Arizona's Coziest Cabin Is This Quaint European-Style Getaway Tucked Next To Prescott

Arizona is home to some of the sunniest places in the world, but in autumn and winter, occasionally you just want to feel a chill in the air, see fall foliage in the trees, or find that festive atmosphere we all crave around the holidays. Prescott is a breezy highland town packed with walking trails, saloons, and sunshine, but a mere 12-minute drive away, you'll uncover a quaint woodland cabin worthy of a Christmas card: the Hygge Hideaway. 

Most would agree that the coziest cabins are in the middle of nowhere for an ultra-tranquil experience. Hygge Hideaway is conveniently hidden in the forest, while still being close to Prescott for its amenities. To get there, your nearest airport, Prescott Regional Airport, is around a 30-minute drive and connects to other parts of Arizona, like Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff. If you need more flight options, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 108 miles away, or if driving, you'll reach the closest notable point on the map, Groom Creek, by taking the S Senator Highway south from Prescott. 

Despite its remote location, you certainly won't be bored. Check out the underrated scenic views of Goldwater Lake, just a 6-minute drive away, trek the many trails in the Groom Creek recreation area, and experience the Gold Rush spirit at the historic Whiskey Row in Prescott. But you might find the cabin itself is the real highlight, offering a charming, European-style lodge that tempts you to don your fleeciest sweater and snuggle up with a good novel.

Hygge is a Danish word meaning coziness and comfort. Picture yourself wrapped in a blanket, drinking hot cocoa, next to a crackling fire, and that's hygge — it's no wonder the Danes are constantly topping lists of the world's happiest countries. The secluded Hygge Hideaway is located roughly 6 miles from Prescott and promises the ultimate cold-season escape. 

Nestled among the pines of Groom Creek, this guest favorite is one of the most beloved homes on Airbnb in the area, thanks to its 5-star ratings on cleanliness, location, and value for money. Basically, you'd struggle to choose a more perfect sanctuary so close to Prescott. One Airbnb review said, "What a unique little place. ... The sauna was amazing! We really enjoyed cooking meals on the Blackstone as well. Great place to break away and find some quiet in nature!" 

This comfy refuge combines rustic wood walls with a sleek, modern design for a homely yet trendy aesthetic. There are two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a total of five guests permitted, plus pets for a fee. It's the ideal setting to let your cares melt away with the warmth of the wood-burning fireplace, and an outdoor fire pit invites you to absorb the fresh, forest air and glimpse curious wildlife, no matter the temperature. As if not European enough with its spiral staircase and Scandi-style decor, one of the premium features of this listing is the sauna, providing a Nordic-inspired nook for your self-care, and a fun activity for a couples retreat. Fall or winter is undoubtedly the prime time to visit this snug cabin, especially since neighboring Prescott is "Arizona's Christmas City" and one of America's best holiday destinations.

While your getaway could easily be confined to the cabin for optimum coziness, Prescott is known as one of Arizona's coolest towns, so it's worth taking your hygge on the road to explore. There are tons of thrift stores in town, like CCJ Second Glance Thrift Shoppe and Prescott Consignment Galleries, so browse the main street to see what treasures you discover before stopping for a warming drink at Superstition Meadery. This popular spot sits right in the center of town and offers delicious honey meads that transport you to a medieval tavern. Carvin Wilson, AMMA's 2019 National Mead Maker, told Wine Enthusiast, "Where honey comes from is the terroir of mead, and there's nothing quite like desert wildflower honey in Arizona."

For dinner, Prescott has plenty of appetizing options, but one of its most famous is the Palace Restaurant and Saloon — the oldest bar and restaurant in Arizona. You'll find mouthwatering burgers and steaks on the menu that over 3,500 visitors rated 4.5 stars, but dining here is less about the food and more about the building's character and heritage. Serving up frontier grub since the 1870s, the saloon was reconstructed in 1901 after a devastating fire destroyed many structures on Whiskey Row. But don't worry, the old-timey ambiance is still captured within its walls, so much so that a sign in the toilet reminds you to be patient with the "historic plumbing."

Following a fun evening in downtown Prescott, head back to the more contemporary plumbing of Hygge Hideaway and get cuddled up by the fire pit. No cozy cabin retreat would be complete without some tasty s'mores, after all.