationaux et parisiens se retrouvent et parlent avec tout le monde et dans toutes les langues ! À ton arrivée, demande un autocollant numéroté à l'orga. C'est aussi un jeu brise-glace. Trouve la personne avec le même numéro que toi et gagnez un shot ou une petite dégustation gratuite de cocktail pour briser la glace entre participants ! Tu peux arriver à l’heure qui te convient, mais plus tu viens tôt plus c’est sympa ** Infos pratiques :** Horaire : De 19h30 à 22h30 Gratuit avec le pass à récupérer sur l’app gratuite Socializus WhatsApp pour des infos rapides [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye) **Comment participer :** \- Vérifie l’adresse exacte avec l’app gratuite et le pass gratuit : [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) \- Soutiens l’association pour payer les frais meetup avec une carte de membre annuelle ici : [https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Restons connecté partout et tous ensemble :** Meetup – [https://www.meetup.com/afterwork-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/afterwork-paris/) WhatsApp (infos & rappels jour J) : [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BLqzcnC8SmbDBfYouCiOye) (Active “Tout recevoir” pour ne rien manquer !) Groupe Facebook – [https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris](https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris) Page Facebook – Photos & actus : [https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris](https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris) Socializus : [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) Deviens Orga :[https://chat.whatsapp.co m/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) et reçoit une boisson gratuite C’est 100% gratuit car nous sommes une association à but non lucratif, ayant pour objectif de créer des rencontres 100% friendly ✦✦ Les changements de dernière minute peuvent arriver, mais tout est mis à jour via l’app avec le pass gratuit. Pour mieux gérer le nombre de participants, nous comptons sur les inscriptions via le pass gratuit. Inscris-toi seulement si tu es sûr de venir, on compte sur toi ! / En participant à notre activité, vous acceptez d'être photographié et / ou filmé. Les photos et vidéos seront partagées sur nos réseaux sociaux et pourront être utilisées à des fins commerciales. Vous pouvez également publier vos propres photos avec le #socializus

**Free walking tour - tips welcomed!** Join Paris-see Tours for a playful wander through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where windmills once turned, absinthe flowed, and Paris showed the world how to party. We’ll dive into the long-gone cabarets and buzzing nightlife that gave birth to Bohemia at the legendary Moulin Rouge, where scandal, can-can, and artists collided. Along the way, we’ll visit the former home of Vincent and Theo Van Gogh. You’ll discover what Montmartre looked like before Georges-Eugène Haussmann reshaped Paris with grand boulevards, hear the dramatic tale of the Paris Commune, and uncover why the Sacré-Cœur watches over the city from the hilltop. We’ll finish our adventure at the romantic Wall of Love, where “I love you” is written in over 250 languages — because after this tour, you just might fall in love with Montmartre too.

**Free walking tour - tips welcomed!** Join Paris-see Tours for a playful wander through the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where windmills once turned, absinthe flowed, and Paris showed the world how to party. We’ll dive into the long-gone cabarets and buzzing nightlife that gave birth to Bohemia at the legendary Moulin Rouge, where scandal, can-can, and artists collided. Along the way, we’ll visit the former home of Vincent and Theo Van Gogh. You’ll discover what Montmartre looked like before Georges-Eugène Haussmann reshaped Paris with grand boulevards, hear the dramatic tale of the Paris Commune, and uncover why the Sacré-Cœur watches over the city from the hilltop. We’ll finish our adventure at the romantic Wall of Love, where “I love you” is written in over 250 languages — because after this tour, you just might fall in love with Montmartre too.

Capture **Brutalist Architecture in Paris (16th Arrondissement)** Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– EVENT DETAILS **Date:** 16.05.2026 **Time:** 17:30 – 19:30 **Meeting Point:** [Le Monument Aux Morts De Paul Landowski](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uDfw9zi2mtYm6sQd9) –––––––––– EVENT FLOW **17:30** \| Meet & Connect We’ll gather at the meeting point, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively. **17:50** \| Main Walk \(Golden Hour\) Capturing different Brutalist Buildings, Reflections and Structures. **19:30** → Optional dinner or drinks nearby. –––––––––– IMPORTANT This isn’t a class. It’s not a tour. It’s a creative meetup. We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– WHAT TO EXPECT Bring your: • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP. –––––––––– **STAY CONNECTED** 📍 Join our [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EyCHL9D1uLf46I11oPmegs?mode=gi_t) group for live location & updates. 📸 Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) and tag us in your photos. –––––––––– **ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now **Paris** is part of the story.

