City Smart Teens: Flying High on The High Line

On the first Sunday of March, City Smart Teens met at the steps of the Whitney Museum in preparation for a journey across the High Line. High Line, one of NYC’s newest and most beloved public spaces, is a park that appears to float above Manhattan’s West Side.When the group began the walk at the Gansevoort St entrance, it was early enough in the day to enjoy High Line with minimal crowds. Still, it was easy to see all the members of the High Line community coming together: Park staff, volunteers, live musicians, art installations, tourists and locals, all giving life to a once abandoned stretch of railroad.

Conversation and laughter flowed freely between the teens as they moved casually along the route, while stopping to take in the unique vantage point that the park provides. Looking down to the busy cobblestone streets on one side, and the Hudson river on the other, there was no shortage of sights to take in, to discuss, and to enjoy! The crowd favorite seemed to be a particular viewing spot that included a wide glass wall that allows you stand safely above 10th Avenue as the cars, cabs, and people rushed by underneath.

In time, the group made their way uptown along the High Line until reaching 30th St., which was closed off due to construction taking place on future phases of the park. At this point, appetites started to kick in, and deliberations began for where to eat lunch. Thanks to a suggestion by one of the City Smart teens, Chelsea Market was proposed as a venue that could satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences. Thankfully, this review turned out to be accurate and the group braved the crowds in the market and settled on Thai food- some for the very first time!

During lunch the group reflected on the sights they had seen on the High Line, and enjoyed mealtime entertainment thanks to a hilarious iPhone app that magically aged their ‘selfies’ to look like 50 years had passed (grey hair and all). Those who were so inclined also sampled some of the gelato available in Chelsea Market, while others browsed a bookshop located next door. In the end the time seemed to fly by, and soon the group made their way back towards their awaiting families. Currently, we are working on the upcoming City Smart Teens schedule of weekend events, so please stay tuned for future adventures!

-Hunter