Garfield Park Conservatory

Heading directly west from Chicago's downtown Loop, there is an outstanding garden oasis called the Garfield Park Conservatory. Having arrived in Chicago during the middle of winter the Conservatory was a welcomed retreat away from the cold. The conservatory is comprised of several large glass atriums filled with an abundant variety of plants, trees, and flowers. Several unique features to the conservatory at Garfield Park included a special atrium for children and a 'show' atrium filled with hanging inverted yellow umbrellas and special blooming plants featured by the Conservatory. For a suggested donation for $5 for adults a visit to the Conservatory was definitely worth it and I hope to go back very soon.
 

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square is also known as 'Portland's Living Room', or simply 'The bricks'. It is indeed the center of the city, which features a curving ramp that leads down into a large communal space. The annual Christmas tree lighting occurs here along with many other activities that happen all year long. Most recently there was a sandcastle building competition here, and during some summer nights they have a large projection screen to show movie classics. It's always fun to pass through or sit and people watch at Pioneer Courthouse Square.