By S. Herlihy
New York City is located at the bottom tip of New York State. The city lies between the states of New Jersey and Connecticut. New York has many attractions that draw thousands of visitors each year. Many visitors come to see such sites as the Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural History. Many others may wish to seek out less traveled destinations, one that are off the beaten path. New York City also has many less publicized destinations that can be just as rewarding to explore.
The High Line
Walk down The High Line. The High Line is New York City's newest public park. Constructed from 1930s era elevated freight train tracks, the park offers strollers the chance to view New York City streets from thirty feet above. Today the park is lined with flowers and greenery as well as imaginatively designed seating. Entrance to the park is found at Gansvoort Street across from Washington Street in New York City's gritty meatpacking district. Walkers can take the elevator or climb stairs to gain entrance. They can exit at 14th Street, 16th Street, 18th Street and 20th Street. A restroom is available in the park. More than two hundred species of native plants have been planted in the park. The plants are designed to bloom for much of the year and provide passersby with a place to enjoy a sense of garden oasis in a busy city. Additional expansion of the park will take place in the immediate future.
thehighline.org/
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City's most visible landmarks. Constructed in 1883, the bridge connected Manhattan with the then independent city of Brooklyn. The bridge is composed of a lacy framework of interlocking steel cables and towers sunk into the East River. When it opened it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge was designed, constructed and supervised by John Roebling, Washington Roebling and Emily Warren Roebling. It spans 1,595 feet 6 inches, has a total length of 5,989 feet (1825 m) and is 85 feet (26 m) in width. To walk on the bridge is free. Walkers may enter the bridge on the Manhattan side from the end of Centre Street, or through the unpaid south staircase of Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station. Brooklyn access is from either Tillary/Adams Streets (in between the auto entrance/exit), or a staircase on Prospect Street between Cadman Plaza East and West. Bicycles and strollers are allowed.
brooklynbridgepark.org/
Chinese Scholar's Garden
Visit the Chinese Scholar's Garden. Located in the Snug Harbor section of New York City's suburban Staten Island, the garden was the first American recreation of a classical Chinese garden. Visitors are greeted by the sound of running water. There are three ponds and a waterfall in the garden. Fragrant plantings line curved walkways while water tolerant plants line the ponds and waterfall. The garden is a place for quiet contemplation. Visitors can reach it via car or by the free Staten Island Ferry and then a bus ride.
snug-harbor.org/horticulture/scholars/scholars.html
About the Author:
S. Herlihy has been a freelance writer since 2001. Her work has appeared in many publications, including "USA Today," "The Women’s Independent Press," "Big Apple Parent" and "ComputorEdge Magazine." Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York.
