We Finally Visited New York City’s High Line Park

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Sharon and I regularly visit New York City and I’m just now willing to admit that on many trips we didn’t stray far from the main tourist areas. Our visits were most often to see Broadway shows so we stayed between Times Square and Central Park.

We’d occasionally wander from that area when we’d go to see a museum or when we took a trip to Staten Island on the ferry, but we’d always take the subway or grab a Uber/Lyft or taxi. We didn’t start exploring more of the neighborhoods until recently, and it’s like I’m discovering a new place that I thought I knew.

That’s why I’m sheepishly saying that we recently visited High Line park for the first time. Not only that, but I didn’t even know where it was located. Imagine my surprise when I learned I’d walked under it many times during my trips to see Sleep No More or visit the Gallow Green rooftop bar at The McKittrick Hotel.

High Line Park

The High Line park is located on Manhattan’s West Side, running from  Gansevoort St. to 34th St. The park was built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure, which was in operation from 1934 to 1980. The tracks were used to carry meat to the Meatpacking District, agricultural goods to the factories and warehouses of the industrial West Side, and mail to the Post Office. According to its website:

The High Line was founded by neighborhood residents in 1999 to prevent the elevated rail track from being demolished. With the close partnership of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the High Line has transformed into a public space where every New Yorker and visitor is welcome and can experience the intersection of nature, art, and design.

While the first section of the High Line opened in 2009, the last section of the original plans just opened in Spring 2019.

We visited on a brisk April afternoon. Well, it was chilly for us Floridians. On the other hand, the New Yorkers were out enjoying the sunshine and milder temperatures. We entered the park via the stairs at 17th St and walked north.

It was a pleasant stroll and you could see that the plants were just starting to come out of their winter hibernation.

From the park, you get a great perspective on the streets of New York.

We walked to Hudson Yards (I admittedly also didn’t know the two were connected) and finally got to see The Vessel in person. Unfortunately, the structure is still closed to visitors after several unfortunate incidents.

The unfortunate history notwithstanding, it still is impressive to look at.

Admission to the High Line park is free and the hours of operation vary with the season.

• Fall (October 1 – November 30): 7am to 10pm
• Winter (December 1 – March 31): 7am to 7pm
• Spring (April 1 – May 31): 7am to 10pm
• Summer (June 1 – September 30): 7am to 11pm

While it took us over a decade to visit, it’s worthwhile to check it out if you’re in the area. While you’re at it you can also spend some time looking around Chelsea. It’s nothing like we remembered and there are some great bars and restaurants in the area.

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