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A Year of Rest | Guest Stories

Featured Guests: Omisade Burney-Scott, A Recipient of Rest

By Postcard Cabins -

Earlier this month, through our Year of Rest initiative with Rachel Cargle, the Nellie Mae Foundation, and Miir, we hosted Omisade Burney Scott. Omisade has spent the better part of the past 25 years of her life focused on the liberation of marginalized people, beginning with her own community through advocacy work, philanthropy, community organizing, and culture work. She is the creator of The Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause, a multimedia project seeking to curate and share the stories and realities of Black women and femmes over 50. Omisade is a 1989 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, is the proud mom of two sons, Che and Taj, and she resides in North Carolina. Here’s what she had to say about her work, her Getaway, and the importance of rest as part of the resistance.

I was able to share this experience with my youngest son, Taj, who just turned 12 on October 15th. It’s been a rough and dynamic journey of the past several months for all of us, but in particular for him. Being separated from school, his friends, his eldest brother who is 28 and lives in Brooklyn, and the constant barrage of news filled with violence against Black bodies had started to take a toll on his usually bubbly and outgoing personality. We have navigated much of this time with healthy doses of love and hugs from his dad and myself, creating new family rituals, consistent teletherapy, and creative play (mostly virtual).

It was an absolute joy to experience this with him and to be able to unplug from the world right now. We cooked, hiked, took naps, played Pokemon (he won) and talked by the fire (I built my first fire). It felt like a moment where the outside world and all our concerns could just melt away. 

I have been an activist and advocate for social justice for over 25 years. I also walk with the identity of being a creative. My journey to working in communities to co-create a more healed, just, and equitable world has been amazing, hard, fulfilling, full of learning, inspiration, and fatigue.

I took a sabbatical from movement work back in 2018 after some deep personal loss and extreme burnout. I spent much of 2019 giving myself permission to reimagine what my relationship to rest could look like in practice, as well as exploring what my social justice and creative work might look like from a grounded place of health and healing post 50 (I’m 53).

In July of 2019, I launched a new venture called The Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause because I wanted to create and curate a space for the stories of people who look like me… Black women and femmes to speak their truth around aging. I wanted to share our stories, not from a medical or public health perspective, but from a cultural and social one that allowed us to explore notions of pleasure, intimacy, creative expression, rebirth, healing, and transformation.

Being nominated for this night away by my friend Xiomara Corpeno felt like a gift from my ancestors, a reminder not to let my commitment to rest, health, healing, and joy elude me or slip away while in the midst of a pandemic, unrest, and necessary transformation for our country. 

I believe liberation is a real state of being that it is fully possible for Black people to exist in – one where the world is spacious, loving, accountable, free of harm and violence, and whole. A place and existence that we would likely call freedom. I believe that Black people, indigenous peoples, and people of color being able to access rest and exquisite care is essential to us arriving in that space whole and intact.  I also understand there are so many reasons why we can’t access it, why it feels elusive—not possible. I know that the moments we access that care, that joy, that rest, are healing and restorative. It is my hope that the more intentional we are in co-creating access to those moments that are fully resourced and supported, the closer we are to being in a consistent healing practice that is an extension of care, grounded in social justice. 

To keep track of Omisade’s work, you can find her on Instagram, Facebook and her website.

Need your own escape to nature to recharge and reconnect to what matters most? Reserve your tiny cabin today.

Features | Guest Stories

Featured Guest: A Romantic Escape to Getaway Blake Brook

By Postcard Cabins -

Earlier this year, we hosted Aline Mac and her fiance, Shaun at Getaway Blake Brook outside of Boston, so they could spend some time reconnecting in nature.

We are from Natick, MA and are mostly in the city. We don’t have a ton of nature around us and we both work a lot so there is nothing more relaxing than to surround ourselves in nature. The silence of the woods helps us clear our minds and makes us feel reinvigorated to get back to our busy lives.

My favorite moments of our Getaway were spent enjoying each other’s company while cooking, reading, and cozying up around the fire.

My husband is a Realtor and is normally glued to his phone. So the first hour was stressful for him but by the end he felt so relaxed that he almost forgot he had a phone… haha but seriously it’s incredibly liberating and we loved it!

