Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Highline, an Elevated Railroad Park

There are some places in NYC that we always bring our visitors. 
The Staten Island Ferry (for a free view of Lady Liberty), Vappiano with it's great Italian cuisine, and Coney Island. Places that are unique to NYC, that are either affordable or free. And, especially in the warmer months, you could easily make a grand tour of the city without spending a dime (well... maybe $2.75 on a Metrocard).

The Highline is always on that list.
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And it is always a pleaser. When we took my mother, she couldn't believe that a manicured garden could exist above a busy street. You see artists drawing, school groups on a class trip and people walking to work (hey.... a much nicer walk to work versus the busy street below). I believe that the Highline it best enjoyed in the Spring and Summer but it has a constant rotation of plants and is always very nicely maintained.

About 
(as taken from The Highline Website):

The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.

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PLANTING DESIGN

The High Line’s planting design is inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after trains stopped running. The species of perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees were chosen for their hardiness, sustainability, and textural and color variation, with a focus on native species. Many of the species that originally grew on the High Line’s rail bed are incorporated into the park’s landscape.

On their "Visit Us" page, you can also view an interactive map with descriptions about each pitstop.

Events
(as taken from the Highline's Event's page)

One of the things I haven't done is partake in The Highline's activities, which are free to the public and sound amazing. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a parent of a young child or just looking for a great place to take a date, there are tons of options.

Stargazing
EVERY TUESDAY, APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER, DUSK TO 9:00 PM
You don't have to leave New York City to see the stars. Gaze at the stars, planets, and moon through the high-powered telescopes of the Amateur Astronomers Association, and chat with the experts about the sights you see.

PUBLIC TOUR: From Freight to Flowers
EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY, MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
Hear the story behind New York City's park in the sky.

GARDEN TOUR: Spring Bulbs Blooms
THURSDAY, MAY 14 2015 9:00 AM TO 10:00 AM
Discover the spring bulbs and native spring ephemerals growing on the High Line with one of our expert staff horticulturists.

Lawn Time for Little Ones
EVERY THURSDAY, JULY THROUGH AUGUST, 10:00 TO 11:00 AM
Bring your little one for stories, songs, and bubbles every Thursday, with partners from Housing Works, the New York Public Library, and more!

Green Corps Garden Party
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 2015 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
Celebrate the graduating class of the High Line Green Corps! Make crafts, take home your own seedling and enjoy garden-grown snacks.
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Hours:
Dec 1 to Mar 31: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Apr 1 to May 31: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
June 1 to Sept 30: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Oct 1 to Nov 30: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Below are some photos, from Winter to Fall, showing varied parts of the Highline:
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So tell me....
Have you ever visited The Highline?
If yes, what was your favorite section or exhibit?
Would you attend any of the Events, and what would you add?

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12 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos. You provide such a wealth of information about the sites to see in NYC. I could have used some of this info prior to my visit to NYC.

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    1. Thanks Mary :) I hope that the places I talk about on here can give you some ideas!

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  2. I saw this on the Travel channel or HGTV awhile ago and thought it was so neat! I love historical sites that have been preserved and revamped. I am loving your tourist series and think you should double as a tour guide :)

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    1. Oh, the Travel Channel. I miss that. Glad to be able to provide a window into NYC for those who haven't visited and help those who have reminisce :)

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  3. Oh wow! I want to go. This is what I miss about living in NYC. We have to take the kids on a few summer visits (we're in PA, so drivable, if I can convince my hubby!) Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks! Pennsylvania is definitely a close trip but can feel like a world away. I love getting my family, childhood and college friends out here to visit, since so many haven't yet :)

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  4. I didn't know this existed. I'll have to visit next time I'm in NYC! :)

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    1. It's somewhat recent and still somewhat uncrowded. Glad you found something to add to your itinerary!

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  5. I've been wanting to go here for a long time. Thanks for the preview. :-)

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    1. Wow, really? I cannot believe there's a place that you haven't been where I have! What a rarity, I must frame this comment :)

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  6. I love the High Line! It's one of my favorite NYC parks (the others are probably Fort Tryon and Brooklyn Bridge Park) and visiting in all four seasons is so much fun. Weekdays in the off season are especially nice since it's not so crowded!

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    1. Brooklyn Bridge Park is great, but a bit harder to get to if you are looking for a large time investment. I love that this park is in the middle of everything, somewhat obscure, and used for commuters to walk to work. I would love to walk to work on this :)

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