Enjoy four days and three nights at a small lakeside cottage near Valparaiso, Indiana (approximately an hour from downtown Chicago).

The cottage – lovingly called The Dump by its proprietors - has two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, living room area, and a large screened in porch. While not fancy, it is a lovely spot to listen to the birds, grill some tasty food, swim in the lake, take advantage of the kayak and floating toys or nap in the hammock.

The lake does not allow motors so there is no sound or smell of gasoline.

The cottage is only available from May to October. Exact dates to be worked out with the owners, Susan Kaplan and Len Cavise. 

Trust me, it is anything but a dump - a beautiful spot for a mini-vacation.