There’s a magical festival in Wisconsin this summer that will cast a spell on attendees. A touring event called the Water Lantern Festival is coming to Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison (and possibly other cities). It promises to offer an experience like no other – a mesmerizing evening that allows participants to connect in a special and personal way. Here’s what you need to know about this summer’s Water Lantern Festival.
The event is based on a simple, yet profound idea – beautiful floating lanterns that carry special personal messages.
Each festival attendee receives a lantern kit, comprising a floating lantern, a marker for personalization, and an LED light source. All you need to do is sit back and wait for the sun to set.
As night falls, the lanterns are then carefully lit and released onto the water. They create a stunning visual display as they gently drift along the surface.
The soft glow of the lanterns, combined with their reflections on the water, creates a magical and tranquil ambiance. It’s one of the summer’s best photo opportunities.
It’s also a time for reflection. Releasing the lanterns onto the water symbolizes the release of one's aspirations, dreams, or burdens into the universe.
The Water Lantern Festival continues to add more dates and locations in Wisconsin and beyond. See the latest schedule of events on the Water Lantern Festival website. I know this is a Wisconsin summer event you won’t want to miss! There are a lot of other great festivals and events in Wisconsin this year as well. Here’s where to find them.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
For 173 years, the Wisconsin State Fair has been a celebration of the industries and agriculture that are so vital to the state's rich history as well as its future. This year, over one million guests are expected to join the fun during the 11-day festival. Special exhibits, entertainment, rides and attractions, shopping, and of course, food are prominent elements of this outstanding annual event. And speaking of food, the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair will feature exactly 100 new foods to sample! Here is just a taste (pun intended) of what you can expect:
Whether you are in the mood for innovative takes on classic Fair foods like the Hot Ham and Glazers donut sandwich or adventurous flavor combinations such as the Jalapeño Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough On-A-Stick, this year, the vendors have pulled out all the stops with mouthwatering meals and treats that are as Insta-worthy as they are delicious.
Of course, the Fair just isn’t the Fair without food on a stick, and this summer, you’ll find plenty of new options – from a Loaded Gyro Bratzel to Fried Chicken and Waffles On-A-Stick. Dessert comes on a stick, too, with a Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick.
Pickles are making quite a showing at the Fair this year, starting with “Dill”icious Tots from Knucklehead, bringing together two beloved snack foods and smothering them with bacon, chives, and a secret dill sauce. Pickle lovers will find another delicious dill-potato combo with Attavio’s Concessions’ Dill Pickle Poutine. You’ll even be able to drink your pickles with a piña colada called Pickles in Paradise and a Purple Pickle Lemonade.
Funnel cake is a Fair staple, but this year it takes on a slew of new shapes and flavors, both savory and sweet. Go savory with Cheesy Sriracha Funnel Cake Bites or Funnel Cake Root Beer Battered Cheese Curds, take the classic sweet version up a notch with a Strawberry Funnel Cake Sandwich, or experience the perfect marriage of sweet and salty with a foot-long Funnel Dog.
If you’re an Elvis fan or, more specifically, a fan of his famously favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich, make it a point to try Elvis Nachos at Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub. It’s yet another salty-sweet concoction made with potato chips drenched in peanut butter banana sauce, topped with peanuts, banana chips, and bacon.
Foodies of all kinds will be in heaven with all of the new additions to the list this year. The rolls alone will be coming in hot with the Dirty Chai Cinnamon Roll Lumpia (pictured above), Fish Fry Roll, a Jalepeño Cheese Curd Roll, and a Buffalo Chicken Dip Roll. Trust us, that’s just the beginning!
All this new food will surely make you thirsty, but not to worry! Among the exactly 100 new culinary delights at the Fair will be lots of creative and refreshing beverages. Try a Glazed Donut Coffee Float, a Key Lime Pie Iced Cooler, a Shark Attack Boba, a Strawberry Lemonjito, or a savory Summer Ceviche Mocktail – just to name a few.
The Original Cream Puff is a 100-year-old tradition at the Wisconsin State Fair, and in honor of the centennial, for the first time ever, four new Cream Puff flavors will be making their debut at the Fair! Root Beer Float, Raspberry Cheesecake, English Toffee, and Chocolate Birthday Cake Cream Puffs will each be available on select days and in limited quantities.Commemorating the year 1924, when the Original Cream Puff first came to the Wisconsin State Fair, there will be only 1,924 of these new creations available on each day. There will also be a Cream Puff Soda at Sodalish in celebration of the 100th anniversary.
Perhaps the summer’s greatest food competition, Sporkies and Drinkies, will once again crown a winner in each category. Out of 57 total entries, eight incredible foods and four refreshing beverages have already made it to the finals. On July 31, just ahead of opening day, the winners will be announced. Every one of these ingenious dishes and drinks should be on your fair foods bucket list, so look for the massive 13-foot Golden Sporks and Drinkies statues in front of the 12 finalists. You can also sample any or all of the 57 foods and drinks that were entered – keep an eye out for a participation sticker on display at each vendor.
If it isn’t already obvious, you’ll want to come hungry to the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair, but we’ll give you one more reason – Crazy Grazin’ Day! On Tuesday, August 6, more than 30 vendors will offer smaller portions of fair favorites at reduced prices so you can sample more food and drinks than ever. Participating vendors will display a poster so they’ll be easy to identify. You can also pick up a Crazy Grazin’ brochure on-site at one of the Fair Information Centers, or print a Crazy Grazin’ Day map and menu from the Wisconsin State Fair website.
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Also, listen to our latest podcast episode about the Wisconsin State Fair! Our hosts were live at the fair, talking to locals, exploring the cream puff scene, and much more.
Are you ready for the foodie adventure of the year at the 173rd annual State Fair? Find all the information you need to plan your visit, including tickets and a complete list of new foods, on the Wisconsin State Fair website. You can also follow the Wisconsin State Fair on Facebook for announcements, sneak peeks, and more. Come hungry and have a great time!
