Catalina Island (AVX) “Airport in the Sky”
Where ya headed?
Here’s an always-work-in-progress map and curated list of fun fly-in destinations (as a resource for GA pilots and their friends; we don’t currently offer charter flights) with a toggle also for notable on-airfield restaurants. Send us your favorite spot, and we’ll add it to the map!
Click on the map pegs for more information, or jump (in the text list below) to:
Texas ★ West ★ Northwest ★ East ★ Midwest ★ Northeast ★ South/Int'l ★ Notable On-Field Eats
*List parentheticals are airport ID, distance from Houston (AXH), and approximate nonstop GA flight time.
Texas
Cibolo Creek Ranch. Five-star but easy-going luxury near Marfa, Texas, with its own airstrip. Don’t miss! (TS15, 419nm, 2:40). (That’s us there in our home page cover photo.)
Alpine/McDonald Observatory. West Texas charm in the Davis Mountains, plus Star Parties at the McDonald Observatory. Stay here. (E38, 431nm, 2:35).
Big Bend Ranch State Park. 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert playground, with its own airstrip. (3T9, 443nm, 2:35).
Canyon Lakeview Resort. More Texas Hill County lake experience. (1T7, 147nm, 0:52).
Chalk Draw. Hidden desert oasis near Big Bend National Park. (E38, 431nm, 2:25).
Clifton Town Jail. Stay at The Cell Block, a refurbished, whiskey & wine-stocked jail house, in this artsy country town. (7F7, 176nm, 1:00).
Hangar Hotel, Fredericksburg. Quaint 1940s-themed hotel and restaurant on the field in the heart of Texas hill county. (T82, 184nm, 1:10).
Horseshoe Bay Resort. The Hill County lake experience, with a dedicated airport. (DZB, 162nm, 0:57).
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. Horses, shooting and trails north of Del Rio. (9TE2, 266nm, 1:30).
Lajitas Golf Resort. Big Bend National Park’s four-star golf, zip line and activity resort, with its own airstrip. (T89, 443nm, 2:35).
Lake Texoma (Cedar Mills). Grass airstrip on the lake, with walkable lakeside dining. (3T0, 268nm, 1:30).
Lakeway. Stunning hilltop runway overlooking Lake Travis, with nearby restaurants and hotels. (3R9, 141nm, 0:50).
Marfa. Unlikely international cultural hotspot harboring the mysterious Marfa Lights. Eat at Marfa Burrito. (MRF, 448nm, 2:45).
Miraval Austin. Fancy spa. (From Lakeway 3R9, 141nm, 0:50).
Mustang Island. Gulf sand and surf with nearby aviation-themed boutique hotel. (RAS, 132nm, 0:47).
Palo Duro Canyon. The Grand Canyon of Texas. Glamping and mountain biking and more. (AMA or TDW, 468nm, 2:30).
Possum Kingdom Lake. Lakeside airport with nearby festive lakeside dining here and here. (F35, 255nm, 1:30).
San Antonio Hike & Bike. A recent addition to SA’s trail system connects historic Stinson Airport to the Riverwalk Mission Bike Trail. (SSF, 157nm, 1:10).
South Padre Island. Texas’s most famous beach. (PIL, 251nm; 1:15).
Terlingua Ranch Lodge. Rustic access to Big Bend. (1E2-gravel, 415nm, 2:25).
Transition Ranch. Horse and wildlife ranch near Uvalde. (UVA, 224nm, 1:30).
Treehouse Utopia. Like it sounds, north of Uvalde. (6TX2, 211nm, 1:15).
Y.O. Ranch, Kerrville. Hill Country finery with swim-up bar. (ERV, 191nm, 1:10).
West
ARIZONA
Grand Canyon. Ask me for my ForeFlight flight plan for an over-the-canyon tour, and/or my canyon tour guide notes… (Or miss the crowds and explore the canyon from Bar 10 Ranch, see UT list below). (GCN, 926nm, 5:00).
Grand Canyon West. Home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. (1G4, 1004nm, 5:20).
Monument Valley. Natural sandstone masterpieces. (UT25, 865nm, 4:45).
Petrified Forest National Park. Paleo hiking and biking. (INW, 842nm, 4:30).
Sedona. Red rock country with a stunning mesa-top airport. (SEZ, 889nm, 4:40).
Tombstone. Relive the OK Corral. But make sure you pre-arrange the 3-mile ride from the airport! (P29, 769nm, 4:45).
