New York's High Line. thedailyadventuresofme.com — The Empire State building is an unexpected backdrop to the overgrown railroad tracks of the High Line.

I love visiting New York for its vibrancy, the culture and color that is has to offer. But there is a price for the energy it imparts which can drain my internal energy. For this reason I adore the parts of the city that provide a respite, while still making me feel that I am in the middle of the action. The High Line is just this sort of place.

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What is the High Line?

Upper High Line, New York City. thedailyadventuresofme.com — I dig the juxtaposition of green spaces and reflective buildings.

Flowers of the High Line. thedailyadventuresofme.com — The plants in the High Line, like these purple cone flowers, are mainly indigenous to the area. If the plants are from vendors, locals stores are used.

The High Line is a public park and 1.45 mile long walking trail developed on an abandoned elevated train platform. The train line began in 1934. It brought goods from the docks into Manhattan’s industrial districts. The trains were shut down in 1980s and the area became quite seedy. Thankfully a restoration effort was started in the 1990s and parts of the High Line were opened on June 9, 2009.

fountain at High Line. thedailyadventuresofme.com — The gardens vary quite a bit between sections, as exemplified by this grassy fountain.

The High Line sits in southwestern Manhattan and runs through Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen and the Meat Packing District between the Hudson River and Washington Street.

These yellow wild asters contrast beautifully against modern black architecture..

Views from the High Line, NYC. thedailyadventuresofme.com — From the platform 30 feet above the streets of New York City you can see lovely water views of cruise ships leaving New Jersey as well as a different perspective of New York City.

There are a unique variety of gardens that have themes and use endemic species. They make the park as sustainable as possible and require less upkeep. Interspersed among the many plant species are ever-changing works of art. You will notice a change in micro-climates as you walk along the line. This was true when the gardens were wild as well.

Where does the High Line begin and end?

It starts at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District with wild plants set under birch trees. The High Line ends in the north at the Rail Yards at West 34th between 10th and 12th. Find out how to get here by subway.

Watching NYC from the High Line. thedailyadventuresofme.com — There are a few spot on the High Line with bleachers where you can sit above the street and watch the city like it is a show. That reminds me of the Ride!

What can I do at the High Line?

The majority of people come to take a stroll on the High Line. As the area is now so popular, there are food carts and some low-key street performers. There are also many structured activities that take place among the gardens, such as tours, art lessons and stargazing. You can read more about them here.

The area around the High Line is full of hip bars and eateries, so it is worth hanging around for dinner.

If you want to stay the night in the area, check out The Standard, which has floor to ceiling windows in all the rooms and a fabulous rooftop bar over looking the High Line.

When I visit NYC, at some point I head to Central Park. Now I have another park to visit. I also hope to go to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which was closed on my last visit, but you can read about the fun I did discover in Brooklyn.

Read my Guide to New York City or browse through my NYC articles.

Read on for more interesting things to do in New York City.

Have you been to the High Line? What is your favorite place to visit in New York City? Please let me know in the comments.