Been working on the railroad

On a day when you feel like being outside, not spending a lot of money, and reconnecting with nature, NYC has got you covered. The city boasts a good number of parks that each vary in atmosphere, and that are all free and open to the public.


Today we're going to talk about the railroad.

The High Line is a park built on an old rail line, that runs above the Meatpacking District up to 34th street. It is a somewhat narrow strip that overlooks the Hudson, and gives walkers a good look at some architecturally unique buildings. The tracks are still visible in locations throughout the park, decorated by the plants growing around them.

This park is great for a morning, afternoon, or evening stroll (the park is open from 7:00 AM-11:00 PM). In summertime, especially on weekends, it can get pretty crowded during the day, so plan on walking at a pretty leisurely pace. The park is a good spot to bring some reading, as there are benches and lounge chairs for the taking; this is also a great way to get some sun if your skin is looking a little, well, paler than you'd like it to.

The park is completely free but there are a few snack and souvenir stands along the way, so try not to be lured in by these tempting sights if you're looking to Penny-Pinch. Whenever I walk the High Line I like to make a detour down to Chelsea Market on 15th street, and browse through the various shops there (strictly window-shopping of course).


Along the way you'll find some artwork, mostly in the form of sculptures. This morning while walking the High Line I saw a video projected along the side wall of an underpass. There was also a sculpture of a nose inside a wheelbarrow (find the deeper meaning in that) and a woman wearing sunglasses that I've posted here.