My friend Pete Davis, Getaway’s co-founder and fresh law school grad, delivered a graduation speech at Harvard’s commencement last week. His reflection: “I leave believing that the most radical act we can take is to make a commitment to a particular thing, to a place, to a profession, to a cause, to a community… to show our love for something by working at it for a long time.”
The most radical act we can take is to make a commitment to a particular thing, to a place, to a profession, to a cause, to a community… to show our love for something by working at it for a long time.
That sentiment wasn’t invented for a commencement address but is a belief Pete holds deeply, and one he and I made sure was in this company’s DNA. More than a business, we’ve committed to helping our guests and employees have more balance in their lives. Balance between work and leisure. Balance between technology and disconnection. Balance between city and nature. Commitment is contagious, and now it is no longer just Pete and myself working to build broader balance, but our team as a whole.
As so many graduates (including my niece, Mariah — congrats!) enter the world of work, I hope that they will find both something worth committing to and a way to lead balanced lives.
Reflecting on your feedback
It was so refreshing to just realize how long 24 hours really is when you aren’t so worried about how you should be spending your time.
One of our internal commitments is to always listen to our guests, and we heard from you all in 170 emails this month. Here’s one that stood out:
“It helped me feel less stressed about time — modern life has made us obsessed with our own reflection and our relationship with our clocks. It was so refreshing to just realize how long 24 hours really is when you aren’t so worried about how you should be spending your time!”
Sometimes the easiest way to slow down time is as simple as not looking at the clock.
Photo by Kara Schab
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month
A final reflection as we enter June: I’m privileged that I don’t have to hide the fact that I’m gay, and I try every day to make sure that I don’t. This Pride, I am grateful for so many people who have made my sexuality a non-issue in my personal and professional life. I’m committed to making that truer, for more people, in more places. Happy Pride, everyone.
As usual, you’ll find a few links below that we think are worth reflecting on. As always, send your notes my way.
Be well, Jon, CEO + Founder
ITEMS OF NOTE WORTH TAKING THE TIME FOR
Summer Reading List — Recommended reads from the team at Getaway, and a chance to win the whole stack. Meet Lenore: Grandparent Stories — Our cabins are named after grandparents of our team and guests. May we introduce Lenore to you? Have a hobby — We’re not talking about side hustles and gigs. This NYTimes piece makes the case for having a hobby for the pure enjoyment of it.
Ever since best-selling author and irresistibly prim and neat Marie Kondo talked about the “life-changing magic of tidying up”, there has been a dogmatic belief that one can solve all of their life problems simply by throwing everything out.
Netflix followed suit with its award-winning Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, featuring people applying a less-is-more lifestyle to their wardrobe, choice of home, and quality of relationships. Even the tech industry is acknowledging the need to step back. Former employees from Google, Apple, and Facebook have formed The Center for Humane Technology,launching a 2018 campaign called Truth About Tech. The campaign tackles the issue of digital addiction and encourages a move towards digital well-being.
But what if you love shoes, enjoy social media, or can’t let go of old books? Does that mean you’re doomed?
As with everything, balance is key, and you don’t need to be a radical to be a minimalist.
Joshua and Ryan of The Minimalists blog clarify misconceptions about minimalism, that “to be a minimalist you must live with less than 100 things… you can’t have a career, you must live in exotic hard-to-pronounce places all over the world…” They share how “Minimalism is a tool that can help you focus on living a worthwhile life. It does so by eliminating superfluous items in our lives in favor of what’s necessary, beautiful, meaningful.”
As with everything, balance is key, and you don’t need to be a radical to be a minimalist.
Here are some easy ways to incorporate minimalism into your life without throwing everything you own out to the trash:
Revamp your relationships. It’s okay not to say yes to every invitation to hang out. Spend time with people that energize you instead of drain you. Decluttering your contacts can be just as beneficial as decluttering your closet.
Declutter your meetings.Atlassianreports how most employees attend an average of 62 meetings per month yet 73% did other work during meetings and 47% complained that meetings were the number one time-waster. Before you send your next calendar invite, set an intentional agenda and ensure that all attendees really need to be there.
Travel, simply. If you have ever felt like you’ve needed a vacation from your vacation, perhaps it’s time to take slower breaks. When plotting out your itinerary, try less to do lists and more downtime. You’d be surprised what will turn up if you simply allow more room for spontaneity.
