Archive for October, 2009

Twilight Fans Descend on Forks, WA – Take the VIP Tour!

If you’ve ever visited Forks or La Push, Washington, you’re probably a pretty big Twilight fan. But, are you ready to be the biggest? Are you ready to prove that other so-called “fans” are but gnats upon your empire of fandom? Well, it’s going to cost you, but I know just the way.

Dazzled by Twilight, a popular fan site and tour company based in Forks, Washington, is currently offering the ultimate Twilight fan experience: the New Moon Release VIP Tour on November 19. Super-exclusive and packed end-to-end with 12 hours of Twilight euphoria, there’s simply no matching this anywhere in the country.

Forks Sign

The action starts in Forks at the Dazzled by Twilight Storefront. First comes the full-featured guided Twilight tour of Forks and La Push. Keep your cameras ready for a non-stop photo op.

Locations include the Swan House and Cullen House, the Forks Police Station and of course the Forks High School, where Bella and Edward first met. The tour guides have no end of insider scoop either, so look forward to a funny story or two.

On the road again, you’ll venture to La Push and First Beach, where the rather lupine Jacob grew up with the Quileute tribe. For guests interested, this leg includes a stop at the Oceanside Resort in La Push so people staying the night may check in (reservations separate from tour).

Next you’re off to minor book location Port Angeles, where you’ll shop, hang out and most importantly eat at Bella Italia Restaurant. Naturally, Bella’s favorite mushroom ravioli are on the menu front and center. (Alright, so that step’s a little precious, but the best is yet to come).

La Push and First Beach

Finally, your brains full of Twilight-ey­ goodness and your stomachs full of, well, mushroomy goodness, you’ll attend a special midnight screening of New Moon in Port Angeles. Talk about a full day!

From there, you will be returned to either the Oceanside Resort or the Dazzled by Twilight Storefront in Forks.

Downside: this tour is surely ultimate, and it’s surely VIP, but these things come with a cost. Specifically $350 per person. And seating is very limited, only 17 left as of this writing, so it’s not an offer that will be hanging around forever. It’s a lot of money, but it’s also a lot of experience. Chalk it up as one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Learn about this one-time-only November 19th tour here.

For the budget-impaired, you can of course visit Forks and Dazzled by Twilight anytime for a regular tour, priced a more reasonable $39. Learn more.

Or, feel free to explore Forks and La Push at your own pace. Learn about the city here.

Have fun!

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Twilight: New Moon Cast Appearances – See Edward, Bella and Jacob!

Closing out our Halloween coverage, we’re finally posting on the scariest topic of all: emo teen vampires!

Twilight is the biggest cultural phenomenon since Harry Potter, and things will only get crazier when Twilight: New Moon hits theatres on November 20. Will she pick Edward? Will she pick Jacob? If you’re a real fan, you probably already know, but there’s something else that you real fans should do: see the stars!

Thanks to a special program by department store Nordstrom, the cast of Twilight: New Moon will be making several public appearances in the month of November leading up to the big day. This is your chance to see them, ask some questions, get an autograph and maybe even a picture.

Edward and Bella

Here’s the deal, Twilight: New Moon cast appearances will be held at the following Nordstrom stores on the following days. They’re free, but expect an absolute madhouse of people, so arrive early. 

  • November 5 – Topanga (Canoga Park, CA)
  • November 8 – Park Meadows (Lone Tree, CO)
  • November 9 – Natick Collection (Natick, MA)
  • November 10 – The Galleria (Houston, TX)
  • November 11 – Mall of America (Bloomington, MN)
  • November 11 – Cherry Hill Mall (Philadelphia, PA)
  • November 11 – Stonestown Galleria (San Francisco, CA)
  • November 12 – Perimeter Mall (Atlanta, GA)
  • November 12 – Southcenter (Tukwila, WA)
  • November 13 – Aventura Mall (Aventura, FL)
  • November 13 – Scottsdale Fashion Square (Phoenix, AZ)
  • November 14 – Fashion Place (Murray, UT)

Obviously, with wide-ranging locations and sometimes multiple shows a day, Nordstrom can’t guarantee specific stars at specific times. I can’t tell you which one Kristen or Robert will go to. That may be your luck of the draw. Be sure to take plenty of pictures and send them in to USA Travel Guide. We’d love to show them off. Just make sure you include your name and location.

