Top 19 Kid-Friendly Resorts In North Carolina, USA - Updated 2024

Maria Cristina
Maria Cristina 
Updated
| 6 min read

Speaking of North Carolina brings to mind the birthplace of NASCAR, their sugar-loaded sweet tea, and the Carolina–Duke basketball rivalry. Its popular Outer Banks, a long stretch of barrier islands, has white sandy shores perfect for beach activities. The strong winds and sandy dunes of Outer Banks’ Kitty Hawk was the venue of the world’s first airplane flight! Another crowd drawer are the lighthouses spread on its shores like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, America’s tallest lighthouse. Mount Mitchell which is the highest peak in eastern USA, is also found here. Towering at 6,636 feet (2,022.65 meters) it lords over the Appalachian Mountain Range surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Kids will especially like this location because of its theme parks and amusement parks. Planning a trip to the amazing Tar Heel State with your family? For a fun-filled and stress-free vacation, browse through our list of the top kid-friendly resorts in North Carolina, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to kid-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 08, 2024.

1. Sanderling Resort (from USD 177)

It’s safe to say that Sanderling Resort in lovely North Carolina offers an unforgettable family vacation jam-packed with plenty of features. There’s also a kiddie pool for basking under the sun. With complimentary cribs offered, traveling with an infant becomes less stressful, allowing the entire family to rest peacefully.

Pet lovers can have their dogs and cats with them, as well. Whether it’s basking on the beach, a sumptuous breakfast, sipping cocktails by the pool, or soaking in the hot tub, Sanderling Resort has the answer for just about any whim. Plus, there is a spa available for those much-needed moments of relaxation and revival.

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Sanderling Resort Outer Banks

Address: 1461 Duck Road
455.82 km (283.3 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Fitness centre

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful facilities lovely room with balcony
would have like a smart tv for access to netflix for instance
comfortable rooms attractive restaurants on site and spa pools outdoor hot tubs and fire pits all appealing
the decor was fine but sheets were not very aft or comfortable
Cleanliness:
the hotel was cozy clean and staff were very attentive
Host:
staff was friendly and attentive
staff was extremely kind helpful and accommodating
staff are super friendly and helpful grounds are well kept
the drinks were delicious and the bartender very attentive
Location:
beautiful and unique location between sound and sea in a lovely quiet neighborhood
lunch at the lifesaving station was great with wonderful service
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2. Grandover Resort & Spa (from USD 208)

Unwind from your daily routine and spend the weekend in this luxurious 4-star hotel. If you wish to have some pampering and relaxation, you can pre-book a spa session. You can also unwind from the chaos by swimming in the seasonal outdoor pool. Enjoy a glass of wine in the pool cabana. Please note that the seasonal pool will only open from May to September.

If your kids are into sports, they can learn tennis or go for a volleyball match. They can also rent a bicycle and cycle around the garden. Using free Wi-Fi, look for other nearby attractions and head there after visiting the art gallery with your kids.

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Grandover Resort & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Hotel

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 1000 Club Rd
102.74 km (63.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful property golf course and facilities
Host:
nice staff and clean
always a great time at the grandover family friendly and a golfers oasis
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3. Holiday Inn Resort Lumina (from USD 102)

Just a minute’s walk from Wrightsville Beach, this 3-star hotel welcomes you with an indoor and outdoor pool. After returning from an exciting morning at the beach, rejuvenate in a spa tub until you’re ready to have a tasty buffet breakfast available for 18 USD per person. You can vlog about the food and upload it on social media using Wi-Fi.

Rest and relax by watching pay-per-view movies on the television after assisting your kids at the children’s pool. This hotel also has a microwave, a free crib, a desk, and hypoallergenic bedding for your convenience.

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Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel

Address: 1706 N Lumina Ave
295.77 km (183.8 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
room was very clean beds were very comfortable check in and check out were easy
the property was extremely clean and bright from the time i arrived until the time i left
Host:
friendly staff and firm mattresses
the service was so great everyone is super nice and helpful
breakfast was delicious and staff was very friendly
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4. Blockade Runner Beach Resort (from USD 109)

Satisfy the beach person in you by staying at this kid-friendly beachfront resort. This accommodation also welcomes disabled guests with amenities such as wheelchairs and an elevator. Your kids can get introduced to water sports such as surfing, sailing, and kayaking, and you can chill on the sun loungers to get a body tan.

You can have a hot breakfast at East Oceanfront Dining for a fee of 15-20 USD per person and watch television in your room. In the evening, swim in the outdoor pool and have a cocktail at the poolside bar. Stay connected with your friends using free Wi-Fi and update them about your stay here.

