Virgin Atlantic announced details of its new Clubhouse at New York-JFK Airport.

It will be 10,000 square feet and will open early next month. The design is a joint effort of an in-house design team and the New York-based architectural practice, Slade Architecture. The idea is create an “Uptown” themed space. It will be a combination of a private members club, boutique hotel lobby, restaurant service and chic bar plus a few surprises. It will be located airside, adjacent to the Virgin Atlantic gates, allowing passengers to maximize their time in the Clubhouse before boarding the aircraft.

The new lounge will also introduce Virgin Atlantic’s first overseas spa.

As part of the spa treatments, there will be the first-ever hair salon in any U.S. business class lounge, with services provided by renowned New York City-based salon and product company Bumble and bumble.

Virgin Atlantic offers three daily flights from JFK to London Heathrow, plus additional twice-daily flights from Newark to London Heathrow.

The new tours include transfers, some meals, hotel accommodations and taxes. Winter Extravaganza Tour (seven days, six nights) features Alaska’s Iditarod Sled Dog Race and Mushers’ Banquet. Alaska Explorer Tour (seven days, six nights) includes Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Anchorage. The Alaska National Parks Tour (eight days, seven nights) includes Anchorage, Denali National Park, Seward and Girdwood. The Denali Express Tour (four days, three nights) focuses on Anchorage and Denali (well suited for pre- or post cruisers). The Grand Alaska Land Tour (10 days, nine nights) features Anchorage, Valdez, Fairbanks and Denali National Park.

Highlights include visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Alaska SeaLife Center; city tours and visits to the Alaska Zoo with a behind-the-scenes experience; Iditarod festivities and dinner at the Mushers’ Banquet; a visit to the Iditarod Headquarters and to see first-hand a replica Iditarod Trail station; Iditarod festivities in Anchorage; a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center; a sightseeing tour with a visit to the Fairbanks Museum; a tundra wilderness tour; an Anchorage city tour; Alaskan-style dinners; a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park; a tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for beautiful views of Turnagain Arm; a visit to Valdez, known as “Alaska’s Little Switzerland”; a glacier and wildlife cruise through the Prince William Sound; an encounter with the Columbia Glacier; and a riverboat cruise on the Chena River.

Travel Impressions prepared an Alaska Dimension Series presentation, with product knowledge and training through animated presentations including videos, voice-over narration, background music and attachments, as well as interactive quizzes.

Founded in 1974, Travel Impressions is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express that offers FIT vacations to more than 200 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Dubai, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Islands of Tahiti, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and the Continental U.S. For more information, call 800-284-0044.

In Kentucky, you don’t have to venture far to have an exciting vacation that will create great memories for kids, college students, family and friends for years to come. These activities are easily accessible to visitors from throughout the Midwest and other surrounding states, allowing an escape that doesn’t require a long drive or expensive airline flight. Kentucky State Parks’ 17 resorts are open seven days a week and are the perfect place for a spring getaway. The park system’s 30+ campgrounds offer outdoor enthusiasts easy access to stunning scenery, outdoor pursuits, and budget-friendly spring break accommodations.

Golfers will find attractive packages at state parks. Eighteen state park golf courses in every region of the state offer championship play amid pastoral beauty. Economical packages start at $79 per person for one night lodge accommodations and 18 holes of golf with a cart. For more ideas about how to enjoy the great outdoors in Kentucky this spring, visit
THISI LINK.

The programs are led by expert guides who offer insider knowledge to illuminate the hidden side of the parks and their histories.

“Most families find that their daily lives are so hectic with work and school that summer vacations are the only time they have to truly reconnect,” said Bob Simpson, vice president of product planning and business development at Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. “Travel is often the most uninterrupted time they spend together during the year.

But it shouldn’t be a chore to plan. And it’s too important to get it wrong. Our guests look to us to be responsible for their holiday from beginning to end and our goal in designing these new itineraries was to deliver a more active, more engaging, more personalized way to experience these extraordinary places as a family.”

