Places to Fly Before You Die- Midwest Edition

Lee Bottom Flying Field
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What makes it so special? Judging by the picture on Airnav, it seems like your run of the mill grass strip (in other words, a field).

I hope that's because you haven't gotten any instruction on grass yet, not because you're biased against grass runways
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Actually my former instructor took me to several, although I didn't actually land. They were all really rough and made me question what the fascination everyone has for that particular type of runway stems from. My guess is it's nostalgia or something similar. A lot of these "only grass" destinations have a formal airport within a very short distance (4 nm for Gaston's according to the sectional).

Unfortunately, since you don't own your own airplane, most places are going to charge you at least a 2 hour per day fee whether you fly it or not.
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Well, to avoid that, I'm hoping to "buy in" on a Cessna or Piper once I find someone willing to let me do so. Or perhaps I can find a club to join....I dunno. Regardless, it would wind up being cheaper than round trip plane tickets for the two of us (especially if we could bring a couple of our friends along).
 
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SteveinMichigan said:
A lot of these "only grass" destinations have a formal airport within a very short distance (4 nm for Gaston's according to the sectional).
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Speaking specifically about Gastons here. The field isn't really rough. Yes, it's not as smooth as most sealed runways, but I've been to some of those that are actually rougher. And, while Mountain Home may be only 4NM away, it's a good half hour drive because of the way the roads curve around there. Plus, the rooms are walking distance to the runway at Gastons!
 
gprellwitz said:
Speaking specifically about Gastons here. The field isn't really rough. Yes, it's not as smooth as most sealed runways, but I've been to some of those that are actually rougher. And, while Mountain Home may be only 4NM away, it's a good half hour drive because of the way the roads curve around there. Plus, the rooms are walking distance to the runway at Gastons!
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Point taken. I may fly down for the Gaston's Fly-in once I have my PPL, it will just depend upon how things shake out of the next few months. I have nothing implicitly against grass or dirt strips, it is just that I don't have any particular fondness or reverence for them so it seems logical to go with a different runway surface unless there is no other choice. To each and to their own I guess....
 
If you both like musical entertainment, you might want to try Branson, MO.
 
Airplanes are made for Islands. South Bass Island (3W2) is the home of Put in Bay. Rent golf carts and cruise around, check out boats, eat good food. B&B's abound, good for a short weekend getaway. Kelley's Island (89) is good as well, but it is a long walk from the airport to town. A friend used to fly in there with his bike in the back of his Skylane.

For the land-bound you might try Gatlinburg-Pidgoen Forge (KGKT). You can rent a car at the airport, and there is no end to the shopping and attractions. Or go to Salem Ohio 38D, where you can get relatively inexpensive tailwheel or aerobatic instruction with a B&B and working farm adjacent. Or the Richard Downing airport in Carrollton Ohio, where a hotel shuttle will take you to a charming little town situated on the remnants of the C&O canal.
 
steingar said:
For the land-bound you might try Gatlinburg-Pidgoen Forge (KGKT). You can rent a car at the airport, and there is no end to the shopping and attractions.
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You can even go to Dollywood! :D

If I flew into Gatlinburg I would be more likely to use my rental car to see Smoky Mountain National Park. Pigeon Forge has got to be the biggest tourist trap I've ever seen, though, if the wife is into that sort of thing.
 
Or the Richard Downing airport in Carrollton Ohio, where a hotel shuttle will take you to a charming little town situated on the remnants of the C&O canal.
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You sure you have the right town and airport combo? Those two are pretty far apart- Downing Airport is in Coshocton, OH.
 
Everskyward said:
You can even go to Dollywood! :D

If I flew into Gatlinburg I would be more likely to use my rental car to see Smoky Mountain National Park. Pigeon Forge has got to be the biggest tourist trap I've ever seen
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Agreed....if I went there it would be to rent a cabin in the secluded woods, not to see all the tourist attraction BS.
 
Piseco NY. If you like hiking and I think you said your lady likes to fish this is a great place. It's in the middle of nowhere ATC never even heard of it. A great escape, however. K09 is the identifier. A nice addition to the bucket list.
 
SteveinMichigan said:
You sure you have the right town and airport combo? Those two are pretty far apart- Downing Airport is in Coshocton, OH.
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You right, my bad. And the presumptive Mrs. might not like a cabin the woods too much. Mine wouldn't. Pigeon forge is full of galleries and studios besides. Hey, you asked.
 
A super dooper fun bed (tent) and breakfast is Oshkosh! :D Of course, I'm sure you've heard of that one. I'm so dadburn excited about Osh again I had to throw it out there for your consideration.

