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Community Corner

High Line: There's Really Nothing Else Like It

Here's a day trip worth looking up.

Some attractions are so unique and so curious, there are no equals, and if you want the experience, you must go. Such is the case for New York’s High Line.

Built in the 1930s, the High Line was an elevated train line built 30 feet in the air. This kept the trains out of the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district, the meatpacking area. The stretch of track was still active up until 1980, and then was left disused and subject to the whims of nature.

Aside from being a recognizable landmark, the elevated tracks  also started gathering life in the form of grasses and other plants. Some might have considered it a haven for invasive species, but others with more imagination saw it for what it had become, and all it could be: a park hoisted into the sky.

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The non-profit group Friends of the High Line formed in 1999 when demolition seemed imminent. For them, this individual and unclassifiable structure had earned its place in the area, and they were determined to keep it there.

The city put its support behind the new vision of the High Line in 2002. The High Line south of 30th Street was donated to the City by CSX Transportation Inc. in 2005. The first section, from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street, opened June 9, 2009. The second section, from West 20th Street to West 30th Street, has just debuted.

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You won’t find something like the High Line every day, so that’s why we've selected it for this installment of Day Tripper, a weekly look at destinations that are out of town, but in reach, and worth the trip.

DAY TRIPPER DIGEST

Estimated Travel Time: It really depends. But if you're traveling by car, and the traffic's not bad, about 30 minutes. Emphasis on "if the traffic's not bad." As always, when heading into New York, you'll want to avoid rush hour if at all possible.

Why it’s Worth the Trip: Photos don’t do the High Line justice, and it is simply unmatched anywhere. If you want a special, one-of-a-kind experience, here you are.

How to Get There from Here: As with all things NYC, you've got several options for getting there.Check out this page for location information and suggested travel options.

You’ll Probably Get Hungry: People’s Pops (Chelsea Market Passage, on the High Line near West 16th Street) has fruit-based ice pops and shaved ice. La Newyorkina (The Lawn, on the High Line near West 23rd Street) features ice pops in exotic flavors like mango-chili, hibiscus, fresh coconut and many more. If you want something else, there are plenty of street-side restaurants such asColicchio & Sons or Bill’s Bar & Burger, and if you want a drink try The Standard Biergarten or Brass Monkey. But of course, we're talking about New York here, so the options go on and on.

While You’re in the Area: Try some shopping at Scoop NYC boutiqueParke & Ronen tailored menswearThe Jean Shop, or head to 192 Books and pick up something cool to read up in the park.

Amanda Siebert, Morning Side Heights, Manhattan, was drawn to the site via the buzz surrounding it.

“I heard about the High Line via word-of-mouth,” Siebert said.  “I love the neighborhood it’s in and I love the concept of the park. I immediately went to check it out, and was not disappointed.  I’ve been back numerous times, and at different times of the day. It is wonderful.”

Leigh Pires, of Park Slope, Brooklyn, was in full agreement.

"I went to the High Line twice while showing different people around the city. I was trying to show people that the city, while it's known for being a busy place, where everything moves a mile a minute, also has gorgeous open spaces and nature," she said. "I have gone back several times since then because I like it as a small park (unlike Central Park) that you can walk easily from end to end and there is lots of places to just sit and people watch."

The High Line’s location lends itself to a day spent in the city for several reasons, not the least of which is that a guest has access to everything the area provides, from food and shopping to all manner of entertainment.

Pires enjoys the different landscape one experiences simply by, literally, going up in town.

“I tell people that the High Line is a great place to see so many aspects of the city at once," Pires said." You have a clear view of the East River, the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, and meanwhile, you're surrounded by all this lush tall grass and trees. My favorite part is the amphitheater-esque seating in front of the large glass that overlooks 9th avenue. You can basically sit right on top of traffic and watch the cars go by, almost like an urban aquarium.”

“It’s a park above the city with great views of the Hudson River. The landscape is unique and urban.  It’s in a lively, artistic part of town and that is reflected in the energy of the park,” Siebert said.   

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