A Day at the High Line

If you’re a New Yorker, you might think the High Line is a tourist trap and, yes, it is usually teeming with visitors from far-flung locales. But it’s also an amazing outdoor space available to city denizens year-round – and a must-visit. When you do, we suggest making a day of it. Here are just a few suggestions.

CAFFEINATE

It’s going to be a full day – you’ll need coffee. Kick off your High Line adventure at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, one of only six in the world (the others are located in Seattle, Chicago, Shanghai, Milan, and Tokyo). The Roasteries are where Starbucks keeps their rarest – and tastiest – beans, and experiment with artful concoctions your regular barista isn’t currently brewing. The expansive New York location features a huge coffee bar where you can sample any number of yet-to-hit the mainstream market beverages, along with a full bar serving up beer, wine, and cocktails if you visit later in the day. However, we suggest getting there early – or at least giving yourself plenty of time – as the wait times at the Roastery can be a bit extensive during peak hours.

WALK

A day at the High Line wouldn’t be complete without, well, walking the High Line. In spring and summer the 1.45-mile greenway is lush, awash with bright foliage worth ogling (or taking selfies amongst). Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take part in a free, docent-led tour. The tours, “From Freight to Flowers” are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from May to October and Wednesdays and Saturdays from November to April. Or stop by after dark for stargazing through one of the High Line’s many high-powered telescopes, which are rolled out each Tuesday evening from sunset to close (April through October).

IMMERSE

Once you’re done taking in nature’s artwork, it’s time to take in some of the human variety. There’s a wealth of Chelsea galleries worth visiting within blocks of the High Line, including High Line Nine, an experiential art space situated just below the High Line that features nine galleries with rotating exhibitions, bespoke programming, and an on-site cafe and wine bar. Or visit Artechouse, an immersive, interactive art space that features trippy, 3-D new media installations by emerging artists (including a selection of holiday themed works).

PLAY

Practice your swing at Chelsea Piers, which offers year-round golf with a view. Reserve a stall (4 people max) or drop-in to request a walk-in at the front desk. The golf facilities features 52 outdoor stalls (they’re heated in the colder months), an automatic ball tee-up system, a bar and lounge for post-green refreshments (or for those who prefer to imbibe while their friends drive), and more.

EAT

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to dig in. Chelsea features a bustling, dynamic dining scene, but we’d remiss if we didn’t direct you right to Chelsea Market. The sprawling culinary marketplace features more than 40 vendors dishing out a buffet of global delights including tacos, crepes, hand-pulled noodles, doughnuts, grilled cheese, and much, much more. You could post up at any one for a very satisfying meal, but we suggest grabbing some pals and doing a culinary tour of the market, noshing along the way.

SIP

Fancy a post-lunch or dinner drink? Beer buffs who don’t mind a crowd can head to the Standard Hotel’s Standard Biergarten, an always-hopping beer hall located beneath the High Line and serving up a wide selection of German beers, bratwurst, and pretzels. Plus, you can grab a paddle and enter their Ping-Pong tournaments (held every Tuesday) or prove your strength in their Stein holding contests (held every Wednesday). More of a cocktail person? We like Bathtub Gin for a nightcap. The speakeasy style hideaway serves up well-crafted Prohibition era cocktails (along with a menu of more modern tipples) in cozy, date-ready digs.

Written by Alexandra Cavallo