Strolling along the High Line is one of my absolute favorite things to do in New York City.

Don’t know what this is?  Well, let me tell you.

The High Line is a park created on an elevated train bed on the west side of Manhattan between 12th and 30th streets.

It was slated to be torn down, but two guys (Joshua David and Richard Hammond)  met at a community meeting and decided to tackle the project of saving it.  Their saga is truly fascinating.

Their vision in the words of Josh David about his early interest, “I felt what I think is the spark of most people’s interest in the High Line: Wouldn’t it be cool to walk around up there, twenty two city blocks, on this old, elevated thing, on this relic of another time, in this hidden place, up in the air?”

 It is cool and after a long struggle, it opened two and a half years ago.  To read more of the history about the High Line, click here.  Only the first section was open when I wrote this blog post.

Last week I had the chance to stroll not only that part of the High Line, but also the extension, which opened last summer.

 It is terrific. It just keeps getting better.  And there is more on the way.  The third and final section is yet to be completed.  Stay tuned. When it opens, I’ll go back.  Here’s a photo of where the  High Line currently ends.  Exciting things are happening here.

 The newly opened  section includes a lawn, more terrific views of the city and of the East River, some sculpture and innovative architecture, views of every day life in NYC, wild but carefully planned landscaping and a lovely way to enjoy a beautiful day in the Big Apple.

Other destinations in this part of town are the Gallery District between 10th and 11th Avenues, shopping in the Meatpacking district,   The Chelsea Market and the Standard Hotel for lunch or drinks.

I’d also like to mention a new book about the High Line called “High Line The Inside Story of New York City’s Park in the Sky” by Joshua David and Robert Hammond.  If you want to learn about how this all came about, I highly recommend this book.

Do visit the High Line if you get to NYC.   In the words of Robert Hammond, “Some people think of parks as being an escape from the city, but the High Line works because it never takes you away from New York.”

It is a a memorable to to enjoy the city and a great walk  in the park. You won’t be sorry.