NEW MEXICO
Carlsbad Caverns. The coolest caverns in America. (CNM, 484nm, 2:35).
Taos/Angel Fire. Year-round adventure (and spa) in the Southern Rockies. (SKX/AXX, 665/645nm, 3:30).
White Sands National Monument. Miles of gypsum dunefield for play. (ALM, 576nm, 3:10)
CALIFORNIA
Catalina Island. Coolest airport around, the “Airport in the Sky.” (AVX, 1198nm, 6:15).
Death Valley National Park. Extreme wilderness broken by the luxury of the Oasis at Death Valley. Furnace Creek Airport (L06) is also the lowest in the U.S. at minus 210 MSL. (L06 or Stovepipe Wells—L09, 1155nm, 6:10).
Half Moon Bay. Northern California at its finest, and a spectacular oceanside airport. (KHAF, 1444nm, 7:40).
Halter Ranch Vineyard. Charming fly-in Paso Robles winery with its own airstrip and dedicated pilot cottages. (89CA, 1334nm, 6:60).
Kern Valley. Charming airport beside Lake Isabella with on-field cafe, camping and hiking from the field. (L05, 1218nm, 6:30).
Lake Tahoe. One of the most beautiful spots in America. Cross Spooners Summit Pass westbound and head south across the lake to the airport. (TVL, 1338nm, 7:10).
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Largest trees on planet Earth. (VIS, 1217nm, 6:50).
Yosemite National Park. Magnificent granite wilderness. (FAT, 1317nm, 7:15).
NEVADA
Great Basin National Park. Stunning desert wilderness. (ELY, 1123nm, 6:20).
Lake Mead. Year-round natural playground. (BVU, 1052nm, 5:55).
UTAH
Bears Ears National Monument. The Bears Ears are the bee’s knees. (BDG, 851nm, 5:10).
Bryce Canyon National Park. Red rocks, pink cliffs. (BCE, 967nm, 5:20).
Capitol Reef National Park. Hike and bike the geologic wrinkle of the Waterpocket Fold. (1L7, 943nm, 5:05).
Grand Canyon North Rim (Bar 10 Ranch). (1Z1, 982nm, 6:00).
Lake Powell. Canyons, boating, beaches. (PGA, 917nm, 5:30).
Moab/Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. Stunning red rock landscapes and mountain biking paradise. (CNY, 900nm, 5:30).
COLORADO
Boulder. Gateway to the Front Range. (BDU, 793nm, 4:15).
Durango. Miles of mountain trails and the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. (DRO, 767nm, 4:05).
Leadville. U.S.’s highest airport and incorporated city. Preview here. (LXV, 806nm, 4:20).
Steamboat Springs. Skiing and mountain biking mecca. (KSBS, 864nm, 4:35).
Telluride. Go for the skiing, stay for mountain summers. The airport’s not as scary as they say. (TEX, 922, 4:55).
Northwest
WASHINGTON
San Juan Islands. Pacific Northwest perfection. Try Roche Harbor or Rosario. (WA09 and ORS, 1754nm, 9:30).
OREGON
Silentz Bay. Oregon Coastal beauty. Stay here. (S45, 1670nm, 9:05)
MONTANA
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch. Timeless Montana Dude Ranch with its own airstrip. (1MT0, 1195nm, 6:20).
West Yellowstone. One gateway to Yellowstone National Park. (WYS, 1175nm, 6:15).
Red Lodge. Beartooth Mountains hideaway and eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. (RED, 1144nm, 6:15).
Paws Up, Missoula. Glamping on the Blackfoot River in Big Sky Country. (MSO, 1413nm, 8:40).
WYOMING
Jackson Hole. Rugged wilderness and skiing with the airport at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. (JAC, 1118nm, 6:35). See related AOPA article.
IDAHO
Cabin Creek Landing. The best bed & breakfast in Montana, with its own landing strip. (I08, 1314nm, 8:00).
Johnson Creek. Backcountry flying at its finest. SOP here. (3U2 -turf, 1431nm, 7:45).
Sun Valley. Throwback mountain biking extravaganza, among other hoots. (KSUN, 1295nm, 7:25).
CALIFORNIA
Lassen Volcanic National Park. Volcanic wilderness, lakes, and trails. (Lake Almanor, O05, 1419nm, 8:00).
Redwood National Park. Tallest trees on planet Earth. (ACV, 1556nm, 8:45).
