Located just 50 minutes outside of Greenville, SC, in Seneca, SC, Postcard Cabins Lake Hartwell 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
Seneca Adventure Trail Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs are not allowed This loop trail will take just about an hour to complete, and is intertwined with a disc golf course. The trailhead is located at the Shaver Recreation parking lot.
Yellow Branch Falls Trail Distance: 3.6 miles Difficulty: moderate Dogs allowed This trail is a local favorite, taking you across streams, through beautiful groves of hardwood trees, and all the way to Yellow Branch Falls, an enchanting 50-foot waterfall. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
Blue Hole Falls Distance: 1.0 mile Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail may be short, but it’s not one you want to miss while visiting the area. This is the perfect hike leading to a swimming area for a warm summer day. The directions will take you to a fork in the road, so be sure to turn left and drive down the gravel road, and the trail will be on the right.
Sustenance and Snacks
Ingles Market ~ 12 minutes away Make a pitstop at Ingles Market before getting to the Outpost to pick up all of the ingredients for your favorite campfire recipes.
Walnut Street Bakery ~ 10 minutes away For the most delicious coffee and pastries in town, head to Walnut Street Bakery to start your day off on a sweet foot.
Copper River Grill ~ 13 minutes away Head to Copper River Grill for the best steaks and seafood in the area.
Things to Do Around the Outpost
Keowee Brewing Company ~ 10 minutes away Try some local craft brews and enjoy delicious dishes with ingredients sourced from local farmers.
South Carolina Botanical Garden ~ 17 minutes away The South Carolina Botanical Garden has a 70-acre arboretum with miles of trails and streams, a butterfly garden, wildflower meadow and more.
Stumphouse Tunnel ~ 31 minutes away While you’re in the area, you can’t miss the Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished mountain tunnel from the 1850s. The tunnel is about a quarter of a mile long. Just a short drive away you can stop at Issaqueena Falls Waterfall too.
Getaway was literally started by my dad. He didn’t found the company. He didn’t bankroll us. He actually started the company — as a builder, he pounded the first nail into what became our first tiny house in Boston.
He doesn’t get much recognition in our press or from our investors. He doesn’t even have a cabin named after him (maybe one day). But I’ll never forget that he volunteered his actual blood, sweat, and tears for me and my dream.
To me, this will always be a father and son company. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there.
Located just one hour outside of Columbus, OH in Nelsonville, OH, Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills 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
Holler Collar Trail Distance: 3.1 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This loop trail in the Bailey’s Trail System, takes about an hour to complete, and is shared with mountain bikers.
Lost Marble, Salt Works, Tipple Top & Wild Turkey Loop Distance: 6.0 miles Difficulty: moderate Dogs allowed This loop will take just over two hours to complete, but with scenic views of the surrounding wetlands and hillsides, the workout will be worth it.
Wild Turkey and Hacksaw Loop Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This loop trail will take you deep into the area’s forest, getting you up close and personal with the area’s oak trees.
Sustenance and Snacks
Witten Farm Market ~ 16 minutes away Make a pitstop during peak produce season at this Farm Market to pick up fresh, local ingredients for all of your favorite campfire recipes.
Hocking Hills Diner ~ 13 minutes away For all your favorite classic diner dishes, head to Hocking Hills Diner.
Maya Burrito Co. ~ 15 minutes away Head to Maya’s for the most delicious burritos in town.
Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ ~ 18 minutes away Enjoy this local favorite with mouthwatering barbecue and smoked meats in a casual and fun environment.
Things to Do Around the Cabins
Ash Cave ~ 11 minutes away You can’t miss this natural recess cave with a gorgeous waterfall in Hocking Hills State Park. The trail to the falls is 0.6 miles and is wheelchair accessible.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Engine House ~ 13 minutes away Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Engine House offers scenic train rides on old, themed trains through the local area.
Fox’s High Rock Farm ~ 20 minutes away Stop at Fox’s High Rock Farm to meet some goats, pigs, cows, donkeys, and more.
Holistic health consultant and healthy lifestyle designer Paola Atlason doesn’t believe in just taking vacations for balance. She practices self-care every day and incorporates balance into her daily routine. Paola will soon be unplugging and de-stressing in one of our cabins. But in the meantime, Paola is sharing with us her tips for bringing the best parts of Getaway into our daily routines.
