Escape to Getaway House: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your Weekend Retreat

As we approach a full year of living with COVID-19, travel remains a sensitive topic. One appealing option for a safe, restorative escape is Getaway House, which offers tiny cabins tucked into nature—perfect for disconnecting, reflecting, and getting away from it all.

Here’s an honest account of what it’s like to spend a few days at Getaway House and why it can be a COVID-friendly travel option.

Getaway House: A Great COVID-friendly travel option

Writing About Travel During a Pandemic

It still feels unusual to write about travel. Plans for exploring in 2020 were derailed, and sharing travel experiences now requires extra care and context. Even so, short domestic trips that prioritize outdoor time, privacy, and minimal interactions feel reasonable—and Getaway House fits that model.

I’m hopeful that domestic travel will expand responsibly in the coming months as vaccinations increase. Until then, tiny-house escapes are a welcome way to get outside safely.

Our Trip

My partner Dylan, my sister-in-law Lindsay, and I spent two days and two nights at Getaway House Blake Brook in southern New Hampshire. Lindsay has joined us on many trips, and this short getaway was pleasant, relaxing, and exactly what we needed: quiet cabins, fresh air, and nearby trails.

COVID Safety for Visiting New Hampshire

COVID guidance changes regularly, so check current state rules before you travel. At the time of our visit, there was no quarantine requirement for travelers from neighboring New England states. Because Dylan and I live in Massachusetts, we had no issues traveling to New Hampshire. Lindsay, who was fully vaccinated, also followed testing precautions before joining us.

Requirements may differ depending on where you’re coming from, so review up-to-date guidance for your situation and plan accordingly.

Accommodations: Getaway House Blake Brook

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Getaway House locations are intentionally secluded, which helps with social distancing. The company offers properties across the country, and Blake Brook serves the Boston region. Contactless check-in and check-out are standard: you receive a code to enter your cabin, and interactions with staff are minimized. Between guests, cabins are cleaned thoroughly with staff using appropriate PPE, and strict timing ensures each cabin is ready and sanitized before arrival.

The Cabins

Cabin options include one-bedroom and two-bedroom lofted layouts. Cabins are spaced well apart—typically 50 to 100 feet—so privacy is preserved and you rarely encounter other guests. Each unit includes heating, air conditioning, and hot water, along with thoughtful comforts like a small book and game selection, a kitchenette with a two-burner stove and mini fridge, cooking utensils, a tea kettle, and dishware.

Sleeping areas are cozy, with plush bedding and a large window that brings the outdoors in. A small bathroom comes stocked with towels and toiletries. A phone lockbox is provided for anyone who wants to intentionally unplug.

Outdoor amenities include a picnic table, fire pit with a cooking grate, and chairs. We found a complimentary mini s’mores kit and a welcome note on arrival. Firewood, starters, and sand for icy conditions were also available. Getaway Blake Brook is pet-friendly, too.

Activities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers year-round outdoor recreation. During our winter visit we checked trail and weather conditions, wore microspikes where needed, and enjoyed mostly sunny days. Popular nearby activities within an hour or two of the Getaway property include hiking, scenic drives, and seasonal attractions.

Winter Activities: Skiing at local resorts, exploring frozen gorges, and winter hikes like Mount Major for lake views.

Spring Activities: Spring hikes and strolls through towns such as North Conway, plus seasonal local foods.

Summer Activities: Strawberry picking, hikes in Franconia Notch, swimming at Lower Falls on the Kancamagus Highway, or exploring Mount Washington by car, foot, or train.

Fall Activities: Leaf-peeping at Cannon Mountain and Lonesome Lake, cozy cafes in Wolfeboro, and scenic drives to admire fall color.

Gluten-Free Options

One advantage of a cabin stay is the ability to prepare simple gluten-free meals. Each kitchenette provides basic items—plates, bowls, cutlery, a kettle, salt, pepper, olive oil, tea, and coffee—so bringing a few preferred ingredients makes meal prep easy. If you have strict dietary needs, pack your own cooking tools or clean shared items thoroughly before use.

During our stay we kept meals simple: granola bars, fruit, eggs for breakfast; sandwiches and snacks for lunch; and pasta with a gluten-free option for dinner. For dessert we enjoyed s’mores with the gluten-free crackers I brought. Everyone’s tolerance and needs differ—those with celiac disease should follow guidance to avoid cross-contact and make choices that align with their health needs.

Cost & Budget

Pricing for Getaway Blake Brook can be higher than a typical hotel night. Midweek rates are generally lower—around $230 per night—while weekends can be in the mid-$300s. Splitting the cost, traveling midweek, or using discounts (for example, promotions for healthcare workers or first-time guest offers) helps reduce the total expense.

Because we cooked most meals and focused on free outdoor activities, our two-night trip cost roughly $600–$700 total for the two of us. For a short, low-key escape that included lodging, gas, and simple meals, we felt it was reasonable value.

To help bring down the cost of your trip, consider any available first-time guest discounts or midweek rates offered by Getaway House.

Final Thoughts

This getaway was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with family and nature. The Getaway House model—private cabins, contactless procedures, and outdoor-focused activities—feels well suited to pandemic-era travel. It’s an easy way to reset without extensive planning or exposure.

I’d happily return in spring, summer, or fall to enjoy the property in different seasons. If you enjoy quiet, nature-centered breaks and want to minimize interactions while traveling, this style of trip is worth considering.

Would you take a vacation like this? Share your thoughts below.

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