Dog Days of Summer
by Danielle DeCamp and Kelly James | Apr 30, 2008
Top Ten Hot Spots for You and Your Pup
10. Pet-friendly hotels
For our suburban friends looking for a weekend getaway to the city, we recommend the following: The Drake Hotel (140 E. Walton); Four Seasons (120 E. Delaware); Ritz-Carlton (160 E. Pearson); W Hotel City Center (172 W. Adams); Sofitel (20 E. Chestnut); House of Blues Hotel (333 N. Dearborn); Marriott Hotel (540 N. Michigan); Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe.) These are a few of the fur-friendly hotels in the Windy City. Some even offer some pet-pampering! We especially love Hotel Monaco (225 N. Wabash) because they offer the PAWS Chicago Pet Package, which includes pet beds, treats, walking service and more, PLUS they donate 10% of the proceeds to PAWS Chicago’s No Kill shelter!
9. Festivals Classic Chicago in the summer!
Outdoor festivals, like the Wells Street Art Fair, the Newberry Festival of the Arts, the Oz Festival and the Printer’s Row Book Fair are a few options. As exciting as the ambiance is, watch that it does not get too loud or too crowded, when your canine companions much prefer the safety of home.
8. Farmer’s Markets
A favorite Saturday morning summer tradition is a walk or jog over to the Green City Market in Lincoln Park near the zoo, one of the many farmer’s markets throughout the city. Your pet will enjoy the homemade biscuits while you can peruse the fresh, organic merchandise.
7. Shopping on Armitage & Halsted
If you love to shop, your pet would love to accompany you. Most of the boutiques along Armitage & Halsted welcome your pets and provide water or treats. Be sure to visit PAWS Chicago’s Angels with Tails adoption event on August 24, when homeless pets take over. And remember, supporting local businesses, boutiques and charities is the best way to help sustain our local economy.
6. K9 Cruises with Mercury Cruise Line
All Aboard! Dogs and their owners can enjoy a cruise along the Chicago River with the wind in their hair, all the while learning great facts about Chicago’s amazing architecture. Board the boat at lower Michigan Avenue, Sundays at 10 a.m.
5. Wiggly Field
After a long Chicago winter of lounging around the house, Wiggly Field is a great place to shed those extra pounds. Located at 2645 N. Sheffield, it’s always clean and filled with dogs of all shapes and sizes—and there’s lots of space to play.
4. Training/Running on the Lakefront
Taking your dog for a fun run along the lakefront can be a great exercise for both of you. Just be attentive so that your pet doesn’t overheat (see page 19.) While your pup may be excited to be with you outside, he won’t always know when to stop for a break. Make sure you stop frequently in shade and give your friend a rest and some water. If it’s too hot outside, think twice before inviting him along and avoid mid-day hours.
One fantastic way to put your jogging efforts to good use is to join the PAWS Chicago Marathon Team. Joining the team allows you to raise money to save homeless pets, while giving you a team environment, enrollment in the CARA (Chicago Area Runner’s Association) 18-week training program and one-year membership, a pre-race Pawsta Party, post-race parties, and more! (See page 74.) Visit www.pawschicago.org for more details.
3. Dog Beaches
Once you’ve exercised your body back to its swim-suit-ready shape at Wiggly, you’ll have to hit Chicago’s everpopular doggy beach at the Montrose Beach, just off the Wilson exit on Lake Shore Drive. What could be better than sun, sand, and swimming?
2. Doggie Dining & Happy Hours
Don’t forget the new legislation that permits dogs to dine in outdoor patios! (See page 18.) We love both O’Briens restaurants (1528 N. Wells and on the river at Wabash and Wacker) with all their outdoor space, but don’t forget places like Tarantino’s on Armitage, close to PAWS Chicago’s Adoption & Humane Center, and other neighborhood spots that have outdoor seating in the summer. Just be sure to call ahead because each establishment must have a special license that makes their outdoor area pet-friendly. If your favorite hot spot doesn’t allow pets, talk with management about securing the license from the city for all to enjoy! On Wednesday nights we can also swing by Joe’s on Weed Street for their weekly, dog-friendly happy hour.
1. PAWS Chicago’s All PAWS on Deck Beach Party
Paws down, the number one, best event of the summer is PAWS Chicago’s Annual Beach Party, All Paws On Deck! Don’t miss it Thursday, July 17th at 6 p.m. at Castaways at the North Avenue Beach House. Pups and people alike can dance the night away, enjoy the silent auction and dine on a great beachy dinner buffet and frozen tropical drinks. This is the highlight of the season!
There are so many places to play, sit, eat and stay, making Chicago the most dog-friendly city in America! Be sure to enjoy all that Chicago summers have to offer you and your best friend.