New York might be the city that never sleeps, but I can tell you now, there are very few people around at 6am on a warm Sunday morning in August!
We arrived on a balmy Saturday night after travelling for just shy of 24 hours. A quick shower to refresh and we hustled out for our first meal in NYC – yep, we went for a burger (and FYI, one of the best I’ve ever eaten) at a hopping little burger bar a short walk from our apartment. While we desperately wanted to explore, our bodies were screaming for sleep, so we were tucked into bed by a fairly respectable 11pm.
Needless to say, come 4am I was WIDE AWAKE. By 5.30am we gave in to our jet lag and went for a walk to explore The High Line, conveniently located a couple of blocks away.
The High Line is without a doubt my favourite public space in New York and I don’t think there are enough words to tell you how much I was looking forward to going there. It’s a space that has excited me ever since I first heard of its creation almost ten years ago.
It’s a little oasis of peace well above the craziness that big cities thrive on. While we barely shared the space with another soul on our first visit, our second was much more bustling. Despite this, and the sounds of a much more awake and alive city that drifted up, I still felt peace and calm.
Built on a disused, historic freight rail line, it is elevated above Manhattan’s West Side streets. It is 1 mile long on a 1.45 mile section of elevation, running from Gansevoort St in the Meatpacking District (which ALWAYS makes me think of Samantha in Sex in the City) through to 34th St. It’s the quickest way to walk a mile in NYC as there are no traffic lights!
The High Line is filled with beautiful artworks, and these change regularly. Busted was on display when we were there, featuring ten artists.
Human Statue (Jessie) by Frank Benson
Pan by Sean Landers
Reclining Goddess (oh, hang on…)
This artwork was possibly my favourite – Broken Bridge II. My photos definitely do not do it justice, as it took up the whole side of a very large building.
We walked The High Line twice during our week in New York. It was both our first and last touristy thing to do. Please make sure you check it out if you visit NYC.
Important info:
The High Line
Many access points via Gansevoorte St to West 30th St, Manhattan (some with elevators)
Open daily, opening hours vary (check website)
Fully wheelchair accessible
www.thehighline.org
Follow on twitter: @highlinenyc
Oh, well, that really seems to be a nice place. The artwork Broken Bridge II looks even good on the photo.
Thanks Chris – it was beautiful 🙂
I also did the highline Mel when I was last in NYC – such a cool and (quiet) place – but was not there as early as you. Lovely article.
Oh, quite jealous now. I would love to visit both NYC and the High Line. One day …
What was the burger? I’d love to see a couple of articles on the must eat food of NYC and SF
I think the burger was at Bills Bar and Burger (www.billsbarandburger.com) – just a regular burger with bacon and cheese, but great flavours. We didn’t really go to any of the “must eat at” places in NYC, but my friend Anthony did when he was there for a month last year – his blog has loads of reviews – (www.foodmeupscotty.com – just click on the NYC tab in the food cloud). It’s been too long since I was in San Francisco to write about the fabulous food there!
You guys are in the Big Apple?! How extremely cool. And you’re missing our first cold snap of the season so good timing! Your photos are amazing; I had always pictured NY as big and grey and full of big yellow taxis. And neon signs. And Christmas trees and fairy lights. The only green I ever pictured was Central Park, and now you’re telling me it’s actually up in the air? fantastic. And I love that Broken Bridge artwork too; just our cup of tea. Enjoy your stay!
Hi Michelle, we were there in August and it was ridiculously hot and humid! There were lots of yellow taxis and LOTS of neon around Times Square especially! Hopefully we will be back again soon!
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I
guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to
the whole thing. Do you have any suggestions for first-time blog writers?
I’d certainly appreciate it.