Located just one hour and fifteen minutes outside of Detroit, in Columbiaville, MI, Postcard Cabins The Thumb 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.
Walks in the Woods
Southern Links Trailway Distance: 10.1 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed Head out to Southern Links Trailway for a paved long or short out-and-back stroll with those who matter most. A convenient starting point is right next to Falcon’s Nest restaurant in Columbiaville.
Flint River Trail: Genesee Road to Richfield Park Distance: 9.4 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This out-and-back trail is perfect for those looking for a nice, long, scenic hike. This trail takes just under three hours to complete if you hike the full 9.4 miles.
Sustenance and Snacks
Walkers Grocery ~ 6 minutes away Make a pitstop at Walkers Grocery to grab some fresh, local ingredients to make all of your favorite campfire recipes.
The Burger Barn of Lapeer ~ 16 minutes away Head to The Burger Barn of Lapeer after a long hike for the best burgers in the area.
Past Tense Cider Mill and Country Store ~10 minutes away Enjoy delicious cider, treats and a full menu at the Cider Mill. The Country Store next door has a huge selection of local gifts and trinkets. Make sure to check out the upstairs year round Halloween themed room. (The cider mill is open Thurs-Sun in the winter and every day in the summer)
Things to Do Around the Cabins
Gerlach’s Bowling Center ~ 15 minutes away When was the last time you went to a bowling alley? Head to Gerlach’s Bowling Alley on your next cabin stay to bring back some memories and make some new ones.
Flint Children’s Museum ~ 40 minutes away Take your family to Flint Children’s Museum for a full day of playing and exploring.
Michigan Renaissance Festival ~ 45 minutes away For a unique experience, head to the Michigan Renaissance Festival to try some whiskey, enjoy some 16th century entertainment, and explore the work of over 100 local artisans.
Fill us in on your background—personally and in your creative practice.
My name is Allie, and I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. I picked up my first camera (my mom’s old point and shoot camera) when I was 12 years old, and I could not get enough of it. I would conduct a photoshoot of anyone I could convince to be my subject, whether it be friends, my brother, or even the family dog. I kept photography as a hobby all throughout college, and after I graduated with my degree in Psychology, I realized that if I were to ever take this passion of photography to the next level and create a business with it, now would be the time to try. After a couple of emotional conversations around my career aspirations, I decided to make the jump and fully commit to a career in photography. Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Wedding photography has been my main focus and the majority of my work since 2018, and I have treasured every moment of it. I love the honor and privilege of being able to document so many beautiful days and tell stories through photographs.
How does your connection to nature influence you personally, and how does it influence your art?
Growing up in Tennessee, I never lacked an abundance of nature and places to explore. With spending so much of my time outdoors in my adolescence, it is only fitting that I now spend most of my time outdoors in my career and adult life. While I am mostly photographing couples in nature and the outdoors, I am always blown away by what nature can communicate in photographs and how it speaks to me. If I am working with a couple that is super outgoing and bubbly, I can find landscapes and sunsets that will capture the life and joy that is their relationship. If I have a couple that might be more introverted and reserved, I am given so many opportunities in Tennessee to find places where we can seclude into the trees. Nature has not only been an outstanding co-worker, but it has created the most beautiful backdrops that I have had the privilege to experience.
How was your Getaway? Did your time in your cabin influence your process or inspire any new ideas?
My getaway was nothing short of perfect. Nature is also a great place for me to seclude when I am contemplating a new life decision and need time to think and be inspired. In October of 2021, I plan to launch a new branch within my photography business named Stocked Studio. This new direction will focus on branding photography for businesses of all scales to help better market themselves. This new shift can feel like unfamiliar territory, which is why I felt the need to take a step back and reflect on what my business has looked like and what I imagine it to be in the coming years. In beginning a new launch within my business, I needed time to think through this shift and decision. Getaway was a perfect spot for me to take time to dream and plan, while also having the quiet sounds of nature to read and be inspired.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
This was such a fun experience to bring my personality-packed Mini Australian Shepherd, Franklin. He absolutely loved getting a view of everything that was going on, since he is my best working security service. He always loves when he can find a place to view everything that is going on, so he loved the large glass window inside the cabin!
