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Somewhere out there, a kid is laying out their first-day-of-school outfit, eager (or anxious) about what the year ahead has in store. Since school is back in session for most of the country this week, we’re revisiting the stories that capture it best: shows that nail the high school experience, the best books about navigating school, and our favorite coming-of-age movies.
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Shows That Capture the High School Experience
We’ve all seen cringe-worthy high school scenes and thought, “Whoever wrote this clearly has no idea what teenagers are actually like.” These are the rare shows that don't make that mistake.
Freaks and Geeks
High school mathlete Lindsay Weir ditches her honor-roll friends for the burnouts smoking behind the school, while her little brother Sam finds his own nerdy crowd. This one-season wonder became a cult classic for its hilariously honest depiction of high school and a cast that went on to become Hollywood mainstays.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Download 📺: Captain Fantastic | Pack 📚: The Overstory
Check In: The Lodge at St. Edward Park | Kenmore, WA
Set on 326 acres of state park along Lake Washington, The Lodge at St. Edward Park occupies a 1930s Catholic seminary reimagined as a Pacific Northwest escape. All 84 guestrooms feature luxury linens, stone bathrooms, and modern comforts layered carefully. For travelers who'd rather explore trails than navigate Seattle traffic, this is the rare retreat where "remote" is 20 minutes from the city. See more.
Required Reading: The Best Books About Navigating School
These novels don't romanticize school, instead they capture the specific loneliness of not fitting in yet, and the relief of finally finding your people.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie starts freshman year lonely, writing secret letters to a stranger about his friends, his crush, and the secret he can't say out loud. Stephen Chbosky's resonant novel was adapted into a film starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, but, as is often the case, the book hits harder.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Download 📺: Bottle Shock | Pack 📚: The Billionaire's Vinegar
Check In: Hotel Trio Healdsburg | Healdsburg, CA
Tucked between vineyards and village life, Hotel Trio Healdsburg brings a modern edge to Sonoma's relaxed charm. Each spacious suite feels like a private retreat, complete with a full kitchen and living space perfect for uncorking a local find. Steps from downtown tasting rooms and cycling trails, Hotel Trio Healdsburg embodies the laid-back vibe of California wine country. See more.
The Best Middle & High School Coming-of-Age Movies
Some people look back on middle school and high school fondly. Others desperately try to suppress embarrassing memories of their teenage years. Wherever you land on that spectrum, you’ll likely relate to these fan-favorite coming-of-age stories.
Lady Bird
Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson spends her senior year picking fights with her mother and counting down the days until she can leave Sacramento for good. Greta Gerwig's directorial debut starring Saoirse Ronan nails the teenage mother-daughter tension better than any other movie on this list.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Download 📺: Los Angeles Plays Itself | Pack 📚: The Big Sleep
Check In: Courtyard Marriott LAX | Los Angeles, CA
Located just steps from LAX, Courtyard Marriott LAX offers seamless arrival and departure with a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle. Guest rooms are thoughtfully equipped with plush bedding, soundproof windows, laptop-friendly workspaces, and access to your favorite shows on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. Start your day with light bites at The Bistro, or recharge at the fitness center with Peloton® bikes. See more.
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