This summer we hosted Gus Gus and Marty, and their owners at Getaway Kettle River outside of Minneapolis, so they could escape the city and reconnect to nature.
They spent the morning of their stay unplugging, sleeping in, and soaking up nature through the big window while enjoying some coffee and cuddles. They spent some time immersed in the sounds and smells of nature on a hike, and then returned to their cabin to enjoy dinner by the campfire, some delicious S’more Mutt Mallows, and finally escape into a great book before bed.
Looking for a dog-friendly escape for you and your four-legged friend? Book your Getaway today.
When it comes to campfire cooking, there are few delicacies more iconic than the s’more.
Typically made with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows, the classic treat first officially appeared in cookbooks nearly a century ago and made for a simple, sweet, fire pit-friendly dessert.
Looking for a s’more with s’more pizzazz? Try these recipes at your next Getaway!
Salted Caramel S’mores
Caramel Sauce
Flaky Sea Salt
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Roast your marshmallow to your preference. Lay your toasted mallow on one graham cracker. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt. Sandwich your s’more and enjoy!
Peanut Butter Cup S’mores
Peanut Butter Cups
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Roast your marshmallow to your preference. Lay your toasted mallow on one graham cracker. Carefully place a peanut butter cup directly onto the hot marshmallow. Sandwich your s’more and enjoy!
Banana Boat S’mores
Bananas
Chocolate Chips
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Start by peeling one panel of each banana peel off and removing most of each banana with a spoon – you should be left with mostly empty banana peel “boats” that can sit upright on their own. Fill each banana peel boat with marshmallows, chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces. Group the filled banana boats into a large piece of aluminum foil. Place the foil with the boats onto the fire pit grate for a minute or two until marshmallows are toasted and chocolate is melted. Grab a spoon and enjoy!
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air becomes crisp, it’s the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature. At Postcard Cabins, we provide serene tiny cabins just outside major cities, offering the ideal setting to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and those who matter most. Packing for a fall retreat, however, requires a bit of strategy to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here’s our curated list of must-haves for a fall weekend at our cabins.
1. Large Tote Bag
A spacious tote bag is a must for any weekend adventure. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear GOAT Tote is perfect for carrying all your essentials. Made from durable, waterproof material, it withstands the elements and packs flat, making it cabin-friendly. It’s ideal for everything from hiking gear to groceries, ensuring you’re prepared for all your weekend activities.
2. Warm Layering Pieces
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so packing versatile layers is key. Think cozy sweaters and a reliable rain jacket. These pieces will keep you warm and dry whether you’re exploring the woods or relaxing by the fire pit.
3. Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, even in cooler weather. Bring along an insulated water bottle to keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or taking a refreshing drink on a hike, an insulated bottle is essential.
4. Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Comfortable and durable footwear is crucial for any outdoor adventure. Opt for hiking shoes that provide the support so you can navigate the fall terrain and keep your feet comfortable all day.
5. Cozy Cabin Slippers
After a day of exploring, you’ll want something comfortable to slip into back at the cabin. A pair of slippers are a great choice for downtime in your cabin.
6. Film Camera
Capture the beauty of fall with a reliable camera. A film camera adds a nostalgic touch and encourages you to focus on your surroundings to document the vibrant foliage and serene landscapes.
7. Binoculars
Fall is a fantastic time for bird watching and appreciating the changing scenery. A good pair of binoculars will enhance your nature observations, bringing distant wildlife and vistas into clear view.
8. Bug Protection
Even in fall, insects can still be a nuisance. Pack some Insect Repellent, or grab some from your cabin provisions to keep bugs at bay. Treating your clothing and gear before heading out will help ensure a more comfortable outdoor experience.
9. Entertainment Without Screens
Take the time during your escape to unplug and enjoy some traditional forms of entertainment. Pack a good book, a journal for reflection, or some board games. Classic games like UNO or a deck of cards can provide hours of fun and are perfect for cozy nights in your cabin.
