Where's your go-to place to fly?

Sean - TheFirePilot

Sean - TheFirePilot

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Richmond, Ky
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The Fire Pilot
Is it just me or do more of you have a go-to place? A place that's a good weekend get-away for you and the wife or girlfriend or if you are really unlucky - both.

My wife is a beach lover and Destin is probably the nicest beach outside of the Bahamas you can get. It's only 2.5 hours for us in the 310.

For those of you that watch YouTube this is our trip. That departure over the gulf I just don't think it gets much better.

 
Big Bear, L35
Catalina, AVX

Anytime I have people visiting me those are always on the flying list! Hard to beat that iconic approach into Catalina and the island itself is pretty cool
 
Albert Whitted in St. Petersburg, Florida (KSPG)

The airport is adjacent to the water making for a beautiful approach and departure. There’s a pretty good restaurant on the 2nd floor of the FBO, and there are plenty of nicer restaurants and great gelato if you’re willing to walk 10 minutes north.
 
Back when I lived in Boston there were a ton of great places.. the cape and islands was obviously one of them but up the coast towards the Maine had some great spots too

I've only been flying in Florida once when my nephew took me up.. looks awesome! Would love to log some more flights down there
 
Aviator305 said:
Albert Whitted in St. Petersburg, Florida (KSPG)

The airport is adjacent to the water making for a beautiful approach and departure. There’s a pretty good restaurant on the 2nd floor of the FBO, and there are plenty of nicer restaurants and great gelato if you’re willing to walk 10 minutes north.
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I did go there once in an Arrow. We loved it. It was 82 degrees we were a bit heavy that day. I have never scared myself like I did that day. That was my lesson on density altitude. We were no more than 20 feet above the numbers on the departure end.

But the airport was awesome.
 
Half the time I don’t know. I look at the release, and then decide that’s my destination.
 
Tantalum said:
Big Bear, L35
Catalina, AVX

Anytime I have people visiting me those are always on the flying list! Hard to beat that iconic approach into Catalina and the island itself is pretty cool
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On the flip side, I never understood why people flew to big bear on purpose.

Overflew AVX yesterday. New runway looks neat but it won't have the same charm without those painted-over potholes :D
 
schmookeeg said:
I never understood why people flew to big bear on purpose
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The whole "beach and palm trees today, snow and skiing tomorrow" thing for out of towners. It's a cool novelty to people from the northeast.. there really aren't any genuine "mountains" there and the seasons progress slowly. $5 bus ride into town or a free ride to the ski place.. grab a burger, see some snow.. and home in 25 minutes - sure beats the 3-4 hr drive

schmookeeg said:
New runway looks neat but it won't have the same charm without those painted-over potholes
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True story! the new runway though is honestly not that smooth, they did it with those big concrete sections and it's still a fairly rough / bumpy ride.. has that New Jersey turnpike feel. But as I understood it it was free? Beggars can't be choosers

If you're lucky then the marine layer persists and the viz is only about 5 miles.. blast out over the water from MYF and you see the little island poking out of the clouds after a short while.. take the bus to town and by that point it clears up

Outside of that, around here.. other favorites (though a bit too "long" for a day trip in some cases) are
-Kern L05
-Lake Havasu KHII
-Camarillo KCMA
-Santa Paula KSZP
-Columbia O22

..but that's just my list
 
My favorite when I lived in TN was KSIK, Sikeston, MO. Land and park the plane then call Lambert's Cafe and they send a van out to pick you up. At Lambert's they are constantly bringing around food to scoop onto your plate and they throw the dinner rolls to you from across the dining room.
 
Ehhhh if it’s the wife and the gf not seeing the downside with both? :p Assuming you survive getting them both inside peacefully?
 
I69 for hot dogs and something I probably don’t need from Sporty’s. Then a visit to The Tri State Warbid Museum across the field. Haven’t been lately because of the virus.

Cheers
 
For us the "go-to" spot was the beach, Ocean City, MD. We liked it so much we sold our home and retired there. It's cazy but I miss those weekend flights. My bride and I along with our dog arriving on Friday, ordering pizza from the airport parking lot and heading to our motor home in a car we purchased to keep at the airport. As I stated above, we sold our home, the motor home, and retired here at the beach.

I guess our go-to place now is Nags Head NC and flying into MQI. We like the area, the beach, and the people are friendly.
 
Two frequent destinations for us are Washington DC for museums, food, and friends in the area, and Portland, Maine for shopping, baseball (Sea Dogs!), real ale (Gritty McDuffs) and lobster. DC is just over 2 hours away (GAI, a great little GA airport), and Portland around 3 (PWM, which is super friendly and helpful). For a bit longer trip, Bar Harbor (BHB) is within 3.5 hours with lots of hiking opportunities. Even a basic airplane turns otherwise miserable 7-12 hour drives into short hops suitable for a 2-3 day getaway.
 
Food: 44N or KPOU
Do dumb stuff: Hudson River.
Sightseeing during the week with visitors: The Hudson River Corridor.
Weekend with visitors: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
 
SCCutler said:
T82, Fredericksburg, Texas. Texas Hill Country.