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Blockade Runner Beach Resort

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 275 Waynick Blvd
295.55 km (183.7 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
interior is clean and nicely decorated
Host:
staff was extremely helpful
staff is friendly and attentive
staff is friendly and helpful
staff was exceptionally nice and patient
where do i start?everything was so nice staff was very nice and helpful
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5. Shell Island Resort (from USD 110)

Let your kids take a break from school by indulging in physical activities such as beach volleyball and swimming in this 3.5-star resort. Rest away from the kitchen and enjoy a tasty breakfast at Shell Island Restaurant for 5-15 USD. A kid-friendly menu is also available. At the gift shop, you can buy some gifts and memorabilia for your friends back home.

Bask in the sun, laying on the sun loungers by the outdoor pool, and have your favorite drink from the poolside bar.

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Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Address: 2700 North Lumina Avenue
295.87 km (183.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
fast check in clean rooms excellent service
Host:
staff was very nice
the front desk staff was very nice and accommodating
the on-site staff were great
the bar/restaurant was nice to have on staff
Location:
the location is beautiful and our room was spacious
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6. Great Wolf Lodge Concord (from USD 199)

Great Wolf Lodge Concord is the perfect place for families to have a blast together as well as kick back and recharge. The facilities here are incredibly well set up for kids. There’s a kiddie pool, an arcade room, a water park with slides, plus a snack bar, so every member of the family is in for a treat! Additionally, you are welcome to fuel your day with breakfast items on offer.

End your day of adventure with an invigorating swim in the pool or indulge in a little pampering at the full-service spa. More importantly, with the accommodation’s free parking services, you will have the flexibility to fully enjoy the Concord region without stressing over transport and parking fees.

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Great Wolf Lodge Concord

Address: 10175 Weddington Road
243 meters (0.2 ft) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everywhere especially our room was clean comfortable & cool
this place is super clean
Host:
i was very pleased with the staff
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7. Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (Lodge) (from USD 159)

Chetola Resort offers three-star level rooms and suites furnished with a TV, wardrobe, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Some of the rooms have a balcony with an awesome view of the lush outdoors. The property is surrounded by a landscaped garden with a children’s playground and a natural forest ideal for fishing, hiking, and skiing, making it a fun place to stay with kids. The resort also offers a gym, indoor pool, table and lawn tennis, outdoor barbecues facilities, room service, and many more. The on-site restaurant Timberlake’s serves a la cart breakfast, dinner, lunch, and cocktails the whole family will enjoy. There’s a business center for meetings and conferences and a banquet hall for special events like weddings. The picturesque hotel is 13km (8.07 miles) to Boone and 30km (18.64 miles) to Banner Elk.

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Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (Lodge)

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 185 Chetola Lake Drive
122.53 km (76.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

8. Beachwoods Resort (from USD 89)

The resort is 18km (11.18 miles) from Nags Head and 9km (5.59 miles) from Ducks next to the Kitty Hawk Wood Coastal Reserve. Surrounded by natural woodlands and lakes, the resort allows opportunities for outdoor activities like on-site fishing, barbecues, and use of the on-site water park. You can choose from the resort’s wide selection of spacious family-friendly accommodations that host up to eight guests. The well-appointed suites are provided with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, and laundry facilities. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, head out to one of the waterfall hikes in North Carolina.

When you’re done exploring the outdoors, take advantage of the indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center, and tennis court during your stay.

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Beachwoods Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 1 Cypress Knee Trail
457.98 km (284.6 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Tennis court Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Family rooms

9. Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville (from USD 111)

The Crowne Plaza is the best place to stay if you are visiting your college kids or attending an event at the University of North Carolina, which is just 10 minutes away. Also, five to ten minutes away from the hotel is the Asheville Mall and Carrier Park. This pet-friendly resort offers luxurious rooms which have free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a ref, and coffee-tea making facilities. Some rooms have disability access while others are non-smoking. Kids will enjoy their stay with the on-site childcare services, playground, and two different kinds of swimming pools. The adults can play at the nine-hole golf course, Racket Club, and tennis courts. Enjoy therapeutic massages at the Adelaide Spa or pump your adrenaline at the Asheville Treetops and Adventure. Dine with style at the Overlook Restaurant serving Appalachian and American cuisine.

