Make sure your kiddos know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about more than a day off of school
Your little dreamers naturally understand the power and importance of having hopes and wishes, so learning facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech is a tactile way to help kids understand the significance of who MLK Jr. was. Help the kids learn more about this chief spokesman for nonviolent activism, civil rights, and the end of racial segregation.
1. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929. His birth name was Michael but was changed to Martin by his father (who also changed his name) in 1934 (after Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s).
2. At 14 he won a contest with a speech about civil rights.
3. He started college when he was just 15.
4. He worked for a newspaper as one of his first jobs.
5. Stevie Wonder wrote his song "Happy Birthday" to help build on the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. He asks a simple question throughout the song, “Why has there never been a holiday where peace is celebrated throughout the world? The time is overdue.”
6. According to the King Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. was jailed 30 times for charges such as civil disobedience.
7. MLK Jr. was awarded 20 honorary degrees.
8. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was instrumental in getting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It made it illegal to segregate based on race in schools, the workplace, and public accommodations (or facilities that serve the general public including hospitals and libraries). It may be hard for your kiddos to believe that there was once a time when children could not drink from the same drinking fountain or use the same bathroom because of the color of their skin. MLK fought to end that.
9. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in April 1964.
10. Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953. The ceremony was performed by his father, Martin Luther King Sr. Coretta had the vow "to obey" removed from the vows, which was almost unheard of at the time.
11. MLK Jr. and his wife had four children: Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Yolanda King, and Dexter King.
12. His "I Have a Dream" speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial. He gave a speech there on voting rights in 1957.
13. He survived an attempt on his life in 1958. He was stabbed with a letter opener by Izola Ware Curry. He underwent hours of emergency surgery. Surgeons said one sneeze could have punctured his aorta and killed him.
14. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mother was killed six years after his murder. She was shot while playing the organ at church.
15. One of the best ways kids can understand what he was all about is by listening to his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which he made on Aug. 28, 1963. Kids of any age can listen and read along through this link.
While they won’t help with the inevitable eye roll, these tips can help you connect and build mutual trust
If you’ve got kids approaching the tween years, you’re probably a little nervous (ok, let’s be honest—totally freaked out) about what’s going to happen when that inevitable sprout of independence blooms. Will you still know what’s going on at school, after school, or with friends? And, most importantly: How will you stay connected and close? The answer? Mutual trust. We asked experts to tell us some of the best ways to build trust with kids before they become teenagers.
Here’s what they said about building trust with tweens
1. Talk to them!
According to Mindy McKnight, author of VIRAL PARENTING: A Guide to Setting Boundaries, Building Trust, and Raising Responsible Kids in an Online World, the most important thing parents can do to build trust with their kids is to talk to them. Like, REALLY talk. The mom of six says, “Do your best to have open and honest conversations as often as you can. Yes, talk about the easy stuff like friends, school, interests, and memories, but don’t be afraid to delve into the more difficult stuff as well. Like bullying, sexuality, puberty, and hormones. Parents should be the first (and most reliable) source of information when it comes to establishing the foundation for their newly-forming ideals and opinions.”
Of course, finding time to talk can be tough. Try getting a few words in at bedtime or on car drives, when your kids are less likely to be distracted by screens, homework, or siblings.
2. Listen carefully to their perspectives—and validate what they are saying to you.
“When I was 12, we visited my uncle, who worked as a fertility endocrinologist in California. He was discussing abortion with another adult in the room, and I vividly remember him turning to me and asking what my opinion was on the subject. At age 12, I’m not sure I even really knew enough to have an opinion, but I remember exactly how I felt when he believed I might have something important to say. I felt so important. Ask your tweens their thoughts on important subjects, and you might just be surprised by what they have to say. Conversations like these also help them to become more informed and to share their opinions in a mature and respectful way,” says McKnight.
