I enjoyed sitting in a cabin of a Pan Am jet recently, enjoying the old-fashioned seats and atmosphere, and I didn't have to leave home to do it. Part of Pan Am airlines is back with First Flight Out, the new premiere Pan Am exhibit and retail emporium at CocoWalk, in Coconut Grove.

As you enter the museum/store, you don't know where to look first. There's a full timeline of Pan Am's history, right next to a galley kitchen from a real 747. Next to the jet engine cowlings (real), there is a set-up of a first class cabin, where you can sit on actual Pan Am airplane seats and get the feel of another, more luxurious era. Next to that are memorabilia of the fabulous time, including magazines, authentic uniforms, post cards, photos, brochures and more.

One of our favorites are the Pan Am leather bags of all shapes and sizes, now available for sale. They are new replicas, but oh so spectacular. Pan Am logo clothing (new) completes the Pan Am experience, along with new resort wear right next to this, which is the Palm Produce store.

The whole concept is perfect for Coconut Grove. As many of you know, Miami City Hall, which is on the Coconut Grove waterfront, is the original Pan Pan terminal from the early 20th Century. Coconut Grove has a long history with aviation from the very beginning of air flight.

First Flight Out is the brainchild of Steve Licata, owner of Palm Produce, and Gailen David, founder of The Sky Steward. They will host a grand opening at First Flight Out on  Feb. 17 with uniformed hosts and hostesses, live music, hors d’oeuvres and more.