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For fans of all things magical, Los Angeles’ Whimsic Alley facilitates an escape from real life into a world where anything is possible. As one of the only stores in the country dedicated to providing the finest wizard goods, a visit to Whimsic Alley is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Inside Whimsic Alley, the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Each room has a unique theme, which mirrors actual shops in the wizarding world, selling products such as cloaks and sweets. The wand shop, Phoenix Wands, offers a vast selection of original wands as well as replicas from Harry Potter. The shop also offers books on wand care and various spells to inform young wizards of the proper methods for using and maintaining their newly purchased wands.

A sign over the sweet shop, Pilcher and Botts, tempts customers to come in and taste the unusual treats, ranging from fire-hot Phoenix Eggs to golden Felix Felices, which promises its eater good luck. Racks of cloaks fill the store, including the official Hogwarts school uniforms in their appropriate house colors. The “Room of Requirements” is filled with miscellaneous items that will fulfill any wizard’s desires with magical creatures, swords and quills.

Although the different shops in the store offer an experience like no other, the Great Hall in the back of Whimsic Alley is what makes the visit worthwhile. An almost exact copy of its namesake from the Harry Potter movies, the space hosts parties for Staff Writer wizards of all ages.

Private events such as birthdays provide fortune tellers, wizard rock bands and magic classes. Public events include the annual Yule Ball as well as wizarding camps for both children and adults where they have the chance to meet other Harry Potter fanatics.

With its extensive range of creative products, it is not surprising that Whimsic Alley has become so successful. The shop was awarded “Best of L.A.” by Los Angeles Magazine and “Best of 2010 & 2011” by L.A.Parent Magazine.

If only for a short time, muggles can experience a glimpse into the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry at Los Angeles’ award winning Whimsic Alley. •