I think I'm grinnin' like a mule eatin' bryars right about now.
 
steingar said:
You right, my bad. And the presumptive Mrs. might not like a cabin the woods too much. Mine wouldn't. Pigeon forge is full of galleries and studios besides. Hey, you asked.
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Depends on how rustic things happen to be....she might enjoy a break from all the stress of the city, but she just doesn't want to camp in a tent.
 
OtisAir said:
Perhaps too far, but check out the Flying W Air Resort in New Jersey. If you're will to fly to PA, NJ is within gliding distance. :D
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SteveinMichigan said:
That place definitely has an interesting looking pool..... LOL
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You may also consider New York City- land at Linden, NJ near Newark, NJ, caldwell, NJ, or White Plains, NY. Or Philadelphia- land at KPNE. Wildwood, NJ lets you get to Cape May, NJ.
 
SteveinMichigan said:
Depends on how rustic things happen to be....she might enjoy a break from all the stress of the city, but she just doesn't want to camp in a tent.
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Did you see the Mackinac Island recommendation in an earlier post. Since you're originally from Michigan (as I am) you may have already been there but they do rent "cabins in the woods".

I'd also suggest you find our from her what she'd like to do/see on a trip and then find an airport that works. For instance, a trip to downtown Chicago to visit the many Museums and other attractions can be made via Midway airport and a short train ride to the loop. The hotels are pretty hungry right now too.
 
SteveinMichigan said:
What makes it so special? Judging by the picture on Airnav, it seems like your run of the mill grass strip (in other words, a field).
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Well, they're airplane people, and airplane people's good folks.

But for the to/from aspect, there's a cabin on the field where you can stay overnight for very little $$ (I think it might be free, or maybe $20 or something). I've never actually been there, but always heard good things about it. Definitely a place I'd stop in overnight! Hopefully Dr. Gil will chime in, he stayed there on the way to Gaston's a couple years ago.

They were all really rough and made me question what the fascination everyone has for that particular type of runway stems from. My guess is it's nostalgia or something similar.
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Nostalgia is certainly part of it - Maybe it's also that these are airports not only for "little" planes like any other GA airport, but for REALLY little planes, almost always just for someone who loves flying. As far as the roughness, that really depends on the owner(s) of the strip and the terrain involved. The smoothest runway I think I've ever landed on (including brand-new concrete) was a grass strip.

You also tend to find cool things at grass strips, maybe because they know that their sole clientele will be true aviation lovers. For example, every Friday at noon, you can fly into 68C (three grass runways) and have lunch with the Central County Flyers Association, and some of THE neatest airplanes around will fly in as well. It's like an air museum that shows up once a week and then departs. VERY cool.

A lot of these "only grass" destinations have a formal airport within a very short distance (4 nm for Gaston's according to the sectional).
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True, but that 4nm is about a 20-minute drive. The real utility of an airplane, and the real character of these getaways, is that you can go RIGHT THERE and no courtesy/rental car needed.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of crummy grass strips too. At a paved strip, you'll usually find someplace to duck in out of the weather, empty the bladder and buy a can of soda. At a grass strip, you'll find anything from... Well, nothing... All the way up to a resort or any number of really cool things to do. You just have to find the good ones.
 
SteveinMichigan said:
The year I get my fiancee to go with me to Airventure will be the year hell freezes over.
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Come with your fiancee with you to the flyin at Gaston's to meet lots of people including many women of which I am one. Then, once she gets to know some of us...maybe some of us especially women can encourage her to try Air Venture if she enjoys being at Gaston's. There are shuttles at Air Venture that will take people into town to shop so other options besides being at the airport all day. Don't want to forget the concert at Air Venture each year. One year was Beach Boys, last year was comedian (I know his name well but his name escapes me this time of night). :yesnod:
 
bockwoman3 said:
Come with your fiancee with you to the flyin at Gaston's to meet lots of people including many women of which I am one. Then, once she gets to know some of us...maybe some of us especially women can encourage her to try Air Venture if she enjoys being at Gaston's. There are shuttles at Air Venture that will take people into town to shop so other options besides being at the airport all day. Don't want to forget the concert at Air Venture each year. One year was Beach Boys, last year was comedian (I know his name well but his name escapes me this time of night). :yesnod:
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There was a real concert this year, too - Foreigner, on Monday night in Aeroshell Square, same as the Beach Boys concerts of the previous two years. Comedian, ventriloquist, and experimental helicopter builder/pilot Jeff Dunham made us all laugh hysterically on Wednesday night at the Theater in the Woods, and he's gonna be back this year. :)
 
gismo said:
I'd also suggest you find our from her what she'd like to do/see on a trip and then find an airport that works. For instance, a trip to downtown Chicago to visit the many Museums and other attractions can be made via Midway airport and a short train ride to the loop. The hotels are pretty hungry right now too.
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That they are. I stayed downtown a couple of weeks ago in the heart of the shopping district, in a 4 star hotel, for $150/night.
 
