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Features | Guest Stories | Partnerships

Featured Guests: A Solo Roadtrip Through the Pacific Northwest with Morgan Gust

By Postcard Cabins and Morgan Gust -

We sent photographer and content creator, Morgan Gust, on a roadtrip to both of our Outposts in the Pacific Northwest: Skagit Valley outside of Seattle and Mount Adams outside of Portland. We sat down for an interview with her to hear about her experience, and here’s what she had to say:

My name is Morgan Gust & I’m currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Always on the road & traveling for work & fun though!

Who were your travel buddies for this road trip?

Me, myself, & I!! This was part of a 2-week long solo road trip for me!

What was your route?

Since I was doing a long cross-country road trip & my Postcard Cabins stops were a part of it, my route was a bit all over the place! BUT this portion of the trip, I woke up at my campsite outside North Cascades National Park, then drove through the scenic highway of the park. After that, I headed up to Bellingham, WA for brunch + coffee & explored the city a bit before drive 45 min down to my first outpost in Skagit Valley!

I spent my evening there & then woke up early the next morning to start my journey down to Mount Adams! I stopped in Seattle at Pike Place Market to grab some produce & flowers & wander around a bit before continuing my drive through Portland! Where I stopped at my favorite camera store, The Portland Shutterbug, & dropped off some film to develop! I finally made it to Mount Adams that evening after a few more random stops for gas & to check out the scenery on my drive along the Columbia River!

So in a nutshell – North Cascades > Bellingham > Skagit Valley > Seattle > Portland > Mount Adams

What were a few of your favorite stops along the way?

As this was only my 2nd time to the PNW, I had a LOT of favorites!! North Cascades really kicked off my trip & was absolutely breathtaking – specifically Diablo Lake!! Definitely a must-see! And also free!!

I also loved Bellingham! It was such a cute city & I wish I could’ve spent even more time there!

What was the inspiration behind your playlist?

After literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours spent road-tripping, I’ve found my absolute favorite songs & artists & love to listen to them on repeat. So when making this playlist, I just added all my favorite feel-good songs that make me want to drive & drive & sing & just drive some more!! The kind of songs that make driving through the middle of nowhere for hours seem like the most iconic, amazing thing I could ever be doing. So this playlist is just a big mix of folk, country, indie & whatever else I was in the mood for!!

What are some of your packing necessities when you getaway?

My number one necessity was a bottle of wine!! Because what’s better on a solo getaway than a whole bottle of wine to myself?! I also had an audio book downloaded, a steak & veggies to cook over the fire, & my film camera for LOTSSS of photos!!

Did you have a favorite part of each Outpost you visited?

Absolutely yes!! My favorite part about the Skagit Valley outpost was definitely just finally being able to absolutely relax, drink a bottle of wine, listen to music & eat good food!! At Mount Adams, I LOVED that there was absolutely no service & I got to completely unplug!! I listened to audiobooks, the birds chirping, & lots of good music!

How did it feel to disconnect and reconnect to nature at Postcard Cabins?

AHHHH I cannot explain how great it felt!! As a full-time business owner, I am constantly on the move, working on my computer & phone at most hours of the day. It was so nice to take a step back, spend some time in nature, & just reconnect with myself!

You can keep up with Morgan on her personal Instagram account and her photography Instagram account, on Tik Tok and on her website.

Features | Guest Stories | Partnerships

Featured Guests: A Roadtrip Through the Midwest with Joshua Ruan

By Postcard Cabins and Joshua Ruan -

We sent photographer and content creator, Joshua Ruan, on a summer roadtrip to some of our Outposts in the Midwest: from Postcard Cabins Barber Creek and Postcard Cabins Starved Rock outside of Chicago, to Postcard Cabins Wild Rose outside of Milwaukee. We sat down for an interview with him to hear about his experience. Here’s what he had to say:

My name is Joshua Ruan, and I’m based in Chicago! Feel free to shoot me a follow on IG @joshua_ruan and @joshuaruancreative on TikTok!