Nordstrom is also running a contest to win premier tickets. Very cool. Check it out.

I’ll be back later this afternoon with more Twilight treats. Don’t miss it!

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Holiday Travel Tips by USA Travel Guide

It’s that time again. Time to pack the suitcase with tragic snowman sweaters. Time to rifle through the medicine cabinet to find that old bottle of Xanax. Time to stock up on weapons-grade Purell. Yep. It’s time to travel for the holidays.

At USA Travel Guide, we don’t peddle false hope. Even the best laid plans can go asunder in the face of crippling weather and the unpredictable masses. However, there are some simple, easy and worthwhile steps you can take to alleviate and even avoid the stresses of holiday travel. From Thanksgiving vacations to Christmas gatherings, take advantage of these Holiday Travel Tips.

Home Sweet Home
It’s funny that we call it “going home” for the holidays. Most people actually leave their homes. Leave them unprotected that is. Here’s a little pre-trip prep.

  • Traveling families means empty houses, which burglars see as an open invitation. Avoid the signs of abandonment by having someone pick up your mail and newspaper regularly.
  • Timed lighting will help to give your house an occupied appearance.
  • Don’t go blabbing about your trip to anyone you don’t trust. This includes putting silly out-of-town messages on your answering machine, voicemail or email.
  • Naturally, you’ll want to double-check every last lock.Key
  • Unplug unneeded appliances. This reduces electricity usage and the chance of fire.
  • Print out all necessary maps and travel information early. Don’t get slammed by a finicky printer the morning out.

Leader of the Pack
You’re leaving for all of three days, so why are you packing four suitcases? The experts will tell you, that’s not the way to go.

  • Pack light. Checking baggage is more expensive than ever, and lost baggage claims go up during the holidays. Avoid both problems by minimizing your use of checked baggage.
  • Ship gifts before you travel, rather than carrying them. It’s safer, often less expensive, and when purchasing gifts online, it’s easy as can be.
  • Leave gifts unwrapped when flying. Security staff scrutinize concealed items. Chances are your delicately wrapped Twilight box set will be opened before Christmas morning.
  • Don’t put your address on the outside of your luggage. You know what a luggage tag says to the unscrupulous? “I’m not home!”. Place tags and identification inside instead.
  • Bring a collapsible bag, ideal for the (hopefully) heavier load on the return trip.

Flight Plan
Unless you’re in a movie, you’re probably not going to have one of those disastrous Thanksgiving dinners where we learn horrible secrets about everybody. No, your grief will almost certainly erupt at the airport.

  • Book early to save money, and print boarding passes online to save time.
  • There’s no upside to parking at the airport. Get a friend to drop you off if possible.
  • Arrive early. Always a good idea, but even more so during the holidays. Lines are longer, baggage moves slower; hedge your bets by arriving early.
  • Connecting flights are the bogeyman of holiday travel. Morning flights tend to get out okay, but somehow midday connects just can’t get it together. If you must use a connecting flight, leave plenty of space between arrival and departure, 45 minutes at least.
  • Timing is everything. For fewer crowds, fly out early or late. 9:00 a.m. – noon is the worst time to go to the airport during the holidays.
  • Timing is everything part 2. What day you travel makes a big difference in price and crowds. If it ever fits your schedule to travel on the holiday, do it! Otherwise, avoid the day just before. For Thanksgiving, the preceding Wednesday is a terrible day, but the Monday and Tuesday are usually okay.
  • Look to alternate airports. Crowds are often smaller Delayedat secondary airports.
  • Just as you were dropped off, try to be picked up if possible. Failing that, embrace public transportation as a cheap, eco-friendly option.
  • Don’t wait, utilize. Waiting is only a burden when it feels like waiting. Come prepared to make the most of unexpected delays. Been meaning to read a book? Been meaning to write a book? Take advantage of the time you’ve been given.

Driving Directions
I love to drive. The open road, tunes blasting, awesome sights, freedom. During the holidays, though, it’s a whole other story.

