Cait Kontalis

2 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

“Time spent indoors was time wasted.” That’s a quote from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird that has stuck with me since my youth. Ever since I read that line, I adopted a firm belief that everyone should spend time outdoors, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. However, I understand that if you didn’t grow up in an “outdoorsy” family, the concept of getting outdoors is easier said than done.

2 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

As a young girl, I grew up watching reruns of John Wayne and all of his Westerns. Somewhere along the way, I became fascinated with the idea of the Old West. To me, there is no greater joy than sitting on the prairie and watching the bison roam. When I was invited to visit Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in the small town of Canton, Kansas, I jumped at the chance. Between its long-term camping capabilities and slow pace of life, this refuge is the slow travel my childhood dreams were made of.

2 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

A while ago, I convinced a gaggle of my closest friends to spend the weekend hiking at Starved Rock State Park to celebrate my birthday. To do so, I booked a stay at a rustic cabin vacation rental in North Utica, Illinois. We loaded up the car with snacks, local brews, and a plethora of Bob Ross decorations (I had a phase, okay?) and headed out on what turned out to be one of the best birthday celebrations I’ve ever had. A big part of it of it was the cabin.

2 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

Door County, Wisconsin, is easily one of my favorite places in the entire Midwest. Between its Friday fish fries, delicious cheese curds, and long history of supper clubs, it’s a beloved vacation spot for many Chicagoans like me. I’m someone who likes to get lost in nature yet still enjoys the comforts of home. The Pembrooke Inn is the perfect home base for exploring Wisconsin’s best hiking trails, yet still close to Door County’s many delicious restaurants and local activities.

2 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

Adventure is never far away when you're in the Black Hills. Tucked within the bounds of Rapid City, South Dakota, the Skyline Wilderness Area is an incredible 150 acres of undeveloped forest and meadows. Only a mile away from the famed Dinosaur Park, the wilderness area offers more than 30 trails that are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Photo by Maddie Rjabanedelia via AllTrailsThe most popular hiking trail to explore is the nearly 2-mile Skyline Wilderness.