Do you ever just want to get away? Have a little escape from reality?
I’ve been feeling that for the last few months (hello teaching through a pandemic and lots of life changes).
One of the things that I hate most about American culture is that busyness and productivity are worn like a badge of honor. We don’t value things like stillness and peace. And it’s sad. As a leading country in many ways, I feel like our quality of life leaves much to be desired.
Back in April/May, I found myself saying “I just want to go away “… If you had asked me what I truly wanted, my answer would have been to be in a rural village in some country in the middle of Africa. Now, that might be extreme, and also expensive, but you get the sentiment. I just wanted life to slow down.
Enter: Getaway House.
Getaway House offers one and two bed cabins just hours outside of major cities, and they include everything you need: bed and blankets, toilet, shower, hot water, stove, refrigerator, even air conditioning! As someone who enjoys camping/backpacking, this is a lovely alternative when you’re wanting nature, but to sleep a bit more luxuriously.
All of the cabins are in areas where there’s no wifi, and each cabin also comes with a cellphone lockbox. So you can really unplug, reconnect with yourself, your loved one (Getaway is also pet friendly), and nature!
Right after school got out in June, Maisy and I headed to the Getaway House location just outside of Portland – near Mt. Adams in Washington. We spent two nights/three days out there: reading, hiking, and sleeping. It was glorious!
There’s a lot to do in the area if you’re wanting to add some adventure to your getaway! If you’re heading out from Portland, a great spot to stop and have lunch along the way is at Dog Creek Falls (just passed Dog Mountain on your left). If you’re feeling ambitious and get an early start to your day, you might consider hiking Dog Mountain; it’s a challenging hike, but with beautiful views
Two other trails on the way out to Getaway House from Portland are Willard Springs Trailhead and Weldon Wagon Road Trail. Willard Springs goes through a wildlife refuge and is an easy 2.3 mile trail that offers some pretty views! Weldon Wagon is longer, 4.4 miles, and more challenging.
If adventure is your game and you’re going to be out there for a few days (especially in the summer), you might consider rafting on the White Salmon River. Both Zoller’s Outdoor and Wet Planet offer a variety of rafting trips for all levels! The Getaway House Portland website also has a variety of things to do in the area.
I think a fantastic way to wrap up your experience at Getaway House is with some wine tasting on your way back to Portland! Maisy and I stopped at COR Cellars for some tastings and to continue our theme of relaxing and reading. Another one of my favorite wineries out there is Syncline Winery. If your wine tasting takes you into the evening, and you’re not in a rush to get home, dinner at Henni’s Kitchen and Bar is the perfect ending to an incredible Getaway.
Maisy and I are already counting down the days until we get to check out the Los Angeles Getaway!
Book your Getaway here for $25 OFF your stay!!
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