The High Line and Blurring of West Chelsea Boundaries

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The High Line and Blurring of West Chelsea Boundaries

Nestled on the edge of Manhattan’s West Side is a unique elevated park known as the High Line, a tree-lined sanctuary celebrated by tourists and locals alike. Inspired by Paris’s three-mile Promenade Plantée, the High Line embodies the best of Manhattan’s West Side neighborhoods with its modern design aesthetic and spectacular architectural styles, sustainable practices, and outlets for outdoor recreation as well as world-class food and entertainment. The park, built on a defunct elevated section of the New York Central Railroad, provides the perfect walkway between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, at times blurring the edges of these two beloved Manhattan neighborhoods, to create a single must-visit destination. Residents of the luxury rentals at 535 West 43rd Street can take advantage of their proximity to the High Line, which is a year-round haven for fashionistas, art lovers, history buffs, and naturalists alike, by entering it from its northernmost point, located near the 34th Street. As they stroll through the park, which is poised 30 feet above city streets, they can enjoy seasonal gardens boasting nearly 210 species of flora, stunning views of the Hudson River, and quiet alcoves perfect for relaxing with a good book. Santina—created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick—is the perfect spot for lunch before embarking on one of the High Line’s many free public tours or for a romantic dinner before heading to Le Bain, the elegant lounge with stunning views of the city at the nearby Standard Hotel. Santina’s farm-fresh Italian menu, which features critically acclaimed dishes like spaghetti blue crab and bass agrigento, is inspired by the neighborhood’s rich history. During the warm months, more casual fare is provided by local food vendors, who line the curves of the park and sell everything from handmade artisanal Popsicles to savory small plates. The High Line is a prime destination for art lovers thanks to the many commissioned installations on display throughout the year. The High Line Channel 14 program features art videos, historic works, and other curated series. Inspired by a 700-minute journey along the Hudson River, Spencer Finch’s The River That Flows Both Ways is a remarkable installation composed of panes of colored glass on long-term view. A multitude of other artists—including Katrín Sigurðardóttir, Yutaka Sone, and Andro Wekua—have contributed sculptures, paintings, sound pieces, and other intriguing works to the High Line. For an extensive overview of the installations currently on display, there are  docent-led art tours the last Monday of every month from April through October. Those with an affinity for material pleasures will love the easy access to Chelsea Market from the High Line at 16th Street. This popular venue is home to more than 50 food and retail vendors and has solidified itself as a favorite among New York tastemakers and foodies. Among the treats inside, visitors will find Anthropologie’s latest incarnations of boho chic and hipster treasures at an outpost of Williamsburg’s Artists & Fleas. Of course, the main event at Chelsea Market is the bounty of delicious eats, which run the gamut from semolina-fennel-raisin loaves at Amy’s Bread to briny oysters on the half-shell and fine wines at the charming Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar. The nearly two mile stretch of the High Line seamlessly unifies disparate neighborhoods into an urban oasis that represents the best that Manhattan has to offer. From gardens to art to fashion to food, all the fabulousness of the city is rolled into one glorious skyway just waiting to be explored one step at a time. Image Courtesy of: ©iStock.com/sangaku