The next time you find yourself overwhelmed with too many objects or plans, ask yourself, in the words of Marie Kondo, what brings you joy? What is useful? What is necessary? Minimalism is not about being anti-materialistic, but rather anti-superfluous.
Public Transportation Your cozy escape from the city can be accessed a variety of ways on public transportation if you don’t have a car:
From Penn Station, you can take Amtrak to the Hudson, NY stop, then grab a cab (we recommend Pronto Taxi, 518-822-9500, cash only) for about a 20-25 min ride to your Getaway House.
From the NYC Greyhound station, you can take it to the Catskill Park & Ride, then take a taxi from there.
From Grand Central, you can take MetroNorth to Poughkeepsie, and you could Uber over from there. It’s an hour ride and will probably be pricey (about $150), so it’s a better option if you split it with friends.
Walks in the Woods Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.
The stunning view from the top of this hike makes you forget about the strenuous slog to get there. You’ll also find an old fire tower and ruins of a former hotel at the summit, and at the start or end of your hike, you can visit a Buddhist temple.
North South Lake Distance: 4.1 miles, about 3 hours Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed on-leash
Follow Mary’s Glen Trail to enjoy the views from Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, and North Point, then reward yourself with a dip in the lake. Or simply skip the hike and enjoy the water!
Exploring Nearby Spend your day further afield and come back to your cabin to relax after your adventures.
Mountain Top Arboretum Immerse yourself in the nature of the Catskills at this public garden which curates a collection of native plants and trees, and is less than 30 minutes from your tiny cabin. Discover natural meadows, wetlands, and forests along the trails and boardwalks of the arboretum, and be on the lookout for local birds.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site & Olana State Historic Site For your art fix, head about 20 minutes west to Thomas Cole National Historic Site, where you can learn about the history of the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Just a few minutes across the Hudson River, you’ll find Olana State Historic Site, where you can take a tour to see more of this style of art or simply walk the grounds of the gorgeous estate.
Windham Mountain About 30 minutes away, Windham Mountain is a great escape in any season. In winter, ski, snowboard, and snowshoe the trails around the resort. In summer, ride through the mountain bike park or take the chairlift to have a picnic at the summit.
Road Trip Curiosities Start to disconnect from your daily life and explore something new before you even reach your tiny home by visiting these destinations along the way.
This spectacular outdoor sculpture park is definitely worth a slight detour on your way up to the woods. Walking around the grounds is the perfect way to stretch your legs, and you might lose track of time with all the amazing art around. Be sure to bring your camera!
For another sculpture park with a very different vibe, visit Opus 40 along your way. A quarry transformed into beautiful art by Harvey Fite, this labyrinth of stone is a special place to explore.
This quirky local shop sells everything from candles to fudge, and you can pick up local jams, dressings, and sauces to top off your own meals and bring a taste home with you. They also have an ice cream counter and serve breakfast all day.
You’ll find so much more than just cheese here! Sit down for a meal at the tavern, search for treasure among the antiques, peruse the gourmet offerings in the shop, and choose from a huge selection of beer and, of course, cheese.
Hannaford is a full supermarket where you can stock up on essentials.
On the Local Menu
Mike’s Diner 6306 Route 32, Cairo, NY 12413 7 AM-2 PM, Daily Stop by this classic road side diner and chat with the waitress that has worked there for 47 years and enjoy the company of the locals reading at the counter every day.
Circle W Market 3328 NY-23A, Palenville, NY 12463 7:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm Sat & Sun (kitchen closes at 4:30pm every day)
Locals love this little spot for its fantastic sandwiches. Circle W also serves a simple breakfast and has shelves of other snacks to save for later.
Fernwood 341 Malden Ave, Palenville, NY 12463 5:00pm-10:00pm Daily
If you want a feast, head to Fernwood for a hearty meal. The menu skews Italian, but they also have specials like Taco Tuesdays, so you’re sure to find something delicious among the eclectic offerings.
The New York Restaurant 353 Main St, Catskill, NY 12414 11:00am-10:00pm daily (closed on Wed)
Authentic Polish fare in a cool vintage setting featuring live music is the draw at The New York Restaurant. Sample house-made pierogi, kielbasa and golumpki or go for a more American take with a tasty burger. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options: cauliflower wings, a curry rice bowl, and a veggie burger.
Notes on Nature
The Catskills are made up of 98 peaks, and they were shaped by waterways and sediment deposits, meaning that geologically they are considered a dissected plateau, not mountains.