10. Thermos for Hot Beverages
A thermos is perfect for keeping your hot beverages warm as you explore or relax in your cabin. Enjoy hot cocoa, tea, or coffee while savoring the crisp fall air.
12. Beanie and Gloves
Keep your head and hands warm with a beanie and gloves. These small but essential items will keep you comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
With this fall packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your cabin experience. Embrace the season, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Happy packing!
We know that furry friends can be the best travel companions around. While Getaway is pup-friendly, not everyone else is, so knowing how to pack for travel with your dog is especially important.
We’ve put together some tips and guidelines to make getting away with your pup a breeze. Most transportation options require a carrying case for your dog. We like a dog carrier, like this Frisco premium travel carrier, for more portable travel or a dog car seat for driving.
Tip #1: Traveling By Local Transit
Local transportation is typically the most affordable option for humans and dogs alike. Before you hop on your local bus or train though, make sure to check the travel rules for pets in your local area. Luckily enough, we’ve put together a guide for all of our cities.
In both New York and D.C., service dogs are always allowed on local transit. Non-service dogs are also allowed, but only if they’re in a container or carrier. Atlanta’s MARTA is similar, but with an extra restriction that requires the carrier to be rigid and have a lock or latch.
Boston also has a similar policy for MBTA trains and buses, but the city stipulates that non-service pets are not supposed to ride during rush hour.
Tip #2: Traveling By Car
If you’re getting out of the city, renting a car is fast and flexible. Zipcar and Enterprise say your pup is always welcome, provided it stays in a dog carrier and you return the car free of fur. Avis can be a more flexible option with no strict pet policy, but the car must be returned clean and free of pet hair.
If you’re looking to ride-share, both Uber and Lyft leave the decision up to the driver. We recommend ordering a car and then calling your driver to confirm you can bring along your pet. Cabs in most cities tend to abide by the same policy.
Tip #3: Choose Pet-Friendly Destinations
It always makes it easier to travel when you know your pup will be welcomed at your final destination. This is particularly important if you’re traveling by way of public transit, but you also don’t want to take your pup somewhere where they are going to be stuck in a car.
There are plenty of travel options that welcome your furry friends. At Getaway, we have a small pet fee (one per trip, so you don’t have to pay per pup per night), and that covers our cleaning expense and gives you a lead, a bowl, some waste bags, and treats for your dog.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Packing is stressful for everyone, especially if you have to pack for both yourself and your pet. Our must-have items include a dog travel bowl, dog treats, plastic bags, and a favorite dog toy or blanket to keep your pup company.
We recommend bringing along proper ID for your pup as well. Sometimes accidents happen and if you lose track of your pet, you want to make sure they are properly identifiable. Ensure your dog has proper ID tags and is microchipped. Better yet, always keep them nearby with a dog leash.
Be careful to never leave your dog in a car during extreme heat or cold and keep an eye on how they’re doing throughout the stress of the travel process.
Don’t forget the delight of travel. Pack treats for you, and treats for them. Be sure to reward your pup when they have good behavior. It helps reinforce what they are doing right.
Most importantly, remember that no one knows your dog better than you do. Listen to yourself and your pup and enjoy escaping together.
Find more of our favorite pup-related tips from our friends at Chewy by visiting Pet Central.
Good things happen in the great outdoors, especially with those who matter most. To celebrate Summer’s imminent arrival, we invited eight families to Getaway Lake Hartwell, outside Atlanta, to immerse themselves in nature and connect on a deeper level. We spent 36 hours in nature together, taking family portraits, doing yoga, creating vision boards, hiking at Stumphouse Park, and indulging in snacks, lemonade from Jase’s Lemonade Stand, and s’mores around the campfire.
During this special weekend, it was heartwarming to see families bonding over shared activities and creating lasting memories in the serene surroundings. From the peaceful afternoon yoga sessions with Mimi’s Yoga Kids to the laughter-filled evenings around the campfire, every moment was a testament to the power of time off in nature to strengthen our relationships.
