Walking Tours

Looking to get outside, clear your head, and connect with good people? Join us for a relaxed walk around the beautiful streets and coastline of Port Melbourne. This is a casual meetup—no fitness goals, no pressure. Just a friendly stroll, good conversation, and a reason to step away from screens and into the fresh air. Whether you’re new in town, working from home, or just want a social reason to walk, you’re very welcome. Come as you are. Comfy shoes, water bottle, and curiosity are all you need. **Optional:** After the walk, some of us might grab a coffee nearby — feel free to join if you’re up for it!

Meet at Cafe Bliss, opposite the lovely Lancox Park in Mavis Street, just off Milroy St. We'll walk through Lancox Park and then along the Elster Creek Trail. Returning to Bliss Cafe for coffee and a chat, the usual 1 hr round trip. There are many seats along the way if you don't feel like doing the whole walk. The coffee is great, and there are plenty of cold drinks and treats. P.S. This event is dog-friendly. If you have any questions please get in touch 0409 219 524 - Cheers Gillian

It's time for "Listen Up", our favourite conversation game that helps turn strangers into friends! Join us for a drink and some nibbles while we have fun and make friends. For those who haven't played it before, Listen Up™ is a unique conversational board game that tests your listening skills and inspires deeper connections between participants. There are 3 categories of questions you can get asked depending on the 🎲 you roll! (1) 🙃 Just for fun: all kinds of fun questions from if you were a candy or crayon what would you be to what's your fave smell in the world? 😋 (2) 😉 Share: Cause sharing is caring! Starting to get into the deeper questions like if you have a bad day would you prefer to be left alone or have someone cheer you up? 😉 (3) 😎 Listen Up!: Aha this is where all the deep questions are! (Juz and Nicole will be coming straight from work and will likely be there early. If you want join us for a bite to eat, send a message and we'll keep an eye out for you.) . . . 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏 Welcome to our group! We are a bunch of Melbourne friends who decided to open up our circle to some new awesome people. We have a broad range of interests and will post some of our events here so you can come and join us. Join our Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodexperiencesgreatpeoplemelbourne . . . 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: • Let's keep things respectful. Our group has a diverse range of members and we get along great! This is because we accept one another, avoid insensitive comments, try to keep swearing to a minimum, and steer clear of gossip and mindless venting. • Please be punctual. Our hosts will check the Meetup page and post their location upon arrival before redirecting their attention to the people present. If you are late (more than 5 min), don’t expect to be able to reach them as they may not check their phone. Please allow enough time for travel and parking. (On that note, we don't organise carpooling because of various liability issues.) • If you say you're going to come, then please actually come. Many of our events end up waitlisted so if you claim a spot and don't show up, then someone else might miss out. Attendees who don't show up (or cancel their RSVP within 12 hours of the event) will be flagged as "no-shows". Repeat "no-showers" will be banned from the group to make space for more reliable attendees. • We want to keep all our members safe and healthy so if you are unwell, then please stay home. If you need to cancel within the 12 hour "no show" window, please send a courtesy message to the event host. • Please don't come if you are just looking to hit people up for your own agenda. Our members are so much more than followers for your Instagram account, customers for your Herbalife business, or people for your Forex empire. In our community, we are about adding value to one another. If you are just coming with a self-serving agenda, then we aren't your crowd. • And finally, this isn't a great group for people who like wallowing in life's problems. We choose positivity and gratitude, so bring some with you!

Tuesday nights just got better! Join us at **600 Little Collins St, Melbourne** for a **free beginners Bachata class** — the smooth, stylish Latin dance that’s taking over Melbourne. No partner, no pressure — just good vibes, great music, and easy-to-follow moves that anyone can learn. 🎶 **Here’s what to expect:** * Step-by-step Bachata basics (no experience needed) * A super chill, welcoming crowd * Music that makes you *feel* like you’re on holiday 📍 **Location:** The Salsa Foundation, 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne 🕕 **Time:** Tuesday 6 PM — arrive a few minutes early to check in 🎟️ **Cost:** Free (bookings required — limited spots!)

