Around Chelsea

There are multiple entrances to the High Line but if you’re entering at 14th street or 16th street make sure you stop for a coffee at this Blue Bottle on 15th street. In the warmer months there are also a ton of vendors on the High Line itself, including a Blue Bottle. Always good to have a place you know you can grab a coffee, snack, water etc. before exploring and Blue Bottle is a great chain with many locations throughout the city.

The High Line is a beautiful elevated park and walkway that meanders throughout the Meatpacking and Chelsea. Greenery, colorful flowers and a great view make walking The High Line a very different experience than walking the streets of New York! In the summer you’ll find bar set-ups and small markets along the line. Depending on your speed, walking the High Line will take about 30-60 minutes.

The origins of the elevated tracks date back nearly 100 years to when freight trains were elevated to allow for safer travel into Manhattan and easier access directly into several factories which is why the line runs right through several buildings. By the 1980s however the line was completely unused by trains. In the last ten years it has undergone a transformation from an overgrown unused eyesore into a park and one of the more geographically and historically interesting, geo parks in the city.

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Chelsea Market is a food and shopping hall in the former Nabisco factory where the Oreo Cookie was invented. As you can imagine, the building has character and is formed by deep rich red bricks. The Chelsea Market sign is lit up by bright, theater-like lights and the market is constantly buzzing with people.

When you first walk in, it can be a little overwhelming especially if you go during lunch or evening hours. I would recommend catching the break in traffic by going around 3 or 4pm on a weekday.

There are a bunch of different shops and since I would consider myself a foodie, a handful of great restaurants and cafes. As soon as you walk in you are smacked in the face with aromas that will immediately make your stomach growl. A couple of my favorite spots in Chelsea market are the Doughnuttery and Big Mozz. I can’t even put a finger on my favorite donut because the variety is astonishing and it all depends on my mood; however, you definitely cannot go wrong with the fruity cereal, the PBJ, Apple Cider or the classic Glaze Drizzle. As for at Big Mozz, I am a sucker for the plain mozz sticks dipped in marinara. These two food options are on the heavier side and more of grab and go. These are nowhere near healthy but as soon as you put the food to your mouth, it warms your soul.

Chelsea Market is authentic and a hub of little businesses. I love hearing about new places to try and my goal is to try every food spot in Chelsea Market; they quite literally have every cuisine. If you're in the mood for soup on a cold wintery day I recommend Hale and Hearty Soup and my favorites are the Chicken Pot Pie Soup (yes... yum) or the Roasted Butternut Squash. Let's say you are looking for a bomb taco, then Los Tacos No. 1 has some of the best Carne Asada or Pollo Asado tacos that are mouthwatering and only $3.75!! Chelsea Market is the perfect place to go if you are traveling with a bigger group because everyone would find a meal that they would enjoy, or if you are into bouncing around and trying a bunch of different small plates and cuisines it’s perfect. Chelsea Market is also a great place to explore even if you aren't that hungry because there are cute boutiques and souvenir shops. The market is authentic and almost transports you out of New York. I also love the area around the market. The streets are cobble/stone and not to mention you are right by the Highline.

Hudson Yards is New York’s newest neighborhood and home to more than 100 diverse shops and culinary experiences, offices for leaders in industry, significant public art and dynamic cultural institutions including The Shed, modern residences, 14 acres of public plazas, gardens and groves and the world’s first Equinox Hotel.

Hudson Yards is very lucky to have Jose Andres’ Mercado Little Spain located on the ground floor. It's the perfect spot to snack on some delicious tapas from different Spanish regions and catch a calming breeze in the indoor/outdoor space with friends. The wine selection is plentiful and everything on the menu is so fresh, and vibrant.

Adjacent to the Maritime Hotel, CATCH STEAK combines the authority of a classic steakhouse with the lighter, brighter style and energetic vibe of a Catch Hospitality Group property. The menu features a curated collection of the world’s best cuts and globally influenced dishes for a more approachable 2020 steakhouse experience with fun, shareable, streaming style service and something-for-everyone appeal.