I don't think this was mentioned, but a lot closer to you than Gaston's is 6Y9. Just up in the UP from you, a couple hours flight time each way. The annual fly-in is Labor Day weekend (this year I'll be arriving September 4th and leaving on the 6th or 7th). As Adam said: "This is more fun than should be allowed by law."

The accommodations at 6Y9 are a bit more rustic than Gaston's. Bring a tent to sleep out behind your plane. If your beloved fiancee can't accept that, there do tend to be a few indoor spots available for those who book early.

I would definitely put it on your bucket list. I had so much fun last year I'm coming back this year. :)
 
Ted DuPuis said:
I don't think this was mentioned, but a lot closer to you than Gaston's is 6Y9. Just up in the UP from you, a couple hours flight time each way. The annual fly-in is Labor Day weekend (this year I'll be arriving September 4th and leaving on the 6th or 7th). As Adam said: "This is more fun than should be allowed by law."

The accommodations at 6Y9 are a bit more rustic than Gaston's. Bring a tent to sleep out behind your plane. If your beloved fiancee can't accept that, there do tend to be a few indoor spots available for those who book early.

I would definitely put it on your bucket list. I had so much fun last year I'm coming back this year. :)
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Ted, Steve is now in Indianapolis (KEYE), not Michigan.
So it's a technical quibble, but
KEYE - 3M0 = 361.9NM
KEYE - 6Y9 = 414.7NM
 
gismo said:
<SNIP>

I'd also suggest you find our from her what she'd like to do/see on a trip and then find an airport that works. For instance, a trip to downtown Chicago to visit the many Museums and other attractions can be made via Midway airport and a short train ride to the loop. The hotels are pretty hungry right now too.
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smigaldi said:
That they are. I stayed downtown a couple of weeks ago in the heart of the shopping district, in a 4 star hotel, for $150/night.
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Remember Meigs!
 
It is closed for the winter (until Apr 5th), but in Springtime, I would recommend Grand Geneva Resort, just outside of Lake Geneva, WI. My wife and I fly there frequently for dinner.

http://www.airnav.com/airport/C02
http://www.grandgeneva.com

C02 Airport is on the resort campus. The main resort is a 5 minute walk along the golf course or a phone call to have the trolley/shuttle pick you up). The resort has several restaurants/cafes/bars for dining.

In addition (snipped from their website) the resort offers:

  • Two championship golf courses
  • WELL Spa + Salon and Fitness Center
  • Indoor and outdoor Tennis
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
  • Kids Are Grand Recreational Center
  • Moose Mountain Falls, our indoor/outdoor waterpark
  • The Mountain Top Ski and Snowboard park
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking paths
  • Mountain bike riding (rentals available)
  • Hay or sleigh rides, seasonally

Last, Lake Geneva is a fun place in the summer, and the resort has a shuttle to provide transport to downtown Lake Geneva (shopping, walking path around lake, boat rentals).
 
nyoung said:
It is closed for the winter (until Apr 5th), but in Springtime, I would recommend Grand Geneva Resort, just outside of Lake Geneva, WI. My wife and I fly there frequently for dinner.

http://www.airnav.com/airport/C02
http://www.grandgeneva.com

C02 Airport is on the resort campus. The main resort is a 5 minute walk along the golf course or a phone call to have the trolley/shuttle pick you up). The resort has several restaurants/cafes/bars for dining.

In addition (snipped from their website) the resort offers:

  • Two championship golf courses
  • WELL Spa + Salon and Fitness Center
  • Indoor and outdoor Tennis
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
  • Kids Are Grand Recreational Center
  • Moose Mountain Falls, our indoor/outdoor waterpark
  • The Mountain Top Ski and Snowboard park
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking paths
  • Mountain bike riding (rentals available)
  • Hay or sleigh rides, seasonally

Last, Lake Geneva is a fun place in the summer, and the resort has a shuttle to provide transport to downtown Lake Geneva (shopping, walking path around lake, boat rentals).
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Didn't this used to be the Lake Geneva Playboy Club? I see that Airnav says the runway is in poor condition. That was the case when I landed there about 20 years ago, don't they ever do any maintenance?
 
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gismo said:
Didn't this used to be the Lake Geneva Playboy Club? I see that Airnav says the runway is in poor condition. That was the case when I landed there about 20 years ago, don't they ever do any maintenance?
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Lance you are correct on it being the old playboy club. On the maintenance side, I guess they must do just enough to keep it in poor shape :D
 
gismo said:
Didn't this used to be the Lake Geneva Playboy Club? I see that Airnav says the runway is in poor condition. That was the case when I landed there about 20 years ago, don't they ever do any maintenance?
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it is the old Playboy Club and the runway is in poor condition. most of the taxiway has been closed as it has deteriorated a whole bunch. I have landed there a couple of times and there was occasionally another plane. But I do not think that that the runway gets used as much as it was in the heady days of the hedonistic 1960's Playboy peak era.
 
gismo said:
Didn't this used to be the Lake Geneva Playboy Club? I see that Airnav says the runway is in poor condition. That was the case when I landed there about 20 years ago, don't they ever do any maintenance?
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Yes, it was the Playboy Club. I'm not sure when that went defunct, but it has been Grand Geneva Resort for quite a few years (10?).