We realized even more how moments together away from technology are important. The time we spent in the Getaway made us realize that we want to take that back home and have at least one meal together without cellphones. The single moment that stood out to me was waking up in the morning with all the sun beams shining down through the trees while cuddled up in a warm bed. SO COZY!

Everyone is living busy lives and most couples like us relax at night with their faces buried in a phone. I think quality conversations are becoming more rare. It was so nice to just chat, tell stories, laugh and learn more about each other. No matter how long you’ve been together there’s always more to learn!

Ready for your own romantic escape? Book your Getaway today.

Campfire Cooking | Features

A Friendsgiving at Getaway

By Postcard Cabins and Kaitlin Guerin -

Meet Kaitlin Guerin, a pastry chef and owner of Lagniappe Baking, a pop-up style bakehouse in New Orleans. We hosted her and a group of her friends at Getaway Homochitto outside of New Orleans so they could disconnect from the noise, and enjoy an outdoor Friendsgiving. We sat down with Kaitlin to hear more about her connection to food, her connection to nature, and her Friendsgiving. Here’s what she had to say.

I’m a pastry chef and the owner of Lagniappe Baking, a bakehouse in Treme, New Orleans, and in New Orleans, “Lagniappe” is a term that means, “a little something extra.”

My approach to cooking and baking is really rooted in traditional southern food and foodways. Growing up in New Orleans, I’ve always had a close connection to food and to understanding that it is cultural and celebratory. After living in Northern California for a few years, I obtained a closer connection to nature from frequent camping and hiking. There’s always something that, quite literally, sparks in me when I get to cook and celebrate around a campfire. Having moved back to New Orleans, I’m relearning my Southern roots and how connecting to traditional techniques of cooking brings me closer to understanding the foodways that regulate our lives here.

This biscuit recipe is one that connects me to my ancestors. Using benne seeds – an alternative to sesame seeds – pays homage to those that brought these grains from West Africa. Putting them over fire, for me, is melding the connection of nature and understanding the intersection of Southern culture, tradition, and history. 

For me, there’s nothing quite like cooking in nature. It’s a chance to strip away, to escape, and to come to place where we’re cooking over fire like our ancestors did.

The most important ingredient when making a memorable Thanksgiving dinner is to surround yourself with love, and family, and friends that you want to spend a great evening with. Spending this time in Mississippi at Getaway was the right space to reset, rediscover, and really connect with my closest friends around nature and food. 

Kaitlin also graciously shared her recipe for these delicious biscuits with us, so we can all try them out on our next escapes to nature!

Campfire Sweet Potato Biscuits
(Makes 8-10 Biscuits)

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of flour
  • 3/4 tsp of salt
  • 1 Tbsp plus 1/2 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 tsp of sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 8 oz cold butter, cubed
  • 1 ea sweet potato, boiled, peeled, smashed
  • 1-1 1/2 cup of buttermilk, full fat
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter for brushing
  • 1/4 cup of sesame seeds (optional)
  • Honey butter or jam for serving

Equipment Needed:

  • 2″ biscuit cutter
  • 10″ seasoned cast iron skillet with lid
  • Digital probe thermometer (optional, but helpful)
  • Metal tongs
  • Heat-resistant gloves for grilling

Instructions:

Before You Arrive at Getaway:

  • Boil, peel, and mash the sweet potato.
  • Measure your dry ingredients (flour through baking soda) into a container.
  • Measure and pack up your remaining ingredients.

At Getaway—Prep Your Fire:

  • Burn enough wood down to create coals—these will be place around your cast iron.
  • With the cast iron sitting off to the side in the fire pit, carefully place 5-8 medium-sized coals around it with tongs. This will help regulate the temperature.
  • Occasionally check internal temperature of cast iron until it reaches 375º F – 400º F. 

