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Since it opened nearly a decade ago, the High Line, New York’s rails-to-trails park overlooking the city’s West Side, has become a staple for visitors who love a leisurely stroll. Thing is, if the weather’s fair, it can seem like the entire city is right up there with you. To really enjoy the 1.45-mile walk, plan to take breaks—a coffee here, some art there—to admire the scenery without getting stuck in the mob. Here are our recommended stops along the way.
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Kava Café
Cozy up with a cup of joe before you journey onward!
Fuel up for the walk ahead at this petite coffee bar near the High Line’s southern entry point. The handful of paninis and sandwiches travel well if you’re planning to picnic along the way. 803 Washington St., exit at Gansevoort & Washington Sts.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Though the Whitney warrants an afternoon of its own, it’s a natural destination if you’re making your way south. The building, designed by Renzo Piano, is a stunning mile marker at the base of the trail, and houses so much more than modern art. The shiny new 200,000 square-foot building buzzes with daily programming and performances, and multiple observation decks overlook the Hudson and the High Line. 99 Gansevoort St., exit at Gansevoort & Washington Sts.
Terroir on the Porch
This tiny corrugated-metal boîte operates as a warm-weather pop-up from noon till sunset, a concrete oasis in the shadow of the Milk Studios building. Sprawling with umbrella-clad tables and buzzing with the sound of popping corks, it’s easy to stay for a second round. 450 W. 15th St., on the High Line.
L’Arte del Gelato
L’Arte del Gelato
Chelsea Market is worth the detour alone, but especially the flagship location of this popular local gelateria, where nearly two dozen flavors are whipped up daily. Grab a scoop, or three, to go. 75 9th Ave., exit at 16th St.
23rd Street Lawn & Seating Steps
This section of the park is one of the widest, thanks to a generous greenbelt stretching for nearly a full block. It’s anchored to the south at 22nd Street by tasteful teak stadium seating, and to the north at 23rd Street by the quixotic HL23 building, a top-heavy residential tower spilling over the trail. In between is a site-specific art installation that rotates seasonally.
International Print Center New York
When you’re floating above the city’s most concentrated collection of galleries, popping into one is obligatory. Consider this nonprofit exhibition space, dedicated to all things printed. Its current director migrated from the MoMA, New York, which has led to a season of noteworthy showings. 506 W. 26th St. 5A, exit at 26th St.
Interim Walkway
The view from this barren, four-block-long curve is jaw-dropping — and we’re not talking about the western expanse of the Hudson River. The sheer sense of scale on display looking east toward the city, of the skyscrapers-to-be and the cranes in action, is powerful. Between 30th & 34th Sts.
Public Restroom near the High Line Start Point
It sounds crazy to recommend a public toilet on West 34th Street, but there aren’t any restrooms along the nearly 1.5-mile stretch, so this one could be your saving grace. It’s clean, well maintained, and free. 34th St. between 11th & 12th Aves., exit at 34th St. & 12th Ave.
Stay a While—in Style
Photo courtesy of Hotel Americano
Why not make this charming stretch of Chelsea your home base for your NYC visit? Several great hotels are located right along the High Line, including Hotel Americano, a stylish, city chic boutique property that puts hundreds of art galleries within easy reach. You’ll also be close to the Hudson River and New York’s latest must-see development, Hudson Yards, where you’ll soon find a public square and gardens complete with attractions such as The Vessel sculpture and The Shed cultural center. Another reason we love this hotel: attention to detail, such as offering each guest a pair of felt wool slippers and alpaca throw blankets.
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