How to Plan Your Own Cabin Getaway
“Do you rent out your cabin?” I’m asked this question all the time! The answer is no but that I’ve got some ideas on other cute cabins that are available for your own cabin getaway!
Whether you’re planning a winter weekend trip or a summer vacation, I’ve got the hook-up for you!
Let’s start with a list. I love lists!
What are the essential components of a cabin getaway?
- A crackling fireplace (a must-have)
- The coziest bed
- Minimal technology
- Proximity to outdoor activities
With these four essentials, you’re bound to have a rejuvenating cabin escape, removed from the fast pace of modern society.
Recently, I went for a two-night/three-day cabin escape of my own.
I guess that’s how cabin dwellers vacation?!
My hunny and I spend a few days on the north shore of Lake Superior every January as a sort of couples retreat. This January we decided to stay at North Country Cottages in Lutsen, Minnesota!
The two-bedroom cabin we stayed in is one of three and meets all the essentials on the cabin getaway list! Bonus points, it’s dog-friendly!
Crackling Fireplace – Check!
How could you not stare at this fireplace all day long!
Coziest Bed – Check!
I will say, the cabin got a bit chilly at night. The weather forecast called for well below zero temps but the comforter on this bed was maybe the warmest one I’ve ever snuggled up in!
Minimal Technology – Check!
There are no TVs in these cabins (*applause) but they do have wifi access, which is the perfect balance if you ask me. As with any truly good cabin, there’s a healthy stockpile of games and books.
Proximity to Outdoor Activities – CHECK!
This is what I love most about my cabin! All I have to do is open the door and I’m immersed in all sorts of outdoor activities.
The cabins at North Country Cottages aren’t far off from mine in that regard! Lutsen Mountains is a ten-minute drive down hwy 61!
If you’re staying in North Country in the winter, pack your skis or snowboards! We spent some time on the slopes during our trip. If you’re curious about Lutsen, check out this post.
Besides skiing, there are many hiking trails along the north shore to keep your schedule full! One hike we love in particular is the Oberg Mountain Loop.
Once you’ve lost daylight, I would highly recommend a visit to North Shore Winery for a wine tasting or maybe just to grab a bottle of wine (and truffles) to take back to the cabin! That’s what we did. I recommend the “Lutsen” wine if you like reds.
Some tips for the best cabin getaway:
- Make a commitment to leave your work at home. The minute you get in the car to head out for your cabin escape, set up your “out of office” autoresponder, log out of your work email and shut out your normal responsibilities best you can. We are so plugged in the majority of the year. Use this time to unplug!
- Acknowledge feelings of unease. It’s tough to shake off the fast pace of normal life and settle into relaxation mode. I find it easier to let go of if I notice the unease and acknowledge it. This is your permission slip to forget all of your to-do lists for a couple of days!
- Pack your coziest clothes. Trust me, you’ll end up wearing the same two sweaters and chunky socks the entire time.
- Have one main activity loosely planned for each day. If you’re like me and can’t sit in one spot all day, it’s helpful to pick one activity to be the main show of the day. That way you’re not pacing around the cabin wondering what do to. For example, on Friday plan to ski at Lutsen, on Saturday plan to snowshoe the Oberg Mountain Loop, and on Sunday plan to have brunch at Cascade Lodge and hike along the north shore. If weather mixes your plans around, so be it!
- Write down or chat about your highs and lows of each day. My hunny and I do this on a regular basis but there’s something special about sharing your highs and lows at the end of the day on vacation.
If you’d like to book a stay at North Country Cottages head over to their website or chat with them on Instagram (the owners are the sweetest little family of three). Tell them Ashley sent you!
And as always, message me if you want any recommendations about where to eat, shop, or explore on the north shore!
Happy Trails,
“Do you rent out your cabin?” I’m asked this question all the time! The answer is no but that I’ve got some ideas on other cute cabins that are available for your own cabin getaway!
Whether you’re planning a winter weekend trip or a summer vacation, I’ve got the hook-up for you!
Let’s start with a list. I love lists!
What are the essential components of a cabin getaway?
- A crackling fireplace (a must-have)
- The coziest bed
- Minimal technology
- Proximity to outdoor activities
With these four essentials, you’re bound to have a rejuvenating cabin escape, removed from the fast pace of modern society.
Recently, I went for a two-night/three-day cabin escape of my own.
I guess that’s how cabin dwellers vacation?!
My hunny and I spend a few days on the north shore of Lake Superior every January as a sort of couples retreat. This January we decided to stay at North Country Cottages in Lutsen, Minnesota!
The two-bedroom cabin we stayed in is one of three and meets all the essentials on the cabin getaway list! Bonus points, it’s dog-friendly!
Crackling Fireplace – Check!
How could you not stare at this fireplace all day long!
Coziest Bed – Check!
I will say, the cabin got a bit chilly at night. The weather forecast called for well below zero temps but the comforter on this bed was maybe the warmest one I’ve ever snuggled up in!
Minimal Technology – Check!
There are no TVs in these cabins (*applause) but they do have wifi access, which is the perfect balance if you ask me. As with any truly good cabin, there’s a healthy stockpile of games and books.
Proximity to Outdoor Activities – CHECK!
This is what I love most about my cabin! All I have to do is open the door and I’m immersed in all sorts of outdoor activities.
The cabins at North Country Cottages aren’t far off from mine in that regard! Lutsen Mountains is a ten-minute drive down hwy 61!
If you’re staying in North Country in the winter, pack your skis or snowboards! We spent some time on the slopes during our trip. If you’re curious about Lutsen, check out this post.
Besides skiing, there are many hiking trails along the north shore to keep your schedule full! One hike we love in particular is the Oberg Mountain Loop.
Once you’ve lost daylight, I would highly recommend a visit to North Shore Winery for a wine tasting or maybe just to grab a bottle of wine (and truffles) to take back to the cabin! That’s what we did. I recommend the “Lutsen” wine if you like reds.
Some tips for the best cabin getaway:
- Make a commitment to leave your work at home. The minute you get in the car to head out for your cabin escape, set up your “out of office” autoresponder, log out of your work email and shut out your normal responsibilities best you can. We are so plugged in the majority of the year. Use this time to unplug!
- Acknowledge feelings of unease. It’s tough to shake off the fast pace of normal life and settle into relaxation mode. I find it easier to let go of if I notice the unease and acknowledge it. This is your permission slip to forget all of your to-do lists for a couple of days!
- Pack your coziest clothes. Trust me, you’ll end up wearing the same two sweaters and chunky socks the entire time.
- Have one main activity loosely planned for each day. If you’re like me and can’t sit in one spot all day, it’s helpful to pick one activity to be the main show of the day. That way you’re not pacing around the cabin wondering what do to. For example, on Friday plan to ski at Lutsen, on Saturday plan to snowshoe the Oberg Mountain Loop, and on Sunday plan to have brunch at Cascade Lodge and hike along the north shore. If weather mixes your plans around, so be it!
- Write down or chat about your highs and lows of each day. My hunny and I do this on a regular basis but there’s something special about sharing your highs and lows at the end of the day on vacation.
If you’d like to book a stay at North Country Cottages head over to their website or chat with them on Instagram (the owners are the sweetest little family of three). Tell them Ashley sent you!
And as always, message me if you want any recommendations about where to eat, shop, or explore on the north shore!
Happy Trails,
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