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October is the perfect time to embrace a little magic, and not just the spooky kind. From colorful destinations steeped in tradition to charming Southern towns with stories to tell, this week's picks celebrate the places that make the world feel a little more enchanting. Whether you're planning a getaway or traveling through the pages of a book, there's plenty to discover.
Every pick is independently selected by our editors. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
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Magic in Mexico
The Enchanted Hacienda
by J.C. Cervantes
After losing her job and ending a bad relationship, Harlow returns to Hacienda Estrada, her family’s flower farm in Mexico. The women in her family use enchanted blooms to heal hearts, erase memories, and reveal dreams, but Harlow has always believed she missed the magical gene. Surrounded by flowers, family, and a place that seems determined to awaken something in her, she begins to see home—and herself—differently.
Signal to Noise
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In 1988 Mexico City, fifteen-year-old Meche discovers she can cast spells using music, turning her record collection into something far more powerful than a perfect mixtape. When she returns to the city two decades later, old friendships and memories come rushing back.
Family-Friendly Ocean Adventures to Inspire Your Next Vacation
If these movies have your family dreaming of an ocean escape, we know just the place. The Riviera Maya brings the fun to life with white-sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Hilton
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya, an All-Inclusive Resort
The Vibe: Laid-back luxury
The Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya is a natural sanctuary along white sand and clear waters in a secluded bay that feels like a private beach. With nine pools, a Natura-inspired spa, 13 dining options, and a dedicated Family Zone, it's an easy choice for festive getaways. Kids and teens can enjoy a range of festive and cultural activities while adults unwind at oceanfront lounges and then dance the night away with DJ sets, disco nights, and more. Plus, you can elevate your experience with Enclave, with options like private check-in, private pool areas, and more!
8 Magical Books That Keep Things Cozy
Keep the magic going without turning up the scares. These recent reads trade dread for sentient plants, fortune-telling tea, time-bending apartments, enchanted houses, and mythical creatures—with plenty of humor and heart along the way.
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Southern Secrets and Sweet Surprises
Midnight at the Blackbird Café
by Heather Webber
Anna Kate plans for a brief stay in Wicklow, Alabama, to settle her grandmother’s estate and close the beloved Blackbird Café. Instead, the mountain town, its eccentric residents, and the café’s mysterious blackbird pies draw her into a family history she never expected to uncover. Cozy, romantic, and gently magical, this is Southern atmosphere served with something sweet.
The Peach Keeper
by Sarah Addison Allen
In Walls of Water, North Carolina, a grand old house is being restored to its former glory—just as long-buried secrets begin pushing their way back into the light. Willa Jackson and Paxton Osgood must untangle the history connecting their families, with a little magical realism softening the spooks.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
The Vibe: Riverfront views, rooftop rendezvous
The Location: Savannah, GA
Instaworthy Activities:
Once a power plant, JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District now anchors the riverfront across three distinct buildings. The 419 rooms reflect each building's personality—industrial-chic in the Power Plant, magical beauty in Three Muses, and maritime luxury in the Atlantic. Start your morning with coffee at Turbine Market + Café, then explore riverfront shops or book a massage at Poseidon Spa. In the evening, sip botanical cocktails in the rooftop garden at Myrtle & Rose, catch a performance at District Live, or head to Electric Moon, where a slide leads down to an open-air playground.