3. Be specific when setting boundaries—and stick to them.
Consistency and reliability are important building blocks of trust. If you’re going to set rules, make sure you’re specific, and stick to the rules and the consequences you’ve laid out if they aren’t followed. “We love contracts in our family. They help us ensure we have discussed all the different rules, potential outcomes, and subsequent consequences in teen-sensitive areas like the usage of smartphones, laptops, social media, cars, etc. Be careful not to establish consequences that you won’t actually enforce. Your war will be lost before you even begin,” McKnight says.
4. Take interest in your tween’s interests.
“If you notice that they have a specific interest in something, like video games or fashion, be sure to make that an interest for you too,” Mcknight says. “Learn about it, and talk about it. Even if the activity isn’t something you particularly love. Taking part in it will help open up many opportunities to spend quality time with your child, and communication with them will become much easier. Try it, and you’ll be surprised at how well this works.”
When a child or tween asks you questions about something—whether it’s something they saw on TV or something they heard in school—answer them without judgment. According to New York psychologist Sanam Hafeez, “Most parents just go into panic mode asking where they heard what they heard and then judging and getting negative. When kids feel as if they can communicate openly with parents without it turning into drama—or worse, accusations and arguing—they’ll be more trusting of their parents and will value their guidance and advice.”
6. Honor their personal space.
By age 8 or 9, privacy starts to become important to kids. Consequently, that’s when parents need to start respecting their personal space—for instance, always knocking on their door (or the bathroom door) instead of just barging in. “Respect and trust are intertwined. When a tween is concerned that their parents might move their things in their room, or think nothing about coming into the bathroom while they are showering, or randomly redecorate something in their room without first checking with them, it can fracture the trust,” Hafeez says.
Note: If you have a house policy where all doors must be open a few inches, Hafeez said you can stick to that rule but still knock and peek in before swinging the door open.
7. Lead by example.
If your eyes are constantly on your phone, and then you scold your kids for being glued to their iPads, they won’t be as willing to take you at your word. Be ready to “walk the walk” when you set rules for the family. Hafeez says, “Declaring you are going to revamp the way the family eats and then actually involve the tween in meal-planning… that could be a fun way to show that you stick to what you say you are going to do. This inspires trust and respect.”
8. Show your tween that you respect them.
Trust hinges on respect—and this respect should be mutual. So show your tweens that you respect them—even when they misbehave or disappoint you. When your child sneaks his iPad (again) on a school night, for instance, sit him down and admit that you’re disappointed. Ask him why he finds it hard to follow a particular rule and listen to his feelings about it. Whatever you do, don’t make rash statements like, “Why can’t you ever follow the rules?” or “We just can’t trust you.” Those statements just make kids feel like their parents don’t respect (or believe in) them. Parenting expert and former high school teacher Kara Carerro noted on her blog, “When a child grows up respected, they are more apt to confide in and trust their parents.”
9. Show your kids unconditional love.
Sure, you know that you love your kids unconditionally—but do they know? In this article, outreach specialist Tyler Jacobson says it’s important to show your kids that your love never diminishes or disappears. “The fact that you love them and want to rebuild your trust could go a long way to setting the tone for healing. Even when kids are little, it can be hard to forgive quickly, offer support for every little thing, and accept them for who they are NOW. But these are all ways to show unconditional love,” he says.
This Lego Home Alone house features Little Nero’s pizza, a swinging paint can, a blow torch, and other adorable Easter eggs that any Kevin McAllister stan will recognize
LEGO loves paying homage to the classics—and this set is perfect for the holidays! This year, LEGO has brought back the Home Alone house in brick form, complete with tons of tiny details—like Kevin’s booby traps and other Easter eggs from the movie—that make this set both realistic and an absolute blast to play with.
The box packs in 3,955 pieces and five minifigures: Kevin, his mom, robbers Harry and Marv, plus “Old Man” Marley. In an extra fun twist, the set is split into 24 bags, Advent calendar style, so you can build along to the film’s plotline. LEGO Fan Designer Alex Storozhuk created the concept and watches Home Alone every holiday season from his home in Ukraine.
Once the entire house is put together, the front opens up to reveal all the rooms (and booby traps) inside.
