New York, NY

One of my favorite walks in Manhattan is on the West Side by the Hudson River on the High Line. I start at The Vessel and end at Chelsea Market. It’s an alternative to the busyness of places like Times Square. The walk (without stopping) takes me about 20 minutes.

The High Line

The High Line is an old elevated rail line that was converted to a public park thanks to the neighborhood who sought to preserve it as a recreational space once they saw wild plants growing. The history is fascinating. No pets, bicycles, skateboards, skates, smoking, or alcohol are allowed. It’s a lovely walk with a myriad of plants, art, interesting buildings. The design is people-friendly with plenty of bench seating should you need to take a break or want to eat a packed lunch. They also have overlooks where you can sit awhile (weather permitting), take photos, watch people and cars below.

The Vessel

The Vessel is structurally unique to behold, very futuristic. The upper levels had been closed since I moved to NYC, we could only enter and look up from the ground floor. It looks like they’ve reopened reservations again to walk to the top and take in the view.

If you start at The Vessel, head across the way to the upscale mall at Hudson Yards. (The entrance to the High Line will be to the right of the Vessel when facing the mall.) You can use the restroom here and maybe grab some ice cream from Van Leeuwen before walking the High Line.

Chelsea Market

Walking from The Vessel to Chelsea Market works up my appetite. Ample restrooms are located in the lower level of Chelsea Market.

Highlights at Chelsea Market

Alf Bakery

Laminated baguette (top photo). “Laminating” dough is a technique that creates layers of fat and dough, similar to croissants. The baguette pictured above was soft like a croissant. It’s lengthy, extending beyond my cutting board that measures 13.5 inches long. (Sidenote on the butter in the photo: I read that Ina Garten uses Beurre de Baratte from France to spread on toast, and I understand why. It has a luxurious texture. I bought the butter from Murray’s Cheese; they also sell it at their outpost in Grand Central Market.)

Los Tacos No. 1

Tacos (left photo). Once I left CA, I didn’t think I’d be able to find decent tacos (outside of Mexico). Enter Los Tacos. I usually order one carne asada (grilled steak) and one adobada (marinated pork) plus an orange Fanta. Once you put in your order, you’ll get a ticket. Give your ticket to one of the workers on the line who’ll prepare your food. They’ll ask you if you want everything, you can let them know if you want to leave anything out (mine is sans cilantro).

Artists & Fleas

Marketplace for artisans, designers, collectors. This is an artist’s market, cool and unique finds. I enjoy perusing the different crafts and collections. It’s like a brick and mortar Etsy.

Pearl River Mart

Asian-inspired market. They have everything from slippers to books to beginner chopsticks. Now they’ve expanded their food selection (used to be only candies and snacks) with a grocery store in the lower level called Pearl River Mart Foods. (No need to go to H-Mart if you’re already at Chelsea Market.) The daughter wrote a great essay on the origins of the Mart.

Li-Lac Chocolates

Artisan chocolate (right photo). Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house. I’m a fan of supporting local businesses like this. It helps that their chocolate is attractive and delectable.