Last Saturday was such a beautiful day, I decided to wander around the city. And wander I did, I clocked in 18,000 steps. Not bad eh? At one point, I found myself at the start of the north end of the High Line, so I thought, why not walk the length. I was heading down to 14th Street anyway.
It seems I wasn’t the only person with that idea. The entire stretch was absolutely packed with people. As a matter of fact, I’ve never actually been on the High Line when it was that crowded – and I’ve been on it many times. I felt joy to be up there on such a lovely, warm day. This sunny attitude I’m sure contributed to my rather uncharacteristic behavior – since I was in no hurry, I just went with the flow of people. So very un-New York of me. While up there I couldn’t help but look around at my surroundings and think, my my how far you’ve come.
Once considered an eyesore and set for demolition, the first section of the High Line officially opened in 2009. This is all thanks to area residents who formed the Friends of the High Line in 1999 and rallied support to save the project. My first visit was shortly after it opened in the summer of 2009. I was immediately enthralled by the space. I vividly remember walking it for the first time in amazement. To see this beautiful space and know it was created from abandoned train tracks was ingenius to me. It’s also a bit surreal, I mean you’re surrounded by people’s apartment windows.
The care that was taken to cultivate such a tranquil environment – pathways for strolling with benches, lounge chairs and even an amphitheater scattered throughout, not to mention the vast array of plant life along the line – did not go unnoticed. It quickly became a favorite. The promise of an additional two sections provided further excitement at the mere thought of future enjoyment.
Many a sunny afternoon was spent there in those early days hunkering down with a good book, trying to find a nice spot out of the direct sun. And many a summer night, post dinner plans, was spent leisurely treading the boards and enjoying the city at night. The only thing I thought it needed was a place to sit and get a drink or maybe an ice cream cone. Nothing too obtrusive as to clutter the space, just a little nook carved out in case one found oneself needing dessert or libations. Hey, it happens. That has since been taken care of.
The third section has been open since 2014. According to their website, it’s a “1.45 mile-long greenway featuring 500+ species of plants and trees.” Isn’t that extraordinary? Wait, it gets better – I know, you’re asking yourself, “how can this possibly get better?” Brace yourself – the final piece of the puzzle, so to speak, is set to open this June. This last remaining section of the original rail structure is called “The Spur” and is composed of three parts. Well, I know what I’ll be doing in June.
What you’ll find on a visit varies depending on where you are. You’ll get unobstructed views of the Hudson River on the north end, constantly rotating art installations scattered throughout, vendors set up shop under a covered passage near 14th Street, which is just south of an open air food court…the list goes on and on. Soon, you’ll be able to take a little diversion onto The Spur on 30th and 10th where there will be a host of new, fun spots to explore.
There really is no wrong way to approach the High Line. Enter on the southernmost end, the northernmost or somewhere in the middle – anything goes. If you start at 34th Street and make your way south, like I did, you’ll end up descending the High Line on Gansevoort Street where you’ll find a number of restaurants and shops…and a beer garden. I happen to know the Standard Biergarten makes a mean Manhattan, if you’re so inclined!
One sad note – my favorite mural (seen above) is no more. Though it wasn’t officially property of the High Line, it was once one of the most photographed spots from the elevated park. It’s no wonder why – look at that beautiful scene bursting with the most vibrant colors. The image practically jumps off the wall, it’s so full of life. Don’t let its absence deter you though, there’s plenty of art and nature in all its breathtaking glory to be seen.
There really is so much more to enjoy – you’ll just have to visit and check it out for yourself. It’s one of the spots I always recommend to people visiting from out of town. Which reminds me, with the weather warming up, I’m really going to have to spend more time up there this year. If only to sit, take in my surroundings and think about what almost wasn’t.
As I sit in my back garden writing this and reminiscing about my times on the High Line, I wonder what other little gems fated for the annals of history have been saved to be treasured by the masses.
Until next time – cheers!
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