Who were your travel buddies for this road trip?

For this road trip, I brought my girlfriend Lia along for the ride. She took charge of being designated passenger princess, second shooter, and chief s’mores consumer.

What was your route?

We started our Postcard Cabins road trip at Barber Creek, just one hour south of Grand Rapids. After two nights, we drove about three hours to the Starved Rock outpost where we got to stay three nights at one of Postcard Cabins’ exclusive Suites! For the final outpost, we drove four hours up to Wild Rose for two rainy (but cozy) nights in. Instead of driving 7+ hours back to Grand Rapids, we decided to have a little more fun and take a ferry from Milwaukee, WI to Muskegon, MI where we completed our journey.

What were a few of your favorite stops along the way?

Probably the best stop between each location was Starved Rock State Park with thirteen miles of gorgeous trails. On the way, we also stopped by Hank’s Farm Restaurant, where we got to meet one of their peacocks roaming about the front lawn. One of the funniest stops along the way was the biggest Culver’s in the world which we saw on the way to Wild Rose. 

What was the inspiration behind your playlist?

Growing up in a sheltered family in the Midwest, meant that I didn’t get to experience much outside of my home until I went to college. So, I wanted to embody the feeling of breaking free for the first time while still feeling the melancholy of wanting that freedom as a kid. Of course I had to start with the banger, “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan, the perfect embodiment of growing up in the midwest.

What are some of your packing necessities when you getaway?

I’m an outdoor camper at heart, so having to pack significantly lighter for this trip has been fantastic! I have one small box about a cubic foot in volume that holds my seasonings, a single silicone cooking spatula, a small bottle of olive oil, butane and torches, and a few headlamps. Aside from that, the rest is just clothes, all my camera gear (which probably takes up the most space), and a cooler for transporting groceries. It’s a welcome and stark contrast to the floor to ceiling packed car I’m used to when camping.

Did you have a favorite part of each Outpost you visited?

By far the best thing about the Barber Creek outpost we were at was the view. There was this massive sugar maple that sprawled maybe twenty plus feet in each direction creating this beautiful canopy when chilling at the fire pit. I found myself zoning out just looking out the giant window that always keeps me feeling connected to nature while still retaining my comfort.

The Starved Rock outpost was definitely the highlight of the trip as we got to enjoy the premium offerings that the Suite has which included a soaking tub to unwind in after a long day of hiking, a hammock to sway ourselves into a much needed snooze, and a larger fire pit area to kickback and stretch out as we enjoyed a blazing fire.

Up in Wild Rose was where I probably felt the most secluded from the rest of society, giving me a sense of calm and peace that I only get on my super long road trips out west. It rained for most of the time we were there, so it was nice to end the trip enjoying one another’s company in such a warm and cozy environment, safe from the elements.

I think Lia’s favorite part about all of these getaways, was the readily available s’mores all packed and ready to be enjoyed in a cute little bag. 

How did it feel to disconnect at reconnect to nature at Postcard Cabins?

I’ve always been drawn to nature, especially in its raw form of experience where you have to work to ensure your enjoyment at the end of the night. However, Postcard Cabins provides that similar experience while still allowing you the comforts of a home. The gateway of a window that each outpost has, ensured that we never felt disconnected from the outside. It felt great, and much more stress free not having to worry about gathering enough firewood to last me through the night. No hassle and hustle of trying to set up camp before the sun drops past the horizon. It’s the perfect middle ground between immersing yourself in nature and feeling cozy at home, and that’s what makes this special.

How to Getaway

A Family-Friendly Getaway: What to Pack for Babies and Toddlers

By Postcard Cabins -

With packed schedules and little outdoor space, life in a city can feel pretty confining for kids — and their parents. That’s why so many of our repeat guests are families with young kids who visit again and again. 