Practical and easy self-care tips for staying balanced throughout the day
One of my favorite ways to recalibrate is by being in nature. As a New Yorker for the past 20 years this is not always easy, so I rely on a handful of self-care rituals to keep me grounded throughout the day.
I would first like to demystify what “self-care” means- it simply refers to any practice in which you feel cared for and supported. It doesn’t involve costly products, it doesn’t have to be time consuming, you can do it from the comfort of your home and in your own time. It should be practiced in bite sizes, throughout the day, every day – not saved exclusively for Sundays.
The most important ritual is to begin the day with a focus on yourself. Those few minutes spent in nurturing silence set the tone for the rest of your waking hours. The following is my trusted 3-step morning routine, one that I’ve practiced for years and still brings me joy:
SIMPLY BREATHE
By placing attention on the breath upon awakening, we welcome clean energy into our bodies. Conscious deep breathing oxygenates the blood and ignites internal heat, which is very important during the cold winter months.
The Technique: While laying in bed take a full deep breath in for a count of four, and slowly release for a count of six. Feel free to sigh or open your mouth as you exhale. Repeat for 4 to 6 rounds and as you scan your body, smile, stretch and indulge.
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
As you open your eyes, in your mind list three things you’re grateful for. This easy yet highly effective practice changes your brain chemistry and shifts the focus onto the positive. Keep it simple to begin with (I’m often grateful for my hands and sunlight). Once you get going, your list will grow.
WAKE UP!
My favorite hands-on ritual is “dry skin brushing”. This practice promotes circulation and detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system (aka the body’s washing machine). Using a natural bristle brush – before you shower – with firm yet gentle strokes start at the bottom of your feet and brush up the legs, torso and arms, and back down the neck and chest towards the heart.
For detailed step-by-step instructions and brush recommendations please visit my blog.
We know it can be hard to find the space to create art and get inspired, that’s why we created Our Artist Fellowship Program; to provide artists with the time, space, and permission to recharge by creating.
This month we’re featuring three illustrators who made time to Getaway to capture the inspiration that came with some extra time in nature. Here’s what each of them had to say about creativity, their connections to nature, and their Getaways.
Jessica Shepherd
On Creativity
I’m an artist and illustrator based in Hillsboro, Oregon. Creativity has always been an important part of my life, but I fell in love with artistic processes in High School and went on to get my B.A. in Art. I grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and have always been inspired by, and felt incredible peace, being in nature. Both of these themes of peace and nature come up frequently in my art as I strive to communicate the essence of a place through detailed pen and ink work.
On Nature
I view both experiences in nature and the creative process as therapeutic in my life. They both provide a chance to step out of our normal responsibilities, take a deep breath, and focus on something beautiful. They are ways to create space in our lives for discovery. Because of this connection I am often inspired to use natural elements and landscapes as subjects for my artwork. I love being able to create something from an experience in nature and communicate the beauty and sense of peace that I get from nature to the people that view my art.
On Escaping
My Getaway was a wonderful reprieve from the business of normal life, especially in light of all that has gone on in our country and world this year. It was a treat to be in a space set out for the purpose of rest and disconnection. I was able to use the time to get away from the distractions of technology. The experience was a reminder to me to look for the simplicity and moments of beauty in my everyday life as well, and I am excited to see where this theme will take me in my next collection of artwork.
You can follow along on Jessica’s journey on her Instagram and website.
Alisha Baker
On Creativity
Growing up in a small, historic town outside of Baltimore, I spent a lot of time outdoors, barefooted and climbing trees. I chose to study illustration in Boston and after years of the busy, city life, I wanted a change of environment and pace. Austin incorporates the best of both worlds, offering a thriving urban lifestyle with the balancing presence of plenty of watering holes and green spaces to rest and reconnect with nature. Whittled Inklings came out of this transition, and this is the name I work under creatively, primarily in relief printmaking and commissioned illustrative and graphic design work.
