Places Pilots Love | Pilot Getaways

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Places Pilots Love

The following destinations were featured in Jeppesen's Ten Places Pilots Love. As an exclusive addendum to this Jeppesen product, Pilot Getaways is making previous articles featuring some of these places available for free. Click on any of the descriptions below to read the full Pilot Getaways article on each destination as it appeared in the magazine.

Jackson Hole, Wyo.

In 1922, 14-year-old Lois Hormel Lyons described Jackson Hole's "unbelievable beauty" and "spectacular mountains" in her diary, now on file at the Jackson Hole Historical Society. Join her granddaughter, author Linda Rowe Fore, as she takes you on a contemporary tour that mixes the timeless wonder of the Wild West with a world-class ski resort. You may share Lois' belief and even use her words describing your stay as "the greatest trip of my life."

Telluride, Colo.

What was once the “wildest and most inaccessible” region of Colorado is now a skiing and shopping mecca perfect for an exciting fall escape. Telluride Airport is perched on a 9,000-ft plateau overlooking the town, which lies deep in a mountain valley. In Fall the summer crowds have abated, and the winter skiers have not yet arrived, so you can explore the eclectic shops and restaurants, take to the hiking trails or golf courses, or soak in indulgence at a spa.

Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Nothing quite compares to flightseeing over the Grand Canyon. In your plane, you can take in this spectacular journey at your own pace. Follow the Colorado River along its 277-mile path as it forms the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, and beautiful side canyons, such as Havasupai, named by the Indians for blue-green water. This article gives you all the information you need to take in one of the wonders of the world.

Grand Canyon West, Ariz.

When you visit the Hualapai Reservation at Grand Canyon West airport, you'll get a unique view of the Grand Canyon: straight down between your toes to the canyon floor thousands of feet below! Technical Editor Crista V. Worthy explains how you can fly through one of four special flight corridors over the Grand Canyon. Once you land, you can take the short bus ride to The Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway that extends 65 ft. out over the canyon. Feel the updrafts as you lean over the edge, and look down almost 4,000 ft. to the bottom of the canyon!

San Juan Islands, Wash.

The Pacific Northwest's San Juan Archipelago is an ideal place to escape the hurried pace of modern life. Rolling farmland, windswept coastlines, noticeably clean air, and some spectacular flightseeing are the rewards of planning a visit to these popular islands. Pilot Getaways tells you all you need for trips to Orcas Island, Friday Harbor and the private airstrip at Roche Harbor Resort. Activities such as kayaking and whale watching are covered, along with details on where to dine, where to stay and where to catch some of North America's most beautiful sunsets.

Nantucket, Mass.

A small island off the Massachusetts coast of Cape Cod exudes an attractiveness far larger than its size, says author Tamara Brown. Nantucket Island once dominated the world's whaling industry. Today, it will take you back in time with its cobblestone streets and more than 800 buildings at least a century old. Nantucket's beaches, rolling moors, heaths, and cranberry bogs haven't changed much either. Neon signs and traffic signals are nearly absent here, and gaslights illuminate parts of town. It's easy to see why Nantucket is a popular destination.

Bay Bridge, Md.

The Washington DC ADIZ has the unfortunate side effect that many pilots are missing out on great flying around the world-famous Chesapeake Bay, and the chance to replace the $100-hamburger with fantastic crab cakes. Bay Bridge Airport lies within the ADIZ, but special procedures permit you to fly there without filing an ADIZ flight plan or contacting ATC for a clearance. The Chesapeake is a beautiful place to behold. Unlock the mystery of the ominous ADIZ and this article will remind you why we fly.

Santa Rosa, Calif.

From above you might think you're descending to the rolling green and gold hills of Tuscany. The acres of neatly arranged grapevines, however, are the hallmark of Sonoma County: California's first and foremost wine-growing region. At its heart is Santa Rosa, where we'll guide you to the Charles M. Shulz museum, which along with the airport pays tribute to the late Peanuts cartoonist, or to art events where you can meet local artists in their studios. There's plenty more to see and do, including wine tours and romantic gourmet dining.

Key West, Fla.

Once home to notorious pirates, then a haven for Ernest Hemingway, Key West, Florida, now plays host to lively nightclubs, posh resorts, and Victorian garden inns. Author Amy Dodgen reveals the best local fish stands, Cuban specialties, and even an oyster bar with weekly turtle races. Biplane and seaplane rides, deep-sea fishing, glass bottom boats, parasailing, and many more adventures await!