Get away to a Getaway

Last April I was experiencing a much different form of social distancing then what we all are experiencing now. I spent a night at one of the tiny homes / cabins that the company Getaway has offered near major metropolitan locations across the United States. After seeing the founders on Shark Tank pitching this idea of getting away from the city life and spending some time away from distractions I needed to get myself to one of their locations.

About two hours outside of DC one of their locations is situated near Shenandoah National Park which gives it a great location for making a visit before, after or even while staying at the Getaway. Driving up to the location I passed by a lot of the small tiny homes where others were staying but each space is divided up a bit so that everyone has enough space to enjoy. I rolled up into my designated parking space which was just a quick walk to my cabin named Viola.

What draws a lot of people (and me) to the Getaway experience is the giant window that is in each unit. Getting to wake up next to this huge window looking out into nature gets you the closest to camping without actually having to go camping. My visit was a bit on the chillier side so being able to cozy up to this window with a book with some hot tea completely relaxed me.

The little room comes fully stocked with everything you may need. A small kitchen with pots and pans and other cooking utensils, a toilet and shower, and fresh linens are all available in your small space. Available for purchase at a low rate, your room comes with simple meals that you can cook, coffee, tea and other items that are found in the kitchen. I decided to use what was there but you can also bring along some food for this experience.

My favorite part of this experience was that each cabin comes with its own fire pit that you can enjoy. I purchased the fire wood directly from Getaway at a very low rate and made my own fire and sat there enjoying the fire’s light and warmth for hours. And the best part is they gift you with everything you need to make s’mores by the fire.

I decided to book my Getaway because I wanted to detach a bit from the rest of the world and find time for myself to really just relax and reflect on things. I was able to read, meditate and be away from a lot of the everyday distractions that are constantly bombarding us in our normal lives.

Looking back at this single night I spent in this cabin, it has me reflecting on how getting some ‘me’ time and wanting to recharge was something I desperately wanted and needed at the time. Now that it is being forced on us with government regulations restricting us from doing the other things we love to do in life, I am trying to embody the same mojo I had while visiting Getaway. In quarantine, I’m by myself again wishing I was out on another adventure, sitting in a cafe somewhere, or even wishing (sometimes) I was back in the office! Looking out my apartment window I see a lot of balconies and lanterns and very little nature. But even though I am in the comfort of my own home I am trying to take this time of quarantine to enjoy the moment and reflect on recharging myself as I did when I was at my Getaway. Doing that at Getaway made it easy and enjoyable; but continuing on with that state of mind at home under different circumstances has helped me get through this quarantine by allowing my mind and body to recharge.

If you want to learn more about Getaway and their locations (some of which are still open during the pandemic), check them out on their website.

Don’t forget to also check out the book written by the Getaway founders called How to Get Away.