The year is 1973. On the Buses is rolling out of the depot for the last time after a four-year run on the BBC. Daisy the Double-Decker has seen it all.
I was the big fan of the show, which introduced me to the depths of the double-decker bus and British humour. So naturally I put on my best flowered frock to visit Daisy at the High Line Hotel‘s outdoor patio (at 180 10th Avenue) on opening-for-summer day on a recent sunny Saturday.
The hotel’s walled garden was a favorite spot for me and my Chelsea pals during the pandemic, and I’ve spent many a happy evening there. At nighttime, fairy lights on the trees turn the patio and outdoor bar into an enchanted forest. But for me, the biggest draw is Daisy.
Daisy began her career in Lancaster, England in 1959. By 2019, she was ready for a change of scene. She rolled onto a cargo ship in Liverpool and arrived in Newark, NJ, where she was retrofitted for her new passengers—the latte and spritz drinkers of Chelsea. I was lucky enough to have coffee and pastry on her upper deck a few years ago. She’s no longer taking passengers on board, but has begun her third career as a ginormous red garden gnome.
Daisy isn’t the only one with a past. The High Line Hotel opened in 2013 on land that gave Chelsea its name by being British Major Thomas Clarke’s “Chelsea” estate, established in 1750. But not only that. According to Forbes, the estate had an apple orchard, and this is how “The Big Apple” got its famous nickname!
The Collegiate Gothic-style hotel is just my style, with rewired rotary dial telephones from the 1920s, vintage typewriters, Tiffany lamps, and oil paintings galore. I want to staycation here soon for a few days of writing. Perhaps I will be visited by the ghost of Clarke’s grandson, Clement Clarke Moore, who wrote his famous 1823 Christmas poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” on this spot. “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house….”
The hotel’s General Manager, Abbey Rader, told me that the cocktail patio is now called Fairweather and is operated by Crew. It’s open 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekends, weather permitting. When you stop by, be sure to give Daisy a cheerio.
This article first appeared in Chelsea News, Upper West Side Spirit, Our Town Downtown, and Our Town Upper East Side.
Style Notes
- ’70s pop-art floral print swing dress by Unique Vintage. Discovered at the delightful and inexpensive thrift recycler Buffalo Exchange, 114 West 26th Street.
- Silver Soda strappy Mary Janes and lime green crocheted purse. Buffalo Exchange.
- Hand-made beaded choker. Gift from my sister.
Hey Karen,
Great to gander those gorgeous gams. I see you’ve launched into summer with your usual aplomb. It’s great to hear about your latest escapades, always entertaining!
Thanks, Bruce! Take a gander any time you like! 🙂 I hope you’re splashing into summer with refreshing plans.
I’ve passed Daisy many times on my 10th Avenue walks wondering
about her history — so now I know! Thank you, Karen. Loved
your dress and shoes.
Hi Lew, that’s so cool that you know Daisy!! Now you know her even better 🙂 Thanks very much.
What a delightful trip down memory lane! It sounds like a whimsical and nostalgic experience, mingling with Daisy and enjoying the charm of the High Line Hotel’s patio. Your retro ensemble perfectly complements the vibe of the era. Cheers to Daisy and to many more sunny afternoons spent in such enchanting settings!
Thanks, Shari! I will do my best to enjoy every sunny afternoon. I am sure you are doing the same. 🙂 Cheers to you! 🥂
So very very cool!
Thanks, Tim! NYC is brimming with fascinating details everywhere I go.
The photos are outstanding!
Thanks Ash! Just me, goofing around as usual!
Thanks for sharing a bit of NYC history with me with the red gnome, a bit of Christmas, and the origin of the Big Apple.
Thanks, Mike. The red garden gnome idea really tickles me! 🙂
I love how much I have learned from your articles. I did not know about Clarke’s estate and his apple orchard. Many stories have emerged around NYC’s nickname, “The Big Apple”. One story floating around is that the nickname came from a story in the bible—when Eve plucked an apple from the Tree of Knowledge. NYC = Knowledge. Did you read that one? —George
That’s a fascinating origin story for NYC. I didn’t come across that one. NYC=knowledge – how true!!
I liked the idea that it came from the apple orchard, but it seems unlikely. Most sources claim it was as expression jazz musicians used, which was adopted by a PR guy around the same time as the I ♥ New York campaign.
I love the adventures you build for yourself! Your columns are a joy.
Thanks, Tracey! I am so happy to hear that. It’s my true wish to bring some joy to my readers!
Karen! You are a delight! Your smile, essence, joy, daring, and of course STYLE! Thanks for all you do!
Aww. Thanks, Nelsie! I feel so lucky to live in this inspiring place. With wonderful people like you to inspire me!
Karen,
What a delicious opening salvo to summer. Yes, summer-in-the-city, please, with inviting places like Fairweather. Your ensemble beautifully personifies a summer vibe, and I can picture you aboard Daisy’s upper deck enjoying balmy breezes and favorite London landmarks. Peace – and beauty – baby!
lol – thanks Mrs. Reno! Let’s relish these balmy days!
❀✿..★☆꧁:..::♥✸♥꧂☆★.꧂☆.❀✿as aLways,, sOoooo much i NeVeR knEW,,, ❀✿..★☆꧁:..::♥✸♥꧂☆★.꧂☆.❀✿
& PlAceS to exPloRE!!!❀✿..★☆꧁:..::♥✸♥꧂☆★.꧂☆.❀✿ thAnK yOU!
Thanks, Zaphy!! 🌸🌼✨