The Grand Canyon and Beyond explores desert canyons, the Colorado River, Zion National Park’s trails and the rim of the Grand Canyon on little-known trails, led by Grand Canyon Field Institute guides.

The trip includes a visit to the studio of photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Clients can learn about the latest paleontological discoveries in Grand Staircase Escalante and the geology of Zion National Park from private guides.

Accommodations include the Enchantment Hotel in Sedona, with its acclaimed Mii amo Spa, and the Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah.

Departures are June 24 to July 1 and Aug 4 to 11. The price starts at $5,095 per person double occupancy. Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person.

Discovering California’s National Parks presents California gold country and the scenery along the Pacific coast and in Yosemite National Park.

It includes a drive on Highway 1 to the Avenue of the Giants and Redwood National Park and a leisurely float trip down the American River through the heart of California’s gold country. Yosemite Conservancy guides take clients on an easy walk through Yosemite Valley or an energetic Glacier Point hike four miles down to the valley floor.

At a lunch at Ahwahnee Lodge clients will meet historian Lee Stetson (featured in Ken Burns’ National Park series on PBS) as he portrays 19th century naturalist John Muir. Also included is a private visit to Crystal Cave, a maze of stalactites and stalagmites formed of marble. Accommodations include Cavallo Point Lodge, one of Conde Nast Traveler’s 200 Best Hotels, and Carter House Inn, which is comprised of four restored Victorian townhouses in Old Town Eureka. Departures are June 21 to 30 and July 29 to Aug 7. The price is from $5,895 per person double occupancy.

Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person. Abercrombie & Kent began offering African safaris in 1962, and today offers travel to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. For more information, call 800-554-7094.

“The GSA ran an extensive process and we are extremely honored to have been selected.”

Under its proposal, Trump Hotel Collection will be sponsor, investor, developer, brand and operator, making it possible to shepherd the building through every stage of concept, redevelopment and operations. Colony Capital partnered with Trump on the proposal and will co-invest in the project.

“We are delighted to team with The Trump Organization to redevelop this historic American landmark while preserving its grandeur and elegance,” said Thomas Barrack Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Colony Capital LLC.

“As long-term investors in hospitality, we share the GSA’s vision for transforming this iconic property into one of the finest destination hotels in the country. We look forward to working with the Trump Organization and GSA to make the redevelopment a reality.”

Trump Hotel Collection said the redevelopment plan will include the highest-caliber features and amenities – with more than 250 guest rooms, penthouses and presidential suites; world-class restaurants, a café, and a bar and lounge; extensive banquet, ballroom and meeting facilities;

The Spa at Trump; and a library — as well as a curated museum, exhibition gallery, and indoor and outdoor gardens — all preserving the integrity of the historic structure.

Completed in 1899, the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival edifice known as the Old Post Office is located at Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street.

In 2008, Congress directed the GSA to enter into a long-term lease for private-sector development and restoration.

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is the 23rd property to become part of Hilton’s luxury hospitality brand, with an additional three properties joining the portfolio in 2012.

The property opened in late 2009 in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Michigan Avenue.

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago comprises the hotel, 51 private residences, restaurants, a spa, and event and meeting rooms. The hotel features 188 guestrooms and suites and two restaurants — Balsan, a contemporary bistro, and RIA, a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering modern, seasonally-driven French cuisine. Bernard’s, the hotel bar, is reminiscent of a plush private club.

Alaska Airlines will start daily nonstop service between Seattle and Philadelphia, starting June 11, and between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning July 16. With the introduction of Seattle-Fort Lauderdale service, Alaska Airlines will discontinue flights to Miami, a city the carrier has served from its Seattle hub since 2002.

Introductory fares start at $190 each way between Seattle and Philadelphia, and at $170 each way between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale. Both fares include all government taxes and fees. Tickets must be purchased by Feb. 13 and can be used for travel through July 11 for Philadelphia and by Aug. 29, 2012, for Fort Lauderdale.

The Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at noon Saturday, March 3, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The tradition of blowing a conch shell in the Florida Keys began centuries ago. In the 1800s, when the local economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from ships wrecked on the nearby reef, sailors attracted attention by blowing piercing blasts on the shell.