One of the toughest challenges of building a brand in the digital age is that it’s absolutely necessary to have an online presence—which, if you’re in the business of doing good or helping better the lives of others, can be tricky as there are obvious benefits and very clear downsides of social media.
Social media can be time-consuming and exhausting for anyone, which makes it even tougher and more complicated when it’s a job. In our connected age, work-life balance is rarer to achieve when everyone is reachable at any moment and when we can all access work emails with a few flicks of the thumbs. And while social media was once a purely recreational platform, it is now as much for businesses and brands as it is for photos of your lunch and baby nieces. For someone who actually works in social media as a career, it can be more challenging to really maintain boundaries between working all the time and really turning off.
We caught up with social media managers at some of our favorite brands to get their take on how they maintain work-life balance as professional #hashtaggers:
Social media philosophy: The medium isn’t as important as having something interesting to say on it.
The most challenging aspect of job: Juggling a lot of different stakeholders, responsibilities, and priorities.
The most rewarding aspect of job: Working with brilliant people, for a business and founder I genuinely believe are trying to make life better.
How do you find a work-life balance between the constant connectivity of social media and just being present? I find it challenging. I make sure I read lots of physical books to get my eyes away from screens for a while.
How do you envision the future of social media?Fewer log-ins, fewer separate channels, even more ubiquity but also more control. And eye devices, of course.
Kelsey Vanderlip, Head of Social Media
Name: Kelsey Vanderlip Title: Head of Social Media at Away Personal account: @kelsey.vanderlip
Social media philosophy: Be authentic! Social media is about interacting with people in an authentic and personal way. When you tell your story in a way that people can relate to, they are more likely to engage with your content. We wanted the Away voice to feel like you’re talking to a close friend, and that has translated to great engagement on our channels.
The most challenging aspect of job: It’s always a challenge to find the balance between building out a planned content calendar, and also being flexible enough to respond to things in real-time. For brands and influencers, building out a social media calendar should be methodical, and the general framework should be planned in advance, but it’s often the spur-of-the moment boomerang, witty retweet, or last-minute live video that unexpectedly creates the most authentic moments.
I love that social media allows people to break down barriers and experience new cultures.
The most rewarding aspect of job: At Away, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the amazing and unique locations that people take our products to and the connections they’ve made along the way. I love that social media allows people to break down barriers and experience new cultures, and it’s so exciting to see people engage with our stories and share their own travel recommendations!
How do you find a work-life balance between the constant connectivity of social media and just being present? I’m lucky to work with a talented team that I genuinely enjoy seeing every day and for a company that encourages employees to take time off to travel when they need to unplug. Away even plans an international trip every year with the entire team—follow #AwayOOO on Instagram to see where we go next! The first year, there were twenty of us and we went to Puerto Rico, and then there was forty people in Nicaragua last year. The team has grown even more now, and I can’t wait to find out where this year brings us! Personally, I try to preserve a bit of time for myself every day. It’s so important to disconnect and trust other members of your team to take the wheel—I actually just got back from a week in Aspen!
It’s so important to disconnect and trust other members of your team to take the wheel.
How do you envision the future of social media? Social media continues to trend towards live sharing and real-time conversations. Brands and individuals alike are spending less time editing content and more time being in the moment. Whether it’s participating in live video content, or responding to our customers as quickly (and thoughtfully) as possible, brands who are doing well aren’t afraid of the quick pace, even if it means a bit of imperfection. In fact, I think that imperfection is what gives you some credibility. No matter the latest platform or trend, I think continuing to share great content and having an authentic conversation with your community will always be the key factor for success.
Personal account:@thetruespoon Company account:@foursigmatic Social media philosophy: Treat every single point of contact with your following like you’re speaking to your mother :).
