Our Artist Fellowship program was created to give creatives the space they need for uninterrupted work in the middle of the woods. The hope is that artists can use the quiet and the natural beauty around our cabins to inspire their creative projects. We’re excited to feature several of our fellows from the past few months and the work they have created at Getaway.
Hayley Tanasijevich has been drawing for as long as she can remember and even studied graphic design and illustration at the University of Michigan. After college, she realized her passion for travel drawing and has found a place to sketch everywhere from Scotland to Southeast Asia. Most recently, Hayley escaped to Getaway New York for some creative time. Drawing her inspiration from a treasure trove of children’s books, Hayley says she one day hopes to make her own.
“I hope someday to have a little studio where I can draw animals with eyebrows wearing funny clothes as much as I want,” Hayley said. “For now, I take each day one at a time and keep drawing and improving to never stop creating.”
Ali Williams has been passionate about public art ever since she created her first mural in art school. Her dream would be to create a mural abroad with a mission she’s passionate about. In the meantime, Ali draws her main inspiration from her fellow women artists and celebrating their accomplishments.
She took to Getaway DC this winter to focus her creative energy and work on some sketches. When she’s not on a Getaway, Ali says she likes to escape to the ocean.
“I’m fortunate to live near the ocean, and I work remote, so for a quick get away I walk to the beach as much as I can,” Ali said. “Unplugging is still a challenge, that’s why I like yoga so much! But with good people around it makes it much easier to shut all that down and enjoy the present moment no matter where you are.”
While Joanna Guest has been artistic for most of her life, she says her current work is mostly driven by the deep love of art her parents, who met in art school, have always had. In 2017, Joanna began collecting all the notes her father had written to both her and her brother. Since then, she has been creating collages to pair with her father’s words and has been sorting them into a book set to publish in 2019.
Joanna recently took to Getaway New York to inspire some of her canvases. However, the Brooklyn-based artist tries her best to find ways to disconnect even when she can’t get to the Catskills.
“I like to go to Maine. If that’s not in the cards, I love to cook, with good music in the background and a glass of wine,” Joanna says. “There’s nothing ‘away in nature’ about that, but boy can it make this Brooklyn-born kid feel free.”
One of the most exciting aspects of heading to our cabins is the opportunity to get to know the towns and regions where the cabins are located. With the Outpost located between Charlotte and Raleigh, roughly 90 minutes from each, we discovered some amazing spots that we can’t wait for you to check out, too. Here are a few of our favorites:
Raleigh to Postcard Cabins Asheboro: Road Trip Pitstops
Small B & B Cafe ~40 minutes from Raleigh ~47 minutes from the Cabins Discover this sweet cafe in Pittsboro, with a mission to make the farm-to-table experience affordable, fun, and delicious. Great for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, this cafe has plenty of outdoor seating and menu options for any dietary preference, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.
Fair Game Beverage Co. ~45 minutes from Raleigh ~50 minutes from the Cabins One part bottle shop, one part souvenir shop, one part tasting room, Fair Game Beverage Co. in Pittsboro, was Carolina’s 13th legal distillery. They offer tastings of some of the oldest barrel aged spirits in the area, along with their wine, their cider, local craft beer, and specialty regional food items.
Jordan Lake ~30 minutes from Raleigh ~60 minutes from the Cabins Jordan Lake is a 14,000-acre reservoir with an undeveloped hilly shoreline. There are seven swim beaches and nearly 14 miles of hiking trails, most of which are easy and ideal for families. The wildlife includes osprey and bald eagles.
Charlotte to Postcard Cabins Asheboro: Road Trip Pitstops
Stony Mountain Vineyards ~70 minutes from Charlotte ~50 minutes from the Cabins Stony Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned boutique winery in the beautiful Uwharrie Mountains. Dedicated to the passion of winemaking, they invite you to do a wine tasting, schedule a winery tour, or simply enjoy a glass of wine on the deck with panoramic views of the countryside.
Rob Wallace Park Loop ~35 minutes from Charlotte ~75 minutes from the Cabins Hike Distance: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy This trail is known to be well-maintained and quiet. It’s ideal for all skill levels, good for kids, and dog friendly, but it’s recommended to bring hats and sunscreen as most of the trail is exposed to the sun. Don’t miss the stunning deep-water quarry lake at the end of the loop.
