PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Cat Janisko loves Pennsylvania.
So much so that she's dubbed herself the "Pennsylvania Junkie" on social media, where she posts about both well-known and hidden Pennsylvania gems.
"It just started out of nowhere, honestly," Janisko said. "I wasn't expecting this to be, like, my full-time career."
It actually started with a sound. She heard a trending audio about Pennsylvania on TikTok in 2018 and posted a video to it, excited to share her love and knowledge of the Commonwealth with a wider audience.
"And they came in droves in the comment section," she said. "And I'm like, 'oh my god, there's something here. People actually love it here as much as I do.'"
The former Miss Pennsylvania competitor is used to being in the spotlight and championing causes—like showing as many people as possible everything that her home state has to offer.
Janisko was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and recently made a cross-state move to Lancaster, a place she says she's always wanted to live. The mix of country and city is exactly what the Pennsylvania Junkie was looking for, and it's a great snapshot of the Commonwealth's diverse offerings—huge cities and rolling countryside.
Nature is one of Janisko's favorite topics to explore. She recommends visiting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
For those who prefer a hidden gem off the beaten path, the Pennsylvania Junkie recommends a trip to Berks County to visit Deitsch Eck, a restaurant serving Dutch food.
"It is so good, it's like—I cannot stop talking about it. It's like a hug when you're there. It's just amazing," Janisko gushed.
She also uses her platform to advocate for solo travel. Although it can be daunting, setting out on your own can lead to great memories.
"Just stop waiting around for people to explore," Janisko said. "And also, if you're in PA and you're like, 'I hate it here,' maybe try to get out. Like get out from under the rock. Because a lot of times when people say that, they haven't even explored. So that's what I'm trying to encourage people to do."
Those who want to follow along with Pennsylvania Junkie content can find Janisko on Instagram and TikTok.