I'm an avid outdoors enthusiast, and when possible, accompanied by my loyal Labrador retriever, Cache. Together, we explore nature's wonders, and go on many geocaching, hiking, kayaking and camping adventures. Always taking the time to scout out pet-friendly restaurants and other locations wherever our travels take us.

Stopped by Cone Cottage in Crete for a quick treat.! The ice cream was tasty and the prices were fair for what you get. The place has a classic small-town feel, and the staff was friendly enough. What really made the stop fun was that they offered a doggie sundae, which our dog, Cache, absolutely loved! It’s always nice to find a spot that thinks of the four-legged family members too. Nothing fancy, but a solid choice on a warm day if you're in the area. Would visit again!

5-Star Review for Craft’d in Plainfield
We had a fantastic experience at Craft’d in Plainfield! One of the biggest highlights for us was their dog-friendly patio, which made it easy to include our yellow lab, Cache, in the outing. The staff didn’t just allowed dogs—they welcomed them. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, immediately offering Cache a water bowl and asking if he’d like something from their dedicated dog menu (yes, they have a dog menu!).
As for the human meals—absolutely delicious. From start to finish, the service was friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the food hit the spot.
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a bite and include your four-legged friend, Craft’d is top-notch. We’ll definitely be back!

We've only ever used the walk-in nail trim service at Glitz and Glamour Dog Grooming, and every visit has been smooth and stress-free. Our dog, Cache, isn’t exactly a fan of nail trims, but the staff handles it quickly and efficiently... usually having us out and on our way in just a few minutes. It's a great deal, especially for the convenience and care they provide.
And while Cache might not love the nail trim itself, he definitely perks up afterward when he sees the treats for sale at the counter! It’s turned into a little reward tradition, and he never forgets to sniff them out.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a hassle-free grooming stop with friendly service and happy dogs.

Hammel Woods Dog Park in Shorewood, IL, is a fantastic destination for dog owners seeking a spacious and well-maintained off-leash area. The park offers separate enclosures for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for canines of all sizes.
The park features open grassy areas, wooded sections with walking paths, and shaded spots, providing diverse settings for dogs to explore and play. Amenities such as benches and a shelter offer comfort for pet owners as they supervise their dogs.
For the most part, I have found the community to be friendly. Regulars at the park are positive and welcoming, creating a pleasant atmosphere for both dogs and their owners.
Please note that a permit is required to use the off-leash dog area, but it's absolutely worth it. Permits can be obtained through the Forest Preserve District of Will County, with options for annual or daily passes. Park rangers periodically check for permits to ensure compliance.
In addition to the dog park, Hammel Woods offers multi-purpose trails, campsites, picnic shelters, and access to the DuPage River for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, making it a versatile spot for various recreational activities.
Overall, Hammel Woods Dog Park provides a secure and inviting environment for dogs to socialize and exercise, complemented by a range of amenities that cater to both pets and their owners. It's a highly recommended spot for those in the Shorewood area.

Whalon Lake Dog Park in Naperville, IL is a fantastic spot for dog owners seeking a safe, spacious, and well-kept off-leash area. The park includes separate sections for large and small dogs, which helps create a more comfortable and secure environment for pups of all sizes to play freely.
Beyond the dog park itself, the surrounding Whalon Lake preserve offers scenic walking trails, open green space, and lake access—perfect for a relaxing stroll before or after your dog’s off-leash time.
The park community is generally friendly and welcoming. Regulars tend to look out for one another, creating a positive atmosphere for both dogs and their humans.
Keep in mind that a valid permit is required to use the off-leash dog area. Permits are available for purchase either annually or as a daily pass, and park rangers do regularly check to make sure all dogs are properly registered.
All in all, Whalon Lake Dog Park is a great place for dogs to socialize and burn off energy. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it’s well worth a visit!

We recently visited Ella’s Italian Pub in Geneva and had a mostly enjoyable experience, with a few bumps along the way—though to be fair, it was very early in the season for patio service.
After being seated outside with our dog, it took quite a while before any staff came by, leaving us uncertain if we were even going to be waited on. We had asked for water and a bowl for our pup, but no one followed up. Eventually, we had to repurpose another departing canine guest’s bowl so our dog could stay hydrated. There were no dog-friendly menu items available either, which would’ve been a nice touch for a patio that clearly allows pets.
That said, the food for the human guests was excellent! We especially enjoyed the Roman-style pizza—it was crisp, flavorful, and prepared excellently. The real surprise of the day was discovering their Sunday special: half-price pizzas! That definitely made the wait a little easier to forgive and turned out to be a great deal.
With a bit more attention to outdoor service and pet-friendliness, Ella’s could easily become a go-to spot. We’ll likely be back to try it again later in the season when the patio crew has hit their stride.