**Ride**: This is a Wednesday recce ride of about 60km from Melbourne Exhibition Centre out to Truganina to check out some bike paths in the industrial area that I spotted on Google Maps. Plus we'll take the Western Hwy Path to Caroline Springs and explore around there to see how good or bad it is in the 'burbs further north and west. I have explored and led rides there some years ago but the cycling infrastructure has been growing a lot in the housing growth areas at the edges of Melbourne so there may be some pleasant surprises. Hoping for lunch in Caroline Springs at my new favourite bakery. We could ride back or pop on the train at an appropriate time to turn around. Decide at the time. The end time is just a guess. You're welcome to depart early at any time, if you wish. **Note**: You'll eed to be confident with a route that will vary as we find it at times and the possibility of dealing with traffic if the trails terminate on the odd road. (While looking for ways to avoid it) We're likely to find all variety of surfaces. **Forecast**: 28°C and dry. SE tailwinds likely according to this forecast: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/truganina/forecast/detailed/#d2026-01-14 **Typical speed**: 25 km/h or so. Faster if it feels right 😏. (Suits intermediates / not at a dawdle) **Route Map and GPX files**: Not yet. We'll be on Federation Trail at times then head off it at Trug. **Bike to bring:** Probably something light **Bring**: Myki, water, sunscreen, snacks & energy bars, spare tube, tools, your phone with my number **Contact**: Neil Griffiths 0419 560 409 **Photo**: Swans on Lake Caroline in Caroline Springs (Jun '17) "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

We will meet at the southern Soul Chips Shop for lunch. Then walking along the beach, 🏖️ . Dogs are welcome

**🌞 Delectable Summer Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit** **Saturday 17 January - 11 AM..Arrive at 10.45 AM please** Join us for a long, lazy, laughter‑filled summer social stroll tracing the full Yarra Bend circuit — a gorgeous loop of river bends, bushland, boardwalks, and iconic Melbourne nooks. This is our expanded version of the smaller Yarra Bend walk many of you enjoyed, now stretched into a full, flirty, scenic adventure. ****### Before joining this event ensure you read the group rules section at the end ###**** We’ll begin at the Abbotsford Convent, (or more specifically st the Collingwood children's farm entrance), wander past Dights Falls, pause for snacks at the Studley Park Boathouse, and follow the river’s contours through some of the most beautiful natural pockets in inner Melbourne. Expect birdsong, breezes, shady gums, and plenty of social mingling along the way. This walk is exploratory for me as I've not done the full circuit before. You can choose your own finale: - 11 km Full Yarra Bend Circuit ending back at the Convent, or - 14 km Extended Merri Creek Trail Option finishing at Rushall Station for those who want a little extra summer sparkle in their step. 🕙 **Timing** - Option A: Arrive from 10:00 a.m. if you’d like breakfast or a pre‑walk coffee at the convent bakery (it gets very busy so allow time for queues). The Convent Bakery is rumoured to have ice‑cold smoothies worth writing home about, and we’ll swing by at the end for anyone who wants a refreshing treat. - Meet at 10:45 a.m. at the gates of the Collingwood Children’s Farm (about 50m from the Convent entrance at the end of the road). **- Walk begins at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Prior to the heat of the day**. - Expect 3–4 hours depending on pace, weather, silly jokes, banter, and snack enthusiasm. My priority is having a relaxing time so I'm not too strict on following a strict timetable. **☕ Mid‑Walk Pause** We’ll stop at Studley Park Boathouse for coffee, cold drinks, or a light bite. Bring a little cash or card if you’d like to indulge. **🚶 Route Highlights** - The leafy bends of the Yarra - Dights Falls lookout - Riverbank boardwalks and shaded bushland Abbotsford Convent - Studley Park Boathouse - Optional Merri Creek extension to Rushall Station - Plenty of photo spots, conversation pockets, and nature‑soaked moments **🚆 Getting There** - Train to Victoria Park Station is the easiest option, followed by a short walk to the Convent. - Parking at the Convent can be a gamble on weekends — arrive early if you’re trying your luck or choose elsewhere. **🌿 What to Bring** - Comfortable walking shoes - Water 2 litres - Sunscreen and a hat - A light snack if you like - Curiosity, good humour, and your best summer social energy **Group Rules and Track Etiquette** **Fitness Requirements**: This should be an easy walk for most people. Ensure you can walk between 3 and 4km/hr and 200m vertically in an hour. If you regularly do 10,000 steps in a day, this is good training. We walk at a relaxed pace but people have time constraints and it's not fair for people in the group to wait around for extended periods for you to catch up. Please go on easier hikes with the group if you are unsure. **People who walk very fast and prefer walking by themselves** This is a group activity and I can't manage the group if it splits up, consider going by yourself or joining a fast walkers group. **If people have time constraints** Best to give yourself some wiggle room or not attend. Things rarely go to time if you're having fun **+++VERY IMPORTANT+++** **People who do a No - Show**. This is too common for small group events, especially when we have people in a wait list wanting to come on the event. Remove yourself from the going list 24 hours before the event starts to give people on the waitlist an opportunity. **If you are a No Show you wil likelyl be removed and blocked from the group.** If you remove yourself from the event an hour or two before the event you may also be blocked and removed from the group as this gives very little time and opportunity for people on the waitlist to prepare and is inherently unfair to people on the waitlist. Please communicate with me if you do not want to be blocked and removed from the group. **People who turn up without registering** This is a major security concern, **DO NOT DO THIS**.You will be asked to leave the event unless you have made arrangements with me **PRIOR** to the event. **People who are late** You will be left behind and or removed and blocked from the group as a No-Show. It is your responsibility to communicate with the organiser if you think you will be late, otherwise you will be blocked and removed from the group. It is up to you to catch up. This may not be possible for some events.

