Venture Capital

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* **Discover the Heart of Budapest — History, Culture & Hidden Stories** Step into the soul of Hungary’s capital with The Original Budapest Walking Tour, a perfect introduction to the city’s fascinating history, vibrant architecture, and rich culture. Whether it’s your first time in Budapest or you’re returning to see it from a local’s perspective, this tour offers the ultimate way to truly understand what makes the city so special. Led by passionate local guides, this walking tour takes you on a journey through both sides of the Danube — Buda and Pest — exploring their contrasts and connections. From royal palaces and heroic squares to ruin bars and romantic river views, every stop reveals a story that shaped Budapest’s identity. Get insider tips, local anecdotes, and a deeper appreciation for the people and events that made this one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore Buda and Pest, the twin cities that form Budapest * Visit famous landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle * Learn about Hungary’s communist and royal past from expert local guides * Discover hidden gems and local hangouts off the beaten path * Enjoy a fun, engaging, and budget-friendly way to explore the city **✅ What’s Included** * Professional local tour guide * Comprehensive walking tour covering key historical and cultural sites * Insider recommendations for food, nightlife, and attractions * Small group experience for a more personal touch

**Bouldering & Rope Climbing \| Small Groups \| Friendly Atmosphere** Want to try climbing or get more confident on the wall? Join our **beginner-friendly climbing sessions** for adults and kids (9+). No prior experience needed — just curiosity and willingness to move 💪 **Languages:** English / Hungarian / Russian *** ### 🔹 Monday — Bouldering (Low Wall) Perfect for beginners: low wall, soft mats, focus on strength, technique and movement. 🕔 **17:00–18:40** 📍 Mountex, 1134 Budapest, Váci út 19 📌 **Pre-registration required** **Training:** 4000 HUF / person **Gym entry (paid separately):** * Adults: 3500 HUF * Children under 14: 2290 HUF Equipment rental available on site. *** ### 🔹 Thursday — Rope Climbing (15 m Wall) Learn rope climbing and belaying on a **full-height wall** with an instructor. 🕔 **17:00–19:00** 📍 BigWall, 1047 Budapest, Károlyi István u. 10 📌 **Pre-registration required** **Training:** 5000 HUF / person **Gym entry (paid separately):** * Adults: 3990 HUF * Students (under 26): 2990 HUF * Children under 14: 1990 HUF All necessary equipment can be rented at the gym. *** ### ⭐ Why join? * Beginner-friendly, supportive coaching * Small groups and personal attention * Adults & kids train together * Safe environment and clear instruction * Great way to get stronger and meet active people * In the warm season, we **occasionally move from the gym to real rock outdoors** *** ### 💳 Regular climbers If you attend **both days regularly**, you can buy a pass: **29,000 HUF — 8 consecutive sessions** *** 👉 **Sign up in advance — spots are limited.** Feel free to message me if you have questions!

Come and play boardgames with others in English! This event is hosted by the [Játszóház projekt](https://www.facebook.com/jatszohazprojekt). This group organizes game nights, they provide the games and explain the rules if you need it. They have a huge collection of board games, check it out [here](https://boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/jatszohazprojekt?own=1&subtype=boardgame&ff=1). If you wish to play with a specific game, they will ask what games to bring, usually on the day of the event in a facebook post. Check out the [event on facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/771704259284703) for more information. We usually split up into smaller groups based on games, and switch as the night goes on, so you can arrive late. You can bring your own game or choose one from the pile! ***Important*** **This event is not free!** You will have to buy a wristband at the entrace for 1000 HUF (500 HUF for students). You can pay with cash or you can buy your ticket [here](https://www.tixa.hu/jhz260202). You can buy drinks and food at the bar, please don't bring your own — — — After you bought your ticket head upstairs where the bistro is, we will probably be at the biggest table, near the bar. Let me know if you have any questions, you can contact me or ask in the comment section. We also have a WhatsApp group chat, feel free to join [here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JThEZv724MJ3hvnwBpfJA7)