Bobcats do live in the region, and many people believe that is what inspired the name Catskills, though that hasn’t been proven to be true.
Golden eagles, bald eagles, and a variety of hawks are common in the area, so you might spot them soaring overhead.
Your Getaway is about finding time to disconnect and recharge. Your time of relaxation shouldn’t have to wait until you get to our Atlanta Outpost though, it should begin the minute you leave the city.
Change your journey to Getaway from a commute into a fun road trip. Whether you’re looking for exciting hikes, delicious food, or something to sip on, we’ve found some great stops for you to enjoy along the way.
Attractions Along the Way
Consolidated Gold Mine, 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30522 ~ 35 min fromOutpost Descend 200 feet underground into this 100-year-old mine to see how turn-of-the-centuries miners found gold in Georgia. After panning for your own gold, visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum nearby, housed in the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards, 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 35 min fromOutpost Tucked at the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest with views of the North Georgia mountains, Wolf Mountain has earned over 200 medals for its wines. Its grounds are landscaped beautifully, transforming the vineyard into a lovely place to taste wines and brunch.
Helen, GA, Visitor Center at 726 Bruckenstrasse, Helen, GA 30548 ~1 hr from Outpost This German mountain town is the third most visited town in the state. It boasts beautiful views, fun outdoor activities, and well-known vineyards, so it has something for just about everyone.
Grumpy Old Men Brewing, 1315 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 ~ 45 min fromOutpost The couple of retired beer enthusiasts who founded Grumpy Old Men Brewing in 2012 began by brewing their stores in an outdoor shower and eventually opened their microbrewery in Blue Ridge. In 2018, the original two migrated to the other side of the 18-tap bar, passing the company onto “another Grumpy Old Man & his Crabby Lady.” There’s lots of space in the tasting room to play games and chat with other brew-loving folk.
Brasstown Bald, 2941 GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30522 ~ 1 hr fromOutpost Take in the view from Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet above sea level. You can walk the half-mile climb to the top where, on clear days, you can see four states with the help of on-site telescopes.
Amicalola Falls State Park418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534 ~ 1 hr fromOutpost This state park, which features the highest waterfall in all of Georgia, is visited by hikers, climbers, and zip liners. Go for a hike or check out their other adventure activities.
Lake Lanier, 1820 Mary Alice Park Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 ~1.5 hrs from Outpost Popular with boaters, swimmers, and jetskiers, this frequently visited lake is a great stop on your way to the Outpost. Stop at Mary Alice Park for a picnic and to get some sun.
On the Local Menu
Capers on the Square, 84 Public Square N, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 40 min from Outpost For delicious Mediterranean fare with good gluten-free and vegetarian options, Capers is a Dahlonega staple. After narrowing down your choices off the menu (good luck) you can sit by the restaurant’s big windows or outside in the square and people watch.
Bratzeit, 77 Memorial Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 40 min fromOutpost Born in Switzerland and Germany, the owners of Bratzeit bring their native cuisine and Swiss-German tastes to Northern Georgia. The schnitzels are fantastic, and order a classic apple strudel to top off the fare.
Shenanigans, 87 N Chestatee St, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 40 min fromOutpost With its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and snug quarters, Shenanigans plates Irish-American classics (try the fish ‘n chips) and a diverse beer menu.
Lake Burrito, 3050 Keith Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 ~ 1 hr fromOutpost Lake Burrito’s Tex-Mex menu, fresh ingredients, and tasty vegan options has made it a favorite with locals. Visit in the mornings for their staple breakfast tacos, and between the nachos, quesadillas, and burritos, you can’t go wrong with whatever you order.
Walks in the Mountains
Jarrard Gap Trail Distance: 1mile Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash Close by your cabin, this trail climbs gradually from Lake Winfield Scott Campground and merges with the Appalachian Trail. With ridge-line views, the path continues into the Blood Mountains in a lovely loop.
Long Creek Falls on the Appalachian Trial Distance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash This two-mile section of the Appalachian Trail is one of the most beautiful in Georgia. It winds through a lush valley en route to Long Creek Falls, full of wildlife, flowers, steep cliffs, and soft moss in every season. The double-tiered waterfall rises over 50 feet before emptying into a deep pool, shadowed by bunches of rhododendron.