Start your day with calm, clarity, and connection. This is a **gentle walk** through Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens — ideal if you’ve been feeling stressed, disconnected, or just need a fresh start. We’ll move at a slow, mindful pace, take in nature, chat if we feel like it, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Route: https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/3847 This isn’t a workout or a photography tour — though you’re welcome to take photos. It’s simply a **reset** — a way to feel human again, without pressure. **☕ Optional:** Coffee after the walk **🎒 Bring:** Comfy shoes, water, optional camera or journal **🧠 Mood:** Gentle, quiet, open to connection but no pressure to talk

**WALK DESCRIPTION:** These two walks could well be full of surprises - like all of our Melbourne Bushies walks can be! Both walks are through geographically and historically significant areas to the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Both walks begin along stretches of well-formed tracks with intermittent patches of surf and beach culture. The 18km option - a first time for our club hikers - starts by going to the panoramic views of the Barwon Heads bluff. Maybe from then on expect a fast paced walk. The 15km walk is an easy one, with a few inclines. This one I think is a chat and walk, catch up with old and new MBW friends. We eventually pass lighthouses that have guided ships through the treacherous Heads for many decades, with both walks finishing at Queenscliff's historic fort that guards the bay's entrance. Both walks will be on a variety of walking tracks - sand (mostly soft, but some will be firm sand I hope!), some on paved path then finishing off on an enchanting scrub track that leads us to the Queenscliff lighthouse, where both walks end with spectacular views of the bay. Finally, no promises, but we saw a pod of dolphins off Point Lonsdale on the preview walk. You may wish to bring along a half frozen bottle of your choice to leave on the bus to rehydrate after your walk. A reminder to bring a change of footwear for the trip back, because muddy boots leave marks on the bus that our club pays to have cleaned. Please note that at this time of year there is always a possibility of encountering snakes, and appropriate leg covering is recommended. As the weather can be warm at this time of year, **please carry at least 2 litres of water.** . **DISTANCE(S):** 15km and 18km . **TOTAL ASCENT(S):** 100m Rise and 200m Rise . **GRADINGS:** Easy and Medium **Easy (E):** Walking mostly on tracks or in open country, with possibly some stretches of light scrub. Few hills and adequate rest stops. Distances may be up to 15km in flat open terrain but will be shorter if scrub or significant hills are involved. **Medium (M):** Consistent walking on tracks or in open bushland, usually with patches of thicker scrub, several moderate climbs, and/or rock hopping. Distances up to about 22kms with reasonable rest stops. A good level of fitness and walking experience is required. **.** **PLEASE NOTE:** Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below). . **HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:** (a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus. (b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk. (c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking. (d) The costs for the walk are $30 bus fare plus $10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers. . **OUR CLUBROOMS:** Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm. . **CONTACT US:** To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response. **.** **CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK?** No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus. . **IMPORTANT TO KNOW:** Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php . **WHAT TO BRING:** A day pack containing: \* Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack. \* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather. \* An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short). \* Whistle, pencil and paper. \* Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit. \* A change of footwear for the trip back. . **DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER?** The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover. . **MORE DETAILS:** The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things: (a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt; (b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met. (c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee ($10) and bus fee ($30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received. . **DAY WALKS BY BUS** with Melbourne Bushwalkers: https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php

