US Botanical Gardens Christmas Trains & Lighthouses

There we were with all the nannies and their wards. Monday morning is a great time to see a lot of exhibits on the Mall right afterThanksgiving and right before Christmas. And so it was at the US Botanical Gardens to see the trains, ships, and lighthouses. Everything in this wonderful place is made out of plant material which makes it all the more interesting. The trains come in all different shapes and sizes, and approach you head on, behind and overhead. The dragon train was quite unusual. And for the little ones there is a very low hanging ceiling/walkthrough space with portholes and crabs and octopus. You don't need to be young to spend time here, but there is definitely something about kids and trains. When you're done visiting the trains, don't forget to check out the main hall with plant made monuments surrounded by beautiful flowers and the giant Christmas tree with the Charles Dickens - like Capitol Hill neighborhood beneath it. When we lived in Milwaukee we spent a day or two in Chicago this time of year. It's all about getting in to the spirit of the season regardless where you live.