Very relaxing!
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This airport happens to be right on my route of flight for an upcoming trip. I need a place to overnight in this general area. Can you explain why you like it and what accommodations are nearby?
Thx,
Gary
 
KTVC good weekend town, take in a wine tour and some decent food. KJWN for a weekend of music, bar crawls and food.
 
A favorite outing in the Summer has been Ocean City NJ. Easy walk to the beach from the airport, then walk down the beach to the boardwalk for lunch.
 
Aviator305 said:
Albert Whitted in St. Petersburg, Florida (KSPG)

The airport is adjacent to the water making for a beautiful approach and departure. There’s a pretty good restaurant on the 2nd floor of the FBO, and there are plenty of nicer restaurants and great gelato if you’re willing to walk 10 minutes north.
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That is our favorite go-to place too. If we go on Saturday the Farmer's market is something special. Lunch at Fresco's serves great food with a great view. If we spend the night, the Renaissance Vinoy is fabulous and it is all within walking distance. If the weather is bad (too hot or raining) the FBO will give you a lift. We almost always find something new to do there.
 
I69 (Sporty’s) for free hotdogs, I70 (Urbana, OH) for homemade pie, and PQI (Presque Isle, ME) for flying floats.
 
Lndwarrior said:
This airport happens to be right on my route of flight for an upcoming trip. I need a place to overnight in this general area. Can you explain why you like it and what accommodations are nearby?
Thx,
Gary
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Nice diner on the field. Lots of B&Bs in town. German vibe. If you're a history or WW II buff, the Museum of the Pacific is world class. Plan on at least half a day. (Fredericksburg was the birthplace Admiral Chester Nimitz.)
 
AlleyCat67 said:
A favorite outing in the Summer has been Ocean City NJ. Easy walk to the beach from the airport, then walk down the beach to the boardwalk for lunch.
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I've been meaning to go check Ocean City out - that sounds like a nice place to fly in and spend the day.
 
We don't a go-to spot. We don't have a second home, so not a lot of repeats like someone with a beach/lake/moutain/ski home. We like a lot of variety in our vacation destinations. We've probably flown to Lexington more than any other, but that's because our middle daughter lives there.

The youngest and I flew to St Simons Island a few times. She loves the beach. Now she's graduated college and it out working, so we don't do that any more.

We traveled a good amount last year via GA and plan to do plenty again this year. Just different locations than last year.
 
5D5 Woosly Memorial, just north of KTVC Traverse City. It’s an hour and a half from home yet it feels like you are flying a million miles away. Quiet peaceful short walk to look outs over lake MIchigan and a natural beach that’s just stunning. The grass strips are large and nose dragger friendly. Welcome to camp there if you fly in, the coyotes really unquiet the night.

The other cool thing is the field has a cool story.

It’s a story of a pilot,in the 20s I believe, flying as part of a flight that flew down to Central America headed to South America basically to show off to the “neighbors” what us Americans had invented. He had a midair with another plane in the flight- the other plane made it. His plane was mortally wounded, the flight engineer was literally out on the wing manually lowering the gear when this happened, without his chute on as they were too bulky for walking in the wing wires. The pilot fought to save the plane instead of bailing because his friend didn’t have his chute on, unsuccessfully. It was all the “water cooler talk” of the time- and was said to be close to a state funeral when their bodies where brought back to the states. The pilot was Clinton Woosley and 5d5 now sits on the old Woosley family farm property, the airport building was created from the foundation of their creamery. Clinton Woosley also was a flight instructor and one of his students was a Mr Charles Lindbergh.
 
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From the Atlanta area, it’s definitely SSI. Great place to go do a weekend, and a great place to go for just for lunch. Destin is good as well. I still need to check out Cedar Key
 
Huckster79 said:
5D5 Woosly Memorial, just north of KTVC Traverse City. It’s an hour and a half from home yet it feels like you are flying a million miles away. Quiet peaceful short walk to look outs over lake MIchigan and a natural beach that’s just stunning. The grass strips are large and nose dragged friendly. Welcome to camp there if you fly in, the coyotes really unquiet the night.

The other cool thing is the field has a cool story.

It’s a story of a pilot,in the 20s I believe, flying as part of a flight that flew down to Central America headed to South America basically to show off to the “neighbors” what us Americans had invented. He had a midair with another plane in the flight- the other plane made it. His plane was mortally wounded, the flight engineer was literally out on the wing manually lowering the gear when this happened, without his chute on as they were too bulky for walking in the wing wires. The pilot fought to save the plane instead of bailing because his friend didn’t have his chute on. It was all the “water cooler talk” of the time- and was said to be close to a state funeral when their bodies where brought back to the states. The pilot was Clinton Woosley and 5d5 now sits on the old Woosley family farm property, the airport building was created from the foundation of their creamery. Clinton Woosley also was a flight instructor and one of his students was a Mr Charles Lindbergh.
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Never heard that story but 5D5 is very high on my list to hit this year.
 