On Nature
Nature plays a prominent theme in my print work and I draw influence from the outdoors often. Inspiration for a future project can come from taking a walk around the neighborhood, venturing out to a local trail, or on a road trip collecting imagery from point A to point B. Living in Texas, I am finding myself forever enamoured by desert plant life, especially octopus agave and prickly pear cacti in bloom!
On Escaping
My stay at the Houston outpost exceeded all expectations. I can’t remember the last time I was surrounded by absolute darkness and could look up and see all the stars so clearly. It was a humbling reminder to unplug from the screens, disconnect from social media, and take a moment to feel small in comparison to the towering trees and visible galaxy above.
The Getaway Cabin experience is deeply thoughtful in architectural design, curated amenities, and a carefully chosen, safe, and peacefully remote location. It’s a stay I would recommend to family, friends, and creatives looking for a moment of pause.
You can keep up to date with Alisha’s work on her Instagram and website.
Sophia Yeshi
On Creativity
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer from Baltimore, MD living in Brooklyn, NY. I create work that’s bold, colorful, and demands attention featuring Black Women, Women of Color, and the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to create work that comes from an authentic place and resonates with my community.
On Nature
Being in nature allows me to slow down and escape the hustle and bustle of life in New York City. I have fond memories of going hiking in the woods as a kid and the way I would enjoy conquering the forest, finding waterfalls, feeling disconnected from the world. I’ve gotten away from nature as an adult and being back in it was a reminder of how much a change in environment can do for your mental health.
On Escaping
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Getaway. I especially appreciated being able to be still and reflect, which is what I ultimately chose to illustrate. Being in the cabin, I didn’t even want to pick up my phone or laptop, I wanted to be in the moment and just soak up the time in nature. I was inspired to get away from the city more often to give myself free liberty to create.
You can keep up to date with Sophia’s work on her Instagram and website.
We know that with the hustle and bustle of city life, it can be hard for artists to carve out time to create. That’s why we started our Artist Fellowship Program, to give creatives uninterrupted time in nature to work on their projects. We love seeing what our artists make during their time with us, so we’re excited to share with you some of our fellows from this season.
Photographer Albert Groshenko knows how difficult it can be to find balance in his life. As an economics student at Columbia, Albert says he is lucky enough to draw inspiration from every street corner of New York City. He believes the sidewalk has become our culture’s “runway,” and loves seeing how artfully people choose to present themselves to the world.
Despite his love for the city, Albert still enjoys escaping to the woods. During his Getaway in Epsom, N.H., Albert took photos, cooked on an open fire, and slept amid the trees. While he loves working with his camera, Albert says he would love to one day create his own line of menswear, in addition to the finance career he aspires to.
Sophie Calhoun has been drawing for most of her life, but she had to take a hiatus from her art when life got too crazy. Once she graduated college though, Sophie rededicated time to her work and says she’s happy creating visual art again.
Sophie says she loves escaping into nature and gaining a fresh perspective, so she was able to spend some time creating illustrations while at Getaway Boston. Sophie says she usually gets her inspiration from a desire to visually represent complex concepts, like emotions. She loves storytelling and world-building and dreams of one day using her skills to create a graphic novel or video game.
Interested in becoming an Artist Fellow? Apply here.
Your getaway is about finding time to disconnect in order to reconnect – whether with family, friends, or nature. After or en route to a restful break at one of our cabins, there’s plenty to explore in the area, whatever may pique your interest.
Here’s our guide to nearby attractions and things to do along the way:
Getting There
Nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest, your secluded escape is easily accessible from Atlanta. The best way to get there is by car; the cabins are about a two hour drive from the city. Parking is easy and available for every cabin. If you don’t have a car yourself, consider carpooling with a friend, or renting a car in the city. If all else fails, your journey will take you longer, but you can take a Greyhound bus to Gainesville, which is an hour-long Uber or Lyft from the location.
The drive to Postcard Cabins Chattahoochee can get windy and steep. Be sure to prepare by knowing your route ahead of time, and addressing any motion sickness needs you might have.
Walks in the Mountains Near Our Cabins
Jarrard Gap Trail Hike 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.
