To take something old and discarded and breathe new life into it is no easy task, but a labor of love. That is what happened at the High Line Park in NYC, opened since 2009, which quickly became a top attraction. The elevated rail track was built in the 1930s to carry goods, but fell into disuse with the rise of the interstate system, and was finally shut down in the 1980s. Today this stretch of tracks is 1.45-miles-long and makes for a fantastic NYC stroll, and a place for relaxation on a warm day. I started my walk from the northern most access stairs of the park on 30th Street and 12th Avenue, and took it all the way down to Gansevoort and Washington Street, though there are many access points in between [Check out the interactive access point map to help plan your trip: http://www.thehighline.org/visit/#/access]. On my way up walking from Penn Station I saw some interesting yarn bombs, you might spot them too if you’re heading the same way!
If you look behind you once you get onto the platform you will see there is still work occurring on land which is still overrun by nature, and there are plans for the park to be extended further. There is no trespassing there, so you want to head down the already renovated path and start experiencing the High Line. Where I started there were some of the old railroad tracks still in place, reminding you of the history of this space.
As you keep walking, the tracks dissipate and turn into flowerbeds and art exhibits.
Look onto the city streets and you may see some iconic murals along with interesting architecture.
On the path itself one of my favorite exhibits was the ‘physical graffiti’ not only because I love Led Zeppelin, but because I love how playfully these sculptures work with their surroundings.
On a hot spring day we were thankful that there were a couple of water fountains along the walk to refresh ourselves, and we saw loads of people walking around with ice pops. They looked so good, I had to ask someone where they got theirs! Just a stone throw ahead of where we were was a little ice pop cart that had a fast moving line for weary walkers.
My hibiscus pop and Jeff’s piña-jalepeño were just what we needed to make the stroll even lovelier.
If you were looking for something a bit more than an ice pop on the High Line there is a shaded space along the route with some tempting looking vendors selling food and souvenirs. There are lots of benches around to sit in the sun if you want to spend some time relaxing. As you’re nearing the southern exit point you may spot Lady Liberty peaking through some bridges and you’ll know your journey is near completion.
Once you reach the stairs at the end of the park your fun does not have to stop. Just walk towards the water to visit a waterfront park with stellar views of the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
If you didn’t have lunch on the High Line, I would highly suggest checking out the nearby Gansevoort Market [52 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014] and you will certainly find a vendor offering something you are interested in.
This fantastic market was swarming with people sipping on something in a coconut shell, eating seafood, sushi, pizza, pork, pasta, yogurt, you name it, they’ve got it all here. Some vendors were selling non-food items as well, definitely a place to stop and look around as you’re already in the neighborhood. It isn’t hard to make a day enjoying this lovely stretch of city!