24 Hours in NY: Up Up & Away at the TWA + Lovin’ Little Italy!

24 Hours in NY:

Up Up & Away at the TWA

+ Lovin’ Little Italy!

February is always a fun month in the Pavey-Uosikkinen household. We celebrate David’s birthday and Valentine’s Day, both in the same week! I’ve been wanting to check out the new TWA Hotel at JFK Airport since it opened last spring. And now seemed like the perfect time to go. So, off we went!

In less than two hours, we pulled into the mid-century modern landmark. The TWA airline terminal was designed in 1962 by Finnish architect, Eero Saarinen (see more photos here).

It took three years to restore the TWA Terminal to its original glory. Two hotel towers were added, as well.

Here’s a short video of us pulling into the hotel…

and another video of the entry way…

The grand entry way is a site to behold!

And the Sunken Lounge, overlooking the Ice Skating Rink (left) and “The Connie”(right) is breathtaking! Here is a video clip overlooking the Sunken Lounge…

We dropped our bags and stepped into the history of this incredible building.

These two pilots 😉 greeted us as we entered.

David headed toward the Saarinen Wing, which leads to the hotel tower, that overlooks the terminal.

And just a dime to make a phone call! Ahhh the good ol’ days!

This is the Hughes Wing. It takes us to our hotel tower that overlooks the runway!

Our jaws dropped as we entered our room.

We discovered amazing touches in every corner of the room. From the 1962 copy of Time Magazine to the red TWA pencils…

Small but comfy, every inch was designed to be utilized.

The retro dial phone even works!

David went back in time with a Tab. Do you remember Tab?

But, that view! We couldn’t get over that view!

How ’bout the rooftop pool! It’s 100 degrees in there!

More exploring of the hotel, brought us to this recreation of a 1962 living room.

David was drawn to the 1962 record collection. Surprise surprise!

I went for the Etch-a Sketch! And that’s Barbie’s Dream House behind me…Wow!

Tucked at the end of the Howard Hughes Wing, is a replica of Howard Hughes’ office.

David looked so official behind the desk. We were laughing so hard 😀

Next up, ice skating!

David was so excited. He took to the ice, like a fish to water! Me, not so much.

After a few spins around the rink, we headed over to The Connie Air Plane, where they serve vintage inspired cocktails and snacks.

David was feeling inspired by Frank Sinatra! He can sing, too!

All that skating and singing made us hungry! It was time for dinner at the Paris Cafe. But, first we stopped to take in the scenery along the way.

A visit to the Sunken Lounge before dinner was the way to go!

Once at the Paris Cafe, we sat along the railing that overlooked the entry way. A great view!

David had the Fish & Chips.

I had the Pizza.

After dinner, we had some fun in the photo booth, and it was free! The machine emails the pics right to your inbox!

Then a quick change into our bathing suits, and we were headed for the rooftop pool.

David was rockin’ that TWA bathrobe. Looks like it was made for him. LOL!

The pool was heated to 100 degrees. But, it was 35 freaking degrees outside!

 

It was rough getting out of that pool. But, we had a lot of fun.

After our evening swim, we headed back to the room to warm up and chill out.

What a day! What a night! Good night TWA Hotel. See you tomorrow!

In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast in bed with a strong cup of coffee and Bacon, Egg and Cheese on a NY Bagel. Thanks for the room service, Mr. Romance!

Then, it was time to pack up and head out. But, before we left…

It was Twister time!!! One of my favorite childhood games!

With all that eating and twisting behind us, we said good bye to the TWA Hotel and hit the road to Manhattan!

When David falls in love, he falls hard. So now, every time we are in (or near) NYC, we have to go to Little Italy for a meal at La Mela.

We have been there about 3 times now. Every time we go, we are seated at the same window table.

David got the Spaghetti & Meatballs (as usual) and I got the Chicken Parm (as usual). They were both sooooooo goooood! We would go back in a New York minute,  if we could.

Whenever we are at La Mela, I get to pull the sausage for good luck (or is it the salami)! I was feeling lucky 😉

On our way to the car, this man asked us if we had just eaten at La Mela. He said that he recognized David, “a good looking guy,” from his photo on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Turns out, he’s the guy that does their social media! How funny!

And that my friends, is another trip for the books! We had an incredible time at the TWA Hotel, and Le Mela was the perfect ending to our romantic getaway. See you next time!

With love,

Dallyn & David

xoxo

Follow me on Instagram for more fun pics of our adventures!.

Posted in: Food and Restaurants