This past weekend, I left Cafe Ladro in Fremont and caught the 30 bus to Seattle Center, home of the Pacific Science Center, to see Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Hours later, I left the exhibition wide-eyed and eager to reread J.K. Rowling's beloved series. I'd highly recommend the Harry Potter exhibition for adults and children alike—it's accessible to those who attended every midnight premiere of the Harry Potter films, and to those who couldn't tell you the definition of "muggle" or "Expecto Patronum!"

Harry Potter: The Exhibition brings artifacts and clothing from the wizard world right here to Seattle. When you enter the exhibition, you delve into the magical world that's captivated millions across the world and made Harry Potter a household name. Music from the films surrounds you. Props from the movies are everywhere. Hagrid's hut, Hogwarts' Great Hall, and the Gryffindor common room are yours to walk through. You almost expect Harry Potter or his comrades, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, to show up. In fact, Neville Longbottom—well, actually Matthew Lewis, the actor who plays him—made an appearance at the Pacific Science Center back in August.

The remarkable thing about the Harry Potter: The Exhibition is that it gets at both the bigger picture and the fascinating nuances of Rowling's franchise. The 200+ artifacts from the Harry Potter movies provide a great overview of the characters and settings of the magical world, which is particularly appealing for those who are unfamiliar with the series. On the other hand, the exhibit's attention to detail—from the cardigan Harry Potter wore in the first movie to the decoy detonator he uses in the seventh and latest film—is sure to delight those who already love the series.

Another fantastic aspect of Harry Potter: The Exhibition is that it's hands-on. In the 15,000 square feet exhibition, there's plenty of space to not only look at the artifacts, but also to interact with the wizard world. You can try to tug mandrakes (dangerous squealing plants) out of their pots, or take your best shot at a Quidditch ball-throwing game.

The exhibition is the perfect opportunity to prepare yourself for the release of the eighth and final Harry Potter movie in July 2011. Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be at the Pacific Science Center from October 23, 2010 to February 13, 2011. Because of its popularity, the exhibition has been extended by two weeks.

The Space Needle is also close by the Science Center, so you can kill two tourism birds with your Quidditch stone.

What: Harry Potter: The Exhibition
When: October 23, 2010 to February 13, 2011
Where: Pacific Science Center, Seattle, WA
URL: http://www.pacsci.org/harrypotter