  • Print all necessary maps and double-check them. Ask someone at your destination about construction, inclement weather conditions or any other idiosyncrasies that Google and MapQuest may not report.
  • Check tires, oil, lights and fluids to stem possible roadside ruin.
  • Joining a roadside assistance club like AAA is never a bad idea.
  • Hide the goods. Nothing invites a smash-and-grab like a colorfully-wrapped, iPhone-sized box. Keep as many items out of view as possible.
  • As you approach the bigger cities, there will be traffic. Make it better on yourself and others by driving courteously.
  • Don’t hurry. After all, what’s the big rush? All of this “no bathroom breaks”, “we’re not stopping” nonsense has got to stop. Enjoy the trip. Bring a few new CDs, get Harry Potter on tape, sing along with the Spiceworld soundtrack. Just have fun! 

There you have it. Some simple holiday travel tips for making your trip, while not a treat, at least not so much of a chore. Be safe and have fun!

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Pueblo Grande and Indian Market – Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

One of the cool things about Phoenix is that where most places roll out the full-time schedules during the summer, several Phoenix attractions do it in the winter. Not ideal for the school season, I guess, but at least you don’t have to stand outside in the heat.

Another cool thing about Phoenix is the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park. This ancient village of the Hohokam people features houses, offices and canals dated back more than 1500 years, with more yet to be discovered. While the tour sections have been preserved for the purpose of receiving guests, Pueblo Grande is still an active dig.

Although the location of such an extensive archeological dig within the limits of a major metropolitan city seems unusual, the site is no accident.  In fact, it was the Hohokam’s intricate canal system and “city planning” that encouraged city founder Jack Swilling to believe a community could thrive in the arid location. The original water system of Phoenix followed that of Hohokam’s almost exactly.

They have more impressive buildings, but I just love the juxtaposition.

Exhibits include The Hohokam: The Land and the People, an in-depth look at the people and culture through art and artifacts. Hohokam Houses lies along the ruin trail and features stunning unearthed samples of the people’s dwellings. Their use of fencing (walling, technically) is surprisingly similar to modern American suburbs.

Dig It! is a popular stop, especially for the little ones. Here you have the chance to experience the day-to-day of archeology in a faux-dig site. Nice hands-on fun.

But one of the best things to do at Pueblo Grande, and the reason we waited until now, is visit the Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market. For two days in December, experience the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of a traditional Indian market ranked among the best in the country. Artists from more than 60 tribes travel in to sell authentic, handmade art, pottery, weavings, jewelry and more. You get to buy directly from the artist.

More than a market, it’s a whole experience. See and maybe even participate in traditional dances performed by Arizona tribes. View impressive artist demonstrations. And of course, eat delicious Native American cuisine, including Fry Bread, which if you’ve never had it, is the greatest of all breads.

The market does not take place at the park, so get your addresses straight. Learn more about the market here.

The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park is a fun, healthy and educational good time for the whole family. Adult admission is only $6, and the park is open daily between October and April. Learn more.

From one of Phoenix’s oldest attractions to one of its newest. The Hotel Highland at Biltmore is a new hotel in the trendy Phoenix Biltmore district. Accommodations and amenities are surprisingly upscale, given the affordability (at that location). All the “frees” you could want.

Have fun!

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Outdoor Adventure at the Santa Monica Mountains

Seems like every time we’ve gone to Santa Monica in the past, we’ve kept it cool and coastal. A couple trips to the pier, a historic beach house, an oceanfront jazz festival – laidback fun to say the least. Too bad, because a little inland adventure is one of the best things to discover near Santa Monica. Let’s take a daytrip to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Santa Monica Mountains

With all the beachfront flavor of Santa Monica, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t notice one of the largest urban national parks in the country as your backyard. But it’s time to open your eyes to an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, GPS games, camping, tide pool exploration, endless sightseeing, climbing, historical hikes – the list keeps going.

Distance athletes have a challenge before them in the Backbone Trail, a still-growing 68-mile trail stretching the length of the parklands from east to west. A mixture of single tracks and fireroads, the Backbone Trail supports bikers and hikers end-to-end and ample portions to horseback riders as well. When finally complete, the Backbone will be about 70 miles in length.

Setting off on your own is fun, but there’s no shame in handing your good time over to the experts. The NPS hosts OUTDOORS, a year-round events program featuring everything from guided tours to animal watching to cultural festivals. No matter your timing, there’s sure to be something unique. View the current brochure.

