I first heard about this hostel when I was randomly checking out places to stay in Georgia. I love the concept of this Swiss Family Robinson-style place. Hostel in the Forest is located in Brunswick, Georgia, which is 20 minutes away from the beaches of the Golden Isles.
This place is easy to miss, so it’s best if you have a GPS or are with someone who has been there before. I went around 5 p.m., so it was starting to get dark and I was afraid my car was going to be stuck in the woods where I would become the first victim of a horror movie. Fortunately, I soon came upon a man raking up leaves near the lodge. I asked him a question and told me he didn’t work there but was a guest. I was surprised that guests helped out in that way.
The rate for these treehouses is $25 a night, which includes “a delicious (vegetarian) dinner.” I saw a lot of people sitting in the lodge, which surprised me since the houses don’t have heating or cooling and it was the middle of January. The interior of the lodge is plastered with pictures of guests, so you know the people who love it here really love it. HITF tries to recycle as much as possible, so they ask that you not bring plastic bottles, which are not recycled at their facility.
The hostel, like most others, is very community oriented. Classes are held and guests can use the communal kitchen. The hostel has 6 staff members, but a large amount of work is done by the guests, as was the case with the first guy I met.
Unlike many hostels you will encounter in the States, this hostel is open to children and families.
Things to know before you book a treehouse:
-You will probably be carrying your bags to the house and up the stairs, so pack light.
-Toilets are composting and showers are in a bathhouse in the woods, so bring something to walk out there in. And flashlights are a must.
-This is not a party hostel.
-Leave your cell phone in the car and enjoy Mother Nature.
Check out their Flickr page for lots of great photos.
That's crazy! The Tree House idea is pretty neat!