Mochi, @wigglebuttmochi, recently visited Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills for a weekend of adventure and relaxation with her favorite humans. Read on for more about their escape from the city, as well as Mochi’s tips for having a doggone good time this National Puppy Day.
Our recent stay at Postcard Cabins was nothing short of perfect, providing us with the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Nestled in the serene beauty of the Catskills, these cabins offered us a much-needed retreat where we could unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy quality time with our beloved dog, Mochi.
1. As soon as you arrive, take a moment to capture the magic. Look how happy I am to be in the great outdoors!
From the moment we arrived, the charm of Postcard Cabins captivated us. The rustic yet modern design of the cabins created a cozy atmosphere, making us feel right at home. We were thrilled to discover that the cabins are dog-friendly, allowing us to bring Mochi along for the adventure. The thoughtful amenities made our stay even more enjoyable, as we found everything we needed to ensure our comfort. With a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living space, and a lovely outdoor area, we felt relaxed and at ease.
2. Spend some time around the campfire. I love smelling the delicious food being grilled over the open fire. Here I am with my cutest face, waiting patiently for plenty of treats.
During our stay, we took full advantage of the surrounding natural beauty. We began our mornings with breakfast at a delightful local café, where we enjoyed delicious food and sipped on freshly brewed coffee. Each day, we explored the breathtaking landscapes of the Catskills, including a memorable hike up Kaaterskills Mountain. The stunning views from the summit were worth every step, and it was a joy to share these experiences with Mochi, who loved the adventure as much as we did. After our hikes, we roamed through the charming town, discovering unique local shops and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
3. Go on an adventure! I love taking hikes and checking out all the pretty views along the trail.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at a local brewery, where we enjoyed dinner and drinks, savoring the flavors of the region. The friendly atmosphere and delicious craft beers made for a perfect end to our days filled with exploration. After returning to our cabin each evening, we looked forward to cozy nights in, where we could relax by the fire, share stories, and create lasting memories.
4. Make sure your bed is comfy cozy and check out the view from the big window. I claimed my bed first. Luckily, we had a 2-bed cabin so my humans got to sleep on the top bunk.
Postcard Cabins truly provided us with the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The combination of dog-friendly accommodations and the stunning natural surroundings made it an unforgettable getaway. We left feeling rejuvenated and grateful for the time spent together, away from the chaos of city life. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat that welcomes your furry friends, I highly recommend Postcard Cabins as the ultimate escape. It’s a place where you can create cherished memories while enjoying the beauty of nature and the comfort of a home away from home.
5. The most important thing is spending quality time with my favorite person. She’s enjoying my other favorite thing with me—looking for squirrels out of the big window. Any day is National Puppy Day when you get to stay at Postcard Cabins!
We invited city pup, Leiafromboston, to Postcard Cabins Blake Brook for a Spring reset. Days are getting longer and the snow is melting, which means it’s the perfect time to escape to nature. Keep reading for Leia’s favorite things to do on her dog-friendly getaway from Boston.
After a long winter of cold sidewalks, noisy streets, and dodging puddles, there’s nothing better than escaping the city for a cozy cabin retreat in the woods. Fresh air, new smells, and all the room to stretch my paws? Yes, please! Here’s how I (your loyal city pup) plan to recharge for spring in the best way possible.
1. Sleeping In: Snuggling Without Alarms
Usually, mornings mean rushing out for a quick walk before work. But here? We get to sleep in! No alarms, no honking cars—just the soft sound of birds and the smell of fresh air drifting through the open window. I can curl up next to my human in the warm blankets, snooze a little longer, and start the day feeling totally refreshed. And if I wake up first? Don’t worry, I’ll nudge you awake with a cold nose when it’s time for breakfast.
2. Cooking a Cozy Meal: Sharing Delicious Cabin Treats
You know what smells even better than a walk in the woods? A cozy meal the humans are cooking up. I watch every move they make, just in case something delicious finds its way into my bowl. Maybe some homemade pancakes and a few dog-friendly goodies for me. Eating together in our cozy retreat makes everything taste better.
3. Exploring New Trails: Sniffing Every Single Tree
The best part of cabin life? Adventure! Instead of the same sidewalks and city parks, we get to explore real trails with crunchy leaves, fresh dirt, and so many exciting smells. Every step brings a new surprise—wildflowers, scampering squirrels, and maybe even a hidden stream where I can splash my paws. Whether it’s a short stroll or a big hike, my tail never stops wagging as we explore nature together. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a stop at the local brewery!
4. Unplugging for Quality Time: More Fetch, Less Screens
Back in the city, you’re always looking at that glowing rectangle in your hands. But here, it’s just you, your humans and the great outdoors. No emails, no meetings—just pure, uninterrupted time together. We play fetch, sit by the brook watching the wildlife, and maybe even try a new trick or two. This is my kind of vacation: no distractions, just adventure and snuggles with my favorite human.
