Only In Your State

1 day ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

Once Memorial Day hits, I trade in my daydreams of bluebird ski days for lacing up my hiking shoes and napping on the beach. As someone who currently lives between the Midwest and Germany (quite a difference, I know), I'm uniquely equipped to point out excellent "European dupes" in the United States. One such dupe is Mackinac Island State Park in Michigan.

1 day ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

Who says scary movies are only for October? At this horror-themed Airbnb in Indianapolis, Indiana, Halloween is every day. The eerie decor of the vacation rental is filled with everything from spooky murals of the infamous Scream villain to a hidden Chucky doll from Child’s Play. If you’re a lover of all things unearthly, a stay at the Black House is for you. Photo courtesy of AirbnbAdding to the odd allure, the building was originally the Fountain Square Dental Clinic.

1 day ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

It sometimes feels cliché, but after visiting more than 30 countries, I still say that Italy is my favorite country to visit. I believe my love affair with pizza and red wine stemmed from watching the 2010 rom-com Letters to Juliet. While Italy may be a bit far for a weekend adventure, this Tuscany-like castle and vineyard vacation rental in Cleveland, Wisconsin, is a good substitute.

1 day ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

While I’m a major outdoors girl, I still like to rest my head on a comfortable bed and enjoy a shower after a long day on the trails. That’s where Under Canvas Mount Rushmore comes in. It's just a ten-minute drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and you’ll be spoiled with everything from organic bath products to West Elm furnishings at this luxury campground in South Dakota. Photo by Under C.

1 day ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Cait Kontalis

I've been visiting White Pines Forest State Park since before I could walk. Located about two hours from downtown Chicago, my parents took our family there multiple weekends a summer and well into the fall. Even today, when I smell charcoal, I'm instantly transported back to being a child rollerblading around our campsites or catching my first crayfish in the park's Pine Creek. As the park is just a modest 385 acres, one would think it would be hard to get away from other campers.