I just relocated from western Michigan to Rochester, NY. Yes, I realize this was a lateral move weather-wise, trading one lake effect show area for another. I guess I'm not as smart as a friend of mine who moved to California (but at least I can afford my hangar in New York).
Anyway, I was curious if any Piper owners local to the area have suggestions for interesting local flying destinations. My current list includes:
- Sightseeing over Niagra Falls (I've read the recommended procedure in the AFD - sounds reasonable).
- Oswego County (Fulton): supposedly a nice restaurant there.
Does anyone know if the aviation museum in Elmira is set-up to receive fly-in visitors? They appear to be on or near the airport, but it's not clear from their website.
Ok, so that's not a very long list. What else would folks recommend?
Elmira has a nice museum, so does Bradley, CN (BDL). Other nice trips include the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty, or day trips to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard.
I took advantage of today's unseasonably warm, sunny weather to venture down to the Wings of Eagles Museum (formerly National Warplane Museum) in Elmira. Parking is at the FBO next door to the museum (Trajen). There was some interesting stuff at the museum, including a restoration of an A-10 (seems odd to say "restoration" about an aircraft type still in service). Also interesting was the work being down to restore a MiG-17 to flight status that was being led and funded by the owner of the aircraft. The docents I spoke to were very knowledgeable. It was a great means to fritter-away a Saturday on things aviation oriented!
Hi Chris, Welcome to Rochester. At least you did not move here from California like me. Here are a couple of things to add to your list:
Toronto island airport is a beautiful trip. Cessna used this airport in their brochures (with the CN tower airbrushed out). Once there you can walk to food/hotels/streetcar. Requires custom sticker, radio station license, fees etc - all easy and worth it for using this amazing airport before they close it. And Toronto is a great city to get to know when you live here.
For a $100 hamburger, Bradford PA (KBFD) and Fulton county KFZY are nice with good, if not so healthy, food.
I have been a fan of CYQB Quebec City. For a $20 cab fare you can be in the magical Old Port City section. It is like a quick trip to Europe. The 888 CAN-PASS system is super simple. No one really cares if you have a radio station licence. Just call and advise customs of your expected arrival time. (Be accurate)
Don
St. Thomas, Ontario COPA hosts a BBQ every Wednesday evening through the summer at CYQS, approx. 150nm from ROC. Canpass or clear customs at St. Catharines.
They also have a great fly-in breakfast, usually 2nd Sunday in September.
You may have missed out on California's sunny Wx but you have not missed out on a fantastic base for flying adventures
All of the post are right on for great destinations. Perhaps a little correction about Quebec City however. THe old port is actually in Montreal and that too is a wonderful destination. You'll now need to land at St. Hubert Airport as Trudeau (former Dorval) airport is now one the high cost places- avoid the expense.
Quebec City is most definetly magical. The Old Village lies within the fortifications of the Citadel. Very quaint and quite a bit of old Europe right on your doorstep. Jean Lesage airport is the place to land.
New York state is practically crowded with great destinations.
The Glenn Curtiss museum in Hammondsport- Land at Penn Yann but you'll need a rental car.
Watkins Glen / Corning. Car Race track once held the F1 Gran Prix and annual F1 commerative parade downtown is really special. The Soaring Museum is at the top of the hill at Elmira Regional airport- great FBO. Corning has the glass museum and lots of little towns in the vicinity are interesting.
Old Rhinebeck . Gotta go there for a great days entertaiment. Kingston or Red HooK are your landing choices.( recomend Kingston)
Just a bit south is Lockhaven Pa. where the Piper Museum and the Cub sentimental journey can be enjoyed.
North west is St. Catharines (Niagara District Airport) . Best wine country , wonderful wineries (tasting---go for it!) . The historic town of Niagara on the Lake at the intersection of the Niagara river and Lake Ontario. This is a very enchanting place with many fine restaurants and very very scenic. Fort Henry and Fort George commemorate the Battle of 1812.
Hamilton has the War plane heritage museum . 1st rate place.
Toronto ( Toronto Island airport , Buttonville airport and Brampton airport are all excellent choices) . BIg city stuff like shopping but with a "Rodeo Drive" area -Yorkville, where you can drop some serious coin. Excellent live theatres and tons of fine dining.
Kingston Ontario (CYKG) is a beautiful town on the north shore of the lake right across from KROC ! This is a very relaxing and quaint town to visit. It has everything despite being a small town. A vist to Wolf island by ferry (free!!) is interesting.
Furhter North (of Toronto) is beautiful, especially in the fall. Tour the east side of Georgian bay and gawk at the million dollar "cottages" . Hang east and drop into Stanhope airport for a very aviation friendly destination. ALso very pretty in the fall. THere are many, many artisans in the area.
You'll never run out of easy and interesting places to fly to. Being from Michigan you already know about the Wx. Have fun.
One more to add to the list. Lake Placid is a great place to head out and have lunch. Town is a very short cab ride from the airport and it is a great town to walk around. Went there yesterday and it is a good time of the year to visit - warm but still snow on the peaks. Ate at the "The Cottage" at the mirror lake inn and I recommend it. [www.mirrorlakeinn.com]
Do not count on filling at the airport - I was unable to buy fuel when I was there.