The most challenging aspect of job: I run a 100k + account and it can be challenging to genuinely respond to every single person who appreciates our brand/account, but it is so important to me. The most rewarding aspect of job: Seeing how our products are so integral to so many individuals daily rituals. It’s so touching to know we create products that bring joy to millions of people. How do you find a work-life balance between the constant connectivity of social media and just being present? It’s a constant struggle but putting time boundaries on work really helps me. I try not to look at social until after I meditate in the morning and I try to stop looking after my fiancé comes home from work….it’s a constant practice to respect those boundaries.
It’s a constant struggle but putting time boundaries on work really helps me.
How do you envision the future of social media? I see only video content being relevant. Also, I see VR being utilized!
Emma Nemtin, Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships
Name: Emma Nemtin
Title: Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships at Headspace
Social media philosophy: Stay true to your brand and don’t follow in other people’s footsteps. Be authentic, be honest. Test different formats, get playful with copy, be adventurous and add some realism to your photos and videos. Ultimately don’t strive for perfection and leverage social media to construct a better world and not perpetuate false realities.
I’m always searching for my next upcoming trip or adventure, so my personal social accounts are largely focused on travel (and delicious snacks) and highlighting local experiences and being able to showcase hidden places. When I’m traveling I try not to be too engulfed with getting perfect shots for social and enjoy what’s in front of me. It’s important to strike that balance of being present while also capturing the moment.
When I’m traveling I try not to be too engulfed with getting perfect shots for social and enjoy what’s in front of me.
The most challenging aspect of job: The most challenging aspect of my job is saying no to awesome opportunities that come across my desk. I wish I were able to tackle everything but I have to be relentless in prioritization and what will have the biggest brand impact.
The most rewarding aspect of job: I would say getting to work with so many incredible brands who are focused on holistic health and finding ways to provide people with tools to lead healthier and happier lives. I love seeing brand partnerships come to fruition and creating memorable and impactful brand activations – especially when I’m given the opportunity to introduce someone to meditation and or mindfulness for the first time. It’s not every day you get to work for a mission-driven company that perfectly aligns with your own values. I feel incredibly lucky to work with a company like Headspace.
How do you find a work-life balance between the constant connectivity of social media and just being present? Since I don’t work day to day in social, I’m off the hook luckily with not having to be constantly tied to my phone. However, I do have to make a concerted effort and constantly remind myself to maintain a healthy habit with my phone and Instagram. I’ve also tried changing my phone display settings to greyscale to make it (and social media apps) less enticing and less clickable.
There’s a huge shift in our dependencies on our devices so I think we are going to see a lot less time spent on social media and when we are posting or capturing content it will be much more deliberate.
How do you envision the future of social media?
There’s a huge shift in our dependencies on our devices so I think we are going to see a lot less time spent on social media and when we are posting or capturing content it will be much more deliberate. I believe there will be a push towards fostering healthy relationships and will see the fostering of intimate communities on social.
With the constant hustle and bustle around us, we know it can be hard for artists to find quiet time to create. That’s why we created our Artist Fellowship Program, to give creatives a space in nature for uninterrupted time to work. We love seeing what our artists come up with and we’re excited to share with you some of our fellows from the past month.
This Month’s Artist Fellows
It’s been a little over two years since Samantha Reuter decided to paint full-time. She says she’s been an “art-room kid” from the time she was little and she fell in love with studying the female form during her time in college.
Samantha recently took to our New York Outpost to spend some time painting. As someone who loves to see the world, Samantha says travel is imperative to her process.
“The world is the greatest form of inspiration,” Samantha said. “My sketchbooks go with me everywhere. I often record whatever stands out on the trip- just recording little moments for fun. I’ve recently found that I love traveling solo as well, and plan to push myself to do more of that.”
Photographer James Corbett rarely goes a full day with taking a picture. His love of photography began in 2014 when he began shooting mountain bike races.
He finds inspiration in pursuing technical excellence, as well as the search for a unique angle or a special moment to capture. Recently, James says he’s been finding more inspiration in portrait photography as well.