Walks in the Woods near Getaway Asheboro
Purgatory Mountain Trailhead ~8 minutes away Hike Distance: 1.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate This scenic hike to the top of Purgatory Mountain is a great way to top off a day spent at The North Carolina Zoo, as the trail begins on their property. Uphill but not strenuous, it’s good for kids, dog-friendly, and meticulously maintained and marked for navigational ease.
Faith Rock Nature Trail ~20 minutes away Hike Distance: .08 miles Difficulty: Easy This loop along Deep River is ideal for all skill levels and kids, plus it features plenty of wildlife. It passes by Faith Rock, a large bluestone outcropping, known for stunning river views and a peek of the ruins of an old textile mill.
Uwharrie National Recreation Trail ~30 minutes away Hike Distance: 18.9 miles Difficulty: Moderate In its entirety, this trail covers the length of Uwharrie National Park. Crossing several creeks, this trail is not heavily trafficked, known to be peaceful and quiet, and has plenty of beautiful flora and small fauna to look at along the way. It’s dog-friendly and hiking short portions is great for kids.
Birkhead Mountain Trail ~ 30 minutes away Hike Distance: 11.6 Difficulty: Moderate This year-round loop features a river and is part of the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness, a protected mountain range intended for public use. These mountains are considered to be the oldest on the North American continent, with evidence of early Native American life dating back over 12,000 years.
Coolers Knob Mountain ~ 30 minutes away Hike Distance: 2.5 Difficulty: Easy Part of the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness, this back trail is great for all skill levels and known for its wide array of wild flowers and many stream crossings. Hike between April and October for the best experience.
Keyauwee Supertree Woodrun Loop Trail ~30 minutes away Hike Distance: 12.4 Difficulty: Moderate A long hike if done as a loop, this moderate up and down trail is known for amazing downhill sections, beautiful wildflowers, and birdwatching. The trail is dog-friendly, heavily wooded, and dotted with creeks.
Sips and Sustenance Near Our Cabins
The Table ~15 minutes away A charming family-run restaurant, located in downtown Asheboro, that celebrates seasonal cooking, strong community, and the importance of gathering round the kitchen table. Southern hospitality meets comfort food meets garden-fresh at this dine-in cafe and carry-out market.
Four Saints Brewing Company ~15 minutes away Four Saints Brewing’s mission is to provide great beer for great people, and pays homage to the patron saints of beer: Saint Wenceslaus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Luke, and Saint Augustine of Hippo. Through brewing, they hope to grow the local economy, support meaningful organizations and charities, and create a place where hospitality matters and everyone feels welcome.
Magnolia 23 ~15 minutes away Find simple good food and good service at this snug eatery in downtown Asheboro. Known for their delicious southern cooking—specifically their fried chicken and sweet tea—and congenial warmth, you’ll feel like you’re visiting neighbors at Magnolia 23.
Food Lion ~11 minutes away To stock up before your cabin stay so you can prepare your favorite meals, head to Food Lion for locally-sourced options to support the community around the Outpost.
Sidetrips Near Our Cabins
The North Carolina Zoo ~8 minutes away Situated directly between Raleigh and Charlotte, The North Carolina zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. They house primarily African and North American animals, with a strong focus on conservation and nature-based educational programs. This is a great place to visit with kids—tickets are $11 for children, $15 for adults, and free for children under two. Plus, make sure to check the feeding schedule so you see your favorite animals.
Richland Creek Zipline Canopy Tour ~10 minutes away Richland Creek is one of the first ziplines in North Carolina, and consists of 14 ziplines totaling over one and a half miles of cable. Their prices are the lowest in the area, so feel free to bring the whole family. All tours are given by a trained and certified tour guide, and depending on the size of your group, your tour will last about two hours.
The North Carolina Aviation Museum ~20 minutes away The North Carolina Aviation Museum, located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, offers a diverse set of interactive exhibits which tell stories from the beginning of flight through contemporary aviation. Great for kids who want to experience the wonders of aviation first hand.
