Help Me Choose a Destination / Edit: Destintaion Chosen

[OkieFlyer]

My lovely wife and fantastic mother of our 3 little boys could use a little break and one set of grandparents has more or less been begging to keep the kids for a few days, so I would like to take my bride on a little airplane trip. I'm thinking we'll just do a long weekend type thing, maybe 4 days, fly somewhere stay 2 nights, and fly home. We haven't done a whole lot of XC flying together, so I'm thinking maybe 5 hours of flying in a day would be a good limit for her on this trip, so that would be in the neighborhood of 600nm. We live in central OK. I can't decide where to go, and I'd be interested in hearing some ideas if my fellow heartland POAers were willing to share some.

So far, I've come up with the following:
Galveston, TX
Port Aransas, TX (Jay Hoeneck's place)
Hot Springs, AR
Colorado Springs, CO

Any thoughts???

Heck, would anybody want to meet us somewhere??? We're not picky, just need to get outta town.

 

[luvflyin]

We've been to Galveston and Port Aransas via land ark, haven't flown in though. Enjoyed them both. It was about 5-6 years ago. What was being done in rebuilding after the hurricane was interesting. Good food, historical sights, antique stores and stuff like that. Nightlife, good music, wine, beer. Nice beaches. Theres always 'Nawlins. Name your poison there, whadda ya like to do?

 

[Ted]

It really depends on what you want to do on the vacation. I'd say Galveston if you want to rent a boat and/or sit on the beach, which is something I could see my wife and me doing. Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit as well, especially if you want to rent a couple of Harleys and go ride in the mountains (or one Harley if you wife doesn't ride - wait, do you ride?). Beautiful scenery there regardless, someplace else my wife and I would enjoy going.

Branson is also worth considering. We went there for the Twin Cessna convention in 2014 and liked it enough to go back. There's a lot to do there, good food, nice atmosphere, etc. Corpus Christi is also nice for beaching and drinking margaritas.

Oh, can we borrow those grandparents? We could use some useful grandparents to watch our kids for a weekend.

 

[Sac Arrow]

Heh, Corpus Christi. I spent a week there with three other GI's camping out in the cheapest motel room we could find. Lots of drinking, lots of Latinas of questionable age and virtue, and lots of sun and beach.

One night we hit up some bar by the navy base. "This bar is right by the navy base, must be a cool place to drink, right?" We walked in the door, and immediately, it was all leather chaps, peaked caps, tank tops, metallic porn disco music.... about face, exit stage right...

 

[Clark1961]

Port Aransas over Galveston in my not so humble opinion. Either one okay for a couple days, just liked Port A better as a walk around, eat, drink place. Better for flying in also. Good BBQ stops on way down and back.

The Springs? Meh. Okay, I'm jaded by living nearby. No good BBQ. Some sightseeing touristy stuff for a couple days. Stay at the broadmoore for fancy. Good FBO at COS, Cutter takes good care of you there.

Houston for strip clubs, eating and drinking....oh wait wife may not be into that. Many aren't but I shouldn't generalize. They do have shoe shopping in Houston so there is that. Did I generalize again.

You didn't mention vegas so I guess that is out. Good place to video your approach or so I hear.

 

[OkieFlyer]

Thanks, Ted. Yes we do ride, or used to anyway, so that ain't a bad idea. Before procreation, we each had our own bikes.

I've been through Colorado Springs a number of times, but never stopped, so I really don't know what all it has to offer. We were always on our way to somewhere else. Spent a fair amount of time in Denver, but mostly we go to Colorado in the winter for the white stuff. I would actually like to go someplace in the mountains, but I don't think I'm ready for Rocky Mountain flying yet. My folks have a time share in Pagosa Springs. Might do that if I grow some testis.
We like Galveston. Haven't been since college. Might be a contender.
I haven't been to Corpus since I was a kid. Wouldn't mind going back. I would like to tour the USS Lexington.
Branson is a wonderful suggestion, however, we go there a couple times a year already with family and plan to do so later this year.

Bring the kids down to Memaw and Pepaw's in Tulsa and let's go somewhere.

 

[Ted]

Bring the kids down to Memaw and Pepaw's in Tulsa and let's go somewhere.

Let me bolt the engine beam back on the 414 (I got some JB Weld from Tractor Supply on my lunch break, that oughta hold) and we'll be right there.

