Travel: GETAWAY HOUSE
Have you ever thought of going off the grid? Living in a tiny house? Or actually unplugging? If you answered yes to any of these keep reading! GETAWAY HOUSE makes this all possible with some mystery added to it also. We took the kids to the NY location in the Catskills. Located on 20 acres of an old campground, we had 2 queen bed, bathroom with a shower stall, sink, and table and NO TV! Ready for it? My kids survived without electronics for 72 hours, so there is hope we can go even longer.
What’s Inside
These cabins are built on trailers, each has its own site, while you can see others, you are alone with huge windows into the wilderness. A picnic table, fire pit, two chairs are provided outside, although while we were staying there for two nights it was 25* or colder so we did some s’mores outside and came inside to eat them. Everything we could need was in the cabin, we did bring our own fruit and drinks. The kitchen with 2 burners on the stove, mini fridge, and a table with bench/chairs so we could all fit.
The Getaway’s guide has local places if you needed anything, although you could easily show up at Getaway House empty handed and make it work, as far as food and beverages go. For a few extra dollars, there’s firewood for your fire, coffee, tea, snacks, and enough food for a couple of small meals (think oatmeal, pasta and sauce, etc). They also have the basics for cooking, included in the price — salt, pepper, hot sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, etc. Getaway’s packing list provides ideas, check the journal before you leave for suggestions and information.
What To Do
We played games as a family like Sorry, Jenga and UNO, things we haven’t done in years since electronics started in our house. I read a bunch, as did Tim while the kids played and we all went to bed early too. They also provided ideas of location attractions and things to do. They have simple mind games and cards too.
The week of the trip, we received the address, the day of we received the cabin and the code. Loved the mystery of it. Knowing the kids would not be able to just be inside for 2 nights/3 days, we did bring our snowboard gear and went riding during both days. Though unplugged except for some pictures, it was great to be together as a family, in tight quarters without distractions. The kids want to go back again, were really hoping to see more wildlife and so we made a plan to come back or check out another Getaway Location with them.
Reflection
I have been reading the How to Getaway book by the founders of Getaway House. I relate and see it so much, my childhood compared to my kids’ childhood has changed. I lived for the outdoors, riding bikes, playing in the foods and creating fun. Internet slowly rolled out during my late elementary/middle school years. Now the kids are plugged in all the time. Between game systems and tablets, TV and phones they are on something versus just make up their own lay outside. I do have kids that can and do play outside but still their electronic consumption is more than I would like. Having this time too unplug as adults, connect with each other in simple surroundings was great. Putting the phone in the lock box and and being present. Something I try to do more of with the kids.
We loved this experience and have been sharing our experience with our friends and now you the readers. Check it out, they just opened up their Atlanta location, there are now 5 locations throughout the US.
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FTC: This trip was made possible by Getaway. All opinions are our own and as always honest.
