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Features | Reflections

August Reflections: The Getaway Podcast

The big news: everyone has a podcast, and now so do we: The Getaway Podcast. In addition to wanting to pretend we’re old-time radio announcers, Getaway co-founder Pete Davis and I  want to highlight all the people and projects that inspire us and that are helping build the counterbalance to the digital age.

On each episode, we’ll have someone on who is helping us find a better balance between our work lives and leisure time, our lives in the city and our time in nature, or our time with technology versus our time disconnected. Give it a listen and subscribe here. We’re excited to hear your feedback on our first episodes.

In other news, we recently launched a student program to make getting away from term papers, final exams, and messy roommates easier for the collegiate masses. 

We hope this communicates how much we care about your feedback and gives you a better sense of what Getaway is — warts and all.

Reflecting on your feedback

We believe deeply in hearing and learning from your feedback. The number one way we’ve improved over the years is by listening and reacting to what you tell us. Those improvements sometimes come from what you loved, but more often come from where we’ve fallen short of our promise. In the spirit of transparency, this month we wanted to give you a snippet of what we hear, the good and the bad. We hope this communicates how much we care about your feedback and gives you a better sense of what Getaway is — warts and all.

 

The Good

“Thank you for reaching out. First and foremost, wow. I was amazed and impressed by the concept of Getaway, the organization and the design of all the amenities in the cabin. I was blown away by the level of detail, which included the booklet with the poems, games, and instructions on how to unplug from the outside world. It was a one of a kind experience and I thank you for that. I’m a new restaurant owner and just being there was inspirational and sparked so many ideas, so for that alone, thank you. The Getaway was such a wonderful experience, I will be returning hopefully in two weeks.” – Emmanuel, Getaway Boston, August 22nd

“We had a great experience with Getaway. We loved the ease of the lock code, the availability of supplies for purchase and the interior design. My favorite part was the big window and waking up looking at the trees :)” – Emily, Getaway DC, August 10th

“The Getaway staff is always friendly and truly amazing! Such an amazing experience that I recommend to everyone. Getaway will forever be my home away from home.” Sarah, Getaway New York, August 13th

 

The To-Be-Improved

“Aside from the construction which I have been contacted about, the only other problem I had was the picnic area in the back was pretty overgrown and somewhat unusable. I would have liked to have seen that area a little better prepared for my visit. Otherwise, I loved the time that I spent there.” – Clare, Getaway DC, August 3rd

“I was super excited for our Getaway stay, because of the image portrayed on social media. I was actually pretty disappointed when we got to our cabin and rather than pretty trees and forest out the window, we had a field of cows. We weren’t able to take any of the cute pictures of the window that you see on social media, because there weren’t trees by our window to block the light. I was disappointed because my expectations were for a completely different feel. I would recommend closing that spot or relocating the trailer.” –Samantha, Getaway DC, August 8th

“… your website shows every cabin with the big window which people could enjoy the view in the house. That’s why we took our vacation time and spent 17 hrs flying from Asia. But when we got there, we found it not as what we expected. And you didn’t notice us there are different types of cabins.” –Kyle, Getaway NY, August 13th

 

A cozy, smaller window.

In part due to this feedback, we have resolved the construction disruptions at our DC Outpost and are working hard to make sure future improvement projects do not affect our guests. We can do better on that front — no doubt.  On cows: I like them, but if you don’t or have some specific requests, you can always email our community team at [email protected]. Finally, four of our original cabins don’t have the ‘signature’ Getaway big window, although they do have other not-as-big but still big windows that face nature. Some guests even prefer that cabin design and find it a bit cozier, if less “instagrammable.”

As always, if you have any ideas, tips or suggestions for improvements, email us at [email protected].

Thanks for reading and be well,

Jon, CEO + Founder

 

WORTH THE TIME

Rethinking Boredom – “Only boring people get bored.” But boredom can motivate us to make changes in our lives, and that’s not such a bad thing.

Finding Time To Write – Artist Fellow Maria Are breaks down how to get that novel out while working a full-time job.

Default Mode Network A deep look into how your brain processes information while at rest. Daydreaming, anyone?

Forest Bathing Culture – A fascinating look into the meetup groups that go into the woods in search of a health fix.

Chicago | Local Guides | Midwest

Explore Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

Located just an hour and a half outside of Chicago in Ottawa, IL, Postcard Cabins Starved Rock 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

River Bluff Trail Loop
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
Tucked into Buffalo Rock State Park, River Bluff Trail Loop takes just under an hour to complete and has some beautiful views of the Illinois River.