Shelter Cove. The secluded Eden of California’s Lost Coast, with a spectacular oceanside airport and inn. (0Q5, 1539nm, 9:20)
East
LOUISIANA
L’Auberge Lake Charles. Closest casino to Texas! (CWF, 129nm, 0:45).
New Orleans. Crescent City cuisine and music, plus a fun approach over Lake Pontchartrain. (NEW, 286nm, 1:30).
MISSISSIPPI
Gulfport. Gulf beaches and casinos. (GPT, 338nm, 2:05).
ALABAMA
Dauphin Island. One of the cooler runways in America, built out onto the water. (4R9, 386nm, 2:10).
Gulf Shores. Some of the best of the Redneck Riviera: Gulf beaches and more. (JKA, 412nm, 2:35).
ARKANSAS
Bentonville’s Thaden Field. Portal to backcountry adventure and hub of Arkansas’s FLY OZ network, with classic on-field cafe, Louise. (VBT, 414nm, 2:25).
Gaston’s White River Resort. Ozark awesomeness with its own airstrip. (3M0-turf, 435nm, 2:10).
Heber Springs, Lindsay’s Resort. Log cabins on the Little Red River. (HBZ, 400nm, 2:10).
Marfly Retreat. Remote White River getaway, near Melbourne. (42A, 434nm, 2:20).
Petit Jean Park. Rustic mountain lodge, or camping at the airport, near Cedar Creek Canyon. (MPJ, 362nm, 2:00).
TENNESSEE
Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain. Smoky Mountains awesomeness. Do not miss. The main airport (TYS, 629nm, 3:45) is closer, but it’s worth the extra few minutes’ drive to fly into Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (DKX, 631nm, 3:45) in the middle of the Tennessee River.
FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Beach and quaint town way out on the Florida panhandle. (AAF, 558nm, 3:25).
Blackwater River State Forest. Camping and swimming hole just off the private turf runway in pristine pine forest. (8FD3, 456nm, 2:30). Permit required.
Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center. Launch sites and beaches. (TIX, 774nm, 4:45).
Cedar Key. Charming historical Florida island town and airstrip. Bring your short field game. (CDK, 682nm, 4:15).
Deland Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill. Deck restaurant off the runway with live music and skydiver watching. (DED, 757nm, 4:05).
Destin & Ft. Walton Beach. White sandy beaches and emerald water. (DTS, 478nm, 2:50).
Key West. Irreverent tropical paradise. (EYW, 1039nm, 6:20).
Marathon/Vaca Key. Mainstream Keys. (MTH, 999nm, 6:10).
Marco Island. Beaches and gateway to the Everglades. (MKY, 890nm, 5:30).
Miami. Take your talents to South Beach. Run with Raven. (TBE, 934nm, 5:40).
North Captiva Island. Unspoiled tropical paradise with its own private (permission only) turf airstrip, Salty Approach. (FL90, 859, 5:20).
Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watercolor. Simple beautiful beach life. (ECP, 511nm, 3:10).
St. Augustine. Historic town with beaches a few miles from the airport. (KSGJ, 739nm, 4:35).
Venice. Beachside airport and gulf sunsets. Walk from your plane to Sharky’s on the Pier for lunch. (VNC, 829, 5:05).
MISSOURI
Branson’s Lakes. Top of the Ozarks. Hole up at Chateau on the Lake or a cabin at Big Cedar Lodge. (BBG, 436nm, 2:15).
Lake of the Ozarks. Lake resort, state park, and home to Bridal Cave. (K15, 534nm, 2:45).
GEORGIA
Jekyll Island. Coastal haven with island airstrip. (09J, 735nm, 4:05).
Sea Island. Beaches and island finery with on-island airstrip. (SSI, 738nm, 4:05).
SOUTH CAROLINA
Hilton Head Island. Golf and low country life. (HXD, 780nm, 4:15).
Kiawah Island. South Carolina beaches and activities. (JZI, 819nm, 4:25).
Myrtle Beach. South Carolina hospitality. (MYR, 883nm, 4:45).
NORTH CAROLINA
Kitty Hawk/Outer Banks. Pilgrimage material. (FFA, 1073nm, 5:40).
VIRGINIA
Tangier Island. Chesapeake Bay adventures, with its own airstrip. (TGI, 1092nm, 5:50).
Williamsburg. Colonial living-history museum. Charly’s Restaurant on the field bakes its own bread. (JGG, 1048nm, 5:35).
