BOOK YOUR ESCAPE
For Your Free Time

Where to Unplug in Your City

At Getaway, we think unplugging from your technology on a regular basis is extremely important for your health and happiness. That’s why we love National Day of Unplugging—it’s a great reminder of how important unplugging is in an age when you’re expected to be on and accessible 24/7.

In honor of National Day of Unplugging, here are some of our favorite local spots to unplug.

Atlanta

Slowing things down at Sacred Chill West is one of our favorite ways to unplug in Atlanta. The relaxing yoga and meditation offered here is the perfect way to unplug from your devices and any stress you might have—you’ll wallk out of any of these classes totally reset and recharged.

For 50% off a drop-in class, use the code Getaway&Chill2020, which is valid through 4/30. Visit sacredchillwest.com to register.

Austin

Outside of Austin, we love Barton Creek Greenbelt, which is a park with some great hikes and spots for swimming. It’s also very popular among rock climbers because of the limestone walls along the trails. For some beautiful scenery and a nice walk, this is a great choice if you’re looking to unplug and get into nature.

Boston

In Boston, we love Aligned Meditation for a quiet guided class or sound bath to reset and recharge. The power of quiet and reflection is unparalleled in a class like this—taking the time to focus on an intention and meditate on what you’ve been learning lets you step outside of any stress or anxiety to find your way through it.

Cleveland

The Studio Cleveland is the best mindfulness and wellness center that offers yoga classes, massages, and meditation classes to help you on your wellness journey.

Dallas

About five miles North of Dallas is White Rock Lake Park which has over a thousand acres of land filled with woods and lakes. There are tons of trails for nice afternoon walk, spots for fishing, and even kayak rentals. You’re also right near The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which can be the perfect spot for a bit of unplugged time.

DC

In DC, the historic Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library is a great spot to curl up with your new favorite read. The library was built in 1925, and has many nooks and quiet spots to sit and relax, and spots for kids to explore.

New York

One of our favorite spots to unplug and breathe amidst the bustle of New York is MNDFL, a meditation studio in Greenwich Village and the Upper East Side. Not only are classes affordable, starting at only $15, but the space they’ve created for their classes is pristine and calming in every way. Head to one of their classes, leave your technology behind, and reconnect to yourself and what matters most to you.

Pittsburgh

Evergreen Community Park is our go-to spot to unplug in Pittsburgh. It’s picturesque, and as you wander around the park and build up an appetite, there are grills throughout the park for you to have a picnic. Make sure to look up some Getaway-approved recipes before you go.

Portland

Another one of our favorite spots to slow down and unplug is Pause Meditation in Portland. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by your busy life and work, take a step back and head to Pause Meditation. Give yourself permission to dedicate an hour of your day to stillness and time alone.

San Antonio

One of our favorite spots to unplug in San Antonio is the San Antonio Central Library. Just step inside to see the Chihuly blown glass sculpture and let your mind rest, and feel your inspiration return.

Make sure you make some time to unplug today—every minute away from your technology counts.

Looking to unplug in nature? Book your Getaway today.

Dallas | Local Guides

Explore Postcard Cabins Piney Woods

Postcard Cabins provide the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and do nothing. However, if you’re feeling antsy, there’s still plenty to do near our cabins and on the way there.

Here’s our guide for attractions near our Dallas location and the best places to stop on your drive there.

Getting There

Located in LaRue, Texas, just southeast of Dallas, your new favorite escape is easily accessible from the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, Waco, and Tyler. From Dallas, just take 175 down to our cabins and pull right up to your cabin.

Walks in Nature Near Our Cabins

Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail
Hike Duration: 4.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This loop trail, which features a lake, is a great choice for all skill levels for hiking, walking, or trail running.

Beaver Slide Nature Park
Hike Duration: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This shorter loop trail offers a lake and is accessible year-round.

Lindsey Park Trail
Hike Duration: 8.5 miles
Difficulty: Hard
This longer hike features beautiful wild flowers and is best between the months of March and October.

Sustenance and Snacks Near Getaway Piney Woods

The Cherry Laurel 305 Prairieville St., Athens, TX, 75751
~ 30 minutes away
With soups, sandwiches, and plenty of sweet treats, this Athens bakery and cafe is the perfect spot to stop along the way to the location for a quick snack.

Pierce Creek Station 10831 US-175, Larue, TX 75770
~ 8 minutes away
This little store has a great selection of grocery items, the best ice cream, and it has a restaurant attached that serve breakfast all day and claims to have, “The Best Burger in Henderson County.”