Enjoy your time learning and practicing public speaking with Budapest Toastmasters! There is no need to speak or any previous experience in Public Speaking. --- 👉Keycode: 12, 3rd Floor. Please arrive by 6:20 PM, the meeting starts at 6:30 PM👉No registration or dress code is needed, the event is FREE.👉NOTE: We will have signs in the place so you can locate easily the Toastmasters Meeting room. --- Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our membership is 313,000 strong. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 14,650 clubs in 126 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations. The world needs leaders. Leaders head families, coach teams, run businesses, and mentor others. These leaders must not only accomplish but must also communicate. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams, and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge from the Toastmasters program. Every Toastmaster's journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* **The Original Budapest Alternative Street Art & Jewish Tour 🎨✡️** Step off the beaten path and uncover Budapest’s vibrant street art culture and rich Jewish heritage on this immersive walking tour. Led by passionate local guides, this experience dives deep into the creative soul of Budapest’s 7th District—the historic Jewish Quarter—where history, art, and urban culture collide. Stroll through colorful streets filled with murals, hidden galleries, and cultural hubs, while learning how the city’s Jewish roots and post-communist era inspired a wave of artistic freedom. From synagogues and memorials to alternative bars, design studios, and community spaces, every stop tells a unique story about resilience, identity, and creativity. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this tour offers a new perspective on Budapest’s most dynamic neighborhood. **🌟 Highlights** * Discover Budapest’s underground art scene and creative community * Explore the Jewish Quarter, its landmarks, and living heritage * See murals, installations, and street art masterpieces * Visit local galleries, ruin bars, and design spaces * Learn how Budapest’s history shaped its modern identity **✅ What’s Included** * Professional local guide * Walking tour through the Jewish Quarter & alternative neighborhoods * Insights into art, history, and local culture * Small-group experience for an authentic connection

El objetivo de este encuentro es romper el hielo, hablar de las historias que nos gusta escribir, de por qué escribimos, de los libros que nos gusta leer, de qué dificultades encontramos al enfrentarnos al folio en blanco y de qué esperamos del grupo. En definitiva, se trata de conocernos como personas para entendernos como escritores. No importa si has escrito diez novelas, cuatro cuentos o el precioso título de un poema sin versos. Aquí todo aspirante a juntaletras es bienvenido.

Február 6-án ismét várunk benneteket a Puzl CowOrKingben, ezúttal egy különleges Legal & Investment Office Hours keretein belül. ⚖️💼 🔍 Az eseményen az OUVC befektetési csapata mellett Szabó András startupokra specializálódott ügyvéd is válaszol majd kérdéseitekre. A délelőtt során lehetőségetek lesz: ✅ jogi kérdéseket átbeszélni a vállalkozásalapítástól a befektetési szerződésekig, ✅ tanácsot kérni a cégstruktúráról vagy a befektetői tárgyalások előkészítéséről, ✅ valamint visszajelzést kapni a startupotok aktuális helyzetéről, validációjáról, és tőkebevonási lehetőségeiről. 📅 2026\. február 6\. \(péntek\) \| 09:00\-13:00 📍 Puzl CowOrKing Budapest Ha tanácsra van szükségetek, vagy visszajelzést szeretnétek kapni az ötletetekre, várunk titeket szeretettel!

📅 Emerging Founders Budapest: CEE as the Launchpad Date: Friday, 6 February 2026 Location: Puzl Coworking, Budapest Language: English Organising Partner: MBH Fintechlab 🚀 CEE as the Launchpad: Connecting Polish & Hungarian Ecosystems It's an Emergencee. The CEE startup ecosystem is rising to prominence, but to truly scale, we need cross-border alliances. We are bringing the Emerging Founders energy to Budapest for a special edition focused on connecting the Polish and Hungarian startup scenes. Expect a raw, honest conversation about what it takes to launch globally from CEE and wheather the CEE make sense as an expansion ground. Followed by a high-energy "Pitch Battle" where a contingent of Polish and Hungarian startups go head-to-head. No fluff, just real feedback, genuine connections, and a curated crowd of founders, VCs, and operators. Emerging Founders is a founder-to-founder community built around a simple belief: you will never grow alone. We connect and support CEE founders on their way to scale globally, through curated events and long-term relationships (not an accelerator, not a one-off conference). Budapest is our next stop because CEE is strongest when we treat it as a region, not a set of isolated markets—and because scaling globally rarely happens in isolation. This special edition is focused on connecting the Polish and Hungarian ecosystems and having a raw, honest conversation about what it takes to launch globally from CEE (including whether CEE itself makes sense as an expansion ground). Agenda 16:30\-17:00 \| Arrival & Registration 17:00\-17:30 \| Opening remarks Speakers: Jacek Ratajczak (Emerging Founders / Zonifero), Baiba Rozenberga (MBH Fintechlab). 17:30\-18:15 \| Panel discussion: "CEE as the Launchpad" Moderator: Jacek Ratajczak — Emerging Founders / Zonifero. Panelists: Anna Firlej (Ab-in-den-Urlaub), Marcin Pondo (Crossborder24.com / Consulting Hungary), Diana Koziarska (SMOK Ventures / ReaktorX), László Csíki (ex-Hungarian Innovation Agency - Startup Factorz). 18:15\-18:30 \| Break 18:30\-19:30 \| Startup pitches \+ Jury Q&A \("Pitch Battle"\) Format: 3-minute pitch + 2-minute Q&A. Pitching startups: LegacyApp (Poland), Perpetoom (Poland), Grants8 (Poland), Smarter Diagnostics (Poland), V1, EV.analytica, AccountIQ, EVE Medical, EV.analytica Kft., B120 LifeTresor. Jury: Aurél Pásztor (Venture Partner, PortfoLion Capital Partners), Bronț Zsanett (Investment Analyst, Lead Ventures), Dániel Gockler (Managing Partner, Nesprit), Orsolya Csépai — (CFO, Alfa VIG Biztosító Zrt. Alfa Insurance Group), Baiba Rozenberga (MBH Fintechlab), Diana Koziarska (Founding Partner, SMOK Ventures; Co-founder, ReaktorX) 19:30\-22:00 \| Open networking Pizza, drinks, and real 1:1 conversations. Registration (free, required): https://app.evenea.pl/event/emergingfoundersbudapest/