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The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1 Resort Drive
366.18 km (227.6 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

10. A Place at the Beach (from USD 125)

Enjoy spectacular poolside and ocean views from the balcony of your room at this beach resort with kid-friendly activities in North Carolina’s coast of Tar Landing Bay. Choose between one or two-bedroom apartments that can host up to six guests. All units have an open layout shared by a fully equipped kitchen to cook family meals, a dining area set for six, and a cozy living room for watching TV. In some units, there’s an extra sofa bed in the common area. The bedrooms are wide with thick cushioned beds and an en suite bathroom with a tub. Both kids and adults will enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool even has an oceanfront view and a giant slide. Keep yourself entertained by playing tennis, playing at the game room, or spending quality time with the kids at the playground. The resort is near Fort Macon State Park and 3.2km (1.98 miles) to Atlantic Beach downtown.

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A Place at the Beach III, a VRI resort

Wifi Available

Address: 1904 East Fort Macon Rd
372.13 km (231.3 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Tennis court Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Lift Children's playground Hot tub/jacuzzi

11. Etowah Valley Golf & Resort (from USD 84)

16km (9.94 miles) to Asheville Airport, 20 minutes by car to DuPont State Forest, and 25 minutes to the Asheville Outlets Mall is a resort that offers cozy accommodations with golfing amenities to small families. The standard and deluxe rooms are furnished with enough double beds to sleep four guests. These rooms are provides with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea making facilities, and a patio overlooking the golf greens. Relax and dine on the patio with a view at Zeke’s full service bar. While practicing your swing on the greens, your kids can enjoy soaking in the heated outdoor pool.

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Etowah Valley Golf & Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 470 Brickyard Road
171.6 km (106.7 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms

12. Foxhunt Sapphire Valley (from USD 140)

Surrounded by a lush natural forest with relaxing views, this resort in Sapphire Valley is perfect for a family vacation in the mountains of North Carolina. The resort has a structure that resembles a massive log cabin complete with wooden exteriors and high vaulted ceilings. It gives a rustic countryside vibe yet it has modern furnishings and amenities. The resort offers two-bedroom apartments with a living room, fully equipped kitchen, dining area, luxurious bathrooms with a spa tub, and a private balcony. You have access to the playground, gym, and business center while checked in. Indulge in skiing, hiking, and cycling in and around the property while enjoying the mountain scenery.

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Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley by Capital Vacations

Wifi Available

Address: 127 Cherokee Trail
214.55 km (133.4 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Tennis court Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre Skiing

13. The Omni Grove Park Inn – Ashville (from USD 265)

For its strategic location, The Omni Grove Park Inn is another superb choice for a kid-friendly vacation in North Carolina. It is just a 10-minute drive from Biltmore Estate, 3.5km (2.2 miles) from the University of North Carolina, and 15.93km (9.9 miles) away from Blue Ridge Parkway. Though its structure is rustic and antiquated, it is equipped with modern comforts and amenities. They offer a wide selection of studios, suites, and rooms that sleep from two to four guests comfortably. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fridge, coffeemaker, and solid oak furniture. The Club Floor Rooms have exclusive adult-only access and feature walk-in hydro-showers in the private bathroom. Choose from four different on-site restaurants serving the best steaks, southern style dishes, French food, and local craft beer. Dine in their luxurious indoor restaurants or on the terrace while enjoying a spectacular mountain view. For relaxation, try their subterranean spa with mineral pools, steam room, and sauna. If you’re into sports, you’ll love their designer golf course and sports complex on-site. The resort also allows pets and kids.

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The Omni Grove Park Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 290 Macon Avenue
168.26 km (104.6 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

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14. Fairway Forest Resort (from USD 153)

Fairway Forest Resort provides cozy family-style accommodations ideal if you are spending your vacation in Sapphire Valley’s ski area. The old-fashioned resort offers spacious one to two-bedroom units that houses from two to six guests. The units are decorated with vintage country style furniture equipped with a dining area, living room, and a kitchen. Enjoy fantastic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while taking your breakfast in your private balcony. Explore the outdoors with your family by hiking the nearby trails, fishing and canoeing in the nearby lake, or playing golf at the greens 3km (1.86 miles) away. If you would rather stay indoors, there’s a gym, a game room, billiards, table tennis, a children’s playground, an indoor pool, and a hot tub. The on-site restaurant serves children’s meals for a fee.

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Fairway Forest

Wifi Available

Address: 3077 US Hwy 64 E, Suite A
214.33 km (133.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

Parking Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing

15. RiverBend Lodge (from USD 94)

RiverBend Lodge is the perfect resort if you’re planning a ski holiday in Brevard that is 20km (12.42 miles) away. The rustic wooden interiors exude a country style vibe but with modern amenities. The rooms are spacious enough to fit a couple or a small family of four and are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, and an en suite bathroom with a bath or shower. All rooms offer awesome river views. The lodge also has a restaurant, a gym, a children’s playground, and a bar with night time entertainment. You can rent ski equipment from the lodge and explore the popular skiing area. You can hire their shuttle service to take you to the Asheville Regional Airport that’s 52km (32.31 miles) away.

