When we said we were going ‘to the woods’ for a getaway, I was met with a lot of disbelief and ‘YOU GUYS??” reactions. I couldn’t quite figure it out – what did that hekkin’ mean? We are intelligent, self sufficient growns, so I couldn’t figure out why anyone thought us going to a cabin in the woods was so surprising…. So I asked the man what it meant and his reply was, “We’re city mice going to the country”. Ok – works for me!
Let me set the stage – 2020, Covid-19, Layoffs, Death, Cancelled trips, Etc. – while there has been good too this year, there’s been a lot of crap and we haven’t been able to TRAVEL ANYWHERE!! Ugh. I wanted to find a place close enough to drive to that would get us away from our every day life, so I started researching options (since that is what we do here when we wear our SeaSquared Travel hat…)
Well, well, well….I finally came upon a place called Getaway Houses. And this is our adventure!!
You can find them HERE… (@getawayhouse on FB/Insta)
They met all the checkboxes for approval and so much more!):
- Within driving distance of Dallas (they have other cities!)
- Dog-friendly (like really)
- INDOOR (and attached – who knew that was a thing to check) bathroom
- AC/Heat
- Outfitted with most of the necessities
- Solitude and quiet
- Reasonably priced without sacrificing luxury
Getaway House 
Getaway House at Night 
The Amazing Window and Bed
We prepared the dogs and packed all our things into Big Blue and were off. The grandest part was that a ‘cold front’ was coming through – now, in Texas, that just means a little wind and rain and the temps drop down to below oven settings. We knew we’d encounter some rain, but hoped it also meant cooler temps.
All the Preps 
Cloudy/Rainy Start 
The Sunshines Coming Through
Our journey took us about 2.5 hours southeast of where we live. It was a nice uneventful drive once our super excitable pupper calmed down and figured she just needed a treat and a nap. The big fat raindrops about an hour in did not deter us, because we could still see blue skies and figured we’d drive right thorough them. We did! As we made our way into the country, we noticed that the roads got smaller and smaller. I tried not to think about the Stephen King story that starts out with a couple driving into the country and the roads got smaller and smaller… 🙂
Cassie – Always Excited 
Pele – Ready to Get There 
Just Chillin’ and Waiting on a Snack
Once we arrived, it was still drizzling a bit, but that didn’t phase us a bit. It looks like there are about 40 or so cabins in the big neighborhood – some are in a grouping (for if you have multiple folks going), but all at situated so you have privacy. Ours happened to be all by itself, we could see driveways across the ‘street’, but not the cabins themselves. We saw other cars drive by and one family taking a hike down the road, so we knew we weren’t alone, but honestly never heard anyone else. Getting there was easy – they texted with the door code and specific location about 30 minutes before check-in at 3:00pm. Just make sure to download all the maps before you lose good service!
We explored our spot and got everything unpacked. Our Getaway House was called the Andrew. You can see in the picture that the kitchen is well stocked with all the tools needed. We did bring our own food – they also have small provisions if needed. Also brought our own wood – they have that if you need too.
The Andrew 
Kitchenette as it Comes 
Kitchenette After Unpacking 
Bigfoot Sighting! 
Pele and Cassie Still Figuring It All Out 
Welcome to Our Getaway!
We had a late lunch/early dinner and kicked back to listen to the remaining rain hit the leaves and watch it in the huge picture window. Rain only lasted for an hour or so, and we took the doggos on a walk – HILLS! Sometimes you forget how Texas really does have some hills! The next plan of action was to get a fire started and chill out. Using the fatwood starters and proper Girl Scout techniques made it super easy. And that was really it for the first day – no TV and no phones – quiet time by 10pm.
It truly is a place to get away from the craziness of life and reconnect with the ones that matter to you the most, and that may make some wary, but it is SO IMPORTANT AND WORTH IT!! We did a lot of watching fire, reading, watching leaves, talking, meditating, walking, and just hanging out with each other – it’s not for those that can’t sit still. Or maybe it is for them – it’s important to be able to sit still. be quiet, and be OK with the thoughts that enter when there aren’t the distractions of life. We distract ourselves so much with life and being busy, but that does a complete disservice to our souls. The things we distract ourselves from will not just go away, but 100% will manifest in other ways and usually will pop up when it’s least convenient for our perfectly planned lives! If you don’t get to do that enough – a day or two at a Getaway House may be just what you need!
We absolutely loved our experience at Getaway House! Next time (and there will be a next time!) we probably won’t take the dogs. It was a wee crowded with the two big ones and we found that Pele is much more of a princess that we thought…she was simply not impressed with all the nature. 😀 Always hoped she’d be that great travel dog, but she pretty much likes her regular spot and regular people…and no other unknown dogs – bless her.
Do you have a routine or place you go to get away? The Getaway Houses may be just what you are looking for! They have options for 4 people and also have places outside of multiple major cities.
Remember, when you are ready to make any travel plans, SeaSquared Travel is a full service travel agency, and we also offer consulting services to those that prefer to DIY, but just don’t have the time to do all the research.
Make it a great day!!
It’s CFRS, Positively!