***FREE TOUR TICKET FOR ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MEETUP MEMBERS*** Use Promo Code **MEETUP2025** to get your free ticket and route smart guide at [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197) You can do the tour solo/with your favorite peeps, or try to generate a group ride of Meetup CycleNuts by RSVPing here and posting the day and time you are interested in others joining you. Either way, have fun on your memory-making adventure, and thank you for being a CycleNut! ### SOL in Columbus, OH \- A Smart\-guided Short One\-way Loop Bikeway Tour Short One-way Loop (SOL) in Columbus on bikeways. The smart-guided tour is mostly through scenic riverside parks with a quick downtown peek. All of that in 10 miles! 83% of the route is bikeway, and the rest is Google Maps designated "bicycle-friendly roads". This short ride passes through several beautiful riverside parks. Passing through downtown the route runs alongside Huntington Park baseball stadium, Nationwide Arena hockey stadium, near North Market (worth a stop if you enjoy markets with lots of tasty treats), within a few blocks of the state capitol, convention center, art museum, center of science and industry, several first-class hotels, and much more (see Points of Interest list below). Easily, anywhere along the way, the tour can be detoured to nearby points of interest. This smart-guided route comes with CycleNuts' 50% downhill guarantee. Sweating is optional. If your bike has gears, you might use them to climb in a few spots. All bikes are appropriate for this smart-guided tour (even a single-speed if you do not mind walking your bike up the spots mentioned). The route is shaded about 50% of the way. Sweating is optional - you set your pace, starting time, and touring agenda. Points of interest: COSI Scioto River North Market German Village The Scioto Mile Brewery District Huntington Park Nationwide Arena Columbus Union Station Arch Greater Columbus Convention Center **The Meetup plan = Show up, Rally with whoever else shows up, and Roll following the smart-guided instructions.** This is a smart guided tour route that can be ridden any day or time, solo or with others. It is only posted with a repeating set time and date with a tour leader to fit the Meetup format, and, more importantly, to encourage you to get out and ride when it is convenient for you. **If you are going to ride it and would like the company of others, then simply RSVP and post in the comments when it is that you are going to ride - date and time.** Take pictures/videos and share. Have fun! ***This is a repeating event on the calendar***\*, but the date and time do not necessarily need to be what is posted. **If you are interested in riding with a group, then simply RSVP and leave a message in the comment section** giving the date and time you would like others to join you. If you are interested in riding by yourself or with your private group of friends, then simply do it.\* ***The mission of this format is to create a catalog*** *of free group tour routes available for CycleNuts to ride as a group, or solo, in an area spanning several states. **The goal is to get people out cycling** either in groups or solo. **The vision is a cycling community with resources** available for bike tours, bike talk, and a format for lives experienced at the speed of bike.*

[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. * 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).