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There’s the very ’90s bathroom, where you can recreate Kevin’s screaming scene in the mirror after he tests out his dad’s aftershave.
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There’s also the festively decorated holiday table where Kevin enjoys his highly nutritious meals of microwavable macaroni and cheese and Little Nero’s pizza.
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Then, once the Wet Bandits arrive on the scene, the real fun begins. The back door includes the doggy door and blowtorch that Kevin uses to torch Marv’s head when he tries to break in.
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The set also comes with accessories, like the crowbar the Wet Bandits use to break into homes, and Buzz’s tarantula. Just make sure he doesn’t get lost in the house…
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The set includes Kevin’s treehouse and, of course, a zipline to help him get there from the attic window. The details in this set are next-level and sure to absolutely delight any fan of the Home Alone movies.
Retailing at $300, the Home Alone set is available online and in LEGO stores. We can’t think of a better seasonal present for the ’90s fan in your life!
When kids are along for the ride, having your kitchen and bathroom with you is a huge plus
The promise of an upcoming vacation is often the thing that keeps us going through all the other months. With fall on the horizon and lots of leaf-peeping adventures to take, consider hitting the open road in an RV. Sketchy RV parks are a thing of the past with many of them offering kid-friendly perks like water slides, swimming holes, and jumbo rocks to climb on. You’ll love having your kitchen and bedroom along for the ride when you set out in your house on wheels.
With all the craziness that is air travel these days, traveling in an RV can be one of the safest ways to travel. Imagine, a kitchen to cook meals, your own bathroom, and a self-contained hang-out space just for your family. It's social-distanced travel at its best.
If you are a little intimidated by the RVs that look like tour buses, don't worry! You can still get an RV experience without going so big. Pop-up travel trailers and Airstreams that you pull behind your car offer some of the RV features like indoor sleeping and kitchen facilities without having to learn how to drive a huge vehicle.
If you decide to go big, motor homes offer more sleeping options and conveniences like bathrooms and full-sized refrigerators. Think about what you'd like to do and where you'd like to go with your RV before you rent.
3. Your home base travels with you.
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If you've ever tried to get a grumpy toddler to nap in a hot tent in a busy campground then you'll know, the struggle is real. With an RV, you have a dedicated sleeping spot where you can put the kids down while you enjoy the fresh air just outside.
Tent camping means you are limited to what you can fit in the back of the car, so extras like bikes and kayaks usually have to be left at home. An RV gives you extra space to store this stuff so that you can get out and explore the trails and water when you arrive.
5. You can extend your travel to far-away destinations or enjoy the open road in your home state.
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If you are looking to hit the road to one of the national parks or somewhere more than a day's drive away, then an RV is your answer. As long as you plan out your options for overnight RV parking, you have your own built-in hotel room for the journey. This also allows you to be more flexible and go with the flow on how far you drive each day.
6. The actual travel portion of the trip is part of the adventure.
Trying to fit all the gear you need for your family and your family in one vehicle can lead to a cramped situation. RV camping allows the actual travel portion to be easier for everyone. And, if you go for one of the big bus-style RVs, you can really live it up as you watch the world go by while you play cards at the kitchen table!
These two things can make your camping adventure go down the tubes fast. While you'll want to spend most of your camping time exploring the great outdoors, the RV gives you peace of mind in case nature strikes back.
8. Cooking is easier in an RV.
Cooking while camping requires a hot fire or a propane camp stove, both of which can be iffy if you have wind or any bad weather. RVs offer indoor cooking options that make your job easier. Most have at least a small refrigerator to keep your milk, eggs, and microbrews cold so that you don't have to worry about the problem of constantly melting ice. Some even have microwaves!
9. Power up those devices.
If you can't go completely off-grid for a multi-week camping adventure, an RV provides the option to power up your phone or laptop from your campsite. Either plug the RV into the campground hookups or use the solar-powered options offered by some newer models. That way you can keep all the family and friends back home updated on your adventures.
10. You can bring your dog.
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Most campgrounds are very pet-friendly, so bringing your pup along in the RV is an option. When looking for RVs to rent, be sure to check the pet-friendly box when searching, or confirm with the rental company that pets are okay. And, just like a car, never leave your pet alone in an RV.
