Blooms and Relaxation While Walking the High Line
Every summer we try and get back to the US to visit family, and whenever we’re on the East Coast one place we love to go is New York City. We don’t like to spend more than a couple days there, because quite frankly the concrete and tall buildings gets to me. By making an effort to find green space, we’ve been able to endure it a little longer, and one of the most innovative and relaxing places we found was walking the High Line.
Every summer we try and get back to the US to visit family, and whenever we’re on the East Coast one place we love to go is New York City. We don’t like to spend more than a couple days there, because quite frankly the concrete and tall buildings gets to me. By making an effort to find green space, we’ve been able to endure it a little longer, and one of the most innovative and relaxing places was the High Line.
Additional reading: 31 Best Things to Do in NYC
Summer in NYC is sizzling. By about 10:30 the heat index is usually much higher than I can take, so we wanted to go to the High Line early. Really, we like to get everywhere early.
The High Line is an old subway line. Out of use, it sat for years gathering dust and weeds. The City of New York has transformed these old railroad tracks into a stunning park. There were joggers, power walkers, families out for a stroll, and of course tourists just like us. It’s an easy, flat surface and the views are the best!
There were plenty of gardeners minding the many plant varieties throughout the park. One told me that to be eligilble to work there, a horticulture background is preferred, but they will train you. She’d been working there over a year and loved it. How many outside jobs like this exist in the concrete jungle of NY?
The gardners do a bang up job, as everywhere we went there was the fragrances of blooms that took away from the sooty traffic smell that pervades the rest of the city. And the colors! Pinks, purples, reds, yellows, and so many greens, that it was hard to decide which bloom was my favorite.
Other features of the High Line included this water fountain and the relaxation benches right next to it. The girls and I couldn’t wait to take off our shoes and cool down. I also love the idea of reading a book or even taking a quick nap on these benches listening to the movement of the water, that is after having lunch at this chic cafe!
There is so much more to do in NYC, like take a baking lesson and make some true New York bagels, or get out on the water and see the city from a different point of view. In fact if you are looking for more, here’s about four days worth of things to do in NYC!
Such a great place! A friend recently told me about it and I can’t wait to make a visit!
Maaike, I think you would absolutely love it. Go!
Bryna, I couldn’t agree more and think that’s why everyone needs to go!
Great photos! I would love to visit the High Line, it’s high on my list (pun not intended!) of things to see when I finally make it to NYC :)
Vlad, It should be high on your list. You’ll love it!
The High Line was created after my last visit to New York. It looks like a good reason for me to go back to New York, don’t you think so?
Anda, I definitely think so, but then, there’s always a reason to go to NYC!
While I have never been to NYC, I have friends who live there and rave about this. I always feel a bit depressed in the middle of cities. I hate looking around and not being able to find anything natural. That’s one reason I love Taiwan. The cities are cement and gray and ugly, but there are beautiful parks everywhere bursting with green and flowers!
Jacqueline, Well, next time you’re in NYC go check it out…it may be a bit Taiwanese!
A lot of people rave about the High Line. I cannot wait to visit during my next trip to New York (I have family living in the area too).
Ruth, You’ll love it, and I can’t wait to hear what you think?
We will be going to the East Coast and NYC later this year, so will put the High Line on our list too.
Paula, Make sure you wait until you want some green space to counteract all that pavement!
We love the High Line! Unfortunately we have never been there in summer to enjoy and the fall blooms aren’t nearly as stunning as the ones you have captured. Agree it’s one place not to miss during a trip to NYC.
Amanda, I would go in all seasons just to check out the differences I think.
What a fantastic idea to transform an unused space into something beautiful!
Natalie, It really is well done. I think it is extremely family friendly too.
I was in New York City for the first time in 2013 and I loved the tall buildings, the crowds and the endless activity, but like you, only for a few days. Then I was over it. I didn’t see any greenery. Too bad I didn’t know about the High Line before I went.
Rhonda, NYC seems to be one of those places that you will always go back to. You might get another chance, so no worries.
What a shame you can’t ride bicycles on it. D and I are going to New York next year so we might take a look.
Lyn, I think it would be a great idea if the US would start building some really good bike paths, and using old rails would be genius!
I’ve never heard of the High Line, but I like these old railways turned into green spaces. There’s something similar here in Singapore. The High Line looks lovely, and your photos are fantastic as usual.
Karen, Thanks. I didn’t know they had something like that in Singapore. What is it called? I would love to go next time.
The High Line has been on my bucket list ever since it was developed into a park. I would love to take stroll and look down at the various districts it passes over.
Sally, I’m sure you would love it, and it’s perfect for families. So safe!
Great photos…
I’ve been wanting to walk the High Line ever since I first heard about it. Unfortunately, our visit to NYC last November had slushy, freezing rain. Since it really wasn’t the ideal Spring day that’s always filled my daydreams, we skipped it for some other trip with better weather. So, I’m glad to see it through your photos. I like all the blooms and the murals, too.
Michele, It was such a pleasant walk…but it wasn’t raining for us! I know you’ll love it when you finally get there!
Somehow, I hadn’t ever heard of this, but it sounds like a great project! I love the street art as well!
Kacy, I would put it up as a must in NYC…to get off of the concrete for just a little while!