Up high on the High Line
I generally don’t like to spend my weekends in Manhattan, but I will always make the exception for The High Line if it is suggested. It is one my favorite places in Manhattan and it really is a great change of scenery if you are tired of the concrete and sky-high buildings.
what is the high line?
The High Line is a public art park that was built on over an abandoned freight rail line that sits above the streets in Manhattan. New Yorkers can enjoy a little bit of nature and art while fitting in their daily steps for the day after a long day in the office. It is open year round and is free. Every season, the park is updated with new art and flowers.
find me if you can…
Once you’ve walked the High Line several times, you’ll start to find little treasures hiding throughout the park.
The Statue of Liberty
Half way through the park, you can catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. It took me about seven go arounds over the last three years to find it. The best way to find the Statue of Liberty as well as other surprising sights is to take a seat at one of the many benches found along the path.
The Sound and Rocking Benches
Closer to the 34th St exit, there are a few a benches with unique attributes. If you look closely, you can see one of the benches have these metal plates that look a bit like a xylophone and another bench looks an awful like a playgroup favorite: a see saw bench. Both allow you to take a minute (or more) out of your day and play like a kid again.
The Steel Rod Jungle Gym
Also closer to the 34th St entrance, you can see the original structure of the freight line transformed into jungle gym. When the kids are in school, I tried hanging upside down like I did at the playground back when I was a youngin.
Summer Streams
In the summertime, throughout the park you can find some water flowing through the stream. When the sun is bearing down on you and pass by the water, you can throw off your shoes and let the water cool him down.
the view
There are a few spots along the way where you can check out aerial views of Manhattan.
the art
Part of the reason the High Line is so popular is the art. Artists near and far come and contribute to the park which make a seasonal visit worth it every time. Here are some of the pieces I’ve come across. While most art in the High Line take the form of sculpture or murals, the occasional audio visual pieces pop up and are a lot fun to play around with.