At least once a month - MYAT

If anybody is looking for a deal on a Bahamas trip, let me know. We have a couple of dates here and there at our house that would fit in perfectly for airplane owners.

165356601_10214607015849419_6190493319001433017_n.jpg
 
GMascelli said:
For us the "go-to" spot was the beach, Ocean City, MD. We liked it so much we sold our home and retired there.
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This is my primary go-to place. KOXB. Easy car rental at the airport. Don really reminds my of my Uncle Tommy. Haven't found my favorite restaurant yet.

AlleyCat67 said:
A favorite outing in the Summer has been Ocean City NJ. Easy walk to the beach from the airport, then walk down the beach to the boardwalk for lunch.
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This is my backup go-to place. 26N (between north 27 street and north 25th street - I love that!). I agree the beach is just a stroll from the airport, but I've made the wrong turn away from the beach more than once.
 
kaiser said:
Never heard that story but 5D5 is very high on my list to hit this year.
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google Woosley Memorial and there’s a great full detail article on the Traverse City Eagle website that pops up. The airplanes they flew were quite the contraption- they literally looked like a bulldozer with a prop on it with a boat bottom as they were amphibious I believe and a couple wings strapped on- does not look like it would fly at all. :)
 
For all the folks that fly to Destin, I just booked a hotel there, and would love your input.
What's the best way to get around?
Rent a car? a bike? Uber?
Places to go? Things to see?
Best restaurants?
Any pointers for the FBO?
Of course, we plan to spend a lot of time on the beach.
Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

We'll be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Destin at the end of June.
 
SCCutler said:
T82, Fredericksburg, Texas. Texas Hill Country.

Very relaxing!
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Fredericksburg is my second home! My grandparents on my dad's side lived there, and we used to drive from SoCal there every summer to visit. Lot of fun going to Balanced Rock and Enchanted Rock, hiking around. Opa's Smokehouse can't be missed for great German sausage, and the Nimitz Museum is a good time...Chester is a distant cousin of mine.

My go-to is Hemet-Ryan (KHMT) based on the strengths of excellent eats and friendly hospitality at Bambi's Hangar One Cafe. Also, relatively low traffic in the pattern, which is a plus on weekends.

Gotta go to Big Bear...haven't been there for a while.
 
Adam Weiss said:
For all the folks that fly to Destin, I just booked a hotel there, and would love your input.
What's the best way to get around?
Rent a car? a bike? Uber?
Places to go? Things to see?
Best restaurants?
Any pointers for the FBO?
Of course, we plan to spend a lot of time on the beach.
Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

We'll be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Destin at the end of June.
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I'm a local, so a slightly different perspective, but I will give it a go.

Transport
A bike is useful depending on where you are staying, the Hampton is sort of pigeon-holed in a weird spot where a bike isn't very good. Please don't ride a bike on HW 98, please. Depending on time of year, traffic will verge from non-existent to very heavy on 98. In June... it'll be busy. Uber has worked for me a few times, but can't comment on using it as a main transport. Parking will be difficult at the public beach accesses, so walk or bike to those when possible.​

Things to Do
Difficult to answer, depends on what you like. General watersports are always top of the list for most (jetski, pontoon boat, parasail, etc) send me a PM and I can tell you who to stay away from on that front. There are some art galleries if that is your thing. A few small breweries. Outlet mall. Fishing trips. Some very nice state parks and hiking areas. Harborwalk is nice to check out and if that is your scene you can stay there all day. I would go for a drive down 30A and see Seaside (Truman Show) and the state parks and forests there.
​
Restaurants
Again depends on what you like and your price point, some personal favorites are Harbor Docks, Boshamps, McGuires, and Dewey Destins (bayside, not harbor) for Destin proper. Back Porch right near that hotel is decent and gets a great sunset, but not top of my list for food. Just try to stay away from the chains, please.
​
Can't comment on the FBO, other than to say gas is typically kind of expensive - look at CEW, could be as much as a dollar a gallon cheaper.
​
 
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Haven't been to any one of them more than twice. But when I'm up north in the summer:
Friday Harbor FHR
Port Townsend 0S9
Bremerton PWT
Westport 14S
Newport ONP
Righteous Fish n Chips at all and fishing town harbor atmosphere except PWT. Maybe I should get a boat.
Hood River 4S2 been there more than a couple times. Great museum that never gets old and a couple annual flyins
Sisters 6K5 artsy hippie dippy yuppie western rodeo rancher type atmosphere all rolled into one.
When I go South for the Winter, to many to list. Pretty much all the ones seen hear from all the other Californians. Except I haven't done Catalina yet.
 
...the sky... (sorry, new father, can't help the dad jokes)

Not sure I have much of a serious answer other than we tend to go to my parents' (Naples, FL and White Sulphur Springs, MT) and my in-laws' (Macon, MO) at least a couple of times a year. But these are all pretty long distances (2100NM, 1400NM and 750NM) so they're not exactly short day trips. Other than those, I prefer to go to new places as much as possible rather than places I have been to before...
IMG_1462.jpeg
 
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