Before starting a full week of long hours at work, my sister and I decided to spend a few hours wandering around New York. We had enough time to drop our bags off at the hotel before lunch at Five Napkin Burger with Lauren, one of my good friends from my time in Australia. I couldn’t believe that it had been almost two years since I’d seen her.
Since then, she got married (congrats!) and moved back to America, New York specifically. With some people, it’s like no time ever passed and she is one such person. Since she hasn’t been in the city long, she came with us to the touristy sites. I hadn’t heard of the High Line the last time I was here (back in 2010 for TBEX!), so we were excited to see it. Plus, it’s one of those great free things to do in the city.
In a city full of concrete and tall buildings, it’s nice to find a bit of green space. In case you haven’t heard of the High Line, it’s a 1920s elevated freight rail line that was turned into a public green space.
Along the 1.45-mile track are public works of art, benches, and various vendors selling photographs, food, and even ice cream. It winds through some of the city’s most unique neighborhoods, including the Garment, Gallery, and Meatpacking districts.
It was packed for 3 pm on a Wednesday, with tourists snapping photos at every chance, myself included, locals soaking up the last bits of summer, and even a couple of groups doing photo shoots. I could see the appeal, as all it made me want to do was sit down with a book and a view of the Hudson.
A post from my friend Christine reminded me that it’s also a good place to spot street art, as you can see above. As a street art freak, New York is a wonderland. I hope that Atlanta takes note, even though the Beltline is a similar use of space.
Since I’m staying near the Javits Convention Center, it was a short walk to the High Line and is a short walk for anyone staying near Times Square or Greenwich Village. While Central Park is fantastic and still worth a visit, sometimes the High Line will do in a pinch.
More Information
The High Line starts at West 30th Street and Tenth Avenue and runs until Gansevoort and West 12th streets in the Meatpacking District. It is open from 7 am to 11 pm.
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