Pisgah Covered Bridge ~20 minutes away Built in 1911 for $40 USD to aid in horse and wagon travel, this 54 foot bridge is one of North Carolina’s two remaining covered bridges. Visit this historic landmark located in Uwharrie National Forest, which crosses the West Fork Branch of the Little River.
For a round-up of organizations and Black-owned businesses to support in Charlotte and Raleigh, see our list.
Nija and Super of @brokehungrychicks spent some time earlier this summer at Getaway Shenandoah and created these amazing vegan campfire nachos – they graciously shared their recipe with us so we can all try to recreate them ourselves on our next escape to nature.
Ingredients:
Tortilla chips
Canned beans
Chopped red onion
Diced tomato
Canned sweet corn
Top the nachos with:
Sliced jalapeño
Vegan cheddar cheese
Mild salsa
Guacamole
Cilantro
Lime
Instructions:
Put two layers of chips then beans, corn, onion, tomatoes, and cheese in a cast iron pan. To make the homemade guacamole topping you’ll need one avocado, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
We believe in disconnecting to reconnect with what’s really important, including your relationship with your significant other. It can be easy to let work and other distractions get in the way of spending quality time together.
This Valentines Day, find some time to bring you and your partner closer together as a couple. We have a list of activities to get you started on just that. Whether you’re in the comfort of your home or on a peaceful escape, this list of activities will help you and your Valentine bond together.
Answer the 36 Questions That Lead to Love
This famous list featuring 36 questions meant to build intimacy was popularized by a New York Times Modern Lovecolumn in 2015. Originally created by a team of psychologists led by Arthur Aron, the questions are based on the idea that vulnerability fosters closeness. Try them with your partner to get to know them better and don’t let the length of your relationship stop you. Answers can change with time and can remind you of why you fell in love with your partner in the first place.
Learn a New Skill Together
Whether it’s as simple as learning to tie a knot together or as challenging as learning a new language, let the process of learning bring you closer. Even just trying out a new recipe together can bring you closer. Talk about the shared experience and what may be easy or challenging about your activity. Ask each other for help when you hit a snag. It’s those little gestures that can foster closer connection.
Write Each Other A Letter
Sometimes communication is easier through writing. Try penning a letter to your partner telling them your favorite qualities about them and ask them 3-5 questions. Then swap letters and write each other back. Writing together will bond you and can give you another avenue to connect with one another.
Dance it Out
If you and your partner want to lighten the mood, have a dance party. Dancing will get your endorphins going. Don’t worry if you don’t think your dancing skills are up to par – there’s no winners or losers in a dance party. It’s good to let yourself be silly around your partner and make each other laugh.
While you can do these just about anywhere, we’re of course partial to Postcard Cabins. Let yourselves escape the city, put your phones away, and reconnect in nature together.
Mikayla Herrick is a gifted photographer and Washington native who stayed at Getaway Mount Adams in the end of December 2019 as part of our Artist Fellowship Program. Here at Getaway, we’ve been captivated by Mikayla’s eye, by her ability to frame a photo and choose the best moments to capture.
Though her work speaks for itself, here’s what she had to say about her path as a photographer and her Getaway experience.
“My husband, Brice, bought a camera while we were dating and he would often go out and shoot with other people who were into photography. It was right around the time Instagram was starting to become ‘the thing.’ Shortly after he bought his camera, he started showing me how to use it from a technical side. I’ve always had an eye for photography, so learning how to capture images correctly with an actual camera made it that much more enjoyable. I started second shooting weddings with friends, and before I knew it, I started my own business of wedding photography in 2017! Photographing people—people on the greatest day of their lives—has become an absolute joy and honor. It’s the most intimate and exciting thing I get to be apart of.”
“My Getaway experience was so wonderful. It was quiet, slow, restful, happy. My husband and I got the opportunity to take time to be intentional with being away, and slowing down. We enjoyed a fire each day, played countless games of cards, went for walks, a scenic drive with random stops along the way, took naps, read books, cooked meals, put away our phones. The way the tiny homes were set up were perfect. We had everything we needed, and nothing that we didn’t. We felt like we had our own space, but we also felt safe knowing there were others close by doing the same thing. The cabins were beautiful—so aesthetic! It was easy to just be, to sit without anything to do. I think our souls crave such stillness and rest, and that’s what we experienced.”