The food here is absolutely delicious, but the standout for me was the pastrami. It was perfectly seasoned, tender, and bursting with flavor. Every bite was a delight, and it's clear that a lot of care and attention goes into preparing their dishes.
Another nice aspect of Station One is their patio. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal, especially on a sunny day. The best part? It’s pet-friendly! I brought my dog along, and it was so nice to have a place where we could both relax and enjoy the day. While there isn’t a specific pet menu, However, my dog, Cache, was more than happy to share a little of what I was having.
Overall, Station One has a great combination of amazing food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you're visiting Downtown Plainfield and looking for a great place to eat, I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a fan of top-notch pastrami and want to enjoy a meal with your pet.

Hazel Marie's in Plainfield, IL is a delightful gem right in the heart of Downtown. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor offers a nostalgic atmosphere and a wide variety of delicious flavors to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic vanilla or something more adventurous, like my favorite - Fat Elvis, Hazel Marie's has you covered.
What makes Hazel Marie's stand out even more is that they are pet-friendly. They offer a special "pup-cup" of ice cream topped with a dog treat, which my dog, Cache, absolutely loved. It’s wonderful to see a place that not only caters to humans but also offer a little something for our pets. The outside patio is also equipped with a water dish, ensuring your pet stays hydrated and happy while you enjoy your ice cream.
Overall, Hazel Marie's provides a great experience with its charming ambiance, diverse ice cream selection, and thoughtful pet-friendly touches. It’s a perfect spot for both ice cream lovers and pet owners alike. Highly recommend stopping by for a sweet treat!

Goofee G's in Crest Hill, IL is a nice locally owned place that has become a favorite of mine. This homemade ice cream shop offers an array of delicious flavors.
The large outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying your treat on a sunny day, and the convenience of both a drive-thru and a walk-up window makes it easy to get your ice cream fix; however, you prefer. Whether you're grabbing a quick treat on the go or planning to sit and savor your ice cream, Goofee G's has you covered.
One of the best features of Goofee G's is its pet-friendly atmosphere. They offer a special "pup-cup" of ice cream topped with a dog treat, which my dog absolutely loves. It’s wonderful to have a place where both you and your furry friend can enjoy a tasty treat together.
Overall, Goofee G's offers a delightful experience with its homemade ice cream, ample outdoor seating, and thoughtful pet-friendly touches. It's a perfect spot for ice cream lovers and pet owners alike. Highly recommend stopping by and supporting this fantastic local business!

Joey's Red Hots in Crest Hill, IL has meet my expectations, time after time. The quick-serve meals were not only delicious but also perfectly executed; the hot dogs, Italian beef and Philly sandwiches are always flavorful and satisfying. Also, the pet-friendly outdoor seating, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with my four-legged friend. Joey's Red Hots combines good food with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for a casual meal.

B.A.S.H. Burger and Sushi House is a great restaurant. We enjoyed their deliciously crafted burgers with every bite, while the pet-friendly covered patio adds an extra dimension of charm while dining, welcoming our furry companion to join in the fun. Our dog was given a bowl of water, which our server made sure to refill. With delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and pets, B.A.S.H. is a must-visit destination for foodies and pet lovers alike.

Bar K offers the ultimate paradise for both dogs and their owners alike. With a super friendly and helpful staff along with its expansive indoor/outdoor dog park where pups can romp and socialize freely, and a pet-friendly restaurant serving up delicious fare for both human and dog alike, it's a haven for canine companions and their human counterparts. Whether you're looking to enjoy a meal and some drinks with your furry friend by your side or simply want to let your pup burn off some energy, Bar K delivers an unparalleled experience that's sure to leave tails wagging with delight.

Cherry Bomb Sweets is very dog friendly, not only offering sweet treats for your pet, but invites them in and right up to the counter. There is plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy some ice cream with your dog.