The tiny house movement has become so much more than a passing phase; these diminutive dwellings are ubiquitous and offer the unique opportunity to experience tiny house living at its best and most luxurious. With so many options, finding the best tiny house might seem like a large task, and a negative experience can certainly leave one reluctant to try it again.

I get it. While I consider myself a minimalist and outdoorsy person, I also like my creature comforts: hot coffee in the morning, a warm and cozy bed, and, most importantly, a full bathroom and shower... ideally, indoors. Are these things even possible in a tiny house? Indeed they are, especially with Postcard Cabins, a network of luxurious tiny cabins located in some of the most beautiful places in the US.

What are Postcard Cabins?

The concept of Postcard Cabins is refreshingly simple: Postcard Cabins offer simple escapes to nature within two hours of major cities across the country, inviting guests to savor their free time, find balance through disconnection (and "cell phone lockboxes" are, ahem, key for this!), and enjoy the company of those who matter most. Postcard Cabins offer an "off the grid" kind of experience without actually having to go off the grid.

The company founder, Jon Staff, grew up in rural Minnesota with most of his childhood spent outdoors. After a demanding startup job, Jon found himself burned out and longing for the Great Outdoors. He quit and left the city behind in a 26' Airstream trailer to take time to reflect. During his travels, Jon discovered what so many nature lovers have: that being in nature was critical to his well-being, productivity, and general happiness.And so, Postcard Cabins (originally Getaway House) launched in 2015, providing a place and space for folks to unwind and unplug from the modern world -- by way of impossibly charming tiny cabins.

How many Postcard Cabins are there in the US?

Currently, there are over 25 Postcard Cabins scattered across the country, with more opening all the time. These cabins can be found in all major regions of the US, with the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast "home" to the most tiny house outposts. Pacific Northwesterners: rejoice! One of the newest outposts is just an hour from Seattle and tucked away in the wondrous wilds of Washington State. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, girls' getaways, or even small family vacations, these cabins make for a convenient, "drop everything and go" kind of getaway destination.

Even better? (Well behaved) pups are always welcome! You'll pay a $50 fee when reserving your accommodation and your home will come stocked with dog bowls, a tie-out cable, dog treats, and even pet waste bags to help Fido "leave no trace."

What kinds of amenities do Postcard Cabins have?

Curious about what to bring when staying in a Postcard Cabin? It's a fair question, especially when considering that these tiny houses measure a mere 140-200 square feet. Thankfully, these thoughtfully designed dwellings make the most of every square inch of space, boasting hotel-level amenities in a charming little package.

In terms of amenities, Postcard Cabins have everything you could possibly want or need for a little getaway. Homes come with comfy linens, a fully stocked bathroom with shampoo/conditioner, a Bluetooth-enabled speaker, electricity, heat/AC, and a fully functional kitchenette with utensils and plates.

Full transparency: the refrigerator in these cabins is more of a "dorm-sized" fridge, so try not to only bring items that need refrigeration -- think a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread... camp-style cuisine. Coffee drinkers, take note: the pour-over coffeemaker is super fun to use, but you will pay a nominal fee for coffee - so BYOB (beans) if you want to avoid this. Otherwise, the folks at Postcard Cabins recommend bringing a toothbrush/toothpaste, pjs, walking shoes, your favorite camp foods, and, in the warmer months, bug spray.

As with most tiny homes, Postcard Cabins make excellent use of the outdoor space as well. Just steps from the front door, a fire pit, grill, picnic table, and cooler provide the perfect setting for time 'round the fire.

In terms of "extras," I definitely recommend adding a "campfire kit" to your reservation. My husband and I are not the most skilled campfire builders, and this kit made it very easy to get a fire going for s'mores!

What's it like staying in a Postcard Cabin?

Given the amenities listed above, you can expect a luxe experience when staying in a Postcard Cabin. Think "glamping" over "camping," though if you're into the latter, the fire pit and outdoor grill make it easy to indulge that side of things, too!

When we first drove up to Postcard Cabin Hocking Hills in Nelsonville, Ohio, I was surprised at just how many "cabins" there were. I'd been expecting *a* Postcard Cabin when in reality, there are a series of tiny house villages located in most of the most beautiful places in the U.S. If you're nervous about the whole "village" aspect of Postcard Cabins crashing your dreams of a remote escape in nature, don't be. Even when my husband and I visited in the winter, when trees were bare and our voices carried in the cold of night, the cabins were arranged in such a way that you really never see your neighbors -- I promise!

And in terms of nature, Postcard Cabins Nelsonville offers several hiking and biking trails, ample opportunities to spot wildlife, and idyllic places for outdoor recreation. This particular outpost is in the heart of the Hocking Hills region and less than two hours from bustling Columbus, Ohio.

I love the idea of an "escape in nature" so close to major cities. This accessibility is just one of the many things that make Postcard Cabins so unique and special. (Those Insta-perfect picture windows don't hurt, either!) In terms of what 140-200 square feet feels like, well, the cabins feel surprisingly spacious. The aforementioned picture window certainly helps, as does an interior that's smartly designed.

Visiting during the winter, my husband and I were all too happy to spend a lazy, post-hike afternoon completing a puzzle on the dining table -- the space didn't feel limiting at all.

How much are Postcard Cabins rentals and how do I book a Postcard Cabin?

Worried all this tiny luxury will come at a not-so-tiny price tag? I was, too! Happily, Postcard Cabins are incredibly budget-friendly, with stays averaging $300/night, making these tiny houses comparable to other rentals like cabins, Airbnbs, and even hotels. Booking a Postcard Cabin is just as easy, too, with the website incredibly intuitive and user-friendly. The difference between Postcard Cabins and similarly priced accommodations, however, is that these tiny homes put you there, right in the middle of some of the country's most glorious natural areas.

With their signature picture widows and rugged exteriors, these tiny homes become "one" with nature, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. You'll feel worlds away from everything... without having to physically travel worlds away from everything.

So the next time you're looking for the perfect place to stay near your favorite city (Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago, NYC) or bucket-list destination (Shenandoah National Park, the Catskills, Big Bear, Skagit Valley), visit Postcard Cabins online and book a tiny house that's a worthy destination in its own right.

Have you stayed in one of these tiny houses before? Postcard Cabins offers an amazing "intro" to tiny house living, all in some of the most beautiful places in the U.S.! Learn more and find a cabin near you by visiting the Postcard Cabins website.