Close to the Coast: The Hudson River Greenway

Going green
Pining to get away from it all, but with no time for a vacation? You can always escape to the Hudson River Greenway. At 11 miles—and running close to the no-fee rentals at 555TEN—this is the longest greenway in all Manhattan. No wonder, then, that New Yorkers love to explore it, picking out the myriad gems lining the West Side from Battery Park up to Dyckman Street. Before you start plotting your route, though, you need to choose your ride. Allow us to give you a helping hand.

Wheely great choices
Most people who use the Hudson River Greenway choose to do so by bike. But don’t panic if you don’t have a set of wheels—there are plenty of places along the route to grab a rental. Head to a nearby Citi Bike station: assuming you’re setting out from your luxury 555TEN apartment, you’ll easily find one at 11th Avenue & West 41st Street or 9th Avenue & West 39th Street, among other spots. This cheap and easy way of acquiring a cycle means you can be in the saddle just moments after leaving home (and abandon your bike as soon as you feel the urge to get that first beer). Annual memberships and day passes are available, though if you’re toying with the former, it’s worth calling in at Enoch’s Bike Shop on 10th Avenue, Midtown West. Since 1983, these guys have been kitting out New Yorkers with the best Masis, Haros, and KHSs. Trust us, your wheels are in good hands.

Of course, there are other ways to travel along the Greenway. If you’re planning to skate or blade, take a trip south to Uncle Funkys Boards and score yourself a Loaded Fattail or Arbor Rally. Newbie? No matter: they do lessons, too. Or, if you prefer to keep it simple, get yourself a pair of sneakers and take a walk.

Greenway gems
Wheeling along the Hudson River Greenway, you get a fresh perspective on NYC—and you’re guaranteed to see things you’ve never noticed before, no matter how long you’ve lived in Manhattan.

The “Greenway” isn’t called that for nothing. Running through no fewer than five parks (Battery Park, Hudson River Park, Riverside Park South, Riverside Park, and Fort Washington Park), there’s verdant scenery everywhere. Either feast your eyes as you whiz past or make a couple of scenic stop-offs en route to your final destination.

Parks aside, every itinerary is different. Perhaps you’ll call in at one of the concerts they have at West Harlem Piers. Or admire the boats at Seventy-Ninth Street Boat Basin. Or even learn something new at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Then you can reward yourself at Tribeca Grill, while plotting out the stops for your next Greenway jaunt.