River Trail, Bluff Trail and Illinois Canyon Loop
Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Dogs allowed

For more experienced hikers, this trail is the perfect workout to spend an afternoon along the banks of the Illinois River. This loop is best visited between March and September and takes about two and a half hours to complete.

Saint Louis Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed

The Saint Louis Canyon Trail is a local favorite out-and-back trail in Starved Rock State Park. This trail takes just under an hour to complete and takes you through the Saint Louis Canyon and includes lots of stairs and waterfalls. This trail is best visited May through October.

Sustenance and Snacks

Handy Foods
~ 7 minutes away
Make a pitstop at Handy Foods grocery store before getting to the cabins to pick up all of the ingredients for your favorite campfire recipes.

Jeremiah Joe Coffee
~ 7 minutes away
Stop at Jeremiah Joe Coffee for your morning brew and take a walk at nearby Washington Square Park with the one who matters most.

Dockside Bar and Grill
~ 8 minutes away
Head to Dockside Bar and Grill nestled on the North bank of the Illinois River to enjoy a delicious meal with some scenic views.

The Ottawa Bakery
~ 6 minutes away
For the best made-from-scratch pastries in town, head to The Ottawa Bakery, and try their delicious cinnamon rolls.

Things to Do Around the Cabins

Tangled Roots Brewing Company
~ 7 minutes away
Try some local craft brews, enjoy delicious dishes with ingredients sourced from local farmers, and learn a bit about the history of the area.

Prairie Fox Books
~ 7 minutes away
Head to Prairie Fox Books to pick up some new titles to escape into on your escape.

Kayak Starved Rock
~ 12 minutes away
Take advantage of the cabins’ proximity to the Illinois River and head to Kayak Starved Rock to rent kayaks and spend an afternoon on the water.

Ready to book an escape to Postcard Cabins Starved Rock? Find cabins near Chicago.

Features | Partnerships

Fresh Start Sweeps with Brooklyn Brewery

We know many of our guests get away to unplug and reset, so we tapped our friends at Brooklyn Brewery for some refreshing non-alcoholic options that bring all the flavor, none of the distractions, for those looking for mindfulness and moderation this (Dry) January. 

Their Special Effects lineup will be stocked in your cabin in the mini fridge at Getaway Big Bear, Getaway Eastern Catskills and Getaway Barber Creek, Thursday — Sunday, through March 2. The lineup features delicious classic styles and new favorites. Try them alongside your favorite snacks and meals, take them adventuring, or just enjoy them while you unwind. Whatever your plans, Brooklyn Brewery’s Special Effects are a perfect pairing.

Special Effects Hoppy Amber:

A smooth, delicious lager-style brew

Special Effects Pils:

Crisp, snappy, and remarkably refreshing

Special Effects IPA:

Full of bright, citrusy, classic IPA notes

Special Effects Hazy IPA:

Bursting with ripe fruit aromas and a juicy finish

Inspired to start your year with an adventure? We’ve partnered with Brooklyn Brewery on our Fresh Start Sweeps to give one lucky winner and guest a two-night Getaway to the Outpost of their choice.

And in the meantime, visit brooklynbrewery.com/beer-finder to find Brooklyn Special Effects near you, or order it to your door and save $10 with code BROOKLYNGETAWAY.

Cheers from your friends at Getaway x Brooklyn Brewery

Enter Now

Features | Nature

Why You Should Go Into Nature

Spending time in the woods isn’t just pleasant, it is scientifically restorative.

True to our Midwestern roots, at Getaway we try to avoid politics. The current political environment is about the farthest thing from our mission of allowing folks to disconnect from the daily grind of technology and work, and recharge in a natural, authentic, and simple way. Despite our best efforts to avoid the November melee, we couldn’t help but appreciate one thing: the first thing Hillary Clinton did after she lost the election. She went for a hike in the woods.

Alexandra Roberts at Getaway

Unlike the political battlefield, a walk in the woods is hardly divisive. Most of us know the joy of taking a stroll down a quiet trail. For that time in the woods, time slows down just a tiny bit. You notice and appreciate the colors and the smells that are often lost in the white noise of life. You might have one of those conversations that really matter, but happen far too seldom, as you meander through the woods. If you’re lucky, that urge to clear your push notifications subsides, if just for a few minutes.

It makes sense: humans have spent damn close to 100% of our existence living in nature. We’re just calmer there.

