I love nature, but I’m also a home boy. I adore snuggling up on the sofa with all of the creature comforts of home. Being a Tennessee native, I tend to vacation close by. I figure, what’s the point of traveling when there’s still so much to discover?
Over the years, I’ve seen a lot in Nashville and loved every bit. Whenever my friends come to visit, we make sure to hit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Broadway, the parks, and my favorite restaurants and bars.
I really enjoy my state. I know where to go when I’m having a relatively hard day, what pizza — and yummy toppings! — to order at City House, and where to find the best cocktails. Although I view myself an expert on Tennessee, I have yet to find an idyllic place for a weekend escape off the grid.
I was scrolling through Instagram when I noticed a post about Getaway Dale Hollow, which is located near Celina and set in Moss Forest. The forest floor is a carpet of deep green moss and the cozy cabins looked super quaint.
Getaway’s an excellent alternative to the same-old, same-old vacation but in a rustic setting. Tucked away in the most beautiful places, they have clusters of tiny cabins that offer the comforts of home, just two hours from major cities. Getaway Dale Hollow’s location is only two hours outside of Nashville.
With 50 to 150 feet between cabins, they’re socially distant by design. Check-in and check-out are contact-free. Plus, rates start at only $99/night.
I’d be completely alone and have a chance to reconnect with my thoughts, feelings, and myself. Each cabin has a warm shower, a private toilet, air conditioning and heat, a charming mini-kitchen, and a freshly made queen-sized bed that sleeps two — or two queen beds that sleep four.
It seemed like the perfect hidden gem close by the city of Nashville. I booked it and couldn’t wait to head there that weekend. From the minute I stepped out of the car, the quietness was bliss. I found my cabin — even better than the website — and ran in to see my comfy queen-sized bed. The huge glass window has to be my favorite: no sidewalks, no buildings, no traffic, nothing but trees for miles.
On my first night, I relaxed on the Adirondack chair by the fire pit, watching the flames and sipping on a crisp Chardonnay. I got the best night’s sleep in months. I didn’t wake up to my blaring phone alarm, which was all packed away in the lockbox. Instead, I woke to the sun streaming in through the window. Once I’d polished off my morning cup of coffee, I was off to explore.
I started with a trek around Roaring River Falls — only a few miles from the cabin! I walked till the end of the trail and was rewarded with the most beautiful waterfall — the second gem I uncovered.
I stopped at Teddi Lou's Bakery for lunch and picked up an order of fresh apple fritters and their famous jalapeno poppers — absolutely delicious! My afternoon was spent at the Clay County Museum of History, taking in all the local history. Then I popped into Dale Hollow Antiques and picked up an antique tea set for my mom.
On my way back I grabbed a few ingredients from Scott's Bestway and rustled up a delicious dinner that I savored by the fire wrapped in a comfy blanket — absolute bliss! The next morning I got in another quick hike through the Bearwaller Gap before heading back to the busy city.
I know Nashville is incredible, but Getaway has revealed a whole new site to Tennessee. Now when my friends come to visit, I can take them to Getaway so we can all really relax. These glorious cabins nestled in the woods have made me love my state even more.
Any time I need an escape, I simply hop in my car and take off for a perfectly blissful weekend only two hours away.
If you’re looking for a tranquil time away — with a little adventure mixed in — check out Getaway Dale Hollow. It’s truly the Hidden Gem of Tennessee.