“There wasn’t a ship that went out that didn’t have at least one conch shell on it for communications,” said veteran contest winner Clinton Curry.

The Keys’ connection with conch goes far beyond instrumental and communications applications.

The slightly tough meat of the hardy mollusk is the prime ingredient in conch chowder and conch fritters, two of the island chain’s signature dishes. Keys natives proudly proclaim their own tough, hardy nature by calling themselves “conchs” and their home the Conch Republic.

Several dozen kids and adults are expected to compete in the March 3 “conch honk,” showcasing their pucker power and honoring an important Keys tradition. Spectators can expect more laughs than musical inspiration and a surprise visit from some characters from Key West’s seafaring history.

While most entrants only manage blasts or squawks, each year a few produce complex melodies that impress judges and audiences alike.

Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories.

The festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2012 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants can register at the Oldest House from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 3, or at the event itself if space is still available.

Those lacking “instruments” can purchase conch shells on site.

Event information: www.oirf.org or 305-294-9501
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

The state of New Mexico, America’s 47th state, celebrates 100 years of statehood in 2012 with events and festivals all year long.

In Albuquerque, a variety of events and festivals will honor the state’s landmark occasion. Albuquerque’s largest Centennial event is the Centennial Summerfest on Saturday, June 16th with themed music, performances and themed food stations throughout the downtown area.

In addition to events, stay tuned for details on Albuquerque’s themed Centennial Weekend celebrations throughout the year. www.abqcentennial.com/

Spaceport Tours

Albuquerque-based Follow the Sun Tours is now offering weekend tours of Spaceport America. The Spaceport is located two and a half hours south of Albuquerque near Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico. The current preview tour is available on weekends and will expand to a daily offering in March when the Pre-Operational Tour begins.

We will share more details as we receive them. The preview tour is an excellent opportunity to take a peak into what space tourism is going to be when flights begin, which is expected for early 2013. www.ftstours.com/spaceport.htm

Albuquerque’s theater scene

According to the Albuquerque Theatre Guild, more theatrical performances take place each weekend in Albuquerque than in any other U.S. city of its size. One of Albuquerque’s busiest times for theater is late winter and early spring. Learn more: www.ItsATrip.org/onstage.

Albuquerque Kudos

Los Poblanos Inn receives international recognition from Fodor’s

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm has been named one of “Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels” for 2011, a designation given to the top 100 “best in category” hotels in the world. Privately owned by the Rembe family, the 25-acre inn and organic farm has a cultural center and conference facilities that marry state-of-the art technology with historic architecture, antiques and exquisite examples of colonial and legendary New Mexico craftsmanship. View details.

Gruet Winery recognized

New Mexico’s Gruet Winery was recognized as one of the Top 100 Wines of 2011 at a prestigious No. 43. Their Blanc de Noirs NV was given a rating of 90 points earlier in the year and is now recognized as one of the best wines in the world.

Kicking off the New Year, Gruet’s Grand Rosé was also recognized as one of Oprah.com’s “Best Drinks for Dieters.

Vernon’s named one of America’s most hidden restaurants
“Whether it’s a gimmick or indifference, the secrecy of a restaurant only makes a reservation there that much more desirable,” says http://www.thedailymeal.com/. The website recognized Albuquerque’s Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse among the most hidden restaurants in the country. Read the complete story.

Fusion Theatre Company recognized nationally
The 11-year-old Fusion Theatre Co. was recently one of 10 U.S. theater companies to be awarded by the national American Theater Wing. View the story.

Upcoming Events

“100 Years of State & Federal Policy: The Impact on Pueblo Nations” – exhibit and programming at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
February 4 – December 2012

Savor Albuquerque Festival & Centennial Summerfest – 10-day festival focused on arts, culture and cuisine
June 7-16, 2012
http://www.abqcentennial.com/

25th Anniversary of the Festival Flamenco de Alburquerque – the most important flamenco festival outside of Spain
June 8-16, 2012
http://ffinm.org/

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the world’s largest ballooning festival
October 6-14, 2012
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/