York (not New) & Sleaford

Sadly, many Americans have never stopped to wonder why New York is called New York. Well, friends, there is an old York—and it is considerably more charming and cobblestoned than NYC.

The Shambles feels like Diagon Alley if Diagon Alley had been built by medieval people who apparently had no concerns about straight walls. The buildings literally lean toward one another, as if they’re whispering gossip across the street.

And yes, this is the sort of place that inspired the Harry Potter magic, so naturally there are Hogwarts-themed shops everywhere, because apparently we are all still 12 years old inside.

We spent a total of 3½ hours on trains and walked 9 miles, which is how we earned our castle walls, mossy streams, crooked buildings, and magical shopping.

This was our second time in York, and somehow it was every bit as charming as the first—which feels like a small miracle in a world where most things get less charming the more closely you look at them.