Long shot…

On Monday I’m flying my maule from Colorado back home to southern Kentucky where I grew up. I’ll be there for 2 weeks without much on the agenda. Does anyone know cool places to go or explore? Even simple things like airports with decent restaurants or something? I got my PPL there in 2015 but haven’t done much flying there since. Also open to surrounding states - closest to Tennessee.

I’ll be on 31’s so soft surfaces preferred but I’m realistic and not really looking for “backcountry”.

Our farm is literally next door to KGLW if anyone is in the area.

Thanks,
Asa

I'm originally from the area as well, have never gotten to fly there though. I'd say probably checkout M34 and/or 1M9, Kentucky dam/Lake Barkley strips. I think flying down the Kentucky lake / Lake Barkley would be a nice time. Get out and go for a walk around the areas.

Sound like an awesome trip! Look up Rogers International Airfield on Facebook and the Aero55 group. Rogers looks like a cool place to fly into, he requires waivers and opens it up for a fly in twice a year. I work weekends so haven't got to go yet. There is also a group in Indiana that play on some gravel bars called the Brush Pilots. I'm up around Cincinnati Ohio at OH66 but I'm on stock wheels and my flying is more family hauling than backcountry at this point.

Rough River KY (2I3) is a state park and has a restaurant with decent food but the days/hours were limited. Couple miles of hiking trails but fairly close by so might be worth the short flight.

chedrick wrote:Sound like an awesome trip! Look up Rogers International Airfield on Facebook and the Aero55 group. Rogers looks like a cool place to fly into, he requires waivers and opens it up for a fly in twice a year. I work weekends so haven't got to go yet. There is also a group in Indiana that play on some gravel bars called the Brush Pilots. I'm up around Cincinnati Ohio at OH66 but I'm on stock wheels and my flying is more family hauling than backcountry at this point.

Rough River KY (2I3) is a state park and has a restaurant with decent food but the days/hours were limited. Couple miles of hiking trails but fairly close by so might be worth the short flight.

Perfect, this is exactly the kind of place I'm looking for. Thanks!

ASA.

The Airfield Guide on the RAF website is good tool to use as well. Give it a look. There are quite a few strips in the general area that fit your guidelines.

Midwest

My brother keeps his plane at a private grass strip(Hunter) just south of Nashville and they fly up to Houston Co and eat (Southernaire Motel)once in awhile. Not always open so call ahead. My bro and I walked to a store that was down by the river and ferry and ate that day. It is pretty interesting along the river there. A guy at Hunter just got a Carbon Cub from what my bro said.

Moontown Alabama. Ok been a bunch a years since I've been there but a nice grass strip and there was a restaurant on the field. This was where I got my tailwheel endorsement in a Stearman.

Guntersville Alabama. Also a bunch a years. Met a Thud pilot who punched out twice and was 2" shorter because of it. At the time he was building an Experimental Jet. Interesting character, no idea if he is still alive, or if the Jet ever flew. Lake Guntersville was one of the finest Bass lakes in the country (in case you like to fish), no idea if that is still the case.

Since it's the holiday season I would call ahead to check on these but normally:

1st Saturday of each month Winchester TN (BGF) has their EAA breakfast. If the weather is good expect 50+ airplanes... it's popular. They usually have a good price on fuel also.

Livingston TN (8A3) has a courtesy van and there is a very good sandwich shop downtown.

Tullahoma TN (THA) has the Beech Museum. Well worth a visit! The FBO has a courtesy car and can recommend restaurants. Two grass strips available.

Houston County (M93), mentioned above, has Southernair Restaurant across the street. I haven't been in a while but it used to be good.

Howenwald TN (0M3) has a courtesy car and can direct you to the Junkyard Dog Steakhouse. One of my favorites.

Sikeston MO (SIK) Lambert's Cafe, home of the throwed rolls.

The gang I hang out with, The ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), goes to Centerville TN (GHM) on Tuesdays, weather permitting, to graze the buffet at the Homestead Restaurant. I left my airplane in Alaska for the winter so I'm bumming a ride these days but if you are there by 11:30 you are welcome to join us. If you prefer solitude and go any other day of the week just be sure to bring back a snack for Gus, the airport dog. He's particularly fond of the chicken livers.

Murfreesboro TN (KMBT) where I have wheels..... let me know when and I'll pick you up and take you to lunch... or breakfast if you like getting out early. I'll pm you my number.

Happy Flying
Keith