Sunday, January 10, 2010

These are a few of my favorite things....#1



Jackson Park & Osaka Garden: A huge park that begins at the Museum of Science and Industry and extends south into the Southshore and Woodlawn neighborhoods, Jackson Park is probably the closest thing Chicago has to New York's Central Park (and was, FYI, designed by the same guys). What makes it so wonderful is that, once you're inside, you feel completely cut off from the bustle of the city. It is quiet and peaceful, a great spot for birdwatching, and full of beautiful flora and fauna. There is a big lagoon (where you can fish!) that stretches out from the majestic back entrance of the museum and, forgive me for being cheesy, looks like a moat around a castle. If you walk deeper into the park, you'll also stumble across the strange-but-beautiful, 24ft high gold Statue of the Republic.

The highlight of the park, though, is Osaka garden which sits on Wooded Island. To try to sum it up, it's a classic Japanese strolling garden, complete with bridges, a pagoda, shady trees and rolling hills. It's a perfect place to bring a book or to just sit and think. I think only pictures can truly do it justice, so see below.


Thanks to Jim Watkins for the beautiful pictures of Osaka Garden. Find him on Flickr.

1 comment:

  1. that bridge in Osaka garden is considerably steeper than it looks. Be careful or you'll philosophize yourself right into the lagoon. :-)

    love the blog!

    ReplyDelete