Regarding where she finds inspiration, Mikayla says, “Inspiration is everywhere, constantly. For me, I play out how I would photograph every space I encounter. Of course, I also find it through other photographers’ work (Instagram). I am constantly inspired by what other creatives come up with. I also really enjoy looking through old wedding albums, or old photographs from over the centuries. There’s something about timeless pieces that bring about inspiration.”
“My favorite way to be off is spent sleeping-in, reading, watching movies, napping, eating out—all with my husband. Weekly we spend twenty-four hours intentionally resting and away from work. It’s important for us to take time to unplug from social media and our phones, at large. I recently listened to a podcast and the guest said something that will stick with me, ‘I want to show up for my actual life.’ How often do we mindlessly, endlessly scroll on our phones—when we could be showing up and living our actual lives? Don’t get me wrong, it’s incredible what we can do and who we can connect with over our phones, but I would argue it’s incredibly more important to be present and living fully alive in our real lives.”
Feeling inspired to capture some photos in nature? Book your Getaway today.
In our modern over-stimulated world, we believe it’s important to take time to disconnect from our screens and recharge. Being sucked in by a good read is a great way take a break from your phone.
Every Getaway cabin comes with a selection of books, but just in case you want to bring your own, our friends at BookSparks shared with us their list of winter must-reads. Whether you prefer memoirs or thrillers, this list has the perfect book for you to curl up with when it’s chilly outside.
In this heartbreaking new thriller from Christina McDonald, a mother is forced to come to terms with her daughter’s near-death encounter, while tracking down the truth about what happened to her. Abi has been told that her daughter attempted to take her own life, but when she finds suspicious bruises on Olivia’s wrists, she refuses to accept the police’s explanation. Things get more dire when Abi finds out that her daughter is not only brain dead, but pregnant, with doctors keeping Olivia on life support to keep the baby alive. Racing against the clock to find out the truth, Abi’s finding will reveal an evil truth no mother should ever have to face.
The perfect winter read for Game of Thrones fans, Marlon James’s new novel brings readers a masterful mashup of fantasy, history and folklore. Tracker is a hunter who has always insisted on working by himself, but when he’s armed with a rag-tag search team and given the task of finding a young boy who has been missing for three years, he’ll come to find that this job will be unlike any he’s ever embarked on before. With the appearance of deadly creatures and deep-rooted secrets, Tracker realizes that finding the boy could mean life or death for him and his entire group.
Two young and ambitious souls find themselves on a thrilling new journey in The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo. Ji Lin will do anything to help pay back her mom’s debts and when she finds an unsettling item in the dance hall where she works, it sends her on the kind of adventure she has always craved. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Ren is doing his best to track down an item from his late master. As Ji Lin and Ren’s paths collide, they’ll learn the true devastation of love and the hope that can bloom in even the darkest of places.
A mysterious and intriguing illness plagues the pages of this new release by New York Times bestselling author, Karen Thompson Walker. When a young college student finds that her roommate won’t wake up no matter how hard she tries, it becomes a case for doctors who can’t seem to get to the bottom of the mystery. As more and more people fall victim to this disturbing illness, everyone goes into survival mode, doing what they can to avoid the sickness. But as doctors monitor those who have been affected, they soon realize that their brain function is consistently increasing leaving everyone to wonder what the victims are dreaming about.
If you’re a memoir fan and haven’t picked up Maid by Stephanie Land yet, it’s time to add it to your Amazon cart. This touching true story follows the life and trying times of a young mother who did everything she could to get by and provide a full life for her daughter. Leaving the idea of college and becoming a full-time writer behind, she took to working as a maid and taking as many classes as she could at night to further her journalism dreams. Through heartwrenching dedication and harrowing experiences, Land learned what it really means to be part of the working class in the United States. In this new memoir, Land details the horrors of trying to get by in America—a story that not many are brave enough to tell.
Grab your favorite read, curl up, and lose time in its pages. The best place to do just that is right here at Getaway.
Based on feedback we’ve received from our guests, one of the best parts of a Getaway is the opportunity to stargaze far from city lights. This makes sense as an astonishing 99% of people in the United States and Europe can’t see the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution.