Paramount Ranch

At more than 150,000 acres, there’s way more than we could get to in this little post, but one stop I have to mention is Paramount Ranch. Since Paramount Pictures purchased a sizeable chunk of then Rancho Las Virgenes back in 1927, Paramount Ranch has been the site of hundreds of film and TV productions. While the hugely popular Westerns of the 1930s and 40s make up the bulk of the catalog, more recent productions include Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman, Flintstone’s Viva Rock Vegas, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

Much of the movie ranch has been torn down, but the NPS preserves a portion for park guests to visit free of charge. As you explore the old ranch buildings, it’s fun to think that these same dusty cabins were once walked by American icons like John Wayne, Cary Grant, Roy Rogers and Bob Hope. Learn more.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is open daily, year-round. However, certain park services, including the visitor centers, will be closed on federal holidays and a few others. Despite the SoCal location, the park is designated as having a Mediterranean climate and can get quite cool. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Learn more.

You’ve probably learned by now that I am not a camper. The Recreation Area is only 25 or so miles out from Santa Monica, and that’s where I choose to stay. For hotels in Santa Monica, we’re consistent fans of the Holiday Inn Santa Monica Hotel – at the Pier. Cozy accommodations, affordable, unbeatable location near Santa Monica Pier. We dig it.

Have fun!

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Ghost and Haunt Tours of Nashville, TN

Writing about Washington DC ghost tours last week, I made a quick aside about the Nashville Ghost Tours company, who run the DC tours as well. Good folks, and good quality tours. Anyway, I guess it got us thinking back on Nashville, and we remembered that ol’ Music City actually has a number of groovy ghost tours. I thought we’d take advantage of the season (or what’s left of it), and mention one more.

From Branson to Asheville to all the way down in San Antonio, the tenacious Ghost & Haunt Tours Company goes where the ghosts are, and more than a few experts say the ghosts are in Nashville. The tour begins in downtown at the Sheraton. Arrive prompt (read: early), because in our experience they don’t do a lot of waiting around. You’ll notice right away that your guide is one of the strongest assets. Professional and personable, with a real passion for the subject matter. No gimmicky nonsense either.

Ghost Tour

There’s a lot to cover in only 90 minutes, so you’re soon on your way. One of the biggest stops, of course, is Ryman Auditorium, the former site of the Grand Ole Opry. Stories of the Opry’s allegedly haunting stretch back long before there were ghost tours out front popularizing them. The most famous apparition at the Auditorium is Captain Ryman himself, walking the halls and looking after his beloved building.

Still weirder, some say that the Opry is haunted by the ghost of country music legend Hank Williams. I guess when you’re talking about the paranormal, that’s no more a stretch than any other.

The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville is another popular ghost tour stop (and even without ghosts, it’s just such good sightseeing). You can get a mess of stories at the Capitol, and I don’t recall which you’ll get on this tour. The nighttime bickering of Strickland and Morgan is a common tale. These two men, the building’s architect and construction overseer, hated each other, yet both were buried at in the Capitol vault at the time of their death. Some say, they’re battle of egos continues to this day.

That’s barely a scratch on what your tour will cover, but we’re not here to give away the secrets. We want you take the tour.

The Ghost & Haunt Tour of Nashville is a low-impact walking tour that lasts 90-minutes. Total ground covered is less than one mile. Tours begin in the lobby of the downtown Sheraton at 9:00 p.m., reservations are required. The daily schedule is almost over (October 31), so call for scheduling after that. Adult tickets are $18. Learn more.

Enjoy a convenient, inexpensive stay at our favorite Nashville airport hotel, the Holiday Inn Nashville – Opryland Airport. Free shuttle and parking will stop you from getting buried under incidental costs.

Have fun! 

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Cucalorus Film Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina

Behind the quaint demeanor and historic ambiance of Wilmington, North Carolina lies the pulsing energy of big city lights and artistic aspiration. They call it Hollywood East, and believe it or not, it’s the most popular filming location on the east coast after New York City.

Hundreds of movies and TV shows have filmed in Wilmington, everything from Dawson’s Creek to Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland to The Crow. They’ve got film fever, and they celebrate it every year with the Cucalorus Film Festival. If don’t have your 2009 passes, it’s time to buy.

Cucalorus Logo (with permission)

Heading into its 15th year, the Cucalorus Film Festival is proud to still be doing things a little different. The festival is non-competitive. That means no judging panel, no awards ceremony, no controversial indie darlings and no hard-nosed judges playing fave-sies. In other words, no overblown industry jib jab. Just laidback surroundings, energetic people and a genuine love of film.