 

[coloradobluesky]

Colorado Springs has a lot of tourist stuff. Garden of the Gods (just rent a car and drive through/stop and hike). RR up Pikes Peak. Manitou Incline RR. Seven Falls. Cave of the Winds. Visit Air Force Academy. Stay at 5 star Broadmoor Hotel. See the Castles. Drive up to Fairplay (2 hours through beautiful Rockies) and eat at the Fairplay Hotel (old Historic Hotel). Visit the Fairplay Ghost Town. There is a historic hotel/restuarant in Como too. Go rafting on the Arkansas River (if the water is up). And LOTS MORE!

Google "Colorado Springs Tourism"

 

[Goofy]

Go see Jay! I'm looking forward to it one day.

https://generalaviationnews.com/2011/01/05/aviation-themed-inn-moves-to-texas/

 

[OkieFlyer]

Heh, Corpus Christi. I spent a week there with three other GI's camping out in the cheapest motel room we could find. Lots of drinking, lots of Latinas of questionable age and virtue, and lots of sun and beach.

One night we hit up some bar by the navy base. "This bar is right by the navy base, must be a cool place to drink, right?" We walked in the door, and immediately, it was all leather chaps, peaked caps, tank tops, metallic porn disco music.... about face, exit stage right...

Porn music and village people? I'm in.

Haha! Sac, I appreciate the input bro, but basically none of it is remotely appropriate for a weekend getaway for a young heterosexual couple. lol.

Port Aransas over Galveston in my not so humble opinion. Either one okay for a couple days, just liked Port A better as a walk around, eat, drink place. Better for flying in also. Good BBQ stops on way down and back.

The Springs? Meh. Okay, I'm jaded by living nearby. No good BBQ. Some sightseeing touristy stuff for a couple days. Stay at the broadmoore for fancy. Good FBO at COS, Cutter takes good care of you there.

Houston for strip clubs, eating and drinking....oh wait wife may not be into that. Many aren't but I shouldn't generalize. They do have shoe shopping in Houston so there is that. Did I generalize again.

You didn't mention vegas so I guess that is out. Good place to video your approach or so I hear.

Thanks, Clark. Actually, my wife mentioned Vegas, but dang that's a long 1000 mile haul. I think we'll save that for when we have more time.

For future reference, I think strip joints are off the table.

 

[Ted]

Colorado Springs has a lot of tourist stuff. Garden of the Gods (just rent a car and drive through/stop and hike). RR up Pikes Peak. Manitou Incline RR. Seven Falls. Cave of the Winds. Drive up to Fairplay (2 hours through beautiful Rockies) and eat at the Fairplay Hotel (old Historic Hotel). Visit the Fairplay Ghost Town. There is a historic hotel/restuarant in Como too. Go rafting on the Arkansas River (if the water is up). And LOTS MORE!

Correct. The Twin Cessna convention was in Colorado Springs a couple years ago. I can dig up the details if you're interested, Andrew.

 

[OkieFlyer]

Let me bolt the engine beam back on the 414 (I got some JB Weld from Tractor Supply on my lunch break, that oughta hold) and we'll be right there.

Get 'er done!

Colorado Springs has a lot of tourist stuff. Garden of the Gods (just rent a car and drive through/stop and hike). RR up Pikes Peak. Manitou Incline RR. Seven Falls. Cave of the Winds. Visit Air Force Academy. Stay at 5 star Broadmoor Hotel. See the Castles. Drive up to Fairplay (2 hours through beautiful Rockies) and eat at the Fairplay Hotel (old Historic Hotel). Visit the Fairplay Ghost Town. There is a historic hotel/restuarant in Como too. Go rafting on the Arkansas River (if the water is up). And LOTS MORE!

Google "Colorado Springs Tourism"

Man, I honestly forgot about Garden of the Gods, and Seven Falls. I actually mentioned to my wife about going up to Fairplay, because I'm a huge fan of the Gold Rush tv show, and one of the crews is mining there. I mentioned it in jest, but if the town of Fairplay is worth seeing, I might just do it. I don't think the wife has been to Pikes Peak, so she probably ought to see that. I've been up there but never rode the cog train. I've actually been to almost all of these places, but my wife hasn't. May be time for a re-visit.

 

[RJM62]

Porn music and village people? I'm in.

Haha! Sac, I appreciate the input bro, but basically none of it is remotely appropriate for a weekend getaway for a young heterosexual couple. lol.



Thanks, Clark. Actually, my wife mentioned Vegas, but dang that's a long 1000 mile haul. I think we'll save that for when we have more time.

For future reference, I think strip joints are off the table.

