The Lightscape program goes until January 2. Highlights of the program include the laser beam dance across the water in time to music the Winter Cathedral and the Singing Trees where music and lights are synchronized in order to make it look like the trees are singing. In keeping with Covid protocols and with an emphasis on health and safety, the outdoor illuminated trail has an all-new, one-way, 1.25-mile pathway, to avoid group gatherings and encourage social distancing. Currently, the garden is hosting Lightscape, one of its most popular programs in which artistic installations set to seasonal music come alive with thousands of twinkling lights and colors. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the garden is open every day of the year. It’s a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas. The Chicago Botanical Gardens has been a treasure in the Midwest since opening its doors in 1972. artistic installations set to seasonal music come alive with thousands of twinkling lights and colors. The Chicago Botanical Gardens is hosting Lightscape, one of its most popular programs in which. The food is so good, don’t be surprised if the plates are licked clean. The Pan Roasted Wild Striped Bass is another fan-favorite. Kids will enjoy the burger (which comes with Wisconsin cheddar cheese) as well as the thin and crispy pizza. For the mains, the Fish and Chips is a big winner, it’s served with tempura-battered cod, rainbow slaw, remoulade, charred lemon and fries.
Popular appetizers include the Midwestern Fried Chicken (made with buttermilk-marinated chicken, maple mustard glaze, dill pickle, homemade hot sauce) and the Duck Confit (made with crispy skin confit leg, watercress and frisée salad, kohlrabi, watermelon radish, cilantro, cucumber and pomegranate seeds).
Focusing on dishes that that lean into Midwestern seasonality (focusing on in-season ingredients and local flavors) The Dearborn is a nice mix of down-home favorites with a twist. The restaurant is family-owned by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless who have over 40 years of hospitality experience. Just blocks away from the Cadillac Palace Theatre in the heart of Chicago’s Loop is The Dearborn restaurant an upscale, yet family-friendly spot for pre-theater dinner.