11. No more communal campground bathrooms.
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Most RVs and travel trailers offer a bathroom option which is key when you are camping with kids, whether there's a COVID-19 concern or not. If you've ever had to help someone with a middle-of-the-night potty break while sleeping in a tent, you know how awesome having your own bathroom is. It can also make those roadside stops more enjoyable, without having to wait in line to use the bathroom before you take in the view.
Ah, bedtime. You know, that magical moment when you collapse onto a kid-less couch and enjoy the silence, a beverage of your choice, and quality time with your partner (or by yourself). You’ve earned it. But is that bedtime early enough? According to this study, earlier bedtimes can improve parents’ mental health, so you might want to rethink that time.
Starting in 2004, thousands of families participated in a study conducted by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, called Growing Up In Australia. While the research looked at many factors to study the impact of the immediate and broader environment on child development, tracking families over several years, one of the more interesting findings was that earlier bedtime for kids not only led to better health-related quality of life for kids, but it also improved the moms’ mental health.
Why? According to the study, kids who don’t meet the minimum sleep guidelines show symptoms of poor mental health (unhappiness and anxiety), tend to be late or absent more often and spend more time on homework. This can lead to stressed and tired kids which can lead to stressed and tired parents. And, even though sleep requirements decrease as kids age, many school-grade kids still weren’t meeting the guidelines. It showed that four out of five children thought they were getting enough sleep when they were not.
So what is that magic bedtime hour? It depends on the age of your child. According to the sleep chart above, if your six-year-old gets up at 6:30 or 7 am, their bedtime should fall between 7:30 and 8:30 pm! Putting kids to bed earlier might seem challenging, especially if you have after-school activities to balance, but there are ways to make it happen. If you have a first-timer heading to the classroom this year, this study on the effects of 10+ hours of sleep might convince you even more.
With warmer weather and longer days, you can make a splash with your family by planning a stay in one of these Atlanta-area Airbnbs with epic pools. From Alpharetta to Chattahoochee Hills, Smyrna to Druid Hills, the pool scene at these local Airbnbs is as hot as a summer day. Snag an avocado pool floatie, bust out the new swimsuits and get ready to relax.
Grant Park: Near the Zoo
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Located not far from Zoo Atlanta, this 7 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom manse in Grant Park comes with a heated pool and spa. It's also not too far from Morellis, one of Atlanta's best places to score a scoop of ice cream.
After you've caught a double-header at Truist Park, you'll love heading back to this Mabelton 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house with a heated pool and spa with it's very own slide. The Braves won't be the only ones sliding into home during you stay!
Midtown: Near The High, Center for Puppetry Arts, & MODA
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After you get your fill of the Midtown museum scene, head back to your very own 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom pad that has a pool with a waterfall. Perfectly positioned to be a jumping-off spot for your Midtown adventures, you can even make it home for a nap and then hit the town again.
Buckhead: Near LEGOLAND, Atlanta History Center, & Shopping
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This modern Buckhead home with 3 beds and 4.5 baths has pool views throughout, thanks to a nearly all-glass exterior in the back of the house. It'll cost you to stay here, but its location near shopping, LEGOLAND, the Atlanta History Center, and more can't be beat.
Flowery Branch: Near the Lake & Atlanta Falcons Training Center
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A lake and a heated saltwater pool and spa? Sign us up! This 4 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom house in Flowery Branch puts you in proximity of the Atlanta Falcons Training Center and Lake Lanier. If you'd rather stay outside of the city, this is the spot for you.
How about a horseback ride, an award-winning production at the Serenbe Playhouse, and incredible farm-to-table dining to go with your custom pool with waterfalls at this house rental? Another option for staying out of the city, this house is a mere 45 minutes to the Atlanta airport.
Take a splash to the past with a stay in this 2 bed, 1.5 bathroom historic home in Monroe's downtown. After shopping in the town square and eating a burger and milkshake at the corner drug store, you'll head home to relax in this home's huge pool.
