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Chicagoans weary of the bitter cold that makes ears crunchy and noses red should stop by the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The wet air kisses dry skin as eyes accustomed to the greys of winter readjust to absorb the bright spectrum of greens. The Conservatory, completed in 1895, is home to everything from lobster claws to Swiss cheese and we’re only talking about plants. Don’t miss the oldest palm tree on site which was grown from seeds collected on an expedition to Brazil in 1926. According to Conservatory legend, another palm outgrew the space and broke through the glass ceiling. Sauntering through this domed glass structure can boost your random horticulture knowledge. Who knew that vanilla beans are the fruit of an orchid or that Indian business people make deals under Banyan trees. There is little risk of running into a picture-crazed wedding party on a weekday but free tours only run on the weekends. You decide.
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