The Extraordinary High Line in NYC

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There is no place on earth like New York City. It is quite a city and I’ve been lucky to have visited on three separate occasions over the past six months.  If you have never been, It is hard to describe New York City. It is so busy, overstimulating, overwhelming and congested with people from all over the world that as much as I love it, it also wears me out. Just walking a few blocks down the streets of Manhattan is enough to make my mind swirl and go into overdrive trying to process everything I see. The people. The places. The restaurants. The shops. The poverty and the wealth to the extreme. The homeless living in the dirt of a noisy street right outside of Prada. The brand new Ferrari pulling up curbside at a small cafe in Little Italy to eat. It is sometimes amazing and other times overwhelming.

In my early twenties I had the opportunity to live in Chicago for five years, right in the heart of Lincoln Park, and I also lived in Paris for a semester abroad during college. While both cities are large and amazing in their own right nothing compares to the sheer size, concentration of people and magnitude of New York City. I am not sure I could ever live somewhere so intense, invigorating and so over the top without going mad. (I loved living in Paris and Chicago by the way).

In big cities I need to find space and solitude which is a rare commodity. In Chicago, I had Lincoln Park and the lakefront. In Paris, I lived right across from Parc Montsourris in the 14th and found tons of green spaces throughout the beautiful city. In New York, there is an awful lot of concrete jungle outside of massive Central Park. So you can imagine how utterly delighted I was to find the High Line during my past visit in April.

The High Line is an urban park-like oasis in the heart of Manhattan and ingeniously built on an abandoned, elevated railroad track high above the street below. It is an extraordinary concept and example of inviting nature into urban planning.


Desperately wanting an escape from the madness of a Friday afternoon in Manhattan, we took our kids to walk on the High Line trail after lunch at Chelsea Market. It was crowded yet there was plenty of space and even benches and chairs available to sit on and relax. I can only imagine how beautiful this place must be in the summer when New Yorkers desperately crave time outside in nature. I guess I’ll have to come back again and see for myself. In the meantime, here are a few shots I took of this extraordinary place. I would spend a lot of time here if I lived in New York.

  
The High Line is a 1.45 mile-long elevated park built on an old railroad line called the West Side Line. Jetting high above the city, beginning in Hell’s Kitchen and traversing through Chelsea Market and other neighborhoods, this tree-lined urban walkway is rather amazing and extraordinarily innovative in its design and concept.   
  
  

I can’t wait to come back again!

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Extraordinary.

50 thoughts on “The Extraordinary High Line in NYC”

  1. Saxon – Travel is my passion and also my career. I’ve spent my entire working-life in the travel industry with roles as diverse as tour guide, travel agent and marketing manager for some of the worlds largest travel brands. My favourite city in the world to visit is NYC and France is my most beloved country to explore. I travel to learn and observe to understand always with camera in hand.
    Saxon on said:

    Great post. Really made me miss NYC. Lucky you with the frequency of visits. I’d never been until I was about 38 and then went three times in three years and I live in Australia!! I always stay in Meatpacking when I visit so the Highline is always central to my plans. I even turned up bang on opening a couple of days during summer and jogged it which was lovely. I’m glad I found your blog via the Photo Challenge and it’s a definite follow from me 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for stopping by and I’m glad you like my blog! Yes the Meatpacking area is really cool. I like it around there. So much to see!

      Reply ↓
  2. Lola Jane – Monterey Peninsula, California – Advocate for planet Earth, grandmother, Philippine born, US Air Force Veteran. I blog about topics related to conservation and the environment, living in the California Central Coast, and Philippine-related development topics, to understand challenges faced by developing nations like my home country. I believe we are all connected -- no matter what part of the world we live in -- and positive that we have the capacity to solve our problems…if we know what they are.
    Lola Jane on said:

    I can understand how you loved Chicago and Paris. Chicago is one of my favorite cities. Unfortunately, my time in New York was for work, so I did not get to see very much.. Would love to go back for fun at another time.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      That means you will have to go back right Lola jane? 🙂

      Reply ↓

  3. I’ve only been to High Line in spring and fall, so would also love to see it at its peak one day. I agree with you–such a gem of urban planning. I hope it’s part of a movement. I see it in DC, this new push to make the pavement less cement and more garden and a community.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! Yes I’ve seen more green spaces in DC too. Here in Minneapolis, we are exceptionally green for an urban city. We are ranked one of the most green cities in the US and are up there with Portland for bike trails. We also have a park every 6 blocks in the entire city and many large ones and tons of lakes right in the city. It makes it much more livable for me.

      Reply ↓
  4. Debbie – Suzhou – immersed in the ancient culture of china, and its constantly changing facades.... a traveller through time and space landing in suzhou of the 21st century.... australian by birth, traveller by nature, mother of a beautiful ten-year-old
    Debbie on said:

    I like the ad for the parking space – “so you cant parellel park, it will be our little secret”! It could just as well be ( for me) so you dont like reverse parking? lol

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debbie! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      That will give you a reason to go back Irene! You can then have lunch too at Chelsea Market which is really amazing too and right in the heart of the High Line.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha Ha…yep!

      Reply ↓
  7. Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
    Ruth on said:

    What a gorgeous day to photograph. My sister lives in NYC fifty years. She’s taken me to the High Line several times. So cool to see your good looking galley of it.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow, how fun Ruth! You must really enjoy visiting her!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓

      • You welcome

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        🙂

      • Hiya, how are you today, check out my new blog post in an hour. Nominated you for the starlight bloggers award. Cheerio.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow that is so sweet Mary! Sorry for the delay in response. I will go check it out. I appreciate it!!!

