This is the first in what will be a long series of posts about Scotland's North Coast 500 -- an epic and memorable road trip (though I'd better write about it before I forget about it!) This post consists of an introduction and some tips and resources for trip planning. Future posts will comprise stops along the route and some other places in Scotland.

I usually hate the words "simply must," in a blog post. But if you go to York you simply must visit York Minster Cathedral. Here are some things to do and see at this wonderful medieval gem that is my personal favorite of the cathedrals I've had an opportunity to visit.

When I was growing up I used to play in Alleyways -- but York has Snickelways, which are more than just alleys. Snickelways are narrow passages between buildings that locals use to take shortcutes to navigate the city faster. And York's still-standing walls are, perhaps, its largest Snickelway.

The Kirkmichael Trust Cemetery in the Scottish highlands has done some serious restoration work, bringing old medieval tombstones into a restored church building for preservation and display. The stones outside, as well as the small mausoleum, are also worth a visit if you like old cemeteries -- its just a bit off the main itinerary for your North Coast 500 road trip.

Budding wizards (or muggle Harry Potter fans) probably already know about this London gallery. But if not, read on. MinaLima designed all the graphics for the Wizarding World of JK Rowling films. The gallery is an amazing collection of art, and Harry Potter ephemera.

York is a charming medieval walled city filled with history -- but there's much to do here, as well, for the train lover, the chocolate lover, the ghost whisperer, or the pub crawler. Here are some of the best things to do in York, UK, along with a resource list.