Despite its more casual attitude, this is still a respected international film festival with a history of big “gets” and news making moments. Cucalorus features more than 130 film presentations including features, documentaries and short films. The steady cascade of film showings is joined by a bevy of special events, dance parties, stuff for the kids and industry panels and workshops.

In short, it’s a full platter, and deciding just what you want to do might take some hard choices.

Films to catch include Big Fan, featuring an impressive dramatic turn by comedian Patton Oswalt, Dogtooth, a surreal Greek film about an isolated family, and Precious, the harrowing drama that took Sundance 2009 by storm (although also releasing nationwide on November 6, so another showing is just as easily advised).

Film showings take place at several venues throughout Wilmington’s historic Old Town, all located fairly close together so as to avoid driving and parking hassles.

The Cucalorus Film Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina will take place from November 11-15, 2009. Tickets and passes are on sale now. Basic screening passes (one ticket to all showings) run $75 and go up with special features from there. Learn more.

For hotels in Wilmington, there’s no reason not to stay close. The Hilton Wilmington Riverside is an official festival hotel located in walking distance to several of the showing venues. We’re also big fans of its sister property, the Riverview Suites at Water Street Center.

Have fun!

It Came from Wikipedia!!!
A “Cucalorus” is an object place in front of a light source during filming to create an authentic patterned effect, such as light trickling through leaves. Because it’s such a fancy pants word, a cucalorus is often called a “cookie” on set.

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Fright Nights at South Florida Fairgrounds

Our friends at sister blog South Florida Travel Guide did all the leg work for me on this one. See the original story here.

Enough slasher films have been set in tropical paradises, I think, to justify finding yourself a little scare-tainment next time you head through the Palm Beach area. That’s why we recommend Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This large haunted attraction is only open nine days, but they’re packing them front to back with top-quality scares. At the heart of the operation lurks a trio of haunted houses: 

  • Next of Kin – Will you risk a confrontation with a vicious family of mutants? Folks of this humble town have locked themselves away in their houses, but you don’t have that luxury.
  • Origins – A unique story-driven scare. You catch glimpses into the origins of a sadistic serial killer-to-be. Watch in horror as his perversions grow ever more twisted. Love this one!
  • Malpractice – Doctor of experimental surgery, Dr. Andrue, loses his job at Pittsburgh General, and let’s just say he finds it a very freeing experience. His business is crazy, and business is good.

The houses are intense; not recommended for younger guests. However, unlike most haunted attractions, Fright Nights does cater to younger guests as well. On-site Yesteryear Village has been converted to Spookyville, a not-spooky-at-all family village where little ones can play games, play with crafts and walk a generous trick or treat trail. Costumes encouraged.

Finally, the whole shebang also features a nightly carnival, with midway games and all your favorite carnival concessions. That’s a whole lot of fun for one upfront admission!

Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach runs tonight through Saturday, and then again next week, Thursday to Saturday. That’s six more chances to do it all. Combo house and unlimited ride tickets cost $25. Learn more.

I’d probably hear about it from the other blog if I recommended anywhere else, so for hotels near West Palm Beach, we’d stay at our favorite Singer Island resort, the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront. Nothing like a little beachfront vakay to scare those frights away.

Have fun!

Still looking for haunted fun? There’s only a few days left to check out any of our favorite haunted houses in American. Check out all of our coverage.

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Ghost Tours of Washington DC and Alexandria

Congress ain’t the only scary thing in DC! Have yourself a spooky good time in our nation’s capital this Halloween season with a historical ghost tour. Whether in beautiful President’s Park or the nearby town of Alexandria, we’ve got a great selection for you.

Washington DC Ghost Tours
The Washington DC Ghost Tour company has all-pro credentials. The company also runs the Nashville Ghost Tours, a really fantastic selection of tours down in Music City (we’ve even written about them).

Tour starts around this thing

Just like in Nashville, the DC ghost tour provides many a chilling tale, but also a terrific and accurate historical account of the locations and happenings. Your tour begins Lafayette Square (President’s Park), but you’ll soon be on the move to explore the haunted history behind the Hay-Adams Hotel, Dolly Madison House and St. John’s Church. Expect some fun little tidbits about the nearby White House as well. Lovers of history, the paranormal and architecture will all have something to enjoy.