      • You most welcome dear. Xoxo. Take your time.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks! 😊

  9. Stacy P. Fischer – Washington, DC – Street photographer and blogger. Love affair with my Fuji X100T and NYC. My portfolio and current projects are on my website (StacyPFischer.com); my recent street photography is showcased on Instagram (@stacypfischer); and my journey from newbie photog to a passionate street photographer is documented on my blog (Visual Venturing).
    Stacy P. Fischer on said:

    Great post and a perfect read for me since, as I type this, am on a bus on my way to visit NYC just for the day (I live in DC, so this is no small feat 😀). I love NYC and take every opportunity I can to get there! Everything you said about it is true, but I love the energy that greets you as soon as you hit the streets. It’s a photographer’s playground! The High Line is a marvel though – as you say, a wonderful respite (though it too can get crowded!)

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow have a wonderful time! We took the train from Union Station in DC as we were in Virginia visiting my in-laws. It took a long time to get there but was wonderful!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indeed. I hope they build more extraordinary concepts like this around the world in urban areas. It is really wonderful.

      Reply ↓
  11. Kathy Simmons – I am an ex New Yorker who still misses the vibrancy of the city. I seek out the humor in every day life and relay it through my stories in the hope others will appreciate as well. I love to write about growing up with my fantastically unique Irish mother whose memory inspires me every day. Although she is no longer with us, her antics are an endless staple for my tales. I currently live in Connecticut with my husband, two sons and toy fox terrier Anabel.
    Kathy Simmons on said:

    Love and lived in city for many years but have still not visited the High Line. It is on my bucket list. Thanks for great photos!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Great question! I bet it is so beautiful in the snow!

      Reply ↓
  13. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    The High Line is a nice escape in NYC, but I fear it’s now getting as busy up there as in the streets below! You’ll have to check out The 606 next time you are in Chicago!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      That is true. It was busy but at least there were no cars! What is the 606 and where is it? Would love to check it out!

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        The 606 is a new urban trail here in Chicago with a similar origin and goal as the High Line. Runs east-west from about Ashland and is between North and Armitage. West of your old ‘hood!
        http://www.the606.org/about/

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Oh cool!!!! I will have to check this out! I love it!

  14. Nicole, I’ve only been to NYC a few times in my life and each time I felt the same way you did. “In big cities I need to find space and solitude which is a rare commodity” perfectly describes it. While I enjoyed all the big cities “stuff”, I soon felt that I was in unending canyons of towering buildings filled with mass amounts of humanity…and for good reason. I longed for green space and even a small oasis of quiet. Another blogging friend recently wrote about the High Line and loved it, too, so it was fun to read your thoughts about it and see your photos. I think NYC will always remain for me “A great place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”

    janet

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet for the comment. Coming home made me grateful. I do love NYC but it is just too big, busy and stimulating for me. Most of the time I stay way on the Upper East Side around 92nd street which I feel comfortable with and is more tranquil. It is also a much different trip with children! I enjoy living a slower paced life in Minneapolis with the kids. We can still live in a city and have an urban experience but also a yard and lots of nature. Even living in Lincoln Park right now with kids would be hard for me (and outrageously expensive so I wouldn’t be able to be a stay at home mom in that case!). 🙂

      Reply ↓
  15. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Great photos, Nicole. I really must go there next time we visit NYC.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! We had a fantastic time! hope to go back soon again without the kids. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  17. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Just what’s needed! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jo! I bet you would love this walk!

      Reply ↓
  18. wwwpalfitness – Hello my name is Paul and I used to write quite often and I missed it, so I decided to start this blog. I plan on publishing on Kindle with some of my specific writings. I am a bit of a wiseguy, have a mouth on me but I do curb my language in my writing but comments are another thing. My writing material is also quite varied. I hope you enjoy my posts. I am a long island based personal trainer and coach with over 25 years of experience. I have been a multiple time County Champ in various events, a State Champion and All American in both High School and College. I have also had injuries that have aided me in understanding how to train myself and others and have helped 1000s of clients attain and surpass their goals. I had my first certification in 1989 and my most recent is with ACSM. I work with people from all walks of life, ages, fitness goals and needs. <!-- Put this code anywhere in the body of your page where you want the badge to show up. --> <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/paul1mc" rel="nofollow"> paul1mc Fiverr Seller Hello my name is Paul McAleavey and I live in New York, specifically and sadly Suffolk County but not much longer. I am a Word press blogger, help create websites, I do marketing and SEO. My blogging is fairly frequent and I am very diligent in getting my work done quickly and efficiently. Paul </a>
    wwwpalfitness on said:

    Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness.

    Reply ↓
  19. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    My daughter and I walked the Highline in the spring. What a marvellous idea. I will say it was absolutely jammed with people but it was a bright sunny weekend day.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is jammed with people usually but at least it is some greenery and away from all the honking and hustle on the streets, right?! 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        Sue Slaght on said:

        Oh yes I still thought it was marvellous!

  20. The High Line was one of my very favorite parts of NYC. We did go in the summer and the flowers and trees were beautiful. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I will have to go back then in the summer LuAnn!

      Reply ↓

  21. You’ve made me absolutely homesick with this beautiful photo tribute! After Chicago, I lived in NYC for 13 years, You are right, there is no place like it anywhere. Inbetween my Atlantic and Pacific sailing adventures, I walked the High Line at least once a week and found great peace there. Your photos capture it beautifully

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I bet it did Lisa!

      Reply ↓

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