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

**History** The Columbus Museum of Art traces its roots to 1878, when it was founded as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, becoming the first art museum chartered in Ohio. A group of civic leaders established it to bring touring exhibitions and build a public collection. In 1887, it merged with the Columbus Art School (now CCAD) fostering a long partnership in arts education. Initially without a permanent home, the museum operated from temporary spaces until 1919, when art patron Francis C. Sessions deeded his Victorian mansion on East Broad Street to house the growing institution. As collections expanded in the early 20th century, the need for a dedicated building became clear. The Sessions mansion was demolished, and a new Italian Renaissance Revival structure was erected on the same site, opening to the public in 1931. This elegant building, with its grand steps and arches, remains the museum's core today and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Key early acquisitions, like the Ferdinand Howald Collection of modernist works, helped establish its focus on American and European art. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the museum evolved significantly. It added the Ross Wing in 1974 for exhibitions and renamed itself the Columbus Museum of Art in 1978 during its centennial. A major renovation and expansion completed in 2015 introduced the Margaret M. Walter Wing and Center for Creativity, emphasizing interactive experiences. In 2018, the donation of the Pizzuti Collection and its Short North building expanded the museum's reach into contemporary art, solidifying its role as a dynamic cultural hub. The Columbus Museum of Art boasts a strong collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century European modern art, featuring well-known masters like Claude Monet, whose Impressionist landscapes capture light and atmosphere in ways familiar to many. Visitors can also encounter works by Henri Matisse, renowned for his bold use of color, and Edgar Degas, famous for his graceful depictions of ballerinas and everyday scenes. The museum's early Cubist holdings include pieces by Pablo Picasso, offering glimpses into his revolutionary fragmented style that reshaped modern art. On the American side, the collection highlights iconic figures such as Edward Hopper, whose evocative paintings of urban solitude and quiet American life are widely recognized, and Norman Rockwell, celebrated for his heartfelt illustrations of everyday Americana that have appeared on countless magazine covers. These accessible works by household-name artists provide an inviting entry point for those new to art museums, blending European innovation with distinctly American storytelling. **Summary** For this event, we will tour the [Columbus Museum of Art](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/), which is always free on Sundays. Afterward, we will head over to the nearby, highly-rated, and popular Gemüt Biergarten for drinks and food. Columbus's art museum is not large, and we won't need to rush through in order to see everything. However, it's a little windy (with a long "i") and maze-like in spots, and if you've never gone through it before, it can be a little confusing at first. **Tickets and Pricing** The Museum is free on Sundays. **Parking** The short answer here is that you can park for free (in the Safe Auto lot) when you visit the Museum on weekends. The longer answer is that the Museum has a dedicated parking lot, whose entrance and exit are on E Gay St, just north of Broad St. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus+Museum+Of+Art+Parking/@39.9648853,-82.9882364,18.67z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x883888d20177f111:0xbf595a71d9d8c8c5!2sColumbus+Museum+of+Art!8m2!3d39.9642074!4d-82.9878972!16zL20vMDM0Z3F6!3m5!1s0x883888d21f05e00f:0xb72a56e4ac2d4fba!8m2!3d39.9651763!4d-82.9881746!16s%2Fg%2F11f3pdx3tx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). This parking has normally been $7, unless you buy something either in the Museum's gift shop or café, in which case it's $5 (you have to bring your receipt to the Museum's front desk to get this discount). However, the Museum is currently in the process of upgrading their parking lot's intercom (or some such), and until such time as this is completed, parking in this lot is free. Once this upgrade is complete, though, the charge is likely to increase from $7 to $10. This upgrade is supposed to be done by the time we run this event, but given how these things work, I wouldn't be totally surprised if it's not complete by then. You'll know the lot is free if the gate arms to both the entrance and exit are fixed in a raised position when you arrive. However, there's a large parking lot for Safe Auto on the other side of N Washington Ave, between Boone St and Hutton Pl. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'54.4%22N+82%C2%B059'13.9%22W/@39.9651069,-82.9884087,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.965105!4d-82.987191?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Visitors to the Museum may always park for free in this lot on weekends. **The End of History** After completing our dissertation in [Art Appreciation](https://www.facebook.com/groups/879880336006462/posts/1734229683904852/), we'll head over to the highly-rated [Gemüt Biergarten](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/#full-menu). The brewery is located in [Olde Towne East](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Olde+Towne+East,+Columbus,+OH/@39.9600896,-82.9935095,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c29b9d98cb:0x55fc96810facc832!8m2!3d39.9579938!4d-82.9761254!16s%2Fm%2F026vlz4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D), and its actual address is [734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/734+Oak+St,+Columbus,+OH+43205/@39.9633755,-82.9808618,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c53426d289:0x4aec638d8a5195d4!8m2!3d39.9633755!4d-82.9808618!16s%2Fg%2F11c4wy250w?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Gemüt Biergarten has a free parking lot that isn't small but also isn't huge. Street parking, however, is always free across Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf), so I think we'll be okay with parking. The bigger issue may be the weather. The brewery has a good-sized outdoor patio that is covered and heated in the winter. However, that doesn't mean this patio will be warm. The inside of the brewery is "okay-sized," but again, the brewery is popular and by the time we get there, we may have no choice but to sit outside. If it's cold, I can and will ask them to fire up some of their additional outdoor heaters, which I think should be enough, but please bring something to keep you warm just in case we end up outside. Finally, while food at the Biergarten can be a little overpriced, in my experience it is excellent, and you are likely to enjoy whatever you get. We should be there by 1:00 if you can't make the Museum and just want to meet us for drinks.