Csatlakozz hozzánk 2026 első Sales Meetupján a STRT Irodában! Három kiváló szakember, három különböző perspektíva, egy közös cél: növelni az értékesítési hatékonyságot. Az eseményen gyakorlati tudást kapsz arról, hogyan látja az értéket a vevő, mikor és hogyan érdemes bővíteni a sales csapatodat, illetve hogyan spórolhatsz meg órákat a munkádból a mesterséges intelligencia segítségével. ### **Fontos információk** * 📅 **Időpont:** 2026\. február 4\. \(szerda\) * 📍 **Helyszín:** STRT Iroda (Budapest, Lövőház utca 39) * 🎟️ **[Részvétel:](https://kurtakademia.hu/esemenyek/sales-evolucio-2026-ertekteremtes-csapatepites-es-ai-szuperero)**[ Az esemény ingyenes, de regisztrációhoz kötött.](https://kurtakademia.hu/esemenyek/sales-evolucio-2026-ertekteremtes-csapatepites-es-ai-szuperero) ### Előadóink és témáik #### 1\. Az érték nyomában – Mit vesz valójában a vevő? **Előadó: Gergelyfy Gábor** A Cogwheel Training & Consulting alapító-ügyvezetője, szervezetfejlesztési szakember Gábor több mint 24 éves tréneri és 30 éves értékesítői tapasztalattal rendelkezik, 17 országban tartott már képzéseket. Szakterülete a vállalati hatékonyságnövelés és a szemléletformálás. **Amiről szó lesz:** Gyakran azt hisszük, tudjuk, mit árulunk, de vajon ugyanazt látja a vevő is? Az előadás során rendbe tesszük az ÉRTÉK fogalmát az eladó és a vevő szempontjából. * Miért látja másnak az értéket a vevő? * Hogyan növelhetjük termékünk/szolgáltatásunk értékét az ügyfél szemében? * Mi a vevő által érzékelt értékek hierarchiája (érték-piramis)? 🔗 [Gábor LinkedIn profilja](https://hu.linkedin.com/in/gaborgergelyfy) #### 2\. Playbook: Hogyan építs sikeres sales csapatot? **Előadó: Boros György** A ProSales Solutions alapító tulajdonosa, értékesítési szakértő György olyan cégeknél szerzett vezetői tapasztalatot, mint a Magyar Telekom, a Vodafone vagy a Dun&Bradstreet, ahol 30 fős csapatot irányított. Jelenleg KKV-knak segít átlátható és hatékony értékesítési rendszerek kialakításában. **Amiről szó lesz:** Az ügyfélszerzéshez vezető út funkciókra és feladatokra bontható. De mikor jön el a pillanat, hogy felvegyél valakit? * Mikor érdemes értékesítőt felvenni vagy csapatot építeni? * Milyen kaliberű jelöltet válassz, és milyen buktatók merülhetnek fel? * Vezetői részvétel az értékesítésben: hogyan tervezd meg a folyamatokat akkor is, ha még nincs dedikált sales csapatod? 🔗 [György LinkedIn profilja](https://hu.linkedin.com/in/gyorgy-boros) #### 3\. Sales Szupererő: Így forradalmasítja az AI az értékesítést **Előadó: Faniszló Norbert** A Brainist alapítója, AI készségfejlesztő, Learning Experience Designer Norbert 20 évnyi nemzetközi sales és vezetői tapasztalattal (Walt Disney, Adidas) a háta mögött érkezett meg az AI világába. Célja, hogy összekapcsolja az emberi potenciált a mesterséges intelligencia lehetőségeivel. **Amiről szó lesz:** Az AI nem a jövő, hanem a jelen. Nem helyettesíti az értékesítőt, hanem a háttérben erősíti – de hogyan? * A "push" modell vége: A sales, mint "guide & solve" tanácsadó. * Hogyan lesz 20 percnyi piackutatásból 2 perc? * Sales meeting előkészítés, kifogáskezelés és ajánlatírás 10x gyorsabban. * Mini bemutató: AI in Sales in action – a gyakorlatban. 🔗 [Norbert LinkedIn profilja](https://www.linkedin.com/in/norbert-faniszl%C3%B3-4071005b/) [REGISZTRÁCIÓ](https://kurtakademia.hu/esemenyek/sales-evolucio-2026-ertekteremtes-csapatepites-es-ai-szuperero)