It turns out that walking in the woods isn’t just pleasant: it’s a scientifically supported way to find balance and feel better. Just looking at pictures of nature has been shown to calm “executive function” and allow emotion, pleasure, and empathy to take center stage. Going into nature captures your attention and instills in the nature-goer a “soft fascination” that distracts from life’s anxieties. It makes sense: humans have spent damn close to 100% of our existence living in nature. We’re just calmer there.

Jennifer Young at Getaway

In Japan, it has become popular for doctors to prescribe what Hillary prescribed herself: a walk in the woods for shinrin’yoku, or “forest bathing.” It’s not a fringe thing: the Japanese government has certified 48 trails as medically effective swaths of tranquility. South Korea is following suit by opening a $140-million National Forest Therapy Center. Those countries’ national insurance programs are even beginning to cover the cost of forest bathing. Perhaps that’s because the preventative benefits that feel obvious when we walk in the woods are finding scientific backup: a recent study showed that folks bathing in the forest have lower blood pressure, lower heart rates, and lower cortisol levels than folks bathing in a city center.

In Japan, it has become popular for doctors to prescribe what Hillary prescribed herself: a walk in the woods for shinrin’yoku, or “forest bathing”

If you find yourself still stressed out by the election (another scientifically-backed phenomenon), perhaps you’ll follow the advice of Qi Ling, one of the prominent scientists researching the effects of forest bathing: “If you have time for a vacation, don’t go to a city. Go to a natural area. Try to go one weekend a month.” If you do go, you might get a selfie with Hillary, but the real benefit won’t be external cred — it will be internal calm.

Sarah Ruehlow at Getaway
This post originally appeared on Thrive Global here.
Boston | Local Guides

A Guide to Postcard Cabins Blake Brook

Parking + Public Transportation

Nestled in the New Hampshire woods, your secluded escape is easily accessible from Boston. Driving is the quickest way to travel to your cabin—parking is easy, just pull up right beside your tiny cabin. If you don’t have any wheels, you can take a Greyhound bus to Concord, then hop in an Uber or Lyft for the remainder of the journey.

Walks in the Woods

Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails in your cabin backyard.

Bear Brook State Park
Distance: 3.4 miles, about 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash
If you find yourself craving some calming time by the water, Bear Brook State Park is your ideal destination. During warmer months, you can go for a swim or stroll along 40 miles of trails, leading to ponds, bogs and marshes. Catamount Trail is a scenic hike through the woods.

Oak Hill Trails
Distance: 5.8 miles, about 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
For a long but not difficult hike, try the trail leading to the old fire tower. Climbing the fire tower will provide you with a lovely panoramic view of the area.

Notes on Nature

  • New Hampshire is known as the Granite State, so if you’re not sure what type of rock you’re looking at while you’re exploring, granite is a good guess.
  • On a clear day, you might be able to see Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet.
  • The wild animal you’re most likely to encounter during your stay is the white-tailed deer, which has a population of about 100,000 in New Hampshire.
  • The Town Forest is just a short walk away. We encourage you to go by foot, but if you need to drive, there’s a small parking lot within the forest that you can park at.

To discover more things to do nearby Postcard Cabins Blake Brook, check out our local guide.

New York City

Explore Getaway Eastern Catskills

Here’s a handy guide for getting to our New York Outposts and local spots to pick up any supplies you may need. While there’s a lot to do in the area, we suggest taking a break from planning in excess and simply enjoying the time away from your daily routine and hustle.

Parking + Public Transportation

Parking at Getaway Eastern Catskills is easy; simply drive up and park directly next to your tiny cabin. If you don’t have wheels, don’t worry.  Our Outposts can be accessed by a variety of ways on public transportation:

  • From Penn Station, you can take Amtrak to the Hudson, NY stop, then grab a cab (we recommend Pronto Taxi, 518-822-9500, cash only) for about a 20-25 min ride to your Getaway House.
  • From the NYC Greyhound station, you can take it to the Catskill Park & Ride, then take a taxi from there.
  • From Grand Central, you can take MetroNorth to Poughkeepsie, and you could Uber over from there. It’s an hour ride and will probably be pricey (about $150), so it’s a better option if you split it with friends.

Walks in the Woods

Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.

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.

Overlook Mountain Trail
Distance: 4.8 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash

The stunning view from the top of this hike makes you forget about the strenuous slog to get there. You’ll also find an old fire tower and ruins of a former hotel at the summit, and at the start or end of your hike, you can visit a Buddhist temple.