Get Cooking:

  • Put the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl, toss with hands to incorporate.
  • Toss cubed, cold butter into flour mixture. Using your fingertips, smash the butter into the flour, until all the pieces are pea to almond sized.
  • Add the sweet potato, and combine into mixture with a spoon, just until it incorporates. 
  • Make a well in the center, and add a shy – 1 cup of the buttermilk and gently fold with spoon until it creates a shaggy dough, adding 1 Tbsp buttermilk at a time in dry spots as needed.
  • Turn dough onto cutting board, and pat and shape until it all comes together, being careful not to overwork the dough.
  • Gently cut out 8-10 biscuits with cutter and set aside.
  • Making sure the internal cast iron temperature is between 375º F – 400º F, carefully place biscuits into pan. 
  • Spoon melted butter over biscuits, and add optional sesame seeds.
  • Close lid, and place about 5 more coals on top of lid. 
  • Cook for 10-15 min, then check for doneness.
  • Biscuits will lightly golden brown when done.
  • Serve with honey butter and/or your favorite jam!
How to Getaway

How to Prepare for Your Disconnected Cabin Stay

By Postcard Cabins -

It’s no secret that we love to disconnect. Throw our phones in the cell phone lockbox, ignore notifications for a few days, and just enjoy the simple respite of nature.

Many of our locations have little to no cell phone reception to help you embrace the true freedom of being remote. While that’s an exciting notion for many, it can be daunting for some. We put together a handy guide to help you prepare for your remote cabin stay.

1. Download how to get there and how to get back

In our cities, we rely so heavily on our phones and GPS, it can be hard to remember that those handy tools are dependent on good service. Your best bet to ensuring you know exactly how to get to where you need to be (and equally important – how to get back home), is to download necessary directions to your phone. Even better, go old school and print them out. If you’re using Google maps, check out this handy guide.

2. Print out directions to any local attractions you want to go to

Peruse through the Journal right here to find recommendations near your cabin. If you’d like to go anywhere during your stay, be sure to download and/or print instructions on how to get there and back.

3. Be sure you’re packing the right things

Check out our packing lists ahead of time. We provide all the essentials so you don’t have to bring too much with you, but note that sometimes grocery stores or modern conveniences aren’t right around the corner.

4. Know the Location address

Keep it handy. We recommend physically writing it down, but you can always save it to the notes section on your phone. A pro tip: check the map for a nearby landmark that’s en route. You’ll know you are close by when you’ve passed that landmark.

5. Know our customer service number

You can always call us if you run into trouble, as there is a landline in your cabin. Our number is (617) 914-0021. The number will also be in your cabin should you need anything ahead of arrival.

6. We’re here to help

Our locations outside of Portland and Atlanta have a help phone if you run into any issues when you’re outside of your cabin. Refer to your map (remember – you already have it downloaded on your phone) for its location.

7. Don’t be scared, no service can be a blessing

What better way to appreciate the present than to remove all the distractions around you?

Have any questions? Contact our team here.

Local Guides

Our Favorite Hikes Near Each of Our Outposts

By Postcard Cabins -

We’ve pulled together a list featuring our favorite hike near each of our Outposts, so you don’t miss the most beautiful trails near your cabin on your next escape to nature.

Getaway Asheboro

Purgatory Mountain Trailhead
~8 minutes from the Outpost
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.

Getaway Barber Creek

Reeds Lake Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
This paved trail through the woods circles the beautiful Reeds Lake, and makes for the perfect afternoon hike with with your friends and family.

Getaway Beaver Creek

Mineral Springs Loop Trail
Hike Duration: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This easy loop on the Pennsylvania side of the border features a waterfall and is recommended for families with young kids.

Getaway Big Bear

Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
Arrowhead Pinacles Trail is a steep, difficult trail that will keep you puffing. Enjoy the boulders and panoramic views throughout, especially the 360-degree lookout from the top. There’s not much shade, so get hiking later in the afternoon or in the early morning to avoid the heat.

Getaway Brazos Valley

Washington on the Brazos Area Trails
~30 minutes from the Outpost
Hike Distance: 2.7 miles 
Difficulty: Easy
Featuring beautiful views of the Brazos River, a healthy population of local birds, and trailside swaths of wildflowers, this is a dog and kid friendly hike that’s good for all skill levels. As a state historical site, it’s also home to the Barrington Living History Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum. 

Getaway Chattahoochee

Toccoa Swinging Bridge Trail
~30 minutes from the Outpost
Hike Distance: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Toccoa Swinging Bridge trail is in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The trail is just over 5 miles from the Outpost. The coolest thing about it is the bridge itself—it’s the longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi, and goes directly over the Toccoa river. The swinging bridge is a great destination for trout fishing (particularly in the spring during spawning season) due to its proximity to the Rock Creek Fish Hatchery, which is also open to visitors. Small creeks, mini waterfalls, and a thick grove of Mountain Laurel trees can be found on the opposite side of the bridge. 

