The High Line has been extended, with beautiful curves and long benches, small inclines, narrow passes, and beautiful framing of streets and vistas. It's now an up and coming area to live; new apartments are appearing along its length and boast views of the High Line (but if you live at High Line level it also means the High Line can get a good view of you).
As you come up the stairs and leave the streets thirty feet below, you reach what is now a modern incarnation of the old-fashioned Promenade (they could do a contemporary version of Easter Parade here - in fact, it's only a matter of time before the High Line appears in films). Although it's empty at 7 am except for runners and people being shouted out by their personal trainers, it is packed with promenaders later in the day.
Maybe it's to see and be seen, but far better to go for the spectacular planting, the brilliant designs and details, the feeling of being elevated in all senses.
If Central Park is the green lung of Manhattan, the High Line is its green artery, giving new life to Chelsea.
The surrounding buildings look as though they have come up through the grasses, shrubs, flowers, and trees. The spots of colour and the tall plants match the urban lanscape perfectly. And the huge numbers of people coming up and down the line, like the old trains, add motion and vitality. It's an amazing place.
(It's also ideal for two quick branch line detours. One to Chelsea Market for bread at Amy's, books at Posman Books, and fruit at the Manhattan Fruit Exchange. And one, worth the detour from anywhere, to Billy's Bakery for key lime pie.)
And while you're at Chelsea Market, don't forget the gelato; best I've ever had. I wish I could remember the name of the stand, but it's at the end of the line/queue right by one of the entrances.
Posted by: aliceq | July 20, 2011 at 17:06
And there are daisies :) I have 'a thing' about daisies at the moment!
Posted by: Annie | July 20, 2011 at 17:08
........lovely!!
Posted by: Jacky | July 20, 2011 at 17:29
I'm not actually commenting on this post, although it is great. I just wanted to say how much I love your vintage embroidery patchwork. Such a wonderful idea and such a beautiful end product.
Posted by: Georgie | July 20, 2011 at 18:43
Welcome to the US! Are you doing a book signing? Any chance you'll be out on the West Coast?
All the best,
Jake
www.dapperdreamy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jake at Dapper and Dreamy | July 20, 2011 at 18:50
My copy of The Gentle Art of Knitting just arrived and I am besotted! I didn't expect it until August, so it was like a rare gift to get it now. Can't wait to sit down and read every page.
Posted by: Laura | July 20, 2011 at 20:09
Wow! looks so wonderful, I'm saving my pennies for a 50th birthday treat next year! Jude x
Posted by: A Trifle Rushed | July 20, 2011 at 21:09
Well, of course I am hoping that you will be in New York for longer than the time for that High Line promenade.
Hoping that you will be here to tour with your new book. Perhaps a visit to Purl in SOHO? I work really near there....
Best wishes...watch out for the current heat wave.
Posted by: frances | July 21, 2011 at 01:32
Hi, Jane,
On my recent trip to NYC I spent some time drawing there. When I read this post, I felt I was travelling back there through your words and thought I could share my High Line sketch with you. It´s here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/airdesignstudio/5889432882/in/photostream
Have a great day!
Posted by: Ana | July 21, 2011 at 14:16
My nephew just got an apartment in Chelsea. It's one area of NYC that I haven't really explored and I can't wait to change that!
Posted by: Jen | July 21, 2011 at 14:46
We were there last month and loved the High Line! Your pictures are great!
Posted by: Mary de B | July 21, 2011 at 18:01
Neat! When I get to the UK someday, I will have to consult you first to plan my itinerary!
Posted by: Sara | July 21, 2011 at 21:33
This is a part of the city that is quite European; exciting new architecture, the re-birth of something old and obsolete, inspired landscaping, and somewhere to walk. It is something that residents and visitors can enjoy in equal measure. Your photographs really get that juxtaposition of old and new--they make me excited to live here!
Posted by: Ancient Industries | July 22, 2011 at 12:37
New York City on a cloudless day is always something to behold.
Posted by: Betty | July 22, 2011 at 17:08
i had no idea the highline even existed. how wonderful. it's one of our favorite children's books come true: the curious garden by peter brown. lovely, simple text and beautiful illustrations. would that every metro area would have such green spaces.
Posted by: hydeeann | July 24, 2011 at 06:09