I've yet to visit the High Line park downtown-- but today's story in the Times shines a light on the progress that's been made on this park, creatively constructed on top of an old elevated railway. The atmosphere sounds hip --without the annoyance factor of hip.
Since it runs from Little West 12th/Ganesvoort up to 20th Street on the West Side, it attracts an interesting mix of people, while at the same time offering visitors a chance to interact freely--and for free. From the story, it sounds as if it prompts that odd friendliness I've experienced among Manhattanites whenever they're in the midst of something unique and new (which seems to give us license to talk to each other) :
"It even inspires crusty New Yorkers to behave as if they were strolling down Main Street in a small town rather than striding the walkway of a hyper-urban park — routinely smiling and nodding, even striking up conversations with strangers."
While it isn't about to beat Central Park for natural beauty (you may be elevated--but you're elevated on top of a road), it's one more "only in New York" place.
A park on top of an elevated railway. I love it.
High Line Hours and location
Open 7AM -10PM
Enter at 20th, 18th, 16th, 14th and Gansevoort Streets at 10th Avenue.