Oh.

Never mind then.

Rich

 

[coloradobluesky]

South Park, where Fairplay is, is still "old Colorado". Two lane roads, "towns" that consist of a rundown old Conoco advertising 19.9 gas and a small cafe, huge ranches with hay fields and meanering streams. County has what? 2500 residents?.

There is a cool ghost town IN Fairplay with authentic cabins and stores that were moved from their original location. Definitely worth seeing though. The coolest ghost town in Colorado is St Elmo (google that one too). Lots of old mine ruins to stop and explore. Rent a jeep and jeep over Hancock Pass to Pitkin. Stay in the Pitkin Hotel!

http://coloradoguy.com/hancock-colorado6.jpg

 

[simtech]

Petit Jean State park in AR if you like to hike. And they have an airport there on the grounds. Very pretty place!

 

[OkieFlyer]

Petit Jean State park in AR if you like to hike. And they have an airport there on the grounds. Very pretty place!

I didn't know Petit Jean had an airport. I guess it's a shame that I haven't been there considering how close it is. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[simtech]

I didn't know Petit Jean had an airport. I guess it's a shame that I haven't been there considering how close it is. Thanks for the suggestion.

Yep KMPJ

Ive never flown in myself but was stationed at littlerock and spent some time at petit jean.

 

[Clark1961]

South Park, where Fairplay is, is still "old Colorado". Two lane roads, "towns" that consist of a rundown old Conoco advertising 19.9 gas and a small cafe, huge ranches with hay fields and meanering streams. County has what? 2500 residents?.

There is a cool ghost town IN Fairplay with authentic cabins and stores that were moved from their original location. Definitely worth seeing though. The coolest ghost town in Colorado is St Elmo (google that one too). Lots of old mine ruins to stop and explore. Rent a jeep and jeep over Hancock Pass to Pitkin. Stay in the Pitkin Hotel!

http://coloradoguy.com/hancock-colorado6.jpg

Park county has a bit more than 2500 people...mostly because the northeast corner has become bedroom community for Denver. I lived near Bailey for 5 years so am really jaded by Park co. Now if you like jeeping there are trails that will take you all over in and around Park county. Better wait until August for the snow to clear on the higher passes.

Edit: Hog Heaven BBQ in Bailey. Worth the drive. The proprietor is represented in the South Park movie and series stuff. He is really is a good guy and runs a great smoker.

 

[OkieFlyer]

Here's a little visual aid with a 600nm radius from my home drome. If you know of something worth visiting within this circle, or even just a little outside, speak up.

 

[murphey]

Have you considered Sante Fe, NM?

 

[simtech]

mammoth cave in KY, smokey mountians, anywhere on the coast. New Orleans has a nice WW2 museum.

 

[NealRomeoGolf]

My house is on the edge of your circle in Illinois. But.....there's nothing to do here. Go to Nashville and catch some music and food. Just slightly outside your circle. Or go to Sikeston, MO and have rolls thrown at you.

 

[OkieFlyer]

Have you considered Sante Fe, NM?

Good suggestion. We've have been to Santa Fe many times, but I have yet to fly in.

mammoth cave in KY, smokey mountians, anywhere on the coast. New Orleans has a nice WW2 museum.

Didn't think about Mammoth cave. That would be fun. My wife mentioned Nawlins, and she's never been. I've been once, and wasn't a big fan, but I might give it another chance.

My house is on the edge of your circle in Illinois. But.....there's nothing to do here. Go to Nashville and catch some music and food. Just slightly outside your circle. Or go to Sikeston, MO and have rolls thrown at you.

Actually Nashville should have been on my original list. It's a contender for sure. I've been through, but never actually stopped and experienced it. Also, one can have "throwed rolls" just south of Springfield as well.

 

[simtech]

Flagstaff.

edit..its Arizona..sorry

 

[Flyhound]

If either of you enjoy fishing, Gaston's resort in Arkansas is a gem. There is a nice grass strip (3M0) at the resort on the White River so you could tie the plane down in front of your cabin. They have a great restaurant there and family activities around the site. I stopped there while flying my plane across the country and didn't stay long so I don't know if there is anything else to do in the area. The resort itself is spectacular though.

 

[OkieFlyer]

I just realized my map is in statute miles, so you can imagine the circle being about 90 miles wider.

