PET FRIENDLY University of Chicago

But what we really love most is Quasimodo Rockefeller, the Chapel Cat at the campus's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, called Modo for short. He even has his own Facebook page, and they sell a plush toy Modo in the school store!

Chicago is a wonderful walking city; with its wide open sidewalks, it's a great city to see on foot with your best friend beside you. And when your pooch needs to stretch her legs, Chicago has a ton of off leash dog parks for you to visit, 24 in total in neighborhoods throughout the city. To use them, your dog will need to get a permit and a tag issued through a participating vet; yes, it's a bit of inconvenience but well worth the effort if you'll be visiting your student on a regular basis.

Two of our favorites are Bartelme Dog Park on South Sagamon, a sunken park (very cool) with artificial grass and a beautiful infinitely refilling water bowl/fountain, and Belmont Harbor Beach Dog Park, located at Belmont and Lake Shore Drive.

And when you've worked up an appetite, there are plenty of dog friendly restaurant to choose from in Chicago. Howells & Hood has a fantastic dog friendly sidewalk patio that is the perfect place to people watch with your pup, sipping one of their 119 craft beers or five Mules (we're partial to the Kentucky Mule, made with bourbon, lime juice, bitters, and ginger beer) or one of their other cocktails. And we love their menu, from the Kung Pao Cauliflower to their meatloaf served with an IPA gravy to the Ahi Tuna Chopped Salad.

Mott St. is another favorite, with a high-flavor ethnically eclectic menu we can't get enough of, whether it be the Wok-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Lamb Pancetta, Kimchi Empanadas with Chimichurri Creme Fraiche, Mussel Hot Pot, or Bone Marrow served with black rice. They've also got a crazy brunch menu that includes such items as Pork Belly Benedict, Coconut Pancakes, and Black Bean Shrimp & Grits.