On the Local Menu

El Arroyo 416 South Palestine, Suite C, Athens, TX, 75751
~ 30 minutes away
This local Mexican restaurant is known for its huge menu featuring Tex-Mex classics, nachos, and plenty of chef’s specialties. They even have hamburger and chicken fried steak options, so there’s a little something for everyone.

Railway Cafe 210 North Palestine, Athens, TX, 75751
~ 30 minutes away
This popular local spot with delicious American fare is a great place to go for plenty of options. Check out their daily specials for something different as well.

Cotton Patch Cafe 1413 State HWY 31, Athens, TX, 75751
~ 30 minutes away
If you’re looking for some southern comfort food, then Cotton Patch is your go-to. Try out their chicken fried steak or their Texas sized onion rings.

Outpost Watering Holes

Sidetrips

Lake Palestine Tyler, TX
~ 30 minutes away
This freshwater lake, located just outside of Tyler, offers fishing, boating, water skiing, canoeing, hiking, and swimming.

Cedar Creek Lake Malakoff, TX, 75148
~ 45 minutes away
This picturesque lake, less than an hour drive from the cabins, is a perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

East Texas Arboretum Athens, TX, 75751
~ 30 minutes away
On the drive from Dallas to the cabins, the arboretum includes one hundred acres of trees, flowers, and nature trails. Take a pit stop and smell the flowers before heading to your cabin.

Pine Tree Farm
~5 minutes away
If you’re looking for the perfect sidetrip to round out your Fall Getaway, head to Pine Tree Farm for a hay ride to enjoy all the beautiful fall colors.

New York, Texas Zipline Adventures LaRue, TX, 75770
~ 15 minutes away
If you’re looking for some elevation, but aren’t much of a hiker, then this zipline adventure is for you. Experience 30-mile views from the platforms and enjoy the Texas scenery.

3 P’s In A Vine Winery and Vineyard, Athens, TX, 75751
~ 30 minutes away
Covering 12 acres of land, this scenic vineyard offers tastings, glasses, and bottles of their eight wine varieties. So sit back, relax, and sip away.

Find cabins near Dallas.

For Your Free Time

Wellness Tip: Observe A Digital Sabbath

How are you upgrading your relationship to technology? One habit to consider implementing into your week is the digital sabbath — reserve one full day each week for taking a break from digital technology. Observing a digital sabbath allows you to slow down and enjoy time to rest — and not just rest that’s about recharging for more work later, but rest that reminds us that we are human beings, not human doings. 

Choose One Day a Week to Fully Disconnect 

If you struggle to find one full day to go screen-free, consider rearranging your schedule. Do you have digital obligations that absolutely can’t wait 24 hours? If the answer is yes, ask yourself what makes them so essential and what would happen if you waited a day?

Find a Community

A digital sabbath is easier to observe when you do it with others, especially when you’re first trying it out. Enlist a friend, partner, or family member to go tech-free with you.

Make a List of Tech-Free Activities

Take a walk, cook a meal, work on a craft project, read a print newspaper or magazine, go to the beach, read a book, clean your house, go for a bike ride, take a nap, write postcards — there are limitless possibilities.

Need to plan an unplugged escape to nature? Book your Getaway today.

Boston | Features | Guest Stories

Getaway Partners: Doing Things with Outdoor Voices Boston

One of our favorite parts about Getaway is being out in nature. We believe being outdoors is the perfect way to recharge and recenter before returning to the craziness of everyday life. That’s why we’re partnering with our active-wear friends Outdoor Voices Boston to encourage you to get outside and do things.

Outdoor Voices Kit

We’ve been in love with Outdoor Voices Boston for a while here at Getaway. Just the name reminds us of the beauty of the natural world and we love their #DoingThings campaign. It’s exactly what we need to remind us to take that hike and breathe in some fresh air.

That’s why we have worked together to bring guests booking our Boston Outpost the option to add on a $10 Outdoor Voices pack, including an Outdoor Voices tote, a Doing Things hat, a mini-Nalgene, a 20% off discount code for Outdoor Voices, and a copy of How to Get Away.

Outdoor Voices Add on Pack

You can also enter our giveaway to bring you everything you need for an active Getaway. Three winners will win a two-night stay at our Boston Outpost and a free Outdoor Voices kit, water bottle, and hat. You can enter by following both Getaway and Outdoor Voices Boston on Instagram and entering your email here.

Add-on Pack Terms & Conditions:

Offer can be used toward any future booking for the Boston Outpost. Pack quantity is limited and the offer is valid only while supplies last.

Giveaway Terms & Conditions:

This giveaway is open through March 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced on 4/1. Getaway Team will contact winners to get relevant sizing information for their Outdoor Voices kits. Outdoor Voices kits to be supplied by OV Boston. Winners will receive a two night Getaway to our Boston Outpost as well as an Outdoor Voices top and leggings. Transportation to and provisions at Getaway are not included. This offer is only available in the U.S. and standard shipping costs may apply.

