A New MUST SEE for New York Tourists

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The Most Unlikely of Dreams
Not only tourists, but locals alike are drawn to the "HIGH LINE", a historic freight rail line, elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.  This now very popular green space, above all the traffic hussle, runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. 

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Once a Busy Freight Train Route
In 1934, the elevated railway was built for freight trains, so that they could deliver their goods directly from the track to the upper floors of factories and warehouses on the west side of Manhattan.  Later more and more trucks were used instead of trains, the route was less and less used, until 1980, when the last train left.  The route degenerated in the following years and with it the neighbourhood around them.
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Almost Exclusively Maintained with Private Funds
Founded in 1999 by community residents, "Friends of the High Line" fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. 
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Art and Photography Along the Way
Visitors can walk the 2,5 km long trail and "smell the roses" in the middle of the city, instead of exhaust fumes down on the streets.  Photographers love the trail as it allows for very interesting motives, from of rising developments to Hudson River sunsets.  Site-specific artworks, exhibitions, performances, video and film projections, are part of High Line Art, a program that invites artists to create work that responds to the High Line in a unique way. 

My Best Camera for Travel:  Nikon CoolPix
No, I did not shoot the awesome image for the poster above, but I do lots of photos, indoor and outdoors, and like that this Nikon does not need a flash, which is often forbidden, especially in museums.  The grip on one site allows for safe and comfortable usage. Highly recommend it - great gift for the holidays and birthdays too.
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A Secret Garden Everyone Knows
There are guided tours of the flower beds, free sports courses, common stargazing, concerts and activities for children.  A bridge over 11th Avenue supports a catwalk, flanked by low benches.  Senator Charles Schumer said: “If you go to New York, you have to get the Empire State Building View, was yesterday”.  "Today they say: 'If you go to New York, you have to run on the High Line."

The best of all: It's free to visit and walk the gardens and enjoy art.  Explore more free things in otherwise expensive New York at Travelettes.

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