Social-distance summer: Check out these new private cabins just outside of Charlotte.
It’s time to reset after months of sitting cooped up at home for months under the stress of COVID-19 orders, protests and politics. Coronavirus cases are on the rise, with about 1,200 testing positive daily in North Carolina for the past week, and it’s important to be cautious about where you go. Peace and quiet — along with proper social distancing — are in order.
A new option is a trip to the first North Carolina Outpost of Getaway cabins, Getaway Asheboro. Reservations open June 16 for stays starting at the end of July in its 32 cabins, located on 30 acres about an hour and a half outside Charlotte. Each of the private cabins is located at least 40 feet apart, so you won’t bump right up against your vacation neighbors. And there’s no bathroom sharing — each cabin has its own.
The cabins are made with Eastern White Pine and feature giant picture windows to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. “Our design focuses on creating a place that enables our guests to escape to nature as effortlessly as possible and unlock a deep and memorable experience within,” CEO and founder of Getaway Jon Staff told CharlotteFive.
Rates will start at $99 per night, with 26 air conditioned cabins holding a queen bed for one or two guests and six cabins offering queen bunk beds for three to four guests. You won’t even have to engage anyone in person to check in. Getaway will send you an email and text with your cabin name and keycode so you can let yourself in.
A full-time staff member is always on-site in case of an emergency, and each cabin is equipped with a landline for calls to the Getaway team or to 911 since cell service may be spotty.
Fresh bed linens are included with the cabins, along with bath towels and shower products.
One thing, though. You’ve got to really want to unplug on this vacation — there’s no WiFi available. Jon Staff, the CEO and founder of Getaway, said that was a purposeful choice.
“The cabins provide undistracted time in nature that allow our guests to slow down from their busy routines, disconnect from work and technology, reconnect to themselves and each other, and just be off. All cabins have a cell phone lock box, and no TV or WiFi,” Staff said.
If you’re trying to plan for a small weekend with friends or a couples trip, Getaway will do its best to accommodate requests for cabins closest to each other via an email after booking. If you’re looking for space for a larger group, full site buyouts are available, too.
But there’s another thing: “Getaway is not the place for wild gatherings.” Staff said. “We encourage all guests to use their indoor voices outdoors while at our Outposts as to not disturb other guests’ tranquility.”
What to do
Many of the attractions in the Asheboro area remain closed for now because of the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean you’re locked in to staying at the campsite. If you want to venture out beyond the cabin, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, including the dog and kid-friendly Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, to help connect you with nature.
The nearby NC Zoo has also reopened, but you can’t just show up. New procedures meant to help stop the spread of COVID-19 mean pre-arranged visits with a limited number of visits per day, so plan ahead.
After the zoo, you can head to the Richland Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour, which has also reopened. (Face masks are suggested.) You can zip through the forest and enjoy a birds-eye view of the Mendenhall Falls along Richland Creek on 14 different cables.
What to eat
Each cabin includes a dorm-size refrigerator and two-burner stove. Outside, there’s a fire pit, grilling grate and picnic table and chairs. Firewood and fire starters are available for purchase, and there are a few small grocery items inside the cabin that will add to your tab if you use them, such as coffee, tea, oatmeal and pasta.
If you want to head into town, a few restaurants in Asheboro include:
America’s Roadhouse
818 East Dixie Drive
When you’ve worked up an appetite out on the trails, head to America’s Roadhouse. This restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, with a wide menu including steaks and seafood. Start with an appetizer of All-American Fries or Bahama Mama Shrimp.
Four Saints Brewing Co.
218 S. Fayetteville St.
Pick up some local craft beer to have along with your takeout. The brewery is open Tuesday through Sunday only for to-go beer and cider. Several beers remain on tap year-round, including its Omie Blonde Ale or German Hefeweizen.
Magnolia 23
23 S. Fayetteville St.
This charming cafe is open for lunchtime curbside takeout of Southern favorites like fried chicken and pulled pork, along with sides of coleslaw, mac and cheese and candied yams. Hours may vary, so check before you go.
Positano
130 C South Church St.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, this comfortable spot serves upscale Italian fare, including pizzas and pasta, and offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. There’s a kid’s menu, too.
The Table
139 S. Church St.
The Table offers handcrafted coffee drinks and breakfast options, along with fresh salads and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. It’s open Thursday through Saturday, with dine-in service or curbside pickup.
Getaway Asheboro
Address will arrive via email and text upon booking.
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Instagram: @getawayhouse
This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM.