Where Rural and Urban Become One

Day 7

Heading to Manhattan on the morning of day 7, we were feeling more confident then ever. Meg and I had finally gotten the hang of the subway system, could strut across busy intersections while effortlessly weaving in and out of the crowds and had talked with a famous celebrity, without coming off like a crazed fan (at least we hope so!).

We took the subway to the Greenwich Village and stopped in a little place called Oatmeals for breakfast, where they serve none other than…oatmeal! Think of a frozen yogurt place where you choose your yogurt, then have countless options for toppings. Oatmeals was just that, minus the frozen yogurt of course!

Only a few short blocks over was Washington Square Park- 

a playground for canines and children, a gathering spot for artists and a battleground for chess enthusiasts. 

We found a seat by the fountain, providing us with a great view of the Arch as we enjoyed the relaxed, community feel the park offered. 

We then took a trip down childhood memory lane, as we delighted in peanut butter sandwiches for lunch.

 Greenwich is home to the well-known restaurant, Peanut Butter & Co. 
The menu consists of “gourmet”, (or as I like to call it, “grownup”), peanut butter sandwiches of all varieties.
 I myself, had a toasted peanut butter and nutella sandwich, served on large slices of whole wheat bread. 
It was a bit messy, but exceptionally delicious!

Our afternoon commenced with a subway ride to Chelsea, where we poked around a large, industrial warehouse known as the Chelsea Market; home to a diverse number of restaurants, shops and even the Food Network!

 Above the streets of Manhattan, a newly constructed park called The High Line has made NYC’s list, and ours, of must-dos while in the city!  
Just outside the doors of the Chelsea Market, an elevator awaited to take us up to the old freight rail line turned park.

 We spent our afternoon meandering through the entire thing
(a mere 1.5 miles…nothing compared our 19 mile days in Scotland!)
Nonetheless, The High Line was truly something else.

 It offers the best of both worlds; rural and urban intermixed.
The serene path provides an abundance of green space and its’ own discrete view of the city.  

Our stomachs were grumbling by the time we were done with The High Line, 

so we rode the elevator back to ground level, found a subway, and returned to Greenwich Village. 

Here, we found ourselves at a restaurant no one would believe we’d ever go to- The Meatball Shop. 

Yes, I’m sure this sounds a bit off, considering Meg and I are both vegetarians,

 but it was recommended by a friend, who insisted non meat-eaters would still love it. 

Boy was she ever right! We each devoured a bowl of spaghetti with pesto sauce and homemade vegan meatballs. 

To end such a wonderful meal, we ordered some of their homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert. 

Meg and I both agreed this was by far the best meal of the trip!

After dinner, we explored the surrounding neighborhoods, 

oohing and aah-ing at the beautiful brownstone houses that lined the streets.

 Then it was back to Queens to rest up for our last full day in the City (insert sad face here).