Here’s an idea. Make it easy on yourselves and skip the usual flowers, cards, chocolates and lunch this Mother’s Day. Instead, pick the perfect present from the list of ideas below. From a real bathroom break to not cleaning a single thing all day, we’ve got what moms really want for Mother’s Day. Scroll down for the goods (and a laugh or two).
No one is allowed in the potty when mom is going. Even if she’s in there for a long, long time. No cheating by yelling through the door to ask what she’s doing in there. That’s just bad manners, and your mother taught you better than that. Anyway, it’s Mother’s Day, so she doesn’t have to answer.
2. A full day of clothing compliance.
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Mom picks the outfit, the children wear it. No questions asked. No temper tantrums. No complaints about itchy sweaters, tight sleeves, uncomfortable waistbands, hating jeans/dresses/socks/boots/fill-in-the-blank. The kids just wear the clothes with a smile. Ahhh…a gal can dream, right?!
3. Every child grooms him or herself all day.
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Imagine a 24-hour period of time where mommy doesn’t have to help blow noses, wipe one tush, or brush one head of hair. It could happen!
4. A one-day pass from cleaning the house (Yes, that includes the kitchen.).
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She will not be making beds, picking up clothes off of the floor, and no, honey, she doesn’t think it would be a great idea to have your whole family over for a Mother’s Day brunch unless you’re planning to cook and clean up the whole thing by yourself. OK? Love ya!!
Say so long to Paw Patrol and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Mama’s playing couch commando today, and she’s headed over to BRAVO to see her friends the Real Housewives. Back-to-back hours of catty bickering between grown women. Sounds marvelous!
There will be no arguing, fighting, bickering, nagging or whining for one whole afternoon (we'd settle for one hour...or even five minutes!). The only noise will be the sound of mom sipping her wine while watching Netflix on the device of her choice, turning pages of an actual book, or taking a long, uninterrupted nap.
7. To hear two simple words.
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Thank. You. That's it. Letting mom know she's appreciated goes a long, long way. Psst! A hug makes it feel even more special.
Marie Kondo has been an organizing guru for years, but when Netflix debuted not one, but two shows based on her methods, everyone binged watched. Moms everywhere purged their homes as if their life depended on it and took the KonMari method to heart.
If that was you and you’re still hooked on keeping only those things that spark joy, then keep reading to see some of our fave storage solutions that are totally KonMari-compatible.
Kitchen Drawer Organizer
If you've watched Tidying Up, you've probably seen Marie show up with her own box of...boxes. The organizer swears by the technique of using boxes within drawers to help keep items alongside like items for that perfect tidy look. This 8-piece set ($8) of kitchen organizers comes in varying sizes to accommodate all sorts of baubles, but more importantly to keep everything organized. Perfect for your bathroom drawers, too!
Foldable Drawer Boxes
Once you've mastered the KonMari folding method, you're going to need to plenty of space to keep those beautifully folded clothes. If your drawer system is lacking, then these foldable drawer boxes ($27) can keep you on track. They're great for organizing baby and kid clothes since they're too small to stand up in large drawers, and to keep undergarments tidy, too.
Delta Children MySize 9 Bin Plastic Toy Organizer
If this storage solution looks familiar, it's because it actually made an appearance on the first episode of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo! The toy organizer ($58) comes with nine bins and is available in six different colors to match your decor, while also providing some major functionality.
Boxbox Plastic Storage
Drawers can quickly become a haven for mess, especially when you have a junk drawer––wait, isn't that a "bad word" in Marie Kondo's world? Instead of tossing pens, keys and random objects into the abyss, stock up on simple clear boxes like these. For $14 you'll get a pack of 10 that can wrangle all types of clutter.
Battery Organizer
Is it us, or does this battery organizer ($18) spark some major joy? With room to store 82 batteries in all shapes and sizes, this holder not only keeps them from accidentally de-charging, but you can also use the detachable battery tester to make sure you're only keeping the ones that actually work.