5. Ending the Day Fireside: Cozy Cuddles and Warm Nights
After a full day of sniffing, exploring, and running free, there’s no better way to end the day than by the fire. I curl up at your feet (or maybe sneak onto your lap), feeling the warmth of the flames and the softness of the blankets. The smell of burning wood and the sound of crackling logs make everything feel peaceful. As my eyes start to close, I know one thing for sure—this is the perfect way to welcome spring.
Ready for Our Next Cabin Adventure?
I may love city life, but nothing beats a cabin retreat to refresh my paws and soul. Sleeping in, delicious food, long hikes, and cozy fires? Sign me up every time!
We sent guest writer Laurence Holyoak on a mission, along with her pup, to discover the best places to bring your dog outside of Boston. Take some time and enjoy her report on her adventures.
Rounding up a list of the best places to bring your dog outside of Boston has been my pup’s favorite assignment of the year. We tested many areas, hiked trails, swam in ponds and mucked through swamps to bring you a list of the most beautiful parks to explore with your pooch. With foliage season around the corner, this list will not disappoint.
This park is hands-down the most dog friendly place I have ever visited. Dogs can run off-leash to their heart’s content and they have an entire group of people working to keep it that way. The Callahan Dog Owners Group, who’s board is appropriately made up of all dogs, has made it their mission to make Callahan State Park the best multi-use park in the Massachusetts State Park System. They strive to keep a safe, clean environment for all who use it.
Callahan ticks all of my boxes for a good place to bring your dog- there is nearly 100 acres of open fields to romp, two rivers to dip into, a giant network of trails to hike and a nice pond for swimming. With over 800 acres to cover, your dog will never get bored.
There are three parking areas to enter Callahan State Park, but for the dog park, you want to use the south entrance located at 311 Millwood Street. Once you cross the field, you will see Packard Pond. Grab a trail map, because the trails are not very well marked. Over 85% of the park’s visitors will have off-leash dogs, which is something to keep in mind if your dog is not very dog-friendly.
This was my favorite of all of the parks I visited. Great Brook Farm is such a perfectly serene area.. There is a main trail that leads around a large pond called the Pine Point Loop. No getting lost, no maps needed, just one big circle. There are many offshoots of this main trail, so you can explore more as you get to know the area. My dog loved running off leash and since we were off the beaten track, we had the place almost all to ourselves. A place to swim is a must for my island dog and he loved being able to take a dip whenever he wanted. I loved the diversity of walking from a pine forest, through a swamp, to a meadow, ending up at another pond. Bring a towel for your pooch, because he will come out dirty on the other end.
To find the trailhead, follow North Road once you enter the park. Bypass the main parking area a quarter-mile and look for a small parking lot on your right hand side. This is also a canoe launch. You can pick up the trail system here. The cherry on top is that there is an ice cream stand on the property.
The Noanet Woodlands is owned by the Trustees of the Reservation, which means there is a $5 fee for a day pass. I would recommend parking at Powisset Street and walking the Peabody Loop (blue blaze) which takes about 45 minutes. This will lead you through some beautiful wooded trails passing three ponds along the way. Be sure to detour up Noanet Peak (yellow blaze), to get a beautiful view of the Boston skyline. The trails are very well marked, but grab a trail map so you don’t get turned around. There are over 17 miles of trails to explore here, allowing you to visit again and again. I was there in the late afternoon and heard a barred owl warming up his vocal cords for that night’s performance. It is amazing to be so lost in nature when you are just outside of a major city. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Rocky Woods, Medfield ~38 minute drive from Boston
This is another Trustees of the Reservation property, which means that same $5 parking fee apply. This park is a part of the Green Dogs Program, which is an innovative approach to meeting dogs desire to have time off-leash, while sharing the space with other park users in the community. This means that there are designated trails for off-leash romping, which are usually located on the outskirts. You dog is welcome on the other trails, but must be on leash. The rules of each trail are well-marked so there is no confusion. As a person who once walked a caution dog, I can appreciate having a bit of both.
We chose to do the 1.5 mile yellow loop trail and loved crossing the narrow footbridge that cuts through Echo Pond. As my dog ran along the water’s edge, he caused a chain reaction of giant bullfrogs to jump off the bank back to the safety of the water. He thought it was the best game ever.
In Groton, MA you can find a beautiful wildlife sanctuary called Sabine Woods. After you cross the bridge, your dog can be off leash. I usually bear to the right, cross the field and walk until I reach the river. There is a trail that runs along the bank of the Nashua River. I love how the trees lean over the water, each leaf straining to get a piece of sunlight. In the spring, tree frogs will serenade you from the vernal pools just within the forest.
Throughout the sanctuary, you will find some neat statues and monuments. The park is well maintained like a nature reserve. The public access trail will eventually end at the Groton Boat House where you will have to turn back and retrace your steps. On a hot day, your dog will love running down to the banks of the river to get a drink or cool off.
