What are your plans for Spring Break?

Giant waterfalls, a ride up a sheer cliff on a 360-degree rotating tram, off-road adventures, and sparking pools….and it’s not a theme park. Discover Palm Springs, California, a desert playground, that is an affordable and fun family getaway…especially for Spring Break.
Travel deals online at www.comeplayinpalmsprings.com

Watch the video to see new hotels and meeting space in Palm Springs.www.visitpalmspringscc.com

To kick-off the big holiday weekend (Valentine’s Day, Tour de Palm Springs, Presidents Weekend, and Modernism Week), the Palm Springs Uptown Design District will have several special events on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 in Palm Springs.

‘Stroll-Along-The-Boulevard’ in the Uptown Design District, 12:00 Noon – ‘til Late.

Enjoy a relaxing day walking along the Palm Canyon Boulevard of Modern Art, Fashion and Design, in Palm Springs Uptown Design District. A day full of activities for the Modernism enthusiast, featuring lunches, book signings, lectures, artist signings, art openings and tours. The Uptown Design District begins at Alejo and ends at Tachevah on Palm Canyon Drive.

*Shag Lunch at Trio Restaurant, limited seating, Noon - 2 PM

Three course lunch and a lecture by Shag. Complimentary custom signed menu by Shag. Limited seating, call for reservations 760.864.8746 or www.triopalmsprings.com. 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

*Wine and Cheese Reception for Artist Megan Berk at Trend House, 1:30 – 4:00PM

Experience the captivating ‘darkness and shadows’ of mid century artist Megan Rose Berk.

Megan’s explores ‘darkness and shadows’ in her original series of Palm Springs modern homes, on which she embarked after falling in love with the homes’ look on a visit to the desert city.

675 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

*Opening Reception for Danny Heller at the Terrence Rogers Gallery, 2 - 5 PM

Terrence Rogers Gallery, 664 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

*Meet the Architect: Don Wexler at The Corridor, hosted by Digs & Café Chocolat, 3 -5 PM

Join us for a smart cocktail party celebrating the work and life of beloved Palm Springs modernist architect Donald Wexler. Also on hand will be architectural historian Patrick McGrew, the author of the recent Palm Springs Preservation Foundation tribute journal on Wexler. 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive (The Corridor at Alejo and Palm Canyon Drive behind Café Chocolat). www.digspalmsprings.com and www.cafechocolat.com.

*Design Within Reach hosts Charles Hollis Jones, 4 - 6 PM

To celebrate its first anniversary, Design Within Reach hosts Charles Hollis Jones for a lecture and interview. Champagne, cake and coffee. 800 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F.

*Asylum Home Store Hosts ‘Barbie’ Artist Judy Ragagli, 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Glamour returns to the Uptown Design District at Asylum, with the opening of artist Judy Ragagli’s vintage hyper-realistic Barbie oil paintings, and celebrating the anniversary of the original modern fashion Icon – Barbieâ.  The opening reception will feature cocktails and birthday cake, and exclusive Barbie-Tinis courtesy of TRIO Restaurant. 844 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Www.asylumhomestore.com. 

*10th Annual PS Modernism Show, 10 AM - 6 PM / Silent Auction, ends Saturday at noon

This annual gathering of avid modernism collectors and dealers has grown exponentially since its inception, now drawing thousands of people from around the country and from far-flung locations around the globe. For the first time, the 5th Annual Modernism Week will feature a Silent Auction during the Modernism Show Preview Reception on Friday, February 12 and into Saturday noon. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros. www.modernismweek.com.

*PS Modern Committee Annual Gala Benefit, 7 - 11 PM

Enjoy a GREAT ESCAPE to the bachelor pad of King of Cool, Hollywood Legend, Steve McQueen. Nestled among the iconic architectural giants on Southridge, this is a fabulous opportunity to rock the night away at this rarely viewed residence and disco! Transportation info will be provided after ticket purchase.

How to Experience Palm Springs Desert Modernism

• Stay in a retro retreat…many of the Palm Springs small hotels and vacation home rentals are mid-century classics.
• Guided architectural tours are available year-round…learn about the masters of mid-century modern architecture by taking a tour of the desert’s most notable architecture.
• Experience a small downtown with an urban sensibility by shopping at the fabulous boutique shops along Palm Canyon Drive.
• Pick up a map of mid-century modern landmarks at the Palm Springs Official Visitor Center, once the Tramway Gas Station designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers.
• Soar on The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and see two distinct modern buildings. The Tram Valley Station designed by Albert Frey and the Tramway Mountain Station at 8,000 feet designed by E. Stewart Williams.  
• Stroll the modern Palm Springs Art Museum designed by California renowned architect E. Stewart Williams

Palm Springs, California has made $180 million dollar investment into new hotels and property renovations. The city is Better, Bolder and More Beatiful than ever before!

A website, www.VisitPalmSpringsCC.com, lists all the new hotels and renovations.

The design of the Palm Springs hotels and the Palm Springs Convention Center embrace a bold, colorful design that captures the many facets of Palm Springs’ history, including old Hollywood regency style, desert modernism and the stunning natural beauty of Palm Springs.

Press Release about new hotels and campaigns http://www.visitpalmsprings.com/pressreleases