There’s something freeing about an unplanned day that invites your little ones to take up space and explore all that nature has to offer. (Not to mention the full night’s sleep that often follows.)

To ensure your next getaway to Postcard Cabins is “the best ever,” we’ve rounded up a few family-friendly tips from our community team and parents on what to pack for babies and toddlers.

Playtime

Because kiddos love playing in the dirt.

  • Bug spray/cream
  • Outdoor bug/adventure kit
  • Books! (Especially those about the outdoors)
  • A thick sheet or pad to protect crawlers and early walkers from the rocks outside
  • Games (we like Jenga)

Mealtime

There’s nothing like tasting your first s’more.

Bathtime

Did we mention the dirt?

  • Baby bathtub to place in the shower
  • Portable training potty (if currently using at home)

Nighttime

Our tiny cabins are too small for a Pack ‘n Play, so here are a few items to help little ones snooze.

  • A portable bassinet 
  • Extra pillows/body pillow to keep little ones from rolling off the bed (There can be a small gap between the window and the top bunk bed, so placing a pillow there allows little ones to play safely.)
  • A headlamp if you’re carrying gear from the car to the cabin at night.

Ready for some family downtime? Book your stay today.

Cleveland | Local Guides | Pittsburgh

Family Friendly Road Trip to Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek

By Postcard Cabins -

We know it can be hard keeping kids entertained during the car ride to our Outpost. That’s why we’ve put together our recommendations for the best places to stop along the way from Pittsburgh or Cleveland with your kiddos.

Attractions

White House Fruit Farm Youngstown, OH
~ 40 minutes from Outpost
This family-owned farm allows you to buy freshly picked berries, fruits, and vegetables, as well as sample some of their famed baked goods. The farm, 1.5 hours from Cleveland, offers year-round events, including summer crop picking and flower festivals.

Lanternman’s Mill Youngstown, OH
~ 45 minutes from Outpost
This peaceful park, 1.5 hours from Cleveland, is a great historical stop along the way. Best yet, it’s dog-friendly and features an old mill built in the 1840s and restored in the 1980s.

Fellows Riverside Gardens Youngstown, OH
~45 minutes from Outpost
This 12-acre free public garden boasts views of rose, annuals, perennials, and scenic vistas. With an attached education and visitor center, the garden is a beautiful and education place to stop along the way.

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park Cranberry Township, PA
~ 1 hour from Outpost
This park, just 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh and 1 hour east of Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek, has a little something for everyone. With arcade games, bumper boats, mini golf, rock climbing, and more, it’s the perfect place to stop and let your kids spend some energy before your family escape.

Akron Zoo Akron, OH
~1.5 hours from Outpost
Just 45 minutes south of Cleveland, this 50-acre non-profit zoo is home to over 700 animals and is sure to please the whole family.

Walks in the Woods

Mineral Springs Loop Trail
Hike Duration: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This easy loop trail, just 45 minutes from both Pittsburgh and the Outpost, features a waterfall and is recommended for families with young kids.

Hellbender Bluff Trail
Hike Duration: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This loop trail features lots of wildlife, including bald eagles and spring warblers, as well as wild flowers and mushrooms. Just 1 hour from Pittsburgh and 2 hours from Cleveland, it’s a great family-friendly hike to do once you’re close to Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek.

Food

Two Smart Cookies East Liverpool, OH
~ 5 minutes from Outpost
This nearby bakery is the perfect place to stop for some sweet treats right before you arrive or right after you leave our Outpost.

Shale Tavern and Grille
~ 10 minutes from Outpost
This tavern has all of your classic favorites, from chicken noodle soup to a barbecue bacon cheeseburger, so there’s sure to be something for every one in your group.

Mary’s Pizza Lisbon, OH
~ 20 minutes from the Outpost
If your family is hungry from the drive over, then this local pizza joint is an easy stop that’s sure to please.

Looking for our full list of attractions to explore around Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek? You can find it here.

