Since I have very little PTO left for the rest of the year, I was limited to only a weekend trip to The Edge. To avoid large crowds, I decided to wake up bright and early, arriving at Hudson Yards for my 9am time slot. When we entered the attraction, I felt like I was going on a Disney ride as we made our way to the elevators that would take us up to the observation deck. Once we made it to the elevators, we were given a spiel about how the elevators take you to the 100th floor in 52 seconds. As a New Yorker, I was not impressed, but I did feel like a tourist at that moment. To be honest, this is the most touristy thing I’ve done in the city since I was kid.
Back in 5th grade, we were awarded an all day field trip to the city for us graduating on to middle school. Eerily, my trip was to the Twin Towers. The South Tower of the World Trade Center complex had an open air observation deck known as the Top of the World. At 110 floors above ground, I found it rather terrifying as a kid. It still feels unreal that in just three years of my visit, the towers would cease to exist due to the 9/11 attacks. It’s still difficult for me to talk about after all this time. 22 years later, I’m viewing the city skyline through a different lens, and in some poetic way, I’m proud of our city for overcoming such devastation and grief. I have hope for her continued healing, but being at The Edge shows me she’s sstill standing despite it all.
Before I could even reach the floral installation, girls in long colorful gowns were already there taking photos. I was like damn, you bitches are crazy! I thought I was being smart by arriving earlier, but I still could not beat the influencers. It was rather hard to get decent shots here as it was filled with people (even at opening), and the morning sun didn't do me any justice. I’m wondering if Danny and I should start investing in a flash. I still don’t know how to use my camera, let alone a flash though. We moved on to the outside deck, where we got amazing panoramic views of the city. The triangular-shaped observation deck is uniquely suspended in midair, jutting out 80 feet from the building. The deck is aligned with glass panels to give you a clear view of New York. There is also a glass floor that you can see 100 floors down to the streets of Manhattan. There were plenty of daredevils like myself taking photos laying or sitting on the glass.
There were a decent amount of people visiting in the morning, but people were patient while waiting for their turn to take photos at the different corners and viewing points of the sky deck. We weren’t 100% successful in taking the photos I wanted. I also forget that Danny isn’t an instagram hoe and that I need to show him examples of the types of photos I want. I’m still thankful he’s willing to work with me despite me being stubborn and bossy. Although, does he really have a choice in the matter? The whole point of buying a camera was to take pictures of me lol. Hopefully, next summer they will continue with the Sky Bloom or have a brand new installation so I can revisit.
Overall, did I enjoy my experience? Yes. Do I think it’s worth the $40 ticket price? No. You can spend as much time at the observation deck as you like, but the whole experience only takes you about an hour. As a jaded New Yorker, I think natives should get a discount lol. If you are a tourist wanting a once-in-a-lifetime view of the city, The Edge would be my recommendation out of all the observation decks in New York. An open air deck with stunning views of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center is my optimal choice. While both these iconic skyscrapers have observation decks of their own, you’ll miss out on seeing one of these quintessential New York buildings in your pandemic view.
Hudson Yards has also improved greatly over the years. After we finished visiting The Edge, we walked over to The High Line Plinth to view the vibrant pink and red Old Tree, a sculpture by Pamela Rosenkranz. This sculpture is located on the newest addition to The High Line called the Spur. While we were on The High Line, we also visited the Vessel. I wonder if this structure will ever be open to the public again, but chances seem slim. While we were in the area, I made Danny take me to Jacob’s Pickles in Moynihan Train Hall. He’s a staunch pickle hater, but I bribed him with their Mac & cheese dish. We tried their honey chicken and pickles biscuit sandwich (Danny’s sans the pickles) and the regular Mac & cheese. Everything was delicious, and I'm excited to visit again. I was tempted to try the pickle soft serve, but I was too full and there was no way I could share with Danny LOL. Hopefully, next time.
If I decide to continue on my NY tourist journey, I'd like to visit the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt next!
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