Tracy

Beeker & i came out one friday night on a whim & had a great date night! the patio is decent sized & fenced off which is always nice for that little extra security. big parking lot, the road is busy, but not super noisy. they immediately offer garlic knots & marinara which was delish, and Beeks was given a nice big tin of water by friendly staff. would come again! 🐾

Beeks & i did the silver lake trail today - 3.5 miles that goes around the lake, through woods, fields, and near the park. and the wooded paths had the most broken glass i’ve ever seen on a trail, for a good 3/4 of a mile! wont be coming back without boots for her,

There wasn’t really anywhere to walk my pup - tried to go around the building but it was really poorly lit at night. Then in the morning, woke up to blaring fire alarm. Got my pup harnessed up quickly, tried to get downstairs - nobody was telling anybody what as going on. I ran downstairs without any shoes on, and some people were just calmly eating breakfast. And there was no one at the doors or outside to tell people if it was safe or not - they were just waiting out there. Turns out someone had burnt toast so they didn’t think it was a big deal. But the people who took the stairs down other exits than just the lobby were clueless.

Luckily, my mom & I both had sleep aid medications with us, because the volume from the frogs was insane! That being said, the hotel was pretty typically old, not uber clean but not super sketchy. They didn't charge us the extra dog fee, which was nice.

I think the title says it all. Went along with the stained sheets; if it wasn’t already close to midnight & I hadn’t been told this was the last available dog friendly room, I would’ve “noped” out of there. Llucky I keep blankets in the car for my pup that we could both use. 🐾

I needed a firework free night for me & my pup on New Year’s Eve. So while we got that, $215 (150 + pet fee) was an awful lot & I was never even offered a standard room (98 + pet fee) & am frustrated to realize this after the fact. Plus $50 for one dog for the night? If you don’t leave a mess, it should be refunded. They have to clean it all anyway - my pup is cleaner than teenagers or toddlers would be.

Easy on/off route 80, comfy beds, big field out back so Beeker could run around & get her crazies out after a long drive. FYI: not many nearby places to eat open at 9:30 pm. One bone deducted because they lied & eggs at breakfast were NOT gluten free. Good thing check out wasn’t til later. 🤢

I thought that for such a big park, the dog park would have some nice grassy areas to roll in. I understand that mulch & blacktop is more practical - but still... they did have a water hose hooked up & some big bowls available, which was nice on a warm day. word to the wise - while we were there, a couple had a whole spread of food at one of the picnic tables. They were locals (very friendly!), but if a no food rule inside the park rule is something your pup needs, might not be the best option.

my mom & I were in chicago for a few days & saw the boat tours were dog friendly - sure, sign me up. but wow, our tour guide was a local architecture major & it was fascinating! there were both chairs & benches to sit on, my pup (30 pounds) sat on my lap on a bench to be able to look out & feel the breeze. I get seasick easily, but this boat was smooth. there were I believe 3 other dogs on our trip as well. 5 bones for sure!

Do-Rite not only made gluten free donuts, but they handle them safely & smartly! Glove changes, separate trays - my mom who has Celiac was so excited to have her first donuts in 15 years, my pup didn't even get a nibble! Tables & Chairs outside under on a sheltered raised area. 5 bones+

Stan's offered outside tables & chairs, scrumptious donuts (I had the toffee chocolate - very sweet) and breakfast sandwiches (plant based soy sausage was delish!). one bone deducted because they said their gluten free donuts aren't handled safely enough for those with severe gluten intolerance (celiac's) to risk it. just use a different tray?!

Great way to spend a summer night - the patio is on a main road, but barely noticed the street sounds. Music played at a pleasant volume that allowed for conversation, my waffles were delicious & Beeker gave her beef & rice 2 dewclaws up! will definitely be back! ☺️