Guest Bloggers: Court of Holding Court

The "must-do" tourist attraction in NYC is actually a must: the High Line

The High Line is one of NYC's newest parks and is built on a historic freight rail line that exists over the streets of the Meatpacking and Chelsea neighborhoods. After being neglected for decades, the rail line was overgrown by brush and was sentenced to demolition until a band of dedicated community members raised the funds to develop the beautiful park we enjoy today. (For more info on the history of the High Line and its current events please check out their website here: http://thehighline.org/about/park-information).

Architecturally, the High Line is one of my favorite places in Manhattan. The design is fresh and modern, but its angles and lines echo its former life as a rail line. The architects thoughtfully mixed stone, metal, wood, and even water to weave this beautiful park through 20 blocks of buildings. The views are amazing.

This is one of my favorite places to shoot pictures. On the High Line, you get city street vistas deliberately framed by the park's architecture to the east and skyline views (my favorite being that of the Frank Gehry-designed IAC building). The park hosts art installations, performances, and has some great refreshments to boot! I am dying to get there during the week for Astronomy night.

Below are some recent shots I've taken on my iphone for my Instagram feeds of the sights from the High Line (@holdingcourtblog).

(images via Holding Court /@holdingcourtblog)

The High Line is open daily from 7AM to 11PM. My suggestion is to go there during the "golden hour" (aka sunset) to take amazing pictures and watch the sun go down over the city. There is ample seating on the park and my favorite thing to do there is to pack a picnic. Stop by Dirty Bird to Go on 14th St. for the best fried chicken you will ever encounter in NYC. Dirty Bird offers fresh, organic, natural-fed chicken and has an upbeat, dedicated staff. Their 4-piece meal will feed 2 people (yes, even if one of them is a man!) easily. Pair that with their mac-n-cheese and coleslaw, and take it to the 14 St. entrance of the High Line. Picnic there and you will not be disappointed!