(en) Small unknown streets, a hidden garden seldom open to the public, memories of this neighbourhood's past, ... So much to discover in Ménilmontant! We'll meet on Place Krasucki, near the Pyrénées and Jourdain stations. We'll walk at a leisurely pace and even though there will be a small staircase to climb, it will all be easy. This is not a sports event, we're just coming to discover some of the secrets of Ménilmontant. Expect to spend 2 hours and we'll end by the Ménilmontant metro station . This is a pay as you will event. I think it's worth at least 15€. (fr) Des passages inconnus, un jardin caché et rarement ouvert, des traces du passé du quartier... Plein de choses à découvrir à Ménilmontant ! Rendez-vous sur la place Krasucki, pas loin des stations Pyrénées et Jourdain. On marchera tranquillement et même si on va avoir un petit escalier à monter, ça restera facile. Ça n'est pas une promenade sportive, on vient pour découvrir quelques uns des secrets de Ménilmontant. Prevoir 2h et on finira au niveau du metro Ménilmontant. Prix libre. Suggéré : 15€

(Event in French and English) Des plantes ? Dans le Marais ? Oui ! Et pas qu'un peu ! Et je vous invite à venir participer à une balade qui nous emmènera dans des jardins peu connus du Marais. Comme ça, vous saurez où aller chercher le calme après une séance de shopping dans le quartier cet été. Peu connus ? Le plus connu de tous, c'est celui de la rue des Rosiers et, à côté des autres, il est très célèbre. Pourtant, j'ai rencontré plein de personnes qui ne connaissaient même pas celui-là. Alors les autres... Quelques images de ces jardins : https://youtu.be/U3GaQgfq1jI?si=q1WwgzAkMAbSOuiv Rendez-vous devant le Leica Store du boulevard Beaumarchais. À côté de la sortie 2 du métro Chemin Vert. Prévoir 2h et on finira près du Centre Pompidou. Prix libre. Suggéré : 20€.

**Free walking tour - tips welcomed!** Step into the heart of Paris for a lively stroll through the rich history of France! This walking tour begins at the iconic Louvre and winds its way through the elegant Tuileries Gardens, ending at the iconic Place de la Concorde. Along the way, you’ll uncover the fascinating (and often dramatic) story of the French monarchy—from the grandeur of Louis XIV to the turbulent reign of Louis XVI and the legendary Marie Antoinette. Discover the events and tensions that sparked the French Revolution, and relive the moments that reshaped an entire nation. Expect gripping tales, surprising details, and a fresh perspective on how this pivotal period still influences France today. History has never felt so alive—or so close at hand!

Bastille → Port de l’Arsenal → Coulée verte → Viaduc des Arts → Marché d’Aligre → Jardin de Reuilly - Nation Je suis monitrice de randonnées profesionnelle et je vis dans cet arrondissement depuis 26 ans, donc je maîtrise parfaitement l'environnement. Je vais partager avec vous les meilleurs endroits et mes adresses. A très bientôt !

Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * There's a restroom along the route at [Tuttle Park Community Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTZJgLE1CrrbRNmJ7), which is about two‑thirds of the way from [Clinton-Como Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z8Cx8evwLiWundMe8) to our [turnback point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXk7qUVszLQ8EJxHA). * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

**Not everyone will come. That is exactly why you should.** **Two for Tuesdays** is for the people who actually want to get out and do something instead of just talking about it. We’re kicking off the night with a one-hour social walk before Duckpin Social. **Expect a laid-back** But an Intentional 1 hour walk (2-3 miles), good people, and a better way to spend your Tuesday than staying home and doing the same thing you always do. **If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move indoors.** **This is a paid event.** A small contribution helps keeps events sustainable and ensures those **who RSVP actually show up.** Payment **Link Found in comments** or you can pay on Venmo, Paypal, @WiseUnlimitedLLC or Cashapp $WiseUnlimitedLLC. Walk RSVP **$2** Walk / DuckPin Social **$5** Walk / DuckPin Social + 1 game of duckpin **$12** Please be sure **to Put Event and Event Date** in the note when paying RSVP Fee

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.

**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.