There’s something magical about trading the clatter of traffic for the calm of rustling leaves, swapping screen scrolling for stargazing, and rediscovering how profound it feels to finally slow down. In a world that rarely stops, a 48-hour getaway in nature is just the reset many of us need.
That’s where Postcard Cabins come in. These design-forward, tiny-cabin retreats participating in Marriott Bonvoy are located in some of America’s most revered outdoor settings, just a few hours away from big cities. You’ll find instant access to hiking trails, paddling routes, quiet mornings, and deep, uninterrupted sleep, and you can even bring your dog (a yard leash, dog bowl, and dog treats are included in the pet fee). So, whether you’re sneaking away midweek or plotting a last-minute adventure, these cabins are the antidote to an over-scheduled life.
Here’s what it’s like to unplug, reset, and recharge at five of the best Postcard Cabins retreats around the country — all just a few hours by car from major cities but worlds away from the rat race.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
New York City: Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills
Just two and a half hours north of New York City on 60 lush, private acres, Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills features 56 stylish, private cabins, make escaping the city feel almost effortless. Tucked into the wonderful woods of the Hudson Valley, these tiny cabins blend minimalist comforts with full nature-bathed charm.
Day 1. Ease into your weekend with a scenic morning drive north from NYC. Check in. Take a deep breath. Savor the silence. By afternoon, hike Overlook Mountain in nearby Woodstock for sweeping views and a quiet picnic at the summit. In the evening, roast s’mores over your own private firepit and watch the stars put on a show.
Day 2. Sip morning coffee among the trees — every cabin comes with a pair of Adirondack chairs. Journal or sketch as birdsong fills the Appalachian air. Fuel up for an afternoon of adventure at Gracie’s Luncheonette, which offers hearty breakfast dishes and fresh doughnuts. In the afternoon, venture to the popular hiking spot Kaaterskill Falls or meander through artsy, world-famous Woodstock. Grab dinner at Julia’s Local for top-tier food and service or Barnwood Restaurant for big portions and great pricing before returning for one more quiet night in the great outdoors.
Don’t Miss: Stargazing, comfy hammocks, seeing the Catskills during golden hour, and Kaaterskill Falls, the highest cascading waterfall in the state.
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills provides a modern escape in nature. (Photo: Marriott International)
Columbus, Ohio: Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills
Just an hour’s drive southeast of Columbus, Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills features 40 cozy cabins located in the Appalachian foothills, replete with green forests, limestone cliffs, and some of the most beloved hiking and biking trails in the Midwest — all just outside your door.
Day 1. Arrive in the morning and unwind with a short walk to Ash Cave, a jaw-dropping rock shelter framed by waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park. In the afternoon, stretch your legs on the Old Man’s Cave Loop while taking in the surrounding scenery. By evening, settle in with a hot drink outside your cabin, maybe catch a deer in a quiet moment, or end the night around a crackling fire.
Day 2. Start your day with sunrise yoga or sleep in a bit and have a late breakfast. By afternoon, kayak the Hocking River or browse the small-town charm of Logan. In the evening, enjoy homestyle comfort food at The Olde Dutch Restaurant or local fine dining at nearby Rhapsody Restaurant before returning to your cabin for a quiet night of reading.
Don’t Miss: The ethereal hiking of Rock House Cavern, waterfront picnics at Burr Oak Lake, and morning mist rising through the trees.
Chicago, Illinois: Postcard Cabins Starved Rock
Just about 90 minutes southwest of Chicago, Postcard Cabins Starved Rock features 58 premium cabins that offer a completely different pace. Trade high-rise buildings for towering trees, sandstone canyons, and trails that feel a thousand miles away from (and a whole lot softer than) the cement walkways of the city.
Day 1. Leave the skyline behind and check in by mid-afternoon. Get to know the area by exploring the on-site pond or stunning Matthiessen State Park. By evening, light a fire, sip something warm, and stargaze with little to no light pollution.
Day 2. Head out early on one of Starved Rock State Park’s signature trails. Or save the trails for later and enjoy a hearty breakfast at HiWay, a locals’ favorite. In the afternoon, see the picturesque Illinois River, just a short walk from your cabin, or grab pub grub at top-rated The Lone Buffalo. By evening, kick your feet up at the cabin for one last screen-free sunset.
Don’t Miss: Tuning out the noise of the daily grind and enjoying the peaceful sounds of 251 private acres of nature.
Austin and San Antonio, Texas: Postcard Cabins Hill Country
Halfway between Austin and San Antonio, about an hour’s drive from each, Postcard Cabins Hill Country offers winding backroads, wildflower-strewn hills, and 40 beautiful, fully equipped cabins specifically designed to help you slow down, relax, and disconnect.
Day 1. start your day by hiking Pedernales Falls State Park and wade into the nearby river to cool off after. Arrive mid-afternoon and take a moment to soak in the stillness. By evening, toast the sunset with a local wine, or gather around the firepit under the dark Texas sky.
Day 2. Sleep in, journal, or sip coffee as sunlight slants through the surrounding live oaks. In the afternoon, visit Johnson City’s charming shops or swim at Blue Hole Regional Park. Later, grab dinner at Pecan Street Brewing, and then return for one more deep breath and round of stargazing.
Don’t Miss: Hill Country sunsets, timeless views of the Wimberley Valley from the top of Old Baldy’s rock steps, dipping in the waters of the nearby natural swimming hole.
Portland, Oregon: Postcard Cabins Mount Adams
Just over 2 hours from Portland, Postcard Cabins Mount Adams is a secluded outpost of 40 tiny cabins near Mount Adams, offering alpine air, high-desert views, and the true feeling of being off-grid — without roughing it, of course.
Day 1. Depart Portland and arrive in time for a picnic lunch at the base of the mountain. In the afternoon, hike the Hiking Sleeping Beauty Peak (dogs are allowed on leashes) — a moderate trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest that’ll guide you among fir and hemlock trees to multiple vistas with gorgeous mountain views. By evening, fire up the grill, make dinner with local produce, and stargaze from the outdoor seating area.
Day 2. Wake early and catch the pink sunrise over Mount Adams. Spend the afternoon exploring the lava tubes at Guler Ice Caves or paddleboarding on Goose Lake. In the evening, head to Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon, and then return for an unplugged nightcap under stars and trees.
Don’t Miss: Nearby Natural Bridges and the silence — deep and restorative.
Whether you’re heading east for misty mornings in the Catskills, west for crisp mountain air near Mount Adams, or south for warm breezes in Texas Hill Country, Postcard Cabins offers the perfect balance of nearby escapes and the great outdoors, with none of the hassle. No tent poles, no packed itineraries: It’s just you, the woods, and the kind of peace that lingers long after you return home.
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