WEST VIRGINIA
The Greenbrier. Historical luxury resort in the Allegheny Mountains since 1778. (LWB, 904nm, 4:50).
Midwest
KANSAS
Beech & Cessna Fields, Wichita. “Air Capital of the World.” Beech Factory Tour (call ahead) a must for Bonanza drivers. (BEC, 498nm, 2:50).
MICHIGAN
Beaver Island. A “dark sky” summer paradise in the middle of Lake Michigan. (SJX, 1077nm, 5:45). Also nearby North Fox Island (6Y3) with rustic grass strip and no-cell-phone-coverage camping.
Charlevoix. “Pure Michigan” wedged between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. (CVX, 1063nm, 5:45).
Macinac Island. Unforgettable quaint island town with on-island airstrip. (MCD, 1106nm, 5:50).
MINNESOTA
Madden’s on Gull Lake. Lake play and golf with its own turf runway. (9Y2, 1013nm, 5:30).
Sky Harbor, Lake Superior. Island runway jumping point for lake tours. (KDYT, 1044nm, 5:35).
OHIO
Put in Bay. Picturesque Lake Erie island town and scenic island airport. (3W2, 953nm, 5:05).
SOUTH DAKOTA
Badlands/Black Hills. Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave, and more. (CUT, 938nm, 5:10).
WISCONSIN
Madeline Island. Flawless Lake Superior scenery. Gilbert Field has bikes available for the 2-mile cruise into town for waterside dining. (4R5, 1059nm, 6:40).
Northeast
MAINE
Bar Harbor & Acadia Nat’l Park. Lobsters and lighthouses with shorefront airport. (BHB, 1570nm, 8:35).
MASSACHUSETTS
Cape Cod. Explore seafood shacks, lighthouses and beaches from darling turf Cape Cod Airfield. (2B1, 1420nm, 8:00, or nearby paved KHYI).
Martha’s Vineyard. Perpetually trendy NE summer beach playground with on-island airport. (MVY, 1420nm, 7:45).
NEW YORK
Manhattan. If you haven’t flown the spectacular Hudson River VFR corridor, do it! Take FAA’s free NY SFRA course first. Tips here and here. (BLM, 1231nm, 6:45).
Finger Lakes. Lakes, gorges, waterfalls, world-class wines and state parks, with several good GA airport options. (IUA, PEO, 0G7, 1188nm, 7:30).
Niagara Falls. Epic natural monument. Check FAR 93.71 for VFR flight procedures. (KIAG, 1139nm, 6:35).
PENNSYLVANIA
Nemacolin Resort. Highlight of the Laurel Highlands with its own stunning VFR-only airfield. (PA88, 999nm, 6:05).
RHODE ISLAND
Block Island. Quintessential Northeast with on-island airport. (KBID, 1383nm, 7:20).
VERMONT
Basin Harbor. Charming resort and airfield on Lake Champlain. (B06 — turf, seasonally open, 1473nm, 8:45).
South/International
MEXICO
Monterrey, Mexico. Balancing old and new Mexico against the Sierra Madres. Check AOPA’s Flying to Mexico guide before you go. (MMMY, 333nm, 1:45).
BAHAMAS
Get AOPA’s Pilot Guide to Bahamas and Caribbean and read the Bahamas gov’t FAQ.
Abaco. Barefoot luxury. (MYAM, 1079nm, 5:45 for more services or nearby Treasure Cay Airport MYAT for more fun).
Eleuthera & Harbour Island. Pink beaches and island exploring. (MYEH, 1113nm, 5:55).
Great Exuma Island. Sapphire-blue waters and brilliant beaches. (MYEF, 1235nm, 6:30). Just like pretty much all the other Exuma Cays, like Staniel Cay (MYES).
Hawk’s Nest at Cat Island. Darling of the Out Islands. (MYCB, 1231nm, 6:40).
CARIBBEAN
Get AOPA’s Pilot Guide to Bahamas and Caribbean.
Cayman Brac. Don’t go to the Caymans in a small plane and miss this place. (MWCB, 1282nm, 6:50).
Grand Cayman. Beaches, diving and adventure that never gets old. (MWCR, 1355nm via Florida Keys and over Cuba, 7:10).
Turks & Caicos. Diving and beaches and the best meat pies in the Caribbean. (MBPV, 1431nm across the Bahamas, 7:35).
Notable On-Field Eats
TEXAS
Airport Diner, Hangar Hotel, Fredericksburg. Quaint 1940s-themed hotel and restaurant on the field in the heart of Texas hill county. (T82, 184nm, 1:10).