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RiverBend Lodge

Address: 4259 Pickens Highway
192.1 km (119.4 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord

16. Rumbling Bald Resort (from USD 170)

This four star resort is in Lake Lure, 36km (26.4miles) to Black Mountain, 44km (27.34 miles) to Hendersonville, and 56km (34.79miles) to Asheville Regional Airport. It offers air-conditioned guest rooms with private bathrooms, a sitting room, and microwave. The bigger rooms have kitchen facilities ideal for small families. You can swim at its private beach or at the seasonal outdoor pool. Play tennis, go hiking and cycling around the property. Get some exercise at the gym and sweat it out at the sauna. Satisfy your tummy at the on-site restaurant with their American menu and grilled barbecue specialties.

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17. Quaint villa with a beach access

Nestled in Rumbling Bald Resort fronting Lake Lure is this quaint villa. It is quite cozy with ample living space to accommodate a total of four guests. Air conditioning and heating are available in this rental. For entertainment, Wi-Fi and Smart TVs are provided as well. While there is no fully equipped kitchen available, guests can easily get to nearby restaurants for their food options.

Staying in this rental comes with access to the resort’s many amenities, including boat rentals, hiking trails, the beach, spa, gym, and miniature golf.

Stayed at this property?

133.32 km (82.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord
10 reviews   Wifi Available
resort 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
andrea's place was very clean comfortable and had everything we needed
Read more reviews
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Other kid-friendly accommodations in North Carolina

18. Romantic suite best for couples (from USD 112)

Enjoy a romantic getaway with your loved one in this one-bedroom suite found in Villa Capriani. Situated away from the courtyard crowds, this oceanfront unit offers privacy and quiet during your stay. You can also enjoy easy access to water activities such as swimming, sailing, and wind-surfing. Use of the resort’s shared amenities is available as well. You can swim in one of the multiple swimming pools or hot tubs, relax on the sun decks, or play on the tennis courts.

In-unit features of the rental include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cooking basics, and Smart TVs.

Stayed at this property?

316.55 km (196.7 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord
29 reviews   Wifi Available
resort 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great pool and patio area with beach view
the outdoor pool and pool deck was very nice overlooking the ocean
Cleanliness:
the property was nicely decorated and clean
clean comfortable and a great off season value; we were very pleased and will look forward to returning
Host:
he was both friendly and professional
kind of like staying at a candlewood suites
very friendly check in
Read more reviews
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19. Stylish condo unit with resort amenities (from USD 270)

Located within Villa Capriani, this stylish condo unit features two bedrooms that can sleep eight people, two bathrooms (one has a jetted tub), and a well-furnished kitchen where you can easily cook all sorts of delicious meals. The interior also provides you with high-speed internet, so you can stream movies or shows on the smart television.

Outside, you can find even more exciting activities to do. Renting this unit allows you to access several resort amenities. In particular, there are multiple pools available for you — if you have young people with you, they can use the kiddie pool or the teen pool. There are also sun decks nestled in a tropical landscape — the perfect place to just sit back and relax.

You should also take the opportunity to try the various high-end restaurants nearby. You’ll absolutely love the fresh seafood and other cuisines that are served here.

Stayed at this property?

316.57 km (196.8 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord
11 reviews   Wifi Available
resort 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
place was clean and well taken care of
Host:
owner was super nice and very helpful with giving us local info
Read more reviews
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Of sandy hills and majestic mountains

These kid-friendly resorts with all the comforts of home allow you to appreciate all that North Carolina has to offer. Some are built near the beach while others are surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. You either have a good view of this refreshing scenery from your balcony or these attractions are accessible right outside your doorstep. By including these resorts in your travel plans, you and your family are on your way to an exceptional vacation!

Stayed at this property?

Frequently asked questions about the top kid-friendly resorts in North Carolina, USA

1. Which kid-friendly resorts in North Carolina have affordable rates?

Among our list of kid-friendly resorts in North Carolina, Beachwoods Resort, Etowah Valley Golf & Resort, and this romantic suite best for couples are the most affordable places to stay ranging from 99 USD to 112 USD.

2. Which kid-friendly resorts in North Carolina have parking?

If you want a kid-friendly resort in North Carolina that has parking, you must stay at Shell Island Resort, Great Wolf Lodge Concord, this romantic suite best for couples, or this stylish condo unit with resort amenities.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tina is a free-spirited writer and traveler. She likes to experience unfamiliar places, cuisines, and scenery. She prefers beaches to mountains though as she is afraid of heights. Visiting museums,...Read more

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