For Your Free Time

Wellness Tip: Go on a Hike

By Postcard Cabins -

The Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia, then moves north, crossing 14 states, eight national forests, and six national parks before ending at the peak of Mount Katahdin in Maine. By the time backpackers (known as “thru-hikers”) arrive at Mount Katahdin, they’ve spent at least five straight months trekking along the 2,178-mile trail, the longest marked path in the United States.

The trail got its start a hundred years ago, in 1921, when a Massachusetts forester and conservationist named Benton MacKaye published an article laying out his idea for a walking path across the Appalachian Mountains. He believed that the stress and speed of urban life were bad for people’s health, so he envisioned the trail as a destination for worn-out city dwellers in need of recreation and refreshment in nature. When journalists asked what the trail’s purpose was, MacKaye’s reply was Zen-like in its simplicity: “To walk, to see, and to see what you see.”

In the century since, the pace of city life has only sped up, and we’re spending less and less time outside. MacKaye’s concern for our health, and his proposed solution of getting out into nature for a reset, are as relevant as ever.

While there are plenty of health benefits to hiking, hiking is also a great way to bond with friends and family, there’s a low barrier to entry, and it’s inexpensive. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy your next hike from our founder, Jon Staff. For more tips, check out his book “Getting Away: 75 Everyday Practices for Finding Balance in Our Always-On World.”

1. Locate a Nearby Trail 

You don’t need to live in the middle of the wilderness to find good places to hike. Many cities and towns have parks and other greenspaces with walking paths, and you can find good hiking trails just an hour away from many major cities.

2. Warm Up

One of the most common hiking injuries is a sprained ankle, but you can reduce your risk with exercises to expand your range of motion and build core strength, which will help to stabilize you on an uneven trail. Crunches, squats, and lunges will strengthen your core, while a resistance band can help to improve strength and extension.

3. Break in New Footwear in Advance 

Blisters are a buzzkill. If you plan to wear new or rarely used shoes or boots on your hike, spend some time walking around in them in advance. While lightweight hiking shoes might feel comfortable right away, heavier leather boots may take up to a few weeks to soften to the shape of your feet. 

4. Stay Safe 

Check the weather a few hours before you plan to set out. Even if you plan to hike for only a few hours, bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, extra layers, and a basic first aid kit. It’s safer to hike with a partner, but if you’re planning to go out alone, make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. 

5. Budget Extra Time

Hiking is usually slower than walking, since rugged terrain and changes in elevation will slow your pace. Depending on the landscape and your level of fitness, assume you’ll cover one to two miles of trail per hour. Add an extra hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you’re new to hiking, start with a shorter, easier trail, and err on the safe side by budgeting in a few extra hours.

Useful Websites for Hikers:

How to Getaway

Wellness Tip: Restorative Yoga for Your Getaway at Postcard Cabins

By Postcard Cabins -

Suzie Vinograd recently enjoyed a getaway at Postcard Cabins Shenandoah, where she took a restorative weekend to enjoy the benefits of nature. We asked Suzie, health and wellness coach — and a celebrated yoga instructor — to share with us some of her essential tips for restoration.

Morning Savasana (and Pranayama) 

I know this might sound counter intuitive since you likely will have been resting all night, but enjoying a few moments of intentional morning savasana (corpse pose) before you actually get out of bed can neutralize, unwind, and relax the body from strange sleeping positions.

Turning the palms to face up alongside of you, allowing the heads of your thigh bones to relax, the feet to splay out naturally, guide yourself through some slow deep, methodical breaths. Beginning your day this way can help to relieve stress by calming the nervous system right from the get-go. Savasana doesn’t have to be saved for the end of a yoga practice to be effective, though it is the pinnacle posture that we’ve all been waiting for after a vigorous flow, too. 