Baby Clay’s BBQ, Mexia. Lunchtime BBQ a short walk from the field. (LXY, 139nm, 0:50).
Black Walnut Cafe, Conroe. Indoor/outdoor rooftop diner overlooking the field with outstanding chocolate chip pancakes. (CXO, 51nm, 0:25).
Cafe Lago, Lakeway. Breakfast burritos and tacos a short walk from a picturesque hilltop runway. Also a short drive to the waterfront is Canyon Grille. (3R9, 141nm, 0:50).
Clear Springs Restaurant, New Braunfels. World famous onion rings in a spot first surveyed by Alamo hero James Bowie. Two miles from field; cars usually available. (BAZ, 135nm, 0:45).
Dreamliner Diner, Brenham. CURRENTLY CLOSED, but there’s always hope! Indoor/outdoor breakfast and lunch with runway views. (11R, 63nm, 0:25).
Delta Charlie’s Bar & Grill, Dallas. Bar and grill with “Dinner & a Flight” option. (RBD, 203nm, 1:15).
English Field House, Amarillo. Best Panhandle airport grub. (AMA, 466nm, 3:05).
Gate 12 Bar & Grill, College Station. Steaks and burgers channeling Texas A&M’s 12th Man legacy, with a view of the busy runway. (CLL, 80nm, 0:35).
Hangar 6 Air Cafe, Uvalde. Lunch and later cafe honoring its namesake’s WWII training operation. (UVA, 224nm, 1:35).
Hard Eight Barbecue, Stephenville. Highly sought-after BBQ just off the field. (SEP, 214nm, 1:25).
Hoggs’ BBQ, Dumas. All day breakfast and BBQ. “Laid back atmosphere and amped up BBQ.” (DUX, 504nm, 3:15).
Lockhart BBQ, Lockhart. Lockhart is the official Barbecue Capital of Texas. Four joints minutes from the field, and a car’s usually available. If it’s Wednesday, there’s BBQ meatloaf at Riley’s Pit BBQ. (50R, 117nm, 0:50).
Crosby Flying Services, Pecos. Some of the best homemade burritos you’ll ever find are in the FBO fridge. Free with fuel, donation appreciated. (PEQ, 431nm, 2:30).
Pelican’s Landing Restaurant, Lake Texoma. Lakeside dining walkable from the charming turf field. (3T0, 268nm, 1:35).
Radial Cafe, Grand Prairie. Indoor/outdoor breakfast and lunch with runway views. (GPM, 208nm, 1:15).
Red Barn Cafe, Sulphur Springs. All sorts of delicious home-cooked meals, literally across the street from the field. Cash only! (SLR, 219nm, 1:20).
Ruffo’s Kitchen and Sky’s the Limit Diner, Tyler. Fresh Mex! (TYR, 171nm, 1:00).
Runway Cafe, Angleton. A Houston local favorite indoor/outdoor, BYOB seafood restaurant with a charming owner/chef. (LBX, 24nm, 0:10).
Shelby’s Diner, Amarillo. Fantastic breakfast and lunch Mon. - Sat. beside Amarillo’s Tradewind Airport FBO. (TDW, 468nm, 2:50).
Sky Restaurant, Victoria. Seafood and Waygu burgers and more. (VCT, 85nm, 0:40).
ARIZONA
Mesa Grill, Sedona. Southwestern flair at a charming indoor/outdoor site. (SEZ, 889nm, 4:40).
Sky Rider Cafe, Marana. Best breakfast burrito in AZ. (AVQ, 830nm, 5:35).
ARKANSAS
Gaston’s Restaurant, Lakeview. Ozark awesomeness with its own airstrip. (3M0-turf, 435nm, 2:10).
CALIFORNIA
The Cloverfield, Santa Monica. A short walk from the field takes you to stylish CA food at a fabulous outdoor patio. (SMO, 1203nm, 6:50).
Flo’s Airport Cafe, Chino. Famous chicken fried steak and more, since ‘75. (CNO, 1162, 7:35).
Harris Ranch Restaurant, Coalinga. Lauded steakhouse plus lighter fare, all serving the ranch’s own raised beef. (3O8, 1310nm, 8:30).
Izzy’s Steakhouse, San Carlos. High end steakhouse resurrected from its namesake saloon. (SQL, 1420nm, 8:30).
COLORADO
The Perfect Landing, Denver. Good, upscale food with runway views. (APA, 760nm, 4:30).
