CHICAGO — Amtrak announced this week that will permanently allow pets on board its Downstate-to-Chicago train routes — but what sort of tourism options does the Windy City offer dogs?
We've got some ideas for ways to treat your dog to a vacation, for both out-of-towners and Chicagoans looking for a stay-cation.
Note that Amtrak only allows dogs and cats under 20 pounds to travel.
WHERE TO STAY
The Talbott Hotel, 20 E. Delaware Place, is exceptionally dog-friendly, and a new $365 package called "Pampered Pooch and You" allows you to get a massage alongside your dog.
A few other hotels that allow pets are the Burnham Hotel at 1 W. Washington St.; Hotel Monaco at 225 N. Wabash Ave.; and Hotel Allegro at 171 W. Randolph St.
HOW TO GET THERE
Amtrak trains pull into Union Station at Jackson and Canal. Hotels that seem close may still be a bit of a hike for the little legs of a dog of less than 20 pounds, so you can either hop on the CTA, which allows pets in small carriers, or jump in a cab. Some Lyft drivers will accept pets, just call your driver right after ordering a ride, or flag down a cab to see if they'll take you and your extremely well-mannered pet for a short ride (with a nice tip, of course).
WINE & DINE
TimeOut has collected a great selection of restaurants with dog-friendly patios in the city. Near Downtown are 312 Chicago, 136 N. La Salle St.; Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave.; Bull and Bear, 431 N. Wells St.; Harry Caray's Tavern at Navy Pier; Hub 51, 51 W. Hubbard St.; and Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St. to name a few.
SHOP
Nordstrom at 55 E. Grand Ave. is dog-friendly, so search for some human items before heading north and a bit off the Mag Mile to find Tails in the City, an upscale pet boutique at 1 E. Delaware Place.
TAKE A WALK
Head to Lincoln Park and the lakefront for shore-line views, long walking trails and expansive grass lawns, or stay in the Loop and visit Grant Park Dog Park to get some off-leash time and to mingle with other pups.
SAIL AWAY
Between July and October, Mercury River Cruises charters Canine Cruises. The 1½-hour tour departs at 10:15 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays and is $8 for a pooch, but $31 for adult humans. One restroom onboard has a toilet, the other has newspaper. Dogs can also ride aboard Seadog cruises.
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