The week of Christmas, my nieces needed to do a bit of last minute shopping, so I decided it was a good time to check out some local businesses we could support, as well as giving you all a new place to check out if you’re in the area.
So, we went to The Factory in Farmington, Missouri to check out Aesop’s Treasury.
Continue readingOriginally, this was an event we were planning to attend back in March. But then a pandemic shut everything down – understandably – and it was rescheduled for late June. Since it was a smaller event, and I’m constantly self quarantining as it is, we decided to go ahead with attending. And I’m so glad we did!
When Pokemon Go came out, I joked about only playing if they made a Harry Potter version. Well, ladies and gents. MY WISH CAME TRUE.
Universal Orlando just released our first look at Fluffy, part of their new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride. It’ll be replacing the Dragon Challenge at Islands of Adventure.
We finally have a name and date for the new Harry Potter coaster at Universal Studios, Orlando:
Before I say anything, I will immediately give Wizard World STL credit for one thing:
This was definitely an improvement on several of my disappointments from last year, specifically:
So, bravo for that, WW! Thank you for making that aspect more enjoyable.
Moving along…
A few months ago, I went to a tiny con in Farmington, MO called Max Con. While there, I met the lovely shop owner of Villainous Grounds in Perryville, MO. I’ve never been to Perryville, but decided that I’d make the 50 minute trip to check out the shop on a weekend. It took me a couple months, but I did it! Totally worth the drive!
There are two floors to Villainous Grounds. The first floor is a cool and welcoming coffee shop. The second floor, which is where I darted to first, has three rooms of comics and collectibles, etc, as well as The Mad Hatter’s Tea Room – a cozy place to enjoy your beverage ordered downstairs, or to host a small event for a reasonable fee.
Upstairs was my haven. I loved how comfortable I felt, as well as the selection of newer issues. And that DC Rebirth wall? Ooooh, yeah. I need to go back in with a list of what I’m missing and catch myself up!
But, the comfort was a big thing for me. I have, on occasion, felt very uncomfortable in some shops, as odd as it sounds. I feel like I shouldn’t look or touch, or I shouldn’t even be there, etc. However, in Villainous Grounds, I felt at home. It was clean and cool, but also felt like you were in a welcoming environment. Plus, you can’t beat the delicious smells coming from downstairs. Then, there are the nerdy little touches:
After I made my selections, I headed back downstairs to pay, and ordered one of the most delicious hot chocolates EVER to go. You can check out their menu here.
My haul:
I hope to head back soon with some friends, a list, more time, and a wad of cash. And, hopefully, make it in for an in store event. If you live in Missouri, or happen to be visiting, definitely go stop in if you have a chance. I hope to spend a little more time during my next visit, and plan to do another, more detailed post when I do.
You can visit Villainous Grounds on their website or check out their Instagram ( @VillainousGrounds ) for some fantastic pictures.
-Angel
Harry Potter fanatics, such as myself, rejoiced at the initial announcement of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter being added to Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios, Orlando.
WE GET TO SEE THE CASTLE?! WE GET TO EXPLORE HOGSMEADE?!
And for those who have been, you know – it’s like walking onto the set, and everything is magical.
That being said, one of the things I was ridiculously excited for, was the opportunity to dine at the Three Broomsticks.
The Three Broomsticks restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is a quick service option for those of us that are go-go-go at the parks. They offer a handful of different options, including fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Cornish pasty, turkey legs and fresh vegetables, plus items on the kid’s menu for picky little eaters.
What do I always get?
This huuuuuuge plate of deliciousness! Seriously, you get you money’s worth with this restaurant.
So is it worth a visit? Definitely, especially for fellow fans of the books and movies.
And you can’t forget the best part of the visit: BUTTERBEER!
~Angel
I’ve wanted to go to England for what feels like forever now. In particular, I’ve had my little heart set on London, and all it’s wonder. There have been several times I’ve said “Okay, that’s it, I’m going next year” – and then I didn’t, for whatever reason.
But I’ve decided there will be no more of that. No more putting it off. I’m going to make serious plans now, even if I have to go alone.
The season of gift giving is upon us, and everyone is stressing about getting the perfect gift for the special people in their lives. I know everyone that has to buy for me has a terrible time figuring out what to get. So, I spend a lot of time looking for my own gifts for other people.
Do you have a nerdy traveler in your life? Because I have some ideas for you!
This Stormtrooper luggage from American Tourister is seriously perfection. It’s on my own personal wish list! It also comes in Darth Vader and R2D2.
For the Tolkien fan in your life, or anyone looking to share in an adventure, you could pick up the Hobbit Location Guide.
There’s a variety of cool, nerdy passports out there, like this Marvel Comics passport holder.
While you’re picking up the Marvel passport holder, you might as well grab them this cool Captain America travel pillow. It’s also available with Iron Man and Spider-Man.
Road trips? Train rides? Chilly airports? This Survey Corps Snuggler blanket is the perfect way to bundle up on the go. Also available as a female Survery Corp member, or a Titan!
Any Gryffindors on your list? This Gryffindor luggage tag will help them spot their bags next time they head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Does your Geek-on-the-Go head into chillier weather often? Bundle them up in this Supernatural Anti-Possession Scarf from Hot Topic.
I hope these gift ideas help you with any last minute shopping for anyone with wanderlust on your list. Let me know how you like the products! I may go after a few for myself.
~Angel
Wandering NerdGirl 