We traditionally sneak away early December...just before the Holiday orders start to pick up. Lewisburg, WV. Charleston, SC. Blacksburg, VA. It's our time to escape, and recharge. This year we (at the invitation of my sister Kris) stepped outside our typical getaway. I am so glad we did. Our trip was, in a word, MAGICAL. 

DAY ONE - HOGSMEADE/HOGWARTS

Every sign, store window, and of course meandering through the halls of Hogwarts left me spellbound. Piper met Olivander, we slurped frozen butter beer, gobbled up Peppermint Toads, rode the Red and Blue Dragons and so much more. We expected to have fun, but was blown away by the attention to detail and utter charm of the experience.

DAY TWO - DIAGON ALLEY

Even better. When we walked through the bricks from King's Cross into DIagon Alley (which is not marked on the park maps and you must find on your own) we were utterly entranced. It was PERFECT. The dragon atop Gringott's, the recreation of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Flourish and Blotts', Knockturn Alley! It was all there, exactly as we had imagined. I was taken aback by the number of folks (young and old alike) dressed in wizard apparel, brandishing wands and casting spells. Swarms of smiling, skipping kids filled with joy and absolute wonder. 

What must J.K. Rowling think of this? If I were Rowling, I would put on sunglasses and a Chicago Cubs ball cap and wander and watch and smile.