Chasing Pavements... and Sunsets

I was thinking the other day, as I was sitting along the East River in Brooklyn Bridge Park watching the sun sink beneath the Manhattan skyline, that I've seen some pretty spectacular sunsets while either visiting or living in New York. I feel like sunsets have to be one of the few things people can agree on: there's something just magical about the way the daylight sky can turn into the most brilliant colors before it says farewell and fades into the dark of night. 

There's certainly no shortage of beautiful scenery in NYC, but add a sunset to the mix and you've got all the ingredients you need to make up a real pretty picture. There were a few occasions where I'd been on a mission to find a good "sunset spot," while other times I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. I'll always love photographing (and chasing!) sunsets, as I'm sure most photographers do, even if it's just snapping a quick picture on my iPhone... so here's a little collection of what I've captured during my time in the city.

Sunday Sightseeing on City Island

Just at the other end of a short bridge that extends past Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx and over Long Island Sound is a peculiar little place that seems very un-New York, but is still a part of the city's northernmost borough. It takes on the persona of a New England-type fishing village with its historical homes, tree-lined streets, yacht clubs, and impressive selection of seafood restaurants. It's only a mile-and-a-half long and half a mile wide, but it packs a lot of character with its local businesses and lively residents. Welcome to City Island!

It was a top-notch Sunday afternoon with my partner-in-exploration Allie, and had all the characteristics of what we consider to make up a perfect weekend adventure: breakfast or lunch at a fabulous diner, tons of picture-taking of what I referred to as "weird shit," plenty of vintage signage and of course, a cemetery. Plus, where else in New York are you going to spot a classic Mustang?!

City Island Diner was a charming little place with delicious diner fare, and as Allie pointed out, was also the spot Jerry Seinfeld drove Ricky Gervais to in an episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. (We're pretty sure we sat at the same table.)

It had to have been one of the hottest days of the summer and I was sweating harder than a whore in church, but we were having too much fun to let that slow us down. Thankfully Allie reminded me to put sunscreen on otherwise I would've turned into the next lobster cooked up at the City Island Lobster House! Obviously we wouldn't have passed up the opportunity to cool down with a few scoops from the Lickety Split, and took a few more breaks by ducking into some air-conditioned shops to keep from melting to the sidewalks.

We found some exceptional treasures at an antique store, including a life-size giant hot dog Allie would've taken home if not for the prohibitive price tag of $3,500.

It was a nice change of pace to be in such a laid-back and quiet space with empty streets and sidewalks, not to mention great views of the water and awesome old buildings.

We walked the entire length of the island, sweating through our shirts and backpacks as we people-watched and wondered what daily life is like for the animated residents we encountered, remarking that City Island is assuredly one of those places where everyone knows everyone's business. 

When we got to the very south end, we stumbled on a staggering amount of birds that appeared to be having a party on the restaurant patios that sat on the water, and stood amazed at the scene while trying to avoid being pooped on. By that point, we decided we had enough of the heat and caught the bus back to the Bronx train station, but it was an exceptional afternoon and I'm definitely a fan of this quirky little seaside town.

I Walk the (High) Line

Right at the intersection of Gansevoort and Washington Streets in the Meatpacking District is the entrance to a little garden oasis in the city called the High Line. It's a 1.45 mile-long exceptionally-designed park built on an elevated section of what was once the West Side Line of the New York Central Railroad. 

I first saw this incredible urban jungle when I visited New York in December of 2013. It wasn't as alive then as it is in the spring and summer, and not all sections of the park were completed at that time, but I was amazed by the unique and innovative design that turned the once unused and overgrown railway into a beautiful space that millions of people can enjoy year-round. 

I walked another section of it with my sister when she visited in June, but had still not seen the High Line in its entirety, so one day when I found myself wandering around the Meatpacking District, I decided to climb the stairs and make the walk all the way up to the other end of the park at 34th Street and 11th Avenue. 

In addition to the gorgeous greenery and fabulous flowers you encounter along the way mixed with fantastic views of Manhattan, there are also plenty of instances of public art scattered about in the form of murals and sculptures, although the park in itself can be considered as one giant work of art as well. It's all so photographable, so I tried to narrow down some of my favorites to share with you. Hope you enjoy!