“I am working on a project concept around challenging gender norms and stereotypes,” James said. “I plan to explore in portraiture how individuals would express their true self without restrictions.”
Stephanie Harvey has dabbled in everything from photography to print making to graphic design. Now, Stephanie runs her own greeting card and giftware company, exit343design.
“My goal is to create work that is both fun and functional,” Stephanie says. “I draw inspiration from everyday circumstances, a love of color, typography, textile patterns, flora, fauna, and a penchant for junk food.”
The artist, who recently spend some time creating at Getaway DC, says she dreams of one designing packaging for a brewery, a fabric line, or a mural.
Interested in becoming an Artist Fellow? Apply here.
Earth Month is here! It’s time to celebrate by reconnecting to nature and getting outside. That’s why we’re partnering with our friends at Origins, a brand rooted in nature, to encourage you to #GetawaywithOrigins to unplug, unwind, and reconnect to nature.
Origins is a brand that believes it’s their responsibility to give back to the earth while also striving to make decisions that help limit their impact on the planet, and what better place to reconnect with nature than at Getaway, where we encourage you to recharge and reconnect to who and what matters most.
If you book a Getaway during the month of April and May, select cabins across the U.S. will feature a limited-edition Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Treatment Lotion. This is a special product because for every bottle purchased, one US Dollar has been donated, which allows one tree to be planted and cared for in partnership with Origins Green The Planet Fund*. With the creation of this Fund, the brand is growing its commitment—helping restore ecosystems through tree-planting initiatives and supporting the work of environmental justice organizations around the world to trigger real, meaningful change for the lives of present and future generations to come.
So, we invite you to enjoy this beautiful, limited-edition product knowing you’ve helped do good for the planet! During your stay, take a moment for self-care by performing a face yoga ritual using this product (check it out below!).
Want to #GetawaywithOrigins? Enter for the chance to win a complimentary weekend at a Getaway cabin of your choice and an Origins Limited Edition Earth Month product set.
It’s simple, all you have to do is:
Post a photo of you connecting with nature on Instagram
Visit our Instagram page to enter and for official rules! *No purchase necessary, open to US entrants only age 18+. One (1) winner will be notified via DM on 4/24/21.
*In celebration of Earth Month 2021 (April 1-30, 2021), Origins Natural Resources Inc. made a donation of One US Dollar to The Origins Green The Planet Fund for every limited-edition Dr. Andrew Weil for Originsä Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion available at participating Origins locations and online at origins.com in select countries. Subject to its final discretion to ensure that funds will be used for the intended charitable purposes, The Origins Green The Planet Fund has made a grant of $250,000 to One Tree Planted, a U.S.-based charity that plants trees around the world in support of global reforestation efforts. Through the Origins Green the Planet Fund’s partnership with One Tree Planted, $1 = 1 tree planted & cared for. The Origins Green the Planet Fund is a charitable fund of the Estee Lauder Charitable Foundation. Learn more at www.origins.com
Located just two hours outside of Milwaukee, WI, Postcard Cabins Wild Rose 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.
Walks in the Woods
Willow Creek Loop Distance: 1.1 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This hike is the perfect spot for a morning stroll that takes just about twenty minutes to complete.
Ice Age Trail: Bohn Lake Segment Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail loops around Bohn Lake through an old towering pine forest and across a marsh area via a beautiful wood bridge.
Ice Age Trail: Mecan River Segment Distance: 6.6 miles Difficulty: moderate Dogs allowed This out-and-back trail is perfect for those looking for a longer workout. This trail is best used between April and September.
Sustenance and Snacks
Benny’s Wild Rose Market ~ 11 minutes away Make a pitstop at Benny’s Wild Rose Market before getting to the Outpost to pick up all of the ingredients for your favorite campfire recipes.
Crossroads Café ~ 5 minutes away Head to Crossroads Café for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
The Ding Tavern ~ 6 minutes away Head to The Ding Tavern for the best spot in town for your favorite diner dishes.