Remember to be respectful and clean up after your dog. Have fun exploring.
Laurence Holyoak is a writer for Journeys and Jaunts which gives weekly inspiration for traveling with kids and dogs. She lives with her three children, two rescued dogs and two cats. Her mission is to show her kids, including her dogs, the world.
City living isn’t always easy on our furry friends. In the stress of our day-to-day, it’s fairly common that we find ourselves craving more time to spend outside, away from our computers or inside our offices. Our pups may be feeling that same hankering.
For many of us who live in cities, our dogs have a pretty set schedule. Walks in the morning, time inside, walks in the afternoon, time inside, walks in the evening, sleep time. One of the best ways to break up that routine and let your dog enjoy a different pace with more outdoor time, is by taking that pup with you on your next great adventure.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Take your dog on a hike
There are tons of hikes near our cabins and not too far from the cities you call home. Many of these hikes are dog friendly, so you may run into other dog friends on the trail. There’s a win-win for you both: you can enjoy some incredible views and your pup can get some needed exercise. Not only that, but it’s proven that walking with your pet helps draw you closer together, and strengthens your bond. Best yet – they’ll be all tuckered out and ready for bed by the time you get home.
Know the best way to get you there
Public transportation has limits on our canine friends. We may have all seen some very adorable photos of people trying to fit their dogs in backpacks. Check the regulations around traveling with your pet, whether it’s looking at Amtrak or your local transit system. It’s important to also be mindful of where your dog is most comfortable. If they experience a lot of anxiety on the subway, you may want to consider a car rental. If a car rental isn’t for them, maybe a train might make it easier. If they tend to be a touch nervous in transit, try feeding them turkey – the tryptophan that makes us all sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner has the same effect on pups. Consider it their natural anxiety reducer.
Spend some quality time with them in nature
Take your dog on a getaway to Postcard Cabins. All of our cabins are dog friendly and ready for you and your pup. Walk around and explore nearby trails, and cozy back in with them. We’ll provide bowls, a lead, and some treats, and you bring the canine you love.
We know our furry friends love escaping the city just as much as we do. There’s nothing better than trading in sidewalks and small dog parks for trotting along hiking trails and collecting sticks.
Traveling Upstate is a journey for pet owner and pet alike, and that’s why we’ve compiled some essential reading for getting away with your pup. After all, what’s better than setting that “out of office” on, collecting your canine buddy, and venturing out into the quiet, peaceful Outpost?
Your dog will love it, and you will, too. Did you know that there’s scientifically proven benefits to walking over rustling leaves? Give yourself that sense of calm, and get some great exercise for your dog in the process. Don’t forget to bring snacks for you and dog treats for them.
Dogs are allowed on-leash throughout this beautiful lakeside area. Lounge near the water or follow Mary Glen’s Trail to see Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, and North Point. We recommend choosing a dog leash that fits your dog’s personality and your needs. A hands-free dog leash, for example, can help simplify hiking with your four-legged friend.
This moderate hike has some challenging points, but the view at the top is more than worth it. On-leash dogs are welcome throughout the whole trail. Don’t forget to bing along dog poop bags to do your part in maintaining the beautiful route.
Local Attractions
Every Getaway Outpost is dog-friendly, and there’s no real need to venture out. The cabins have everything you need and nothing you don’t. If you do find yourself hankering to get some of the local flavor of our Getaway Catskills Outpost, there are several places you can stop and enjoy along with your pup.
While you can’t let your pup run free through the whole arboretum, there are designated places for dogs to play. Bring along some dog treats or your pup’s favorite dog toy enjoy some greenery with your leashed pup on Maude Adams Road and the East Meadow. The Spruce Glen trails are open to all pups, leashed or not. Bringing along a dog GPS tracker can also help keep your dog safe and monitor their activity.
While dogs are not allowed inside the home and studio on the property, they are allowed on the grounds on-leash. Take your pup on a walk through this 25 acre hilltop estate and get a beautiful view of the Hudson River Valley below.
This cool local spot specializes in authentic Polish cuisine. Bring along a dog travel bowl and dog water bowl to have your pup enjoy mealtime with you. Their two outdoor tables are pet-friendly, so it’s the perfect spot to sit with your pup and sample some pierogis.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, then stop by this local restaurant and store with pup-friendly outdoor seating. Serving up both breakfast and lunch, we recommend their pancakes or their old-fashioned ice cream counter.
If your dog isn’t the exploring type, then don’t worry. There’s something magical about disconnecting from technology and finding the time for unstructured play with your dog, taking in those playful moments and adorable snuggles. And of course, there’s plenty of space for sleepy pups to take a nap in our cabins, too.
Read more from our friends at Chewy and their adventure to Getaway Catskills by visiting Pet Central.
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