As a kid, I always wanted a treehouse — a secret, sacred place suspended high in the branches of a mighty oak where I could read “Junie B. Jones,” eat peanut butter-and-honey sandwiches, and not listen to momma and daddy bickering.

Sadly, little Lauren never got that treetop retreat. (Living in a cookie-cutter suburb with no mature hardwoods has its limitations.) But earlier this month, while my wife and I were planning a quick getaway, I stumbled upon something that made my inner child do cartwheels: luxury treehouses.

If you’re imagining rickety platforms slapped together with spare plywood and a box of rusty nails, think again. These are beautifully designed, high-in-the-sky hideaways, complete with all the fixings for a relaxing weekend (think twinkle-lit decks, king-sized beds, and air conditioning).

So, if you're ready to branch out, here are five treehouses in Appalachia that will take your summer vacation plans to new heights.

Near Chattanooga, Tennessee 

If you’re in the middle of binge-watching “The White Lotus,” you best finish before sojourning to Treetop Hideaways in east Tennessee.

“We intentionally do not have televisions in the treehouses, and encourage our guests to enjoy nature and connect,” said Joy Taylor, general manager.

But what these arboreal accommodations lack in high-definition drama, they make up for in woodsy whimsy (think reclaimed barnwood, penny-tiled bathrooms, and vintage-style gramophone speakers). There’s also air conditioning for those muggy Tennessee nights and Wi-Fi for sending a quick email or two.

Of course, you won’t want to waste too much time staring at a screen. After all, Ruby Falls — an underground waterfall tucked deep within Lookout Mountain — is just a short drive away. There’s also the River Gallery Sculpture Garden in downtown Chattanooga, where you can gander at world-class art before retiring to the trees.

Near Walhalla, South Carolina 

Eight years ago, Tori Bolt and her husband, Seth, found themselves knee-deep in hustle culture. Tired of the grind, they drafted plans for an aerial escape.

Nestled on 40 acres of family land in the foothills of South Carolina, The Majestic Treehouse is equal parts charming and calm. Inside, you’ll find a king-sized bed, a vintage record player, and boho-chic trimmings. Outside, a hand-crafted suspension bridge leads to a two-tiered deck for stargazing.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Sumter National Forest is only a stone’s throw away. Downtown Walhalla is nearby, too. But don’t feel pressured to keep busy during your stay.

“The perfect day here isn’t about doing a lot,” Tori said. “It’s about being present for the little things that mean the most.”

Near Waterbury, Vermont 

If Thoreau had ever left Walden Pond, he probably would've ended up at the Treehouse at Moose Meadow.

Tucked on 86 bucolic acres in the Green Mountains of Vermont, this two-story sanctuary feels more like a woodland chapel than a vacation rental, what with its live-edge trim, hand-crafted spiral staircase, DIY antler lights, and cathedral-like stillness.

“The treehouse provides the ultimate level of privacy and space while being immersed in nature,” says Willie Docto , who co-owns the property with his husband, Greg Trulson.

Together, they’ve created a retreat that’s delightfully off the beaten path. As a guest, you’re welcome to roam miles of forest trails, relax by the private trout pond, or enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast in the property’s main lodge. (“Tree service” is available if you want to stay in your jammies.)

Depending on your interests, you can spend your day mountain biking or snowmobiling, depending on the season. Afterward, Willie and Greg recommend visiting the Ben & Jerry’s factory in downtown Waterbury. It’s a “must,” Willie said.

Near Meadows of Dan, Virginia

While I’m no doctor, I’m fairly certain a stay at the Mountain Top Tree House can cure whatever’s ailing you.

Perched at 2,700 feet, this 450-square-foot cabin offers capital Q-type quiet in the remote reaches of Patrick County, Virginia. Spend the morning sipping coffee and soaking up expansive views of the Kibler Valley before booking a massage at Primland’s on-site spa, playing a round on The Highland Course, or enjoying a wine tasting.

“In today’s world, it is easy to lose touch with ourselves and the natural world around us,” says general manager Will Rentschler. “With no distractions but rustling leaves and distant bird calls, the tree houses allow guests to immerse themselves in quiet solitude and connect more deeply with their loved ones.”

Near Hendersonville, North Carolina

Located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, The Treehouse at Edenwood is the perfect place to kick back, sip a stout cocktail, and turn your phone on “do not disturb.” (Cell service is shaky in these hills anyways.)

“We often hear from guests how much they appreciate waking up to views of the trees and the natural surroundings,” owner Catherine Morris said. “Above all, the word we hear most is ‘peaceful.’”

And that it is. Custom-designed for solo travelers and couples, the kitschy cabin is all about intentional rest. After a short walk through the woods, guests are greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows, a cedar wood-fired hot tub, and a deck overlooking the Etowah Valley.

For a solid day in the Blue Ridge, Catherine suggests filling up on brisket eggs Benedict at Hubbaloo of Flat Rock, going for a hike at DuPont State Recreational Forest, and then nursing a beer at Oklawaha Brewing in downtown Hendersonville. Bookend your adventures with s’mores and a sunset view back at the treehouse.