North-South Lake
Distance: 4.1 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash

Follow Mary’s Glen Trail to enjoy the views from Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, and North Point, then reward yourself with a dip in the lake. Or simply skip the hike and enjoy the water!

Sustenance & Snacks

If you’re in need of extra supplies, you can find several stores nearby to fulfill your needs and fill your belly.

Last Chance Cheese, 6009 Main St, Tannersville, New York, 12485
You’ll find so much more than just cheese here! Sit down for a meal at the tavern, search for treasure among the antiques, peruse the gourmet offerings in the shop, and choose from a huge selection of beer and, of course, cheese.

Hannaford, 223 Main St, Cairo, NY 12413
Hannaford is a full supermarket so you can stock up here.

Notes on Nature

  • The Catskills are made up of 98 peaks, and they were shaped by waterways and sediment deposits, meaning that geologically they are considered a dissected plateau, not mountains.
  • Bobcats do live in the region, and many people believe that is what inspired the name Catskills, though that hasn’t been proven to be true.
  • Golden eagles, bald eagles, and a variety of hawks are common in the area, so you might spot them soaring overhead.

Book a cabin at Getaway Eastern Catskills today.

For a round-up of organizations and Black-owned businesses to support in New York, see our list.

Uncategorized

Terms and Conditions

The following are terms and conditions for the October 2019 Survey Giveaway:

(1) This contest is sponsored by Getaway House, 147 Prince Street, Brooklyn NY 11201.
(2) The retail value of the prize is $89-$209.
(3) No purchase is necessary.
(4) Purchase does not enhance odds of winning.
(5) Entrants submit their entry by filling out our survey here: https://getawaycabins.typeform.com/to/yvypki.
(6) Winner will receive a free overnight stay at one of our Outposts.
(7) Five winners will be selected by Getaway’s marketing team for a free stay at their nearest Outpost on October 31, 2019.
(8) This contest is not affiliated with any other partners.
(9) Winners are subject to the reservation terms on our website.
(10) No transportation will be provided.
(11) This contest is open to all persons age 18 and over within the continental United States.

Features

The Getaway Guide to Organizations to Support This MLK Day

This MLK day, we encourage you to find some way to be of service to your community. Whether you make time today to volunteer, pause to reflect, educate yourself and or invest in the efforts and people dedicated to the movement, we invite you to take action to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

To find local events in need of volunteers in your area, be sure to check out Volunteer Match or the Americorps’ search tool. Here are some organizations to consider supporting this year.

The American Red Cross
To donate or find opportunities to volunteer your time, The American Red Cross is a great first place to look for national and local events to give back. And in this unprecedented year amid a pandemic, if you can donate blood, consider doing so this week.

Amnesty International
You can donate to Amnesty International, find volunteer opportunities on their website, or find their list of petitions in need of signatures.

The Loveland Foundation
Founded by Rachel Cargle, The Loveland Foundation, provides therapy support for Black women and girls while committing to find unique ways to support communities of color.

Habitat for Humanity
Donate or volunteer your time with Habitat for Humanity by helping construct a home for a family in need or spending time at one of their Habitat Restores processing donations, cleaning the store, or fulfilling specific projects.

Feeding America
In this unprecedented year, more people are finding it harder to put food on the table than ever before. If you find yourself in a position to, you can donate, volunteer, and fundraise for Feeding America, an organization dedicated to solving hunger. Or, you can find a local community fridge near you to drop off some food items for families in your community in need.

Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude is all about creating connections between American military and first responders and the communities they’re protecting. This year they have many virtual volunteerism opportunities, but they offer many in-person opportunities to pack care packages, write letters to service members, and more.

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project works to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. You can get involved by donating, volunteering, and educating yourself on the most pressing issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

The ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union is committed to upholding individual rights and liberties in the US. You can donate, sign their petitions, contact your local officials with their resources that guide you through that process, and educate yourself about the issues they’re focused on.

Color of Change
Head to Color of Change’s website to find their active campaigns in need of funds, volunteers with specific knowledge or talents, or signatures for petitions to ensure they can move their efforts forward to fight injustice.

The Salvation Army
Head to your local Salvation Army to donate money or goods to support the families in your community in need, and head to their website to find upcoming local events in need of volunteers.

Know someone who deserves a chance to rest after all the time and effort they put into your community? Nominate a friend who deserves a Getaway today.