Yonah Mt. Hike Distance: 4.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed on-leash Recognizable by its asymmetric shape and exposed rock outcrops near the top, Yonah Mt. rises from the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mts. and is one of North Georgia’s best hikes. The continuous uphill hike climbs through a rocky, moss-filled forest leads to stunning panoramic views of the horizon. Check out the views from the rock outcrops along the way and at the summit, as practice some leaf-, flower-, and snow-spotting in all seasons.
Blood Mt. Loop via the Appalachian and Freeman Trails Hike Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Hard Dogs allowed on-leash Towering over the surrounding peaks, Blood Mt. is Georgia’s highest Appalachian Trail summit, rising high to 4,459 ft. at the summit’s massive rock outcrop, which offers sweeping, stunning views and a chance to explore the historic stone Blood Mt. Shelter. This loop explores quieter stretches, beginning at the Neels Gap trailhead and hiking the eastern face with the Byron Reece Trail. It merges with and follows the Appalachian Trail at Flatrock Gap to the summit, descending along the Freeman Trail, which leads back through a fern-filled valley.
Appalachian Trail: Three Forks to Springer Mt. Hike Distance: 8.6 miles Difficulty: Hard Dogs allowed on-leash Spanning from Maine down through the eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail winds to a stop here in North Georgia, its southernmost point. This hike traces the last steps of the trail and dips through the greek, creek-strewn Three Forks Valley before climbing to an end at the summit of Springer Mt. with the reward of the southern Appalachian Mts., blanketed in blue haze.
Ready to start your road trip? Book your Atlanta stay today.
Historically, the UV rays of the sun posed the most amount of danger to our eyes. As we’ve evolved into a society where we’re in front of screens more than outside in nature, there’s a new concern that’s emerged: the dangers of blue light.
Souce: Bluelightexposed.com
Natural and artificial blue light
Blue light is on the spectrum of light visible to the human eye and is found everywhere there is light. In fact, these shorter, high energy blue wavelengths cause the sky to look blue when they collide with air molecules. Our bodies use blue light to regulate our circadian rhythm, or our sleep and wake cycles. When the sun is out and blue light is scattered, it can help us feel more alert, heighten reaction times and make us feel better.
But there’s been a surge of artificial blue light, emitted from our digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets and fluorescent and LED lighting). This change may well harm our health and sleep.
The temptation to nestle with our phones in bed can disrupt our sleep cycle as blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm by tricking your brain into believing that it’s daytime.
The risks of overexposure to blue light
Citizens of the digital age are often guilty of looking at their phones right before sleeping and right after waking. While looking at your device first thing in the morning may increase alertness, the temptation to nestle with our phones in bed can disrupt our sleep cycle as blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm by tricking your brain into believing that it’s daytime. This is why Apple introduced the ‘night shift’ mode to iPhones in 2016, but their change in tone might not be enough as what we’re doing on our phones—scrolling, reading, getting notifications—can still keep our minds awake.
Nico, on the Getaway team, testing blue light filter glasses.
How to manage your blue light exposure
The most obvious solution to avoiding overexposure to artificial blue light: spend more time outside (cabin in the woods, anyone?) and put away your devices, especially before going to sleep.
We chatted with Ian from Pixel, a company that creates computer eyewear to protect your eyes from screens, on ways to manage the symptoms from starting at our laptops or phones for too long.
We’re already being impacted by blue light on a regular basis since we’re constantly glued to screens.
Ian emphasized the severity of this issue: “We’re already being impacted by blue light on a regular basis since we’re constantly glued to screens. People can experience digital eye strain after a short duration of staring at a screen.” Here are some tips from him on how to combat the eyestrain:
Use the 20/20/20 rule, where you take a short break after 20 minutes in front of a screen.
Reduce the brightness of your screen and keep a proper distance between you and the screen, about 16-30 inches
Wear computer glasses to reduce eyestrain
To balance out our exposure to blue light, we’ve been testing out Pixel glasses at the Getaway offices:
Nina testing out Pixel glasses at the Getaway offices.
While it may not be the best option for those who wear glasses already, it’s a great way for those with perfect eyesight to rock eyewear. That said, it still won’t beat the best way to avoid too much blue light disrupting your sleep cycle: to turn off your devices after work and to take some real time off.
Located just two hours outside of DC, in Basye, VA, (and our second DC outpost) Postcard Cabins Shenandoah North is nestled in a bustling town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out while you’re on your escape to nature.