Sterilite Stacking Drawers
Whether you use them to organize shoes, small toys or garage essentials, this six-pack of stacking drawers ($45) will keep your home looking clutter-free. The stacking features means you'll have ample floor space, while the clear plastic keeps everything within eyesight.
Flex Totes
Whether you're storing away sweaters for the summer or just trying to organize the linen closet, flex totes ($20) like these will get it done. The clear plastic panels are Marie Kondo-approved and makes finding what you need a cinch! The top zipper makes for easy access and the huge size means these little bags can pack it all in.
Air-Tight Food Storage Containers
Tired of never knowing what you have in the pantry? Make grocery shopping more enjoyable and cost-effective by keeping snacks and other foods in clear containers in your pantry. This airtight version ($30) not only looks sharp, but it's also clear and will keep your food fresh longer than a toddler who doesn't know how to close a bag to save their life!
Clear 70 Quart Ultra Latch Box
Even if you follow Kondo's method to a T, we all still have items that call for storage throughout the year. These four-pack of clear latch boxes ($89) make great garage storage because they are large, clear and all match. Nothing says tidy like matchy-matchy boxes!
Sterilite 6-Quart Boxes (Pack of 12)
This basic 6-quart size clear box is a must when it comes to organizing. There are so many uses that you won't have a hard time using the entire 12-pack ($31) for things like shoes, craft supplies, toys and pretty much anything.
Keeping it all clean can feel like a full-time job, and the pay is not great, um, non-existent. But the payoff is enormous: The soft scent of fresh laundry, sparkling clean bathroom countertops, couches and rugs that don’t stink like your pet…ahh! Besides just looking good and smelling fresh, you want to know that the surfaces in your home are clean clean. Pause: When you hear the words “disinfecting and sanitizing,” do you envision hours of scrubbing and deep cleaning? Us too, but good news: Sanitizing your laundry and disinfecting bathroom countertops is, like, a million times easier than that, thanks to our clean-freak pals at OxiClean™! Read on to learn why their new OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer is the stuff of sweet-smelling dreams.
Wanna disinfect your tile? Yep. Sanitize your rug? Got it. Gym bag? Sure. A favorite tee that’s seen better days? A-OK! Oh, and laundry, of course, too, and your carpet, couch, bathroom countertop… OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer 3-in-1 removes germs, odors and stains from multiple surfaces in your home. “Is this real life?!” Yes. Yes, it is.
This 3-in-1 sanitizer packs a punch, killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* (*when used as directed) in addition to providing stain and odor removal benefits on both hard and soft surfaces. It’s not just a laundry product. It’s a life product.
Our favorite things tend to be the dirtiest (looking at you, Mr. Fluffy Bunny, who literally gets dragged everywhere) and this product easily keeps them clean. Pro tip: The baggage we carry in our lives, again, literally, can get gross without our even knowing. OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer 3-in-1 is excellent for keeping your backpacks, shopping bags and totes fresh and way less germy!
Calling all Wizards and Muggles! If you’re looking for a magical getaway, we have the spot for you. Head to the Blue Ridge Mountains and claim this castle, decked out with all the details a true fan will appreciate.
The Wizards Hollow is one of five treehouses that make up the “Treehouses of Serenity” outside of Asheville, NC. The owners have made it their own version of Hogwarts and it’s almost 600 square feet of enchantment. Consult the sorting hat to claim your house flag, discover the invisible cloak, or simply collapse into one of two queen beds with perfect Potter décor.
You’ll also find a spiral staircase leading to a loft with an additional bed—look on the steps for some extra fun details. Even the bathroom gets in on the fun with some special surprises. Don’t forget to look for the owls around the house!
Outside, the castle boasts a sprawling deck and firepit, perfect for lounging while you sip on Butterbeer. You’ll be treated to mountain views and you’re only 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, assuming you ever want to leave.
This Airbnb is rightfully quite popular and it’s booked up until May 2021. The good news is that on November 1 at 8 am ET, you can hop on to reserve your spot for the first available month. At $364 per night, it’s well worth a special getaway!