it’s still february in chicago – THINK SPRING

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This is going to be a short post. I have to switch gears to my tour guide business since I’ve gotten quite busy early this year. Also, I’m working on creating a few new routes. Check out my tour routes & reviews. Click here & search for Mimi in Chicago.

Yes, it’s still February in Chicago, but we’ve been very lucky this year. It’s been a pretty mild winter so far. Fingers crossed, but don’t even think we are out of the woods yet. Here are some suggestions to help you THINK SPRING.

the power of flowers

These flower shows are a great distraction for winter-weary Chicagoans right about now. Here are a few to choose from.

lincoln park conservatory

Around since the late 1800s, the Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a longtime oasis for Chicagoans. It’s a lovely place to visit all-year-round but especially in the winter months when the tropical warmth & lushness are much needed. Do you have a green thumb? Apartment dweller but don’t have any gardening space? You are in luck. They are looking for volunteers. Click here for information. I volunteered when I lived in the neighborhood. It was a great experience. I learned a lot while giving back.

garfield park conservatory

Garfield Conservatory is one of the largest conservatories that showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Spring Flower Show: Golden Hour is on exhibit from Friday, February 14 through Sunday, May 10, 2020.

Celebrate the return of spring once again at Garfield Park Conservatory! Our annual Spring Flower Show attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year, lifting spirits with a sneak peek of the coming spring bloom! The 2020 exhibit “Golden Hour” will celebrate the golden light of dawn and dusk with colorful displays of azalea, hydrangea, and calibrachoa. Special features this year include immense hanging baskets overflowing with spring flowers, and two rope-art displays depicting the vibrant rays of the sun.

everything orchids

Love orchids? Me too but I admit I am an orchid killer. I’ve tried numerous times to keep them alive but I guess I should just admire them from afar. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe has a myriad of orchid programs to help you THINK SPRING. Click here for details.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show 2020 at Navy Pier

The annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier takes place March 18-22, 2020. Click here for discounted tickets.

From the event website, The tradition of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show can be traced back to 1847 when it was created as an exhibition of prized fruits and flowers. Today the Chicago Flower & Garden Show is all about inspiring, educating and motivating the next generation of gardeners. Whether in a backyard, kitchen or rooftop, this is where green lovers and families go to discover ideas while having fun.

So join us when we welcome spring after a long and cold Chicago winter. We look forward to wowing you with new life-sized gardens, how-to workshops and instructional seminars that will give you a reason to enjoy the greener side of Chicago.

From the event organizer, A new decade brings a new vision and new focus to the 2020 Chicago Flower & Garden Show presented by 811 Chicago and Peoples Gas. With more than 700 plant varieties, 75+ educational classes, free kids activities, and 20 life-size garden displays, you’ll be ready to take on the decade with a greener focus. Enjoy an interactive live butterfly habitat, a houseplant “jungalo”, a consumer safety and awareness education garden, art displays in garden habitats and an inaugural American Quilter’s Society garden featuring 75 award-winning quilts. Flowers for Dreams will host a cut floral market and succulent garden container make-n-take workshops too! There will be special programs showcasing houseplants, small space design, parkways and pollinators, plus the Kids Activity Garden featuring 10 free activities. And you’ll want to shop the expanded Home & Garden Marketplace all at Chicago’s Navy Pier Festival Halls. Click here for details.

macy’s flower show 2020

Macy’s Flower Show takes place from March 22 to April 5, 2020. Not sure what the theme is but I’m sure it will be spectacular. Last year’s show was Journey to Paradisios Operation:Inspiration. It was a tale about an out of this world adventure. Read the story here.

I am an independent tour guide and Macy’s is one of my clients. Besides giving Historic, Educational & Holiday Traditions tours, I especially look forward to giving Flower Show tours every year. Did you know it started as a fragrance promotion in the cosmetics department in San Francisco back in 1946?

Here is my post from Macy’s 2018 Flower Show.

free February museum days

Are you taking advantage of the free February museum days? It’s still February and some museums for Illinois residents are still free. Check my post here for details.

chicago theatre week

You still have another week to check out Chicago Theatre Week. It runs through February 23, 2020. Here’s my post with more details. Click here for discounted tickets from Goldstar.

Yes, it’s still February in Chicago meaning it’s still winter but I hope you check out my suggestions to help you THINK SPRING.