Walks in the Woods
Laura Lake Trail Loop Distance: 2.5 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail loops around Laura Lake, and it’s the perfect hour-long stroll to enjoy some time in nature with those who matter most.
South Link, Bradford Trail and North Link Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This loop trail will lead you through the forest, across streams, and through patches of wildflowers. This trail takes about an hour to complete and is best visited between May and September.
North Mountain Distance: 4.6 miles Difficulty: hard Dogs allowed For more seasoned hikers, North Mountain is the perfect out-and-back trail for a great workout. Be prepared for steep inclines, rocky terrain, and great views.
Sustenance and Snacks
Community Store ~ 6 minutes away Make a pitstop at the Community Store near the Outpost to grab those final ingredients you’ll need to create your favorite campfire recipes.
Broad Porch Coffee Co ~ 48 minutes away Head to Broad Porch Coffee Co for a delicious breakfast and the best cup of joe around.
Rhouse Wine + Café ~ 6 minutes away Enjoy a beautiful dinner at Rhouse Wine + Café with some amazing local wine.
Things to Do Around the Outpost
Hawksbill Brewing Company ~ 49 minutes away Try some local craft brews and enjoy an afternoon at the brewery with those who matter most.
Bank Street Books ~ 48 minutes away Stop at Bank Street Books to pick up some new titles to escape into on your weekend away.
Luray Caverns ~ 45 minutes away For the more adventurous travelers, head to Luray Caverns to head underground to explore the Luray caves.
Here’s a handy guide for getting to our DC Location and local spots to pick up any supplies you may need. While there’s a lot to do in the area, we suggest taking a break from planning in excess and simply enjoying the time away from your daily routine and hustle
Parking + Public Transportation
Wheels are your best bet to getaway, and parking is easy—just pull up and park next to your tiny cabin. The best alternative is to take an Amtrak train to Charlottesville, then call Greene County Transit (which operates on weekdays) or a cab (iTaxi, 434-327-6622) to take you the rest of the way.
Walks in the Woods
Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.
Hightop Mountain Distance: 5.6 miles, about 3 hours Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash An easy hike up the highest peak in the South District of Shenandoah National Park, Hightop Mountain offers excellent view to the south and west from the second overlook.
White Oak Canyon Trail Distance: 9.5 miles, about 4-5 hours Difficulty: Hard Dogs allowed on-leash If you’re in search of waterfalls, head out on White Oak Canyon Trail. It can be a strenuous hike, but you can also adjust your mileage and make it shorter by skipping some of the sections.
Blue Hole Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash For even more water, hike Moorman’s Trail to Blue Hole and spend some time soaking in the swimming hole before heading back to your cabin.
Sustenance & Snacks
If you’re in need of extra supplies, you can find several stores nearby to fulfill your needs and fill your belly.
Wolftown Mercantile Country Store, 3801 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727 A classic country store where you can stop for a sandwich and other snacks while you listen in on the banter of the locals.
Yoder’s Country Market, 2105 S Seminole Trail, Madison, VA 22727 For a wider selection, head to Yoder’s and find a fully stocked grocery store as well as a pharmacy.
Payton’s Grocery, 9658 Spotswood Trail, Stanardsville, VA 22973 This spot is a great place to pick up small items, snacks, beer, and wine. They also serve some of the best fried chicken around.
Revelation Vineyards, 2710 Hebron Valley Rd, Madison, VA 22727 For some local wine within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Revelation Vineyards is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon at a tasting, enjoying the beauty the landscape provides.
Notes on Nature
Many of the peaks in Shenandoah National Park were created by greenstone lava flows over 570 million years ago, and most of the waterfalls that you might explore were formed when streams carved a path through the layers of lava.
If you’re staring at the sunset and think you see a bird, you might want to take a second look because it could be a big brown bat, an important animal in the ecosystem of the area.
Although warmer weather is great for outdoor adventures, the sky in Shenandoah tends to be hazier in the summer, and you’ll tend to see the most spectacular vista views on clearer winter days.
Looking for some chill vibes for your trip down to one of our Outposts? We’ve found the perfect playlist for you.
While participating in our Artist Fellowship Program, student and aspiring musician Sam McCoig curated the perfect playlist for your Getaway. Featuring artists like Jack Johnson, Mandolin Orange, and the Avett Brothers, Sam’s playlist is the perfect pick for your Sunday brunch or for your afternoon drive.