A jó sztenderd kialakítása időigényes munka – miközben pontosan ez adja a stabil működés, a betanítás és a fejlesztés alapját. A „gyorsítósáv” ebben az értelemben nem megkerülést jelent, hanem azt, hogy rövidebb úton juthatunk el egy valóban használható, élő sztenderdig, amely támogatja a betanítást, a vezetői ellenőrzést és a legjobb gyakorlatok tudatos megőrzését. Ezen a Budapest Lean Coffee alkalmon azt járjuk körül, ki készíti a sztenderdet, milyen formátumban érdemes fenntartani, és mire használjuk a mindennapi működésben. Kiindulópontként szolgál egy digitális, TWI JI-alapú megközelítés, de a fókusz nem az eszközön, hanem a gondolkodásmódon és a gyakorlati használaton van. A beszélgetés érinti a minőségbiztosítási szempontokat is, valamint azt, miért tekintette már a TPS évtizedekkel ezelőtt a sztenderdet a fejlesztés egyik legfontosabb kiindulópontjának. A februári Budapest Lean Coffee előadója a Leannovation csapatából Perecz Péter lesz, aki tapasztalatokat oszt meg a hagyományos és a technológiával támogatott sztenderdkészítés és betanítás kapcsán. A témabeszélgetés után Lean Coffee meetinggel folytatjuk:-) Az esemény látogatása Leannovation Egyesületi tagsággal díjmentes. Részletek, csatlakozás: https://leannovation.hu/leannovation-egyesulet/ Az eseményen kép- és hangfelvétel készül. Várunk minden érdeklődőt!

Hát nem sok annyira félreértett, félrehasznált és félremagyarázott fogalom kering a mai vállalati informatika világában, mint a **Spotify modell**. Az agilis alapú vállalati működés környékén szokott felbukkanni, rengetegen beszélnek róla, mindenkinek van róla véleménye, de senki nem tudja, mi is ez pontosan. Mitől lett ekkora a hype a fogalom körül? Mit is tartalmaz a "modell" valójában, már ha egyáltalán beszélhetünk modellről ebben az esetben? Mit használjunk belőle, ha agilis alapon szeretnénk dolgozni, és mit kukázzunk ki a bullshit szűrőnkkel? Mik a bevezetések gyakorlati tanulságai? Na ezekben a kérdésekben fogunk végre rendet vágni tabudöntögető meetup-unkon, ahol **Tokovicz György**, Közép-Európa legrockosabb agilis szakértője lesz a vendégünk, aki egyébként a Raiffeisen Bank International bécsi főhadiszállásának senior agilis tanácsadója! A helyszín Budapest belvárosa, a pontos lokációt a jelentkezők száma alapján választjuk majd ki két héttel az esemény előtt.

Join me to practice a Vinyasa Yoga Flow in Budapest! English-speaking classes held at [Hanuman yoga studio](https://www.hanumanjoga.hu/oratipusok/vinyasa-flow-yoga-nidra-in-english/). Every Saturday at 11:30am. Open to all levels. Flow, Feel & Stretch. **Book your spot [here.](https://www.hanumanjoga.hu/oratipusok/idopont-foglalas/)** Location: Budapest, Erőd u. 16, 1027 Instagram: [theinner.drishti](https://www.instagram.com/theinner.drishti/)

**Looking to connect with other business-minded people in Budapest?** Join us for a laid-back evening at **Beer People**, a craft beer bar owned and run by digital nomads who turned their Budapest dream into a local business. It is the perfect spot to share stories over a drink, whether that is one of their many craft beers, a cider, a spirit, a glass of wine, or something nonalcoholic. There is no formal agenda, just good vibes, real conversations, and a few tables reserved for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives who understand the ups and downs of building your own path. We look forward to meeting you.

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

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