So what is the Highline? Basically, the park was and is being built onto an old railway track that sits atop the Manhattan streets from the Meatpacking District to Clinton/Hell's Kitchen districts. The track was constructed in the 1930s to lift trains from the streets of Manhattan to the skies so that they would not be a danger to the public, but before the park was built, the track had been abandoned as a railway track long ago. So, with the help of architects and garden designers, the Highline was born. Now, when the park is finished, it is still under construction now, it will be about a mile and a half long and will be really quite lovely. Currently, the park is only part-way finished but it is still a very enjoyable walk about. From the walkway you can see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State and Chrysler Building, Chelsea Piers and other New York City landmarks. The park was quite busy today with lots of families and couples but since there are tons of lounging chairs, there were a lot of people enjoying the Sunday paper with a bagel and coffee too. The Highline might just be my new favorite place -- thank goodness Rod and Pat are so hip. Enjoy the pictures.
Can you spot the Statue of Liberty in this one? She's pretty tiny but she's there!
I am glad to see that you have found and experienced the Highline Park. We were actually told about it back in Feb. by an architect. We had dinner with him and his partner when we were in NYC apartment hunting for you. He told us of many inside treasures to be had in lower Manhattan. It is always great to find out the scoop from an informed local.
ReplyDeleteOnce we finalized the deal on your apartment we did some walking around the Chelsea neighbourhood and we went looking for this park that he told us about. It is not that easy to spot from the street as it is at least 2 stories above the traffic and sidewalks. When we experienced it, it was in the middle of Feb. So the walkway was pretty cold and snow covered the plants, etc. We did find one sunny afternoon to enjoy the novelty even in its wintery state.
So it is really cool to see that the snow has melted and that there are grape hyacinths blooming and greenery in the elevated parkway.
Now we are just waiting for you guys to have lunch at Pastis (another tip from the locals) and get your review of the place. That is where we ended up that day to warm up after walking the Highline. Great restaurant as far as we are concerned!
Yes the Highline Park was a delight, tho mostly because it was so unexpected. Once EVERYONE knows about it, it just won't be as cool anymore.
ReplyDeleteBut we all here on Katie's blog can bask in the glow of being savvy in-the-know hepcats.