Dog's Life
City Spotlight: Chicago
By Rachel Mosteller
The Windy City isn’t just famous for its hot dogs. Chicago is also a great place to live—or visit—with your dog! From pet-friendly restaurants to boat rides, the sky is the limit for fun with your pet. In Chicago, fun with your best friend is just a hop, skip, or carriage ride away.
Montrose Dog Beach
Chicago is famous for its beaches, and Montrose Dog Beach on Lake Michigan is a year-round attraction. Whether it’s sun, sand, and water in the summer or snow during the cooler season, the city’s skyline is always in full view. Located on the northwest corner of Montrose Beach, it’s a popular spot for playing with your dog, especially during the mornings. All dogs, even out-of-state visitors, must have a special DFA (Dog Friendly Area) tag, available for purchase, to use the beach.
Wilson Avenue and Lake Michigan
www.mondog.org/wp/
Of Mutts and Men
Need to spend some time indoors? Bring your best friend to Of Mutts and Men, an off-leash indoor paradise where you both can lounge around in a comfy setting, play games, jump fences, fetch, or whatever strikes your interest together. This neighborhood spot is a great place to socialize and meet new friends.
2149 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 773-477-7171
The Antique Coach Company
Does your pooch love riding in the car? If so, he’ll have fun riding in a horse-drawn carriage, where you can both enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace. Choose from a variety of destinations, including Lincoln Park, the lakefront, and the Magnificent Mile.
700 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 773-735-9400
www.antiquecoach-carriage.com
Pauline’s
If you and your best friend are going to be out all day, start off with an old-fashioned diner-style breakfast (Pauline’s has an extensive menu, including their famous banana pancakes) out on the cozy white-picketed patio during warmer months. As your buddy laps up a bowl of water, sip their house-blend coffee.
1754 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 773-561-8573
www.paulinesbreakfast.com
Chicago Lakefront Trail
Need to stretch your legs? Try the Lakefront Trail, which offers 10 miles of paths with a great view of Chicago. You and your dog can hit the trails and watch a variety of joggers, bikers, and skaters as they cruise past Navy Pier and Soldier Field, all the while enjoying Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline.
White Sox Dog Day
Does your dog love baseball? If so, take him to his first Major League Baseball game during the Chicago White Sox Dog Day, which is held on May 20, 2009. You’ll get to sit in the left field bleachers in the designated dog section. But don’t delay, these games typically sell out early. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.whitesox.com.
333 W. 35th St., Chicago, Illinois, 866-769-4263
www.whitesox.com
Uncommon Ground
Ready for an afternoon pick-me-up with your pooch? Lounge together on Uncommon Ground’s patio while you enjoy coffee, pastries or some of their locally farmed and organic cuisine and he nibbles on dog biscuits and enjoys the house water.
1214 W. Grace St., Chicago, Illinois, 773-929-3680
www.uncommonground.com
Grace Noethling Park (Wiggly Field)
Can’t make it to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs? Then head over to Wiggly Field to see the pups. This dog park features a dog run and other perks for you and your dog. Worried about getting overheated? There’s a huge water station to keep cool. As with many Chicago dog parks, you will need to purchase a Dog-Friendly Area (DFA) tag for your pal.
2645 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 773-348-2832