Happy Baby

As you are exiting savasana in the comfort of your bed (or if you have chosen to move to your mat), I highly recommend drawing the knees into the chest, giving yourself a tight little squeeze and rocking easily from side to side, massaging the low back, compressing the creases of the hips and rounding out the cervical spine as you hug your nose in towards your knees.

As you come out of this tight ball, bring the hands to the inside or outer edges of your knees, grabbing hold of your feet and allow yourself to take a little anandabalasana, to stretch the inner groin and length out the spine. Often times we crouch and curl when we sleep, so opening up the body first thing in the morning (or even prior to falling asleep at night) can be a great way to return to neutral, in body and in mind.

Our mind-body often mirrors our physical body (or is it vice versa?), so whether we are conscious of it or not, often times when we care for one, we may feel the benefits affecting the others. 

Morning Sun Salutes

Even when I don’t have time to do a full practice first thing in the morning, I always feel better when I salute the sun upon waking. This doesn’t have to be vigorous, in a heated room, or in a studio to be effective. It can literally be done in the comfort of your living room, at the end of your bed, or better yet, the space right outside of your cabin.

Just roll out your mat, and come to standing at attention (Samasthiti) at the top of your mat. Allow your feet to be hip width distance and your palms to rest at the heart. Allowing your movement to be inspired by your breath is not only restorative and safer for the body – creating space, warmth, and even a bit of strength as you stretch and move through your up dogs and down dogs – but it is deeply restorative for the mind. It can actually take on the quality of a moving meditation if you aim to establish a rhythmic flow. 

Journaling

This isn’t one of the 8 limbs of yoga, but I find journaling before or after (or both) to be deeply restorative. It’s an important piece of repair- to clear the mind and cleanse the body of anything that it may be holding onto – good, bad or in between. I like to think of my yoga practice as one of my tools for pressing pause and returning to neutral, and it’s virtually impossible to return to neutral if you don’t know what could be in the way. Journaling could be free flowing or prompted – it could even begin with a mantra, or simply be a notation of gratitude, which has been scientifically proven to be deeply healing and an important ingredient for our longterm wellbeing. 

Try these restorative yoga practices on your next escape.

About Suzie

I’ve been practicing yoga now for about 13 years and teaching for almost ten. The very first class I ever took was a hot yoga class, Bikram and then a Vinyasa Flow at a studio called Inner Fire in Madison, Wisconsin where I went to school. I quickly became hooked – devoting 2+ hours a day to get there and back (usually by bike from campus, or bus), to practice one or more classes.

Immediately, I started to feel the healing properties of the whole shebang – the flow of the postures, coupled with the music, the intensity of the heat, the wonderful instruction, the group energy – allowed my racing mind to find a temporary sort of ease; allowed my body to unravel all of the mental tension it manifested within, and allowed my heart to soften and surrender a bit. I was developing a discipline and devotion to something that I had not experienced since playing high school sports or my involvement growing up in the performing arts. Little did I know then that yoga would become a hugely integral part of my ‘adult’ path. All this is to say, I practice some form of yoga everyday (there are 8 limbs, so the physical practice, or the asana, is just one), and I have found several of these practices to be deeply restorative in nature, allowing me to reground, reset, and renew.

For more information about my services, or to follow along my spirited journey, you can visit suzievinograd.com.

For Your Free Time

Wellness Tip: Breathwork 101

By Postcard Cabins -

We met Kathleen Booker ahead of a meditation event. We were immediately struck with her calming presence, and her incredibly intentional approach to breathing. She put the whole room to ease.

As she led a group of around 40 of us in a blissful meditation, she invigorated the whole room with her approachability, energy, vitality, and warmth. It is just this spirit that have drawn many towards her. She’s been invited by Oprah to host a breath work healing workshop at a screening event for a documentary around childhood sexual abuse.

As a survivor of abuse herself, Kathleen recognized that the audience was triggered. Dealing with their overwhelmed energy, their anxiety, and their stress, is where Kathleen shines. She’s found the healing power of breath, and she’s living proof of that herself.