Few things make us feel awe — that sense of wonder mixed with a touch of both fear and reverence — like being immersed in nature. When we stare out across a vast ocean or canyon, take in the panoramic view from a mountaintop, or gaze up at the stars, we recognize that we’re a very small part of something much greater than ourselves.
This can be an unnerving feeling, but as researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have found, it can also make us better people. Further studies have found that in addition to inspiring awe, stargazing can also reduce stress and increase positivity. Here are some tips to keep in your back pocket on your next Getaway to help you find the constellations.
Invest in a Red Flashlight
The warm glow of a red flashlight will give you enough light to see without ruining your night vision, unlike the bright glare of a regular blue-white flashlight, which forces your eyes to readjust every time you switch it on and off.
Bring Binoculars
Especially if you’re just getting started, astronomers advise holding off on investing in a costly, tricky-to-use telescope. Instead, pick up an inexpensive pair of binoculars, which allow syou to see the sky in far greater detail than with the naked eye.
Be Strategic About Timing
Crisp, cold nights are much better for stargazing than warm, muggy ones, when humidity creates haze in the air. And you’ll see the stars more clearly if you choose a night when the moon is waxing or waning, since a full moon’s brightness can wash out the pinpricks of sunlight.
“Find Your Park After Dark” With the NPS
The National Park Service’s website provides listings of park-sponsored evening events, activities, and educational programming nationwide, along with listings for observatories and stargazing tips.
Get Help From Apps
With a variety of apps, users can simply point their phone cameras at the sky and instantly identify the stars, constellations, and planets overhead.
Ade Ogbomo, is by day an elementary school teacher, but by night she’s a photographer, designer and digital creator. She’s the owner of GabeJade, an African accessory store. In June, Ade stayed at Getaway Piney Woods outside of Dallas as part of our Artist Fellowship program. Here’s what she had to say about her creative process, her connection to nature, and her time at Getaway Piney Woods:
On Photography
“When I started GabeJade in 2017, I decided I would need to learn photography in order to have consistent, quality photos so that my brand would stand out amongst others. When I picked up my first DSLR, it just felt right. It seemed like I was born to be a photographer. Learning photography for my brand and posting the images on Instagram helped me acquire photography clients and partnerships.
“There is nothing like natural light and photographing people/things surrounded by nature. The colors, trees, flowers, and lighting present in nature highlight beauty unlike anything else. I often plan shoots according to natural lighting.”
On Creativity
“Usually for me, coffee = creativity. I usually have my cup of coffee, open all the curtains in my home to allow natural light in and play some calm music to get my ideas flowing. During my Getaway, I did not need coffee, I did not need music. Just being in the middle of nature got my creative juices flowing immediately. The cabin was like a little think tank of ideas, it was the perfect environment for new ideas to flow. It’s definitely something I would suggest every creative do monthly.”
On Nature
“Nature brings balance and clarity—there is nothing like waking up early and going for a walk or just sitting on the balcony and watching the sunrise. It really sets a peaceful tone for the rest of the day. Waking up early and enjoying nature is a productivity life hack for me—it almost guarantees that I will work at an optimal level.”
On Disconnection
“At first, I was skeptical about going somewhere with no Wi-Fi and no TV, but surprisingly not having those things made the stay even better! The large window provided much-appreciated natural light and views, my dog LOVED just sitting and staring at the greenery right outside our cabin. I loved the serene feeling that enveloped me when I was surrounded by nature and the ability to enjoy it without interruption.
“During my cabin time, I was able to sit down and write some ideas out without interruption—being in nature, I felt less inclined to check my phone every 5 or 10 minutes. I have been studying copywriting and the incubation process, as well as branding/increasing brand awareness and during my stay, I was really able to dive in and finish a couple of books I had started on the topic. Being alone with my thoughts boosted my creativity and I was able to iron out the details for a couple of photoshoots and campaigns. This allowed me to return home fired up and ready to dive into new ideas and new angles of selling. Sometimes you just need to recharge—Getaway gives you that and much more.”
You can learn more and follow Ade’s journey by following her instagram account and checking out her website. Feeling inspired? Book your own creative escape today.
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