Getaway Dale Hollow

Winding Stairs Loop
Distance: 1.6 mi
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
The Winding Stairs Loop trail is located near Lafayette, TN. This loop is perfect for families or anyone looking for an easy and quick hike with some beautiful waterfall and creek views. There are also many other trails to explore in Winding Stairs Park.

Getaway Eastern Catskills

Kaaterskill Falls
Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed
This hike is short, though it is also steep and can get rocky. But all the effort is totally worth it when you reach the gorgeous waterfall.

Getaway Hill Country

Blue Hole Park Trail Loop
Hike distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is a great loop for families right near the swimming area in Blue Hole Regional Park. With the smell of cedar, oak and cypress trees, clear blue water, and mulched trails that are mostly flat, this is the perfect afternoon hike to catch up with family and friends. If you want to indulge in the swimming hole, be sure to call ahead and make reservations.

Getaway Homochitto

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.

Getaway Kettle River

Kettle River: Banning State Park to Old Dam Site
Distance: 4.1 mi
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
This trail loops around along one side of Kettle River through Banning State Park, and features some interesting rock formations, the river, and a waterfall. Make sure to stop at Toby’s gas station by Banning State Park for a giant custard donut on your way back

Getaway Machimoodus

Bear Hill Loop
Distance: 5.5 mi
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed
This beautiful loop trail gets you right into the dense forest that’s native to this region, and features groves of mount laurel, Connecticut’s state flower.

Getaway Mount Adams

Guler Ice Cave Hike
Hike distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This walk to the most visited cave features beautiful underground ice formations and tubes that are results of lava flows. Remember to bring snow gear though in the winter months, cave temperatures can drop pretty low.

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Getaway Ozark Highlands

Cedar Bluff Trail
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
This loop trail through Pomme de Terre State Park, follows the rocky bluffs around the lake, and passes through some beautiful spots featuring oak, maple, and hickory trees.

Getaway Piney Woods

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.

Getaway Shenandoah

White Oak Canyon Trail
Distance: 9.5 miles, about 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
If you’re in search of waterfalls, head out on White Oak Canyon Trail. It can be a strenuous hike, but you can also adjust your mileage and make it shorter by skipping some of the sections.

Getaway Skagit Valley

Little Mountain Park Loop
Distance: 4.8 mi
Difficulty: medium
Dogs allowed
This loop trail through the forest in Little Mountain Park starts at the top of Little Mountain, and features viewpoints of Mount Baker, the Skagit Valley, the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains and even tulip fields.

Getaway Western Catskills

The Shavertown Trail
Distance: 2.9 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
A crisp 3 mile round-trip, Shavertown’s modest incline is worth the ascent. The lookout point at top has intimate views of the Pepacton Reservoir as well as the mountains that surround it. 

Ready for your next escape to nature? Book your Getaway today.

Boston | Local Guides | New York City

Explore Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

By Postcard Cabins -

Located in Moodus, CT, Postcard Cabins Machimoodus 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

Machimoodus State Park Trail
Distance: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed
This 2 mile loop trail in Machimoodus State Park is the perfect spot for a beautiful walk along Salmon River.

Bear Hill Loop
Distance: 5.5 mi
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed
This beautiful loop trail gets you right into the dense forest that’s native to this region, and features groves of mount laurel, Connecticut’s state flower.

Salmon River Trail Loop from Comstock Bridge
Distance: 6.5 mi
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed
This loop trail features beautiful views of Salmon River with many spots perfect for an afternoon picnic, and it features one of the last remaining covered bridges in Connecticut.

Sustenance and Snacks

Discover an oasis of locally sourced delights in historic East Haddam, just a 5-minute drive from the cabins. The coffee house and art gallery offers breakfast all day Saturday-Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Fridays. Indulge in house-made baked goods amidst the vibrant ambiance.

Tavern on the Hill
~4 minutes away
For classic bbq dishes, Tavern on the Hill is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal and meet some locals.

Hometown Market
~4 minutes away
To stock up on all the ingredients you might need for your favorite campfire recipes, Hometown Market has got you covered.