Things to Do Around the Outpost
Pliska’s Crystal River Tubing & Kayak Trip ~ 21 minutes away For more of an adventure, head to Pliska’s Crystal River Tubing and Kayak Trip for guided tours down the Crystal River, complete with a snack shack.
Omega Brewing Experience ~ 33 minutes away This small-batch craft brewery has some of the best local brews around. Stop in for a tasting and enjoy an afternoon of conversation with those who matter most.
Rushford Meadery & Winery ~ 28 minutes away Try some local mead, cider, and wine at Rushford Meadery & Winery. Keep an eye out for the owners’ pups, Tannin and Pearl.
Nordic Mountain ~ 7 minutes away Spend a day on the slopes at Nordic Mountain ski resort. With trails for all ages and ability levels, its the perfect spot for newbies and seasoned skiers alike.
Located just forty-five minutes outside of St. Louis, Postcard Cabins St. Francois 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.
Walks in the Woods
Magnolia Hollow Trail Distance: 1.3 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail features a nice creek valley with bridges to get you across the creeks and streams throughout the trail. You’re likely to spot lots of wildlife.
Devil’s Honeycomb Trail Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: moderate Dogs allowed This out-and-back trail features a special geologic formation called “Devil’s Honeycomb” (hence the trail name) at the top of the hike, the highest point on Hughes Mountain.
Cedar Glade Trail Distance: 1.0 mile Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail features scenic overlooks, the Castor River, and even two old cemeteries.
Sustenance and Snacks
Rozier’s Country Mart Food ~ 21 minutes away Make a pitstop at Rozier’s Country Mart Food before getting to the cabins to pick up all of the ingredients for your favorite campfire recipes
Anvil Restaurant and Saloon ~ 21 minutes away Head to Anvil Restaurant and Saloon for nostalgic dishes in this historic restaurant and saloon.
Things to Do Around the Cabins
The Mine at Bonne Terre ~ 28 minutes away For a unique adventure, head to The Mine at Bonne Terre to explore this national historic site that offers underground walking and boat tours of the Bonne Terre mine.
The Space Museum ~ 28 minutes away Head to The Space Museum to take a look at a world-class collection of aerospace artifacts and learn about how space travel has changed over the years.
Critter Lane Petting Zoo ~ 19 minutes away If you’re looking for a more relaxed adventure, head to Critter Lane Petting Zoo to meet sloths, porcupines, donkeys, and more.
Baetje Farms ~6 minutes away Make sure to stop for some of the best local, artisan cheese at Baetje Farms before your escape to stock up on some tasty treats to enjoy at your cabin.
Americans spend 87% of our time indoors, and almost half the remaining time in an enclosed vehicle. That means we’re only outside 7% of our time — and over the past year or so, you’ve likely spent even more time indoors than usual.
Spending time outside does wonders for our bodies and minds; it can also help us feel more connected to the world around us. Researchers have found that regular exposure to nature lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, betters sleep, reduces stress, and improves self-esteem and memory.
If you’ve found that you’re spending more time indoors this year, especially as the weather cools, we challenge you to try to spend at least 30 minutes outside every day this week. Here are a few ways to fit more time outside into your schedule.
Walk a Dog
Dogs are a great excuse to get outside. If you don’t have one of your own, offer to take a friend’s dog for a walk. You’ll be doing them a favor while reaping the benefits of fresh air — plus, the pup will love to explore your route.
Hit the Streets or Trails Instead of an Indoor Workout
Your jog will be a lot more interesting when you trade the treadmill for the real world, whether you’re running on streets or in parks.
Watch a Sunrise or Sunset
Making time to catch the sun rising or setting is a great way to get outside, enjoy the beauty of nature, and either wind down at the end of the day or spend some moments centering yourself before your day begins.
Take a Walk at Lunch or During a Meeting
Fitting in a bit of exercise and a dose of nature in the middle of your workday is a great practice to begin. Try heading out for a quick walk during your lunch break, or take a walk during a meeting — it’s likely you’ll have a bit of extra energy for the rest of your day.