Spending time in nature has numerous benefits, especially for children. It encourages creativity, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity. As these families explored the trails and participated in activities, we witnessed children discovering the joy of the outdoors, building resilience, and developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world. These experiences are invaluable, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors.
We are so glad these families could carve out the time to escape and reconnect. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s essential to take a step back and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature. By offering these opportunities, we hope to inspire more families to prioritize quality time together and embrace the beauty of the great outdoors. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable weekend at Getaway Lake Hartwell.
Need some time to reconnect with your own family in nature? Book your Getaway today.
Now that it’s finally warm out, we know that the best way to complement your outdoor adventure is with a quick dip in cool waters. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite watering holes near each of our Outposts.
Getaway Eastern Catskills One of the most popular waterfalls in the Catskills is Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter, NY. There’s a moderate 2.6 mile out and back trail that will take you to the base of the waterfall for some amazing views.
Getaway Blake Brook Located about an hour away from our Boston Outpost, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and offers plenty of activities all year round. Drop by for a swim, a bit of boating, or try your hand at fishing.
Getaway Dale Hollow Our favorite spot near Getaway Dale Hollow for a day on the water, is Pleasant Grove Park, just 24 minutes from our cabins.
Getaway Homochitto Just 11 minutes from the Outpost, you can head to Lake Okhissa for an afternoon fishing or boating on the lake.
Getaway Machimoodus Just 2 minutes from the Outpost, you can head to Salmon Cove Preserve to explore Salmon River, or, just 10 minutes away, you can head to East Haddam Town Beach on the shores of the Machimoodus Reservoir.
Getaway Chattahoochee Vogel State Park, located just 30 minutes from our Outpost, offers far more than just a spot for a quick swim. Explore some nearby hikes or stretch out on the beach. Plus, the mountain views are pretty spectacular.
Getaway Beaver Creek Just a 30 minute drive from our Outpost, Guilford Lake State Park, features a 600-foot public swimming area on the northwest side of the lake.
Getaway Barber Creek Just 20 minutes from the Outpost, you can head to North Beach in nearby South Haven to spend an afternoon swimming and enjoying time on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Getaway Western Catskills Getaway Western Catskills is conveniently located just on the shores of the Pepacton Reservoir, so just two minutes from the Outpost, you can spend an afternoon picnicking with those who matter most. We’d recommend heading to the Shavertown Trail Trailhead for a nice 2.9 mile hike around the reservoir.
Getaway Big Bear With plenty of space for both swimming and water sports, Lake Gregory Regional Park, is a quick 20 minute drive from our Outpost.
Getaway Mount Adams Outlet Falls, located just 10 minutes from our Outpost, features a 69-foot waterfall. If your sense of adventure permits, climb the steep but short path and you’ll find plenty of swimming spots at the base.
Getaway Skagit Valley While our Seattle Outpost has a small waterfall on site, the best spot to spend an afternoon cooling off with those who matter most is 28 minutes away on the shores of the Skagit Bay. And for those with a furry friend, we’d recommend English Boom Trail County Park, as there’s an off-leash dog park there for your pup to run free.
Getaway Kettle River Just 11 minutes from the cabins, you can head to Sturgeon Lake for a day spent cooling off.
Getaway Shenandoah Just one hour away from our Outpost, Upper Whiteoak Falls has a series of swimming holes and hikes easily accessible from the base.
Getaway Piney Woods Fairfield Lake State Park is just over an hour from Getaway Piney Woods. This spot is ideal for a nice dip on a hot day, a lakeside picnic, or some time practicing your fishing skills.
Getaway Brazos Valley Just forty-five minutes from our Outpost, you’ll find Gibbons Creek Reservoir. The reservoir has a few designated swimming areas for you to get out of the heat.
