High Line

On a particularly lazy recent Sunday, I reached the point of ultimate Netflix judgment, watching Gilmore Girls for so long I was asked "are you still there?" I knew I had to get off the couch eventually, but I was having a hard time coming up with a plan. I finally decided to walk the High Line—a new segment had opened since I had last walked its length and the park now runs from 34th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues to Gansevoort Street.

The High Line was opened as an elevated train track in 1934. The last train ran on the tracks in 1980, and it was abandoned until planning began for a park in the late 90s. The first section opened in 2009. The northernmost section looks over the train storage at Hudson Yards and catching a sneak peek at the inner workings of the city is always interesting to me. 

I absolutely love the concept and execution of the High Line. The wildflowers and slightly overgrown feel make it easy to imagine what the track felt like abandoned and the views of the city and surrounding buildings are always excellent. Every time I go it seems like a new, fancy building is springing up within feet of the park—but I was happy to see that one of the last stand alone diners left in Manhattan is still going strong. 

I really want to love the High Line and I do, as far as the concept, but every time I go I remember why I don't go very often—it's far too crowded. Sure, it was a sunny summer Sunday, so I'm not surprised it was packed, but walking in a single-file line behind a thousand tourists is not exactly my idea of a relaxing afternoon. It's a wonderful addition to the city and of course I understand its popularity, but I think I'll skip the sunny Sundays from now on and plan my visits for when park walks are a little less desirable.