Harry Potter Birthday Tours, Business Promotions Planned In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Real-World Science Behind Harry Potter, a tour that often sells out, will be held Sunday, July 31 at Alexandria's Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. Participating businesses will also have special promotions to continue the magical fun.

The tour is held annually on Harry Potter's birthday, honoring J.K. Rowling's popular book series. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of The Sorcerer’s Stone, the first book in the Harry Potter series.

For the Real-World Science Behind Harry Potter, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum explores the Muggle medicines that inspired the Herbology and Portions in Harry's wizarding world. This special guided tour will give visitors a look inside the Apothecary, a city-run museum with a collection of items such as journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders, and invoices. The museum is located at 105-107 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA.

The tour often sells out, so any interested witches and wizards are encouraged to get tickets early. Tours will be offered every half hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. The cost is $8 per person, and all attending adults and children must have a ticket. Each tour is limited to 10 people.

New this year, nearby businesses will offer special activities:

• Boxwood, 128 S. Royal Street: At Boxwood, hatch your own magical egg and sip on some magical zero proof potions by Umbrella Dry Drinks. The cost is $25 adult and $20 for children 12 and under. Pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, visit www.BoxwoodOldTown.com.
• Dolci Gelati, 107 N. Fairfax Street: Celebrate the occasion with butterbeer gelato while supplies last. July 31 hours are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. For business information, visit www.OldTownDolci.com.
• Encore Consignment Boutique, 119 S. Fairfax Street: Stop by for a piece of Harry Potter-themed candy and the opportunity to enter a drawing for a new copy of the First American edition from October 1998 of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone." July 31 hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For business information, visit www.EncoreAlexandria.com.
• Lavender Moon Cupcakery, 116 S. Royal Street: Treat yourself with a butterbeer cupcake while supplies last. July 31 hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or when the cupcakes sell out)
• Old Town Books, 130 S. Royal Street: Stop by for a magic-themed story time at 9:30 a.m. on July 31, or check out their staff-curated book recommendations for Harry Potter fans. July 31 hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.OldTownBooks.com.