Anderson’s Sugarhouse
~7 mins away
For some sweet treats to enjoy after your campfire dinner, head to Anderson’s Sugarhouse.

Things to Do Around the Cabins

Château Le Gari
~17 minutes away
This winery uses both Old World and Modern wine making methods to craft amazing local wines for you to try.

East Haddam Dog Park
~8 minutes away
To allow your pup to reconnect to nature, an afternoon spent at East Haddam Dog Park—off the leash—will allow them to run free.

Ray of Light Farm
~14 minutes away
Visit Ray of Light Farm and their animals for free. Check the website for programs or just show up and walk around the property. They are an animal rescue and sanctuary that is open 10-4 Thursday through Monday. While you’re there, check out the Save-A-Buck Tack Shop for gifts, gear or candy.  

Boho Farm
~14 minutes away
This small farm has a little shop where they sell locally made goods, local honey, jams, coffee, teas, home decor and (seasonal) flowers from their garden and more. In November and December their shop and garden is turned into a Christmas wonderland. They make goat milk soaps, soy candles and room sprays that they also sell in the shop. There are also farm animals to visit.

Artist Fellowship

Fall Artist Fellows

By Postcard Cabins -

In our busy lives it can be hard to find time, space, and inspiration. We created our Artist Fellowship program to give artists undistracted time in nature to do what they do best—create.

Over the past few months, we’ve invited artists across all of our Outposts to create their next masterpiece in nature. Here’s a round-up of the work they made when they tucked their phones away and allows for creativity to strike in the great outdoors.

Colin Tom is a cartoonist for The New Yorker and sketched his way through a quiet escape to Getaway Catskills West.

artist fellow

Joanie Stone is a DC based children’s book illustrator, wife, and mother of one. She took to Getaway Shenandoah to illustrate a perfect Getaway scene, while she started on illustrations for her next book.

fall artist fellow

Laura Supnik is a Brooklyn based illustrator who recently got away and quite literally illustrated nature.

Nicole Polletta used inspiration from nature and all its beautiful imperfections to make a series of tote bags. She designed them during her stay at Getaway Blake Brook, and made them upon return home.

To find out more about our Artist Fellowship program, visit our website. To spark your own creative side in nature, book your Getaway.

Local Guides | Nature

Explore Our Favorite Hikes

By Postcard Cabins -

Falling on November 17 this year, National Take a Hike Day is all about exploring the over 60,000 miles of trails throughout the United States. We’re sharing our favorite paths from each of our Outposts. Wear some sturdy shoes, pack extra water and snacks, and bring along a friend to celebrate with us.

Best Hike around DC

Hike

Hightop Mountain, around Mile 68 of Skyline Drive, VA

Hightop Mountain is a pleasant 3.2 mile round trip hike that offers a 180-degree southwest view of Shenandoah National Park. Follow the Appalachian Trail for a slow and steady climb with switchbacks that build anticipation until the end. Even in cloudy conditions, the view at the peak reveals layers of the Blue Ridge mountains extending into the distance. Especially beautiful during steamy sunrises or during autumn months, Hightop Mountain is one of those hikes that even the most experienced climbers return to over the years.

Best Hike around NY

Overlook Mountain hike

Overlook Mountain, 335 Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY 12498

After a gradual 2.5-mile uphill trek, the skeletal ruins of an 1920s-era hotel await hikers before they continue towards the summit of Overlook Mountain. Breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley and infinite swaths of foliage await. If you’ve got the energy and your quads aren’t burning too badly, climb the stairs to the top of the old fire tower for an unobstructed 360-degree perspective of the surrounding scenery.

Best Hike around Boston

Bear Brook hike

Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH 03275

As one of the largest developed parks in New Hampshire, Bear Brook State Park’s 10,000 acres contain over 40 miles of trails at varying difficulties for every kind of hiker. Many lead to quiet summits, marshes, bogs, and ponds, where you can fish, swim, or boat. Mountain bikers and equestrians are also welcome to practice their sport. Our favorite path is Catamount Trail, about 2.2 miles roundtrip. It’s a difficult uphill climb along a rocky and steep trail. However, after winding through a red pine forest, the reward is one of the best lookouts in the entire park.

Backpack packed and boots laced? Book a cabin and explore these local hikes.