For Your Free Time

Our Book Recommendations for National Day of Unplugging

One of the best ways to spend National Day of Unplugging is to spend time reading in your favorite spot in nature. Our team pulled together a list of books about nature, mindfulness, and rest that we’ll be curling up with on March 5th to give you some inspiration to disconnect, unplug, and escape into a great read.

The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices by Casper Ter Kuile

In Casper Ter Kuile’s book, The Power of Ritual, he makes a case for taking our everyday habits and routines and doing them intentionally, with our full attention and focus, to turn them into rituals. By doing so, he argues that we can heal our relationships with ourselves and others, find community, and ultimately find spiritual meaning and fulfillment in our everyday lives.

Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

In Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith outlines the seven types of rest that she finds those she encounters in her clinical practice struggle to get – physical, mental, emotional, mental, spiritual, sensory, social, and creative. Getting inadequate rest in any of these areas can really affect your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and more, so she uses this book to describe how to identify the rest you need and then take practical steps to recharge. If you feel you need permisson to rest, let Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith write you a permission slip.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

After the last year we’ve all head, Wintering is a book you shouldn’t miss. Katherine May writes about a period of profound difficulty in her life when her husband fell ill, her son stopped going to school, and she dealt with her own health issues as well, and while this is a personal narrative, she draws from lessons learned from literature and the natural world to embrace this period of difficulty and identify the opportunities amidst the difficulties. While we typically view difficult times as periods to be endured and ended as soon as possible, Katherine May offers up an alternative perspective that takes a step back and recognizes the cycles in nature that can remind us of the cycles of our own lives and the truth that while there are fallow periods, abundance will always come around again.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In Braiding Sweetgrass, she brings her scientific knowledge into conversation with the indigenous wisdom that plants and animals are our greatest teachers. She argues for embracing and respecting the language and lessons of the natural world around us in order to develop an ecological consciousness that will allow us to work with the natural rhythms and cycles of the earth instead of continuing to take from the environment in unsustainable ways.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

In Burnout, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski explain why the experience of burnout is different for women. Their perspective considers all the societal pressures that women face while taking a look at the biological cycles that can get out of rhythm in today’s world. Most notably, they walk you through the reasons that rest, human connection, and working with your inner critic are all important contributing factors to the recovery process.

The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

In The Body Is Not an Apology, Sonya Renee Taylor offers radical self love as the path forward to address your relationship with yourself as it has been molded by the belief systems and institutions in which we live. She encourages us to take a look at our own body shame, and in doing so, inspire others to reflect in what really matters, who they are, and where the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies really come from.

How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell

How to Do Nothing is the perfect book to bring with you on your next Getaway. In this book, Jenny Odell examines the role of technology in what is now an attention economy – she sees our attention as the most precious resource we have and encourages readers to start being more intentional with the ways we give our attention. She argues that when we take back our attention and start spending it more mindfully, we can make bolder decisions with our lives, our time, and in our connections with the people and things that mean the most to us.

Silence: In the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge

In Silence, Erling Kagge, a Norwegian explorer and the first person to reach the South Pole alone, offers an insightful meditation on the role of silence in our lives to provide us with enough space to find meaning and gratitude. In our always-on and busy world, Erling Kagge’s book is a beautiful examination of how to find the things that are most important to us by slowing down and being intentional with where we allow noise into our worlds.

Ready to escape with your next favorite read? Book your Getaway today.

Local Guides | New Orleans

Explore Postcard Cabins Homochitto

Located in Meadville, Mississippi, Postcard Cabins Homochitto, is nestled ina 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 weekend getaway.


Walks in the Woods

Clear Springs Trail
Distance: 1.0 mile
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed

This trail is perfect for a stroll through pine covered hills by Clear Springs lake, a picturesque spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

Brushy Creek Horse Trailhead
Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed

This loop trail features a river and is the perfect hike for those looking for a good adventure and workout.

Clark Creek Primitive Trail
Distance: 4.3 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed

This is the perfect hike for a warm afternoon, as this loop trail follows Clark Creek to a beautiful waterfall.

Richardson Creek Trail
Distance: 9.7 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed

This loop trail features a river and takes you through the beautiful Homochitto National Forest.

Sustenance and Snacks

Sullivan’s Grocery
~9 minutes away
For everything you might need for your favorite campfire recipes, be sure to stop at Sullivan’s Grocery on your way to your cabin.