We asked Kathleen to give us the rundown on breath work strategies we can use at home, or on your next getaway.

A Note From Kathleen:

The Breath has supported me to release a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety from the trauma…Thanks to the Breath, much healing has taken place within my mind, body and emotions.

I dance with joy in celebration FOR myself…I am CONFIRMATION of the powerful healing of Breathwork.  I have had a personal Breathwork practice for over 15+ years.

Your Breath Heals: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Now let me be clear, there is still more healing for me to do.  However, I am NOWHERE near where I was 10, 5, or 1 year ago — Thanks to the Breath.

World renowned integrative medicine doctor Andrew Weil, M.D. says “Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”

Breathwork 101

Medically speaking, Conscious Connected Breathwork releases cortisol/stress from the body and increases the good feeling endorphins in the body.

This is called homeostasis/balance in the body.  With Breathwork, peace will prevail and permeate your mind and body.

Results from Conscious Connected Breathwork:

  • Releases anxiety/stress
  • Enhances sleep
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Sharpens focus and concentration
  • and MORE!

How is the healing with Breathwork showing up in my life?

Gosh…Can ya say happy?  There is a flow pervading happiness within me that has become my default energy.

And…Synchronicity of incredible opportunities are showing up: being invited to be a healer at Oprah’s event!!!

My relationships are deeply authentic and loving.  I speak my authentic truth with heartfelt ease, and I am boundless energy!!

Breath Heals.

I always share with my clients: life is gonna life…Stuff is gonna happen. 

However, the Breath gives us the ability to respond, not react, to what happens in life.  This is the distinction.  The response comes from a place of inner peace, balance, and focus – that is the power of the Breath.

Your Breath is your key to a Life Lived Vivaciously!

Features | Partnerships

Featured Guests: Photographer and Content Creator, Kyle Huber

By Postcard Cabins -

Earlier this season, Kyle Huber (@asenseofhuber) and Tiffany (@tiffpenguin) took a well-deserved escape to Postcard Cabins Asheboro outpost in North Carolina. After a packed schedule of photoshoots and work trips, they embraced the opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and explore everything the local area had to offer.

Exploring Asheboro’s Hidden Gems

Kyle and Tiffany kicked off their trip by exploring the surrounding natural beauty, starting with the Pisgah Covered Bridge. This iconic spot is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful stroll and snapping some scenic photos. From there, they ventured into the town of Asheboro to visit the North Carolina Zoo, home to a diverse array of wildlife, and took the time to wander through local shops, picking up unique finds. For a delicious meal, they stopped by The Table, a local favorite known for its farm-to-table cuisine, offering a true taste of Asheboro.

Cozy Cabin Vibes at Postcard Cabins

Back at their cozy cabin, Kyle and Tiffany embraced the slower pace of cabin life. They made dinner over the firepit, enjoying the simplicity of a meal cooked outdoors, then spent their evening playing card games by the fire—an unplugged moment of fun and connection.

One of their favorite parts of the stay? The peaceful views of the pond near their cabin, where they could relax and soak in the serenity of their surroundings. As if nature hadn’t offered them enough gifts, the rain brought a delightful surprise—baby frogs! These tiny locals came out to say hello, making for a memorable and heartwarming encounter.

Unplugged, Relaxed, and Reconnected

Kyle and Tiffany’s visit to Postcard Cabins Asheboro was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. From exploring the local attractions to savoring quiet, cozy moments at the cabin, their time away was a refreshing reminder of the simple joys that come with disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with nature.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own fall escape, take a page from Kyle and Tiffany’s adventure. Whether you’re hiking to scenic spots, visiting local towns, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of your cabin, there’s no better time to explore, unwind, and make new memories.

Follow Kyle (@asenseofhuber) and Tiffany (@tiffpenguin) to see more of their adventures, and start planning your own getaway to Postcard Cabins today!