Shore Road Park and Parkway
You’ve probably heard of the High Line, a beautiful public park that sits on a former elevated rail line in the heart of Brooklyn. It’s the first elevated park in the United States, and it provides some of the best views of the Hudson Yards development, the largest private construction project in NY since Rockefeller Center. It’s also a must-see for first-time visitors. It is located at 9620 Shore Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11209.
While the NYC Ferry docks at Fulton Ferry Landing, you can also take a subway train to York St and then a walk across the bridge to Manhattan. For those who’d prefer to take the subway, the F train stops at York St, A/C at High St, and 2/3 at Clark St. You can also go up the stairs to the Brooklyn Bridge. And, if you’re in the mood for some Italian food, you can’t go wrong with AlMar, a popular neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar that serves breakfast and dinner.
Among the many attractions in the park, the Survivor Tree is worth mentioning. Located to the west of the South Pool, the Survivor Tree was found in the rubble a month after the 9/11 attacks. It was burned, broken, and had snapped roots. But, thanks to the NYC Parks Department, it was brought back to its original site, where it is now growing healthy, new leaves.
While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to take the time to visit the 9/11 Museum. Located on the second floor of the park, this building resembles a small tower, and it has breathtaking views of the Hudson River. A ticket to the museum costs $26 and will last approximately two hours. It’s open Thursday through Monday, from 10am to 5pm. You can also take a stroll along the High Line, and then enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant.
For visitors looking for a more leisurely way to enjoy the parks, consider taking a self-guided tour. The tour includes a brief introduction to the artist’s life and the history of Brooklyn. This is an optional add-on to group tours, which require a minimum of 10 people and can be booked two weeks in advance. Also, take note that the tour is only offered on Mondays and Saturdays before noon, and only in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
The Arboretum has an amazing variety of plants, including native New Jersey wildflowers, over 40 tree species, and ferns. In addition to the flowers, you can see an aviary, which was built in 1933 and still contains a small collection of live animals. While it’s hard to believe that animals once lived in a barn, the Stone House has been restored to preserve its historic charm. Next article