As we’d expect from the people behind Nashville Ghost Tours, Washington DC Ghost Tours hires first-rate guides. Lantern in hand and dressed to the Victorian nines (well, maybe eights), the guides will fascinate you as readily as have you chuckling. Frank’s the man!

Adult tickets cost $15. Tours run nightly through mid-November, starting at 8:00 p.m. Additional times may be added in October. Learn more.

Recommended Washington DC Hotel:
Phoenix Park Hotel

Alexandria’s Ghost & Graveyard Tour
Just a hop, skip and healthy jump from Lafayette Square in DC, visit charming Alexandria, Virginia. This dynamic city is steeped in American history, including a fair bit of its haunted history.

The Alexandria Colonial Tours company offers a selection of fine tours, from African American history to the Christmas tour, but me being me, my favorite has to be the Ghost & Graveyard tour. The at times quaint architecture of Old Town takes on a menacing grimace in the pale lantern light, and for just a moment, you feel transported back nearly 300 years.

Washington Masonic Monument in Alexandria

Among several tales of folklore, legend and ghostly happenings throughout Old Town, the tour includes the tragic twists of romantic misfortune suffered by Laura Schafer and Charles Tennesson back in the 19th Century. The company even recreated this story for a show on the Travel Channel awhile back.

On select October nights, they offer a special Halloween Tour, which includes access to areas not on the regular tour. We haven’t done this one at USA Travel Guide.

Adult tickets cost $10. Tours run nightly through October, then weekends after that. Starting location depends on the date, so read carefully. Learn more.

Recommended Alexandria, Virginia hotels:
Holiday Inn Alexandria-Historic District
Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria

Have a little haunted fun in Washington DC.

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Harry Potter: The Exhibition at Boston Museum of Science

Funny story about my wife: years ago, long before we married, we we’re hanging out over at her place when she got up to use the restroom. Having a couple minutes to kill, I start prowling around her nightstand until I come upon not one, not two, but something like three books about Harry Potter.

Like this, for example

Not Harry Potter books. Not like Goblet of Fire or anything. I find books about Harry Potter. Fantastic beasts, history of Quidditch, comparative philosophical analysis, that kind of thing.

She seemed a tad startled when she found out, but didn’t seem overly bothered at the time. What I didn’t know then is that she was genuinely worried that she’d finally let the nerd shoe drop. That I would somehow lose interest in her in light of my discoveries, disgusted by it all.

You want to know what I was really thinking? I was thinking, “Hmmm, I’d kinda like to read these books.”

We’ve been together a long time :)

I hope you liked my story, because today’s attraction is all about celebrating the great stories and great characters of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. If you live in the Boston area (or heck, even if you don’t), plan a trip to the Museum of Science in Boston for the hugely successful Harry Potter: The Exhibition.

Whether you like the books or movies or, let’s be honest, both, this impressive 10,000 sq. ft. exhibit is sure to get your heart fluttering for more Harry, more Hermione and Ron, more Hagrid and more Dumbledore. Actually, film fans might have even more to love. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an extensive art and artifact exhibit dedicated to the incredible artistry of the movie franchise’s set designers and costume makers.

Harry F'n Potter

Harry Potter features more than 200 actual pieces from past film shoots, allowing guests to experience first-hand the level of detail it takes to bring the wonderful world of Hogwarts to life. See numerous costumes, wands, the Marauder’s Map, a golden snitch and even Harry’s trademark spectacles. You’ll also enjoy some interactive elements, like the quaffle toss.

Because a Harry Potter fan expects more than objects behind glass, one of the most exciting elements of the exhibition is the galleries themselves. Iconic film sets – including the Great Hall, Gryffindor Common Room and Hagrid’s Hut – have been scrupulously recreated as backdrops for the actual shooting pieces. Very cool.

Of course, one of the best things about museum exhibits is that you usually have a fair amount of time to see them. Harry Potter: The Exhibition will run at the Museum of Science, Boston starting on October 25, 2009 through February 21, 2010. Tickets cost $26, which includes general admission. This exhibit is likely to sell out, especially at peak times (weekends, holidays), so make sure to order your scheduled tickets online.

View Museum of Science Web site | View Harry Potter: The Exhibition Web site

Stay cozy in walking distance from the exhibit at one of the official Boston hotels of the Museum of Science, Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill. We recommend it for just about any trip to the Boston area.

Have fun!

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