Cooper Creek Trail Hike Distance: 1.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash This loop trail, which is accessible all year, features a gorgeous array of wildflowers. As you hike, you’ll be followed by the gentle sounds of the creek. This is a great route for families and anyone interested in familiarizing themselves with all the colors Georgia has to offer.
Long Creek Falls on the Appalachian Trial Hike 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 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.
Sustenance and Snacks Near Our Cabins
There aren’t very many grocery stores in close proximity to the cabins, so it may be best to prepare before you head out on your escape. There is a Walmart around 36 minutes from the cabins, in case you forget anything.
Van Zandt’s Riverwalk Grill & Grocery 103 Newport Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 ~ 20 mins away Visit Van Zandt’s for country-diner style breakfast and lunch and to grab some groceries on your way to the cabins. Their pancakes are bigger than a plate, and if you can finish their 1/2 lb. burgers for lunch, they offer a 4 mile-long tubing and kayak float.
Dahlonega General Store 24 Public Square, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 40 mins away This old-timey general stores has everything you need for your stay in a tiny cabin, with a wide variety of items, snacks, and tchotchkes.
Sunrise Grocery 7568 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512 ~34 mins away A locally owned grocer and specialty shop where you can find “a lil bit of everything,” as their sign claims. Stop by for local honey, handmade goods, fresh produce, souvenirs, and more.
On the Local Menu
Wildcat BBQ & Store 7475 GA-60, Suches, GA 30572 ~10 minute walk or ~2 minute drive Our neighbor at the bottom of the hill dishes up great barbecue, wings, southern sides, and more (call ahead to order your pizza), and has folks traveling from miles away to enjoy their ribs and brisket. They’re typically closed during the winter months, but stay busy the rest of the year. There’s plenty of outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly and the small shop has local preserves, pantry items, and other goods for sale.
Bratzeit 77 Memorial Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 40 mins away 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 mins away 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.
Sidetrips
Consolidated Gold Mine 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30522 ~ 35 mins away 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. The perfect excursion for the whole family.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533 ~ 35 mins away 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.
Grumpy Old Men Brewing 1315 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 ~ 45 mins away 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.
Lakewood 400 Antiques Market 1321 Atlanta Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040 ~ 1 hr 15 mins away Many dealers come to set up booths and stores at Lakewood 400, open on the third weekend of every month, to sell a wide variety of unique, fascinating antiques, and there’s something for everyone.
As Daylight Savings approaches, we know you’re not looking forward to losing an hour of sleep, so we tapped our team and reached out to Coach Cam to hear about how they plan to spend their extra hour of sunlight to reconnect to what matters most. Here’s what they had to say:
What’s going on y’all it’s daylight savings, and that means EXTRA SUNLIGHT! Whoop Whoop! So looking forward to getting back to having “more time” during the day!
I’m taking this time to connect and embrace more of the things that I enjoy doing and that means starting it off right with a hot fluffy fresh stack of homemade protein French toast, lattes, and being outdoors! Spending any kind of time outdoors, especially in nature, has been a great mood booster for me. It’s grounding, always brings me back to center, it’s another opportunity for me to be present and bask in gratitude. In my free time outdoors, I enjoy hiking and nature walks during the week to get my steps in and to get the good energy flow going, kayaking, and golfing. Cheers to enjoying our extra hour of sunlight!
Here’s how team Getaway is following Coach Cam’s lead and getting outside:
The Graze Outdoors
You’ll find me grilling dinner in the great outdoors. — Langer, Facilities Team
Golden Happy Hour
I’ll be hosting happy hour on my patio and taking evening walks with my pup, Bertie. — Anna, Marketing Team
Having a Ball
To unwind after work, I’ll be using the extra daylight to take beach walks and play soccer in the park. — Lindsey, Community Team
Spring Flowers
I’ll be using the extra hour of daylight to start working on my backyard, getting everything ready for spring. — Idris, Outpost Team
Family Free Time
I’ll be using the extra daylight to take my kiddos to the park to play after school. — Jeannice, Digital + Software Team
Friends Al Fresco
I’m planning to enjoy more evening picnics with friends while catching sunset. — Kara, Product Team
Easy Rider
Three words: Sunset bike rides! — Bethany, Outpost Team