The runway is in ok shape. I am not sure it warrants the 'poor' rating, but to be fair, there are a number of small cracks... So it is probably not in 'fair' condition either. I do see quite a variety of planes when visiting (C150 to King Airs) so it is definitely useable for all types of aircraft.

Great question about upkeep. I question how much business the airport brings in for them, so if I was running the resort, I would have a difficult time justifying upkeep expenses. But on the flipside, they may not have explored how much benefit it could bring. In my ~10 years of living/flying in the Chicago area, I have not seen any sort of marketing promotions for GA at Grand Geneva. I think it would be a really neat place to hold a small fly-in.
 
nyoung said:
Yes, it was the Playboy Club. I'm not sure when that went defunct, but it has been Grand Geneva Resort for quite a few years (10?).
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At least. We had a corporate meeting there in 1995. Before it was the Grand Geneva it was called Americana Resort. I skied there when I first moved to the area in 1986. I had moved from New Mexico to Illinois, I was used to real mountains for skiing and was very disappointed.
 
nyoung said:
Yes, it was the Playboy Club. I'm not sure when that went defunct, but it has been Grand Geneva Resort for quite a few years (10?).
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Playboy sold it in 1982
Playboy Enterprises sold the resort in 1982 and ultimately it was purchased by the Marcus Corporation in 1994. Since then improvements include a full service fitness center and spa, a large ballroom, indoor swimming pools and tennis courts and renovation of 355 guest rooms and 65 vacation club villas.
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http://www.thebarnjournal.org/featured/020/index.html

Looks like it became the Grand Geneva in 1994.
 
gprellwitz said:
Ted, Steve is now in Indianapolis (KEYE), not Michigan.
So it's a technical quibble, but
KEYE - 3M0 = 361.9NM
KEYE - 6Y9 = 414.7NM
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Oops, goes to show you how good I am at geography. :redface:

Well, go to 6Y9 anyway. ;)
 
gprellwitz said:
Perhaps "Don't spend money in Chicago, where a good portion of the 10% sales tax goes into the same city coffers that were used to demolish Meigs?":mad3:
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And how will that bring back Meigs? Even the 'Friends of Meigs' has gotten over it. I have not seen any of the ones who were members of that group selling their homes and moving out of the city. They seem to still be spending there cash in Chicago.

I get the anger, I do very little business in Chicago, and I got two groups to not hold meetings there. But a full on boycot? not very realistic. On top of that we have had two PoA gatherings in the city, one in which you and Leslie attended as I recall. The biggest reason to avoid Chicago is the sales tax. But there is stuff there that you cannot get anywhere else in our area, so you have to use the city.
 
Mackinac Island IS really cool. Just pay close attention to the pattern instructions, don't do touch and goes, and make sure you are hungry for fudge.

I am all for seeing people flying to my area, but KIMT is definitely not the ultimate ski destination. It is like a $100 hamburger run as far as skiing goes.

That said, if anyone is coming to or stopping at KIMT, let me know in advance and I will be happy to show you around and take you to a nice dinner.
 
gprellwitz said:
Perhaps "Don't spend money in Chicago, where a good portion of the 10% sales tax goes into the same city coffers that were used to demolish Meigs?":mad3:
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That's what I meant.

smigaldi said:
And how will that bring back Meigs? Even the 'Friends of Meigs' has gotten over it. I have not seen any of the ones who were members of that group selling their homes and moving out of the city. They seem to still be spending there cash in Chicago.

I get the anger, I do very little business in Chicago, and I got two groups to not hold meetings there. But a full on boycot? not very realistic. On top of that we have had two PoA gatherings in the city, one in which you and Leslie attended as I recall. The biggest reason to avoid Chicago is the sales tax. But there is stuff there that you cannot get anywhere else in our area, so you have to use the city.
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For roughly the same flying time as flying to Chicago, the original poster could fly to New York City. Although terrorists flew into buildings along with Cory Lidle, they still have the Hudson River corridor open- I'd rather spend my money in a place that actually wants it. Besides, they know how to make proper pizza in NYC:yesnod:

Just curious- what can't you get except by going to the city? Lincoln, NE isn't exactly NYC, or even Chicago, but we get everything we want or need, even for my wife's exotic cooking. If I can't find it here, there's always the internet...
 
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