FLORIDA
The Hangar, St. Petersburg. Famous breakfasts and lunches overlooking the runway and Tampa Bay. (SPG, 756nm, 4:45).
High Jackers Restaurant, Palm Coast. South Pacific decor with indoor/outdoor runway views on Florida’s Atlantic coast. (FIN, 752nm, 4:30).
Island Fish Company, Marathon Key. A 1.5-mile courtesy car drive to outstanding on-water dining. (MTH, 999nm, 6:10).
Jet Runway Cafe, Ft. Lauderdale. Bustling, upscale eatery with runway views. (FXE, 920nm, 5:40).
Runway Cafe, Sebring. Renowned French toast and omelets with runway views, within shouting distance of Sebring Int’l Raceway. (SEF, 812nm, 5:00).
Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice. Seafood and frozen drinks with beach and gulf sunsets. (VNC, 829, 5:05).
Stout’s Restaurant, Marathon Key. Homemade daily specials since 1964. (MTH, 999nm, 6:10).
GEORGIA
The 57th Fight Group Restaurant, Atlanta. World War II aviation-themed restaurant, complete with an entrance through a sandbagged bunker tunnel. (PDK, 629nm, 3:55).
KANSAS
Stearman Field Bar & Grill, Benton. Lively joint, extensive menu, and Stearman rides next door. (1K1, 502nm, 3:05).
KENTUCKY
Le Relais Restaurant, Louisville. Fine French cuisinewith outdoor deck dining atop Bowman Field’s historic art deco terminal. (LOU, 716nm, 4:40).
LOUISIANA
D.I.’s Cajun Restaurant, Basile. Genuine Cajun cooking with its own private turf field. (LA52, 159nm, 1:05).
Messina’s Runway Cafe, New Orleans. Traditional New Orleans cuisine in Lakefront’s historic art deco terminal. (KNEW, 286nm, 1:35).
ILLINOIS
Pilot Pete’s, Schaumburg. Chiacgoland’s aviation eatery with lobster nachos and more. (06C, 829nm, 5:00).
INDIANA
Rick’s Boatyard Cafe, Indianapolis. Waterfront fresh seafood and craft cocktails. (EYE, 766nm, 5:00).
MARYLAND
Nick’s Airport Inn, Hagerstown. Famous crab cakes and more, with a piano bar. (HGR, 1067nm, 6:40).
MASSACHUSETTS
Nancy’s Airfield Cafe, Stow. Seasonal indoor/outdoor haven sourcing local ingredients. (6B6, 1393nm, 8:50).
NORTH CAROLINA
The Pik N Pig, Carthage. Best barbecue in the Carolinas. (BQ1, 885nm, 5:30).
OKLAHOMA
Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant, Ponca City. Since ‘83, “The Hottest Jalapeno on the Runway!” (PNC, 440nm, 2:40).
Jake’s Joint, Ardmore. Renowned comfort food in a joint pioneered by a mechanic tired of driving off-field for lunch. (ADM, 298nm, 2:00).
OHIO
Tin Goose Diner, Port Clinton. Authentic stainless steel 1950s diner on Lake Eire, with adjacent Liberty Aviation Museum. (PCW, 946nm, 6:05).
OREGON
Grateful Bread, Pacific City. Land over the Nestucca River for the short walk to this sterling breakfast diner. (PFC, 1642nm, 10:10)
PENNSYLVANIA
DeNunzio’s Italian Chophouse & Sinatra Bar, Latrobe. Italian family cuisine with adorable sunset terrace overlooking the runway. (LBE, 1019nm, 6:30).
SOUTH CAROLINA
Stanton’s BBQ & Fish Camp, Bennettsville. Tasty Southeast cuisine with its own airstrip. (No ID — turf runway 7.6nm NNE of BBP, radio call “Stanton’s BBQ traffic,” 863nm, 4:45).
TENNESSEE
The Bull & Thistle Pub, Gainesboro. Charming gastropub will pick you up at the nearby picturesque riverside airfield. (1A7, 645nm, 3:40).
WASHINGTON
Airport Diner, Bremerton. Famous fish and chips in period diner. (Closed, expected to re-open spring 2022). (PWT, 1662nm, 10:20).
Spruce Goose Cafe, Port Townsend. Since 1999, this classic indoor/outdoor Olympic Peninsula diner has served the “best airport restaurant pie in the USA.” (0S9, 1681nm, 10:20).