PS Modernism Week + Ace Hotel

Goodbye 2009 and hello 2010!  I'm excited for the new year and all the upcoming events that come with it. I'm currently plotting my escape to Palm Springs in February for Modernism Week. In addition to the 10th Annual Modernism Show + Sale, the schedule of events includes tours of the Albert Frey II house, a special screening of Julius Shulman: Desert Modern at the Frank Sinatra Twin Palms estate, a retro martini party at Lautner's Elrod House, and much more! This week-long event, filled with fun in the sun and mid-century modern mania is not to be missed.

Now the only question left is where to rest my head in between days spent scouting antiques, sipping cocktails, soaking in the sun, and scurrying around town taking it all in.  The answer: Ace Hotel will be offering the Frey Package, a Palm Spring Modernism Week exclusive with a special rate plus discounts at King's Highway restaurant, the Amigo Room, and the spa. In keeping with the week's theme, the hotel is a circa-1965 Howard Johnson motel and the restaurant was formerly a Denny's, both of which have been revamped with modern luxuries, but have most certainly maintained their original desert modern spirit.  Yep, I'll rest well at this old HoJo.  No doubt about it.

New York, New York

Next time I fly to New York, I'm going to be sure it's on Jet Blue, and no not just because of the DirecTV.  (Although that's nice too.) I want to see for myself the makeover of Eero Saarinen's Terminal 5 at JFK.  Under construction since 2005, Jet Blue has finally unveiled the new 'old TWA terminal' with traveler convenience in mind, 21st century amenities, and some great dining options.

One of four 'Velocity Bars' located in gate areas

Re:Vive stations have touch screens where you can order food and charge portable electronics

My personal favorite: I've never seen anything in an airport that looked this inviting

Deep Blue designed for solo diners looking for a quick bite

Aero Nuevo

5ive Steak

Puquillo, the first tapas bar in a U.S. airport

Last, but not least - A blast from the past!  Raymond Loewy-designed Union News Coffee Shop which opened in the original TWA flight center (then called Idlewild)