The High Line, NYC

A few weeks ago, two friends and I took MetroNorth from Wassaic, New York, (about 1 hour from my house) into New York City. Our destination was the High Line, an elevated freight rail line that has been repurposed into a wonderful one-mile-long thoughtfully designed and landscaped park with an additional half-mile still under construction. Artwork, viewpoints and public spaces enhance the park.

It is incredibly popular both day and evening and is open year round. In fact, a local told me that it can be almost gridlock trying to walk it on nice-weather weekends. The neighborhood, Chelsea and the Meat Packing District, is experiencing a building boom and transformation because of this park. I'd like to return in the spring and summer for the blooming plants, many of which are native species.

We walked a mile in the heart of NYC without stopping for one single car!

We pondered the art along the way.

Native plantings, including trees, flowers and grasses, made a relaxing setting.

Only a few late-season flowers remained.

More artwork along the way. 

Elevators provide access for families with carriages and those with disabilities. 

Here, you are looking at the Statue of Liberty way out in the harbor.

Here are bleacher-like steps and a glassed in view of 10th Avenue.

The elevated views were incredible!