Hilltop Drive In
~9 minutes away
For some classic burgers and diner food, pull up to Hilltop Drive In for a retro dining experience.

Things to Do Around Our Cabins

Old South Winery
~37 minutes away
Old South Winery specializes in fruity, muscadine wine, so this winery is the perfect stop to taste some local flavors.

Meadville City Park
~6 minutes away
Enjoy an afternoon with your family at Meadville City Park—with trails, playgrounds, and plenty of spots to lay down a picnic blanket, you can get some quality time reconnecting to nature with those who matter most.

Ready to escape the city and head into nature? Find cabins near New Orleans.

Local Guides | Portland

Unplugging in Portland

So many elements of our lives in the city demand us to be on.

Think about emails that you answer at 10pm or your phone that doesn’t stop buzzing. Think about your own expectations of yourself — that you respond quickly or always be “in the know” on every last thing.

As much as it’s important to have standards and meet them for ourselves, it’s also important to unplug and give ourselves a break. Few places are better suited for this than Portland, with ample green space and a thriving and diverse culture that can keep you entertained and off your screens for countless hours. Here are a few of our favorite spots.

Talk a Walk in the Japanese Garden

With 5.5 acres of space, the Japanese Garden in Portland is an amazing place to spend your day. Walk by waterfalls, stop in the teahouse, or simply stroll through its lush walkways. You’ll feel instantly transported and to another time and place. As a bonus, you can enjoy seasonal exhibitions in the gallery space or a delicious bite in their cafe.

Find a Great Book at Powell’s

Remember the joys of getting lost in the bookstore? Of holing up with what might be your next favorite book, and perching among the shelves to give it a preview read? Powell’s “City of Books” feels like an actual city. It’s the largest independent bookstore in the world, with new and used reads that could keep you busy for actual centuries. You can go as niche or as general as you want in this shop, they have it all. So swap out your cell phone for a good old fashioned book at this Portland mainstay.

Go on the 4T Hike

The T’s stand for: trail, tram, train, and trolley, and you’ll need them all to experience this day of Portland activities. Take a 4 and a half mile hike at the Marquam Nature Park Shelter Trailhead, where you’ll find stunning street and a gorgeous mosaic. There’s signs for the 4T, so you can follow them towards OHSU, which will eventually bring you to the Portland Aerial Tram. Get ready for views of the Willamette River and all of downtown. After the tram, you head for the streetcar to Multnomah County Central Library, where you’ll then head to the MAX train. From there, you’ll go the Museum of the World Forestry Center, maybe the Children’s Museum, or simply head to the connecting trail which will bring you back to Marquam.  The whole thing will cost you less than $10 and keep you busy and disconnected for the whole day.

Escape to Getaway Mount Adams

Our Outpost is less than 2 hours from Portland, and ready for you to throw your cell phone in the lockbox and recharge yourself. Getaway Mount Adams has everything you need and nothing you don’t – cabins with comfy queen beds (or queen bunks), AC and heat, kitchenettes with a 2 burner stove, bathrooms with hot showers and toilets, and a personal fire pit with a grilling grate, so you can cook just outside your cabin.

Ready for your next adventure in unplugging? Find cabins near Portland.

Features

Americans + The Irony of the “Working Vacation”

Photo by Luke Porter

Vacation is defined in the Merriam Webster dictionary as ‘a period of rest or suspension from work, study or another activity’—and yet, if you’re like the average American, you’ve likely worked during scheduled time off.

One study found that working on your trip for just one hour a day can erase the memory of your holiday, while the benefits of taking a real, relaxing vacation actually increases productivity.

The digital era has made it easier than ever to multitask. Perhaps you’re reading this article at work right now, with another tab open planning your next escape, Slack notifications popping up, and your free hand absentmindedly scrolling through Instagram.

Splitting our attention between technology, work, and social media leads unproductive days, perhaps causing us to overwork and not even take breaks: last year alone, 52% of Americans left unused vacation on the table. But here is some hope: Americans, at least, are getting better at taking vacation.

While the 2018 State of American Vacation does show that Americans used
nearly a half-day more of vacation than the previous year, it’s still important that these vacation days are true days off.

Despite the fact that paid vacation time is the second-most important benefit to employees after health care, “more than six-in-ten (62%) say their company discourages, sends mixed messages, or says nothing about vacation time.”

Unfortunately, this ambivalence towards vacation often causes those who want to take their deserved time off feel guilty for doing so. This results in the ‘great spillover effect’, or mixing work and leisure, creating a culture of people who then (ironically) work during a vacation.

As the weather warms up, be sure to schedule some off-time. Still not convinced? Find some motivation from the Medieval Peasants who enjoyed more time off than the average American.