Getaway Hill Country Twenty minutes from Getaway Hill Country, you can find Blue Hole Regional Park. This park features natural turquoise swimming holes, hiking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, and more.
Getaway Asheboro Just under twenty minutes from the Outpost, Lake Lucas is the perfect spot for a swim, a short hike, or a day of fishing.
Ready to take a dip on your next Getaway. Book your escape now.
In the Fall, we hosted composer, Bradley Thomas Turner at Getaway Talladega Valley through our Artist Fellowship program, so he could escape the noise of the city and reconnect to nature and his love of songwriting. During his stay he created a song and a beautiful video to capture it—check that out below along with our interview with him to hear more about his creative practice and his connection to nature.
Fill us in on your background—personally and in your creative practice.
I’m a composer who gets excited talking about classic film scores, the importance of sound, and the irreplicable beauty of physical, hand-played instruments. I spend a lot of time writing, recording and thinking about music.
How does your connection to nature influence you personally, and how does it influence your art?
Being in nature gives me a new perspective on sound. Everyday where I live, I’m subjected to a multitude of man-made noises that I have no control over (e.g. passing cars or construction sounds). They create such a roar that, most of the time, my brain filters them out. They still affect me though. I end up (somewhat unconsciously) coping by generating my own noise with distractions like the television or my phone, often directly into my ears via Airpods. When I’m in nature, there’s a drastic reduction in volume level that allows me to hear things that would otherwise be drowned out by mechanical noise. Hearing animals or the specific way wind interacts with the unique environment around me starts to feel so much more magical and meaningful than the act of sticking digital recreations of sounds directly in my ears with headphones. It reignites my obsession with the physical phenomenon of sound.
How was your Getaway? Did your free time in your cabin influence your process or inspire any new ideas?
I’m always inspired by traveling to and sleeping in a new place, especially one that’s well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. I end up feeling like I’m in a movie. That combined with the opportunity to be disconnected from the internet made my Getaway a perfect environment for coming up with new ideas. My stay inspired the music I made and the video I shot while there. Making music when I travel feels a bit like keeping a diary. I love being able to record something right there in the space I’m visiting.
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate the incredible women in our lives who nurture, support, and inspire us every day. Instead of the usual flowers or chocolates, why not give Mom an experience she’ll never forget? At Getaway, we believe in the power of nature to rejuvenate the soul and create lasting memories. Here are six unique Mother’s Day gift ideas, with a Getaway to one of our tiny cabins as the perfect way to show your appreciation:
Personalized Jewelry
Consider gifting your mom a piece of jewelry customized with her initials, birthstone, or a special message. Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or ring, personalized jewelry adds a sentimental touch and shows her how much you cherish her.
A Spa Day
Treat your mom to a day of pampering and relaxation at a local spa. Gift her a package that includes a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure, allowing her to indulge in some much-deserved self-care and unwind from the stresses of daily life.
Handwritten Letter
Express your love and appreciation for your mom with a heartfelt handwritten letter. Share your favorite memories together, express gratitude for her guidance and support, and let her know how much she means to you. It’s a timeless gift that she can treasure forever.
Cooking Class or Culinary Experience
If your mom enjoys cooking or trying new foods, consider booking a cooking class or a culinary experience for her. Whether it’s learning how to make a new cuisine, attending a wine tasting event, or exploring a local food market, it’s a fun and memorable way to spend time together and create new culinary traditions.
An Escape to Nature
Plan a getaway for your mom to escape to nature and recharge. Whether it’s a weekend retreat to a cozy cabin in the woods, a beachside vacation, or a hiking adventure in the mountains, spending quality time in nature can be rejuvenating and refreshing for the soul. Choose a destination that aligns with her interests and preferences, allowing her to relax and unwind surrounded by natural beauty.
No matter which gift idea you choose, a Getaway to one of our tiny cabins promises to be a memorable experience that Mom will cherish forever. Give her the gift of relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature this Mother’s Day.