 

[OkieFlyer]

If either of you enjoy fishing, Gaston's resort in Arkansas is a gem. There is a nice grass strip at the resort on the White River so you could tie the plane down in front of your cabin. They have a great restaurant there and family activities around the site. I stopped there while flying my plane across the country and didn't stay long so I don't know if there is anything else to do in the area. The resort itself is spectacular though.

I should have mentioned that we'll be flying to Gaston's later this year for the annual POA get together. I figured that would be mentioned, and I appreciate it.

 

[simtech]

Big Bend national park in Texas.

 

[denverpilot]

Colorado Springs has a lot of tourist stuff. Garden of the Gods (just rent a car and drive through/stop and hike). RR up Pikes Peak. Manitou Incline RR. Seven Falls. Cave of the Winds. Visit Air Force Academy. Stay at 5 star Broadmoor Hotel. See the Castles. Drive up to Fairplay (2 hours through beautiful Rockies) and eat at the Fairplay Hotel (old Historic Hotel). Visit the Fairplay Ghost Town. There is a historic hotel/restuarant in Como too. Go rafting on the Arkansas River (if the water is up). And LOTS MORE!

Google "Colorado Springs Tourism"

Also has a huge number of giraffes at the Cheyenne Mtn Zoo, apparently. Lived here my whole life and just learned that from @Everskyward recently.

Get 'er done!



Man, I honestly forgot about Garden of the Gods, and Seven Falls. I actually mentioned to my wife about going up to Fairplay, because I'm a huge fan of the Gold Rush tv show, and one of the crews is mining there. I mentioned it in jest, but if the town of Fairplay is worth seeing, I might just do it. I don't think the wife has been to Pikes Peak, so she probably ought to see that. I've been up there but never rode the cog train. I've actually been to almost all of these places, but my wife hasn't. May be time for a re-visit.

Honestly Fairplay isn't all that interesting, but it's a nice town. We had a family cabin up there for a looooong time and an old boss has his retirement house up there, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go up there as a tourist. Coming from the Springs, I'd head over to the Royal Gorge before making the trek to Fairplay.

 

[Everskyward]

Colorado Springs also has a number of museums; the Rodeo Museum, Figure Skating Museum, and the Olympic Training Center.

 

[OkieFlyer]

I think we may be leaning toward Colorado Springs now.

Is the Royal Gorge bridge open now? Last time we went through there it was closed due to a fire.


I'd like to add a new criteria to the trip. Wherever we go, I would like to meet up with a POAer if possible. I don't mean I want to bunk in your spare bedroom, but perhaps a bite to eat and a brewski, or something of that nature. Maybe a bit of flying. How 'bout it?

 

[Clark1961]

I think we may be leaning toward Colorado Springs now.

Is the Royal Gorge bridge open now? Last time we went through there it was closed due to a fire.


I'd like to add a new criteria to the trip. Wherever we go, I would like to meet up with a POAer if possible. I don't mean I want to bunk in your spare bedroom, but perhaps a bite to eat and a brewski, or something of that nature. Maybe a bit of flying. How 'bout it?

A mountain flight is a possibility out of COS with a POAer. Early in the day, think breakfast...

 

[OkieFlyer]

A mountain flight is a possibility out of COS with a POAer. Early in the day, think breakfast...

That would be pretty dang awesome. It would be a crying shame to fly to the edge of the front range and not get into the mountains, but I don't have the know how to attempt it myself.

 

[Clark1961]

That would be pretty dang awesome. It would be a crying shame to fly to the edge of the front range and not get into the mountains, but I don't have the know how to attempt it myself.

Ya, it'd have to be a ride along.

 

[asicer]

I'd go see @Jay Honeck.

 

[denverpilot]

Figure Skating Museum ...

Bestill my beating heart! Who could POSSIBLY miss THAT! LOL!

What Would Bryan Boitano Do!

Hehehehe.

 

[Everskyward]

Bestill my beating heart! Who could POSSIBLY miss THAT! LOL!

What Would Bryan Boitano Do!

Hehehehe.

Hey, I've been there. There was a time when I watched a lot of figure skating. I don't so much any more.

 

[Clark1961]

Bestill my beating heart! Who could POSSIBLY miss THAT! LOL!

What Would Bryan Boitano Do!

Hehehehe.

He would display a mice knuckle on international TV...

 

[denverpilot]

 

[OkieFlyer]

Is there an Iron Lotus exhibit?

Hell, I'd hang with Scott Hamilton. Seems like a solid cat.

Ain't gonna lie, there may have been a time when my mind produced sub-pure thoughts about Oksana Baiul and Katarina Witt.