Hometown Tourist - The Highline

It's definitely winter out there, so those of you who've been reading the blog for awhile will know that's when I like to write about summer activities. :)

This past summer, I finally made it to the Highline, one of Manhattan's newest parks. I remember back in the day when these elevated rail tracks ran on the far west side. After years of neglect, the rail tracks became overrun with vegetation and were pretty much an eyesore. Now they are the newest park attraction in the city stretching from 14th Street to 30th Street on the far west side (there will be another section hopefully opening in a few years that will extend to 34th Street and the Hudson River). It's one of my newest favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Manhattan.

I personally like entering the Highline from its northern entrance and walking south, since I'll end up in the Meatpacking District, a great neighborhood for some good people watching, eating and window shopping when I'm done with my walk.

Highline looking south

It's pretty easy to see the old rail tracks. I like the mix of steel and greenery. To me, it's urban and inviting at the same time.

I know that in many places going to the park and seeing grass and flowers are a given, but in this part of Manhattan it's a nice change of pace.

I think they did a great job of making sure that there is lots of seating, so you don't have to rush your walk.

As I walked, I thought about how this area has changed so much. There have been lots of buildings like this one around for years.

But now there are lots of buildings like these.

I wonder what it's like having the Highline as your backyard.

While the greenery is great and all, I like the fact that the Highline makes me feel like I am in one of those futuristic apocalyptic movies walking through this urban netherworld. Okay...I'm getting a little carried away, but it's true.

At one point in the walk south, you enter an area covered by an overpass. This past summer, there were vendors and an information booth.

I like looking at the colored glass underneath the overpass. I believe that these were restored as well.

Of course, there is food! Yay! This area below is called The Porch, and it's a open air restaurant featuring local and seasonal ingredients. I'll have to try it next summer.

In the summer, there are lots of foods being sold to cool you down including People's Pops (artisanal ice pops). I didn't try them out, but I hear that they are great.

Some other treats to look out for are La New Yorkina (Mexican ice pops and sweets) and L'Arte del Gelato, which is what I tried.

I kept it simple with some stracciatella

I took my gelato and went to this cool water feature. It makes you feel like there is a little stream in the sky.

Yes, those are my big ol' size 9 hoofs.

It was nice to sit with my ice cream and take in the view of.....New Jersey? Yeah, I have to remind myself we still are in New York.

The Highline is open all year, but it's at its best in the warmer months. Take an afternoon to enjoy it.