November/December 2011

Durango & Silverton, Colorado

Durango and Silverton are two small towns in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and they are gateways to some year-round adventures you truly cannot get anywhere else. If you’re an expert, powder-loving skier, you’ll want to make tracks for Silverton Mountain. This is the highest-altitude, most advanced ski area in North America, and what makes it even more attractive is that on any given day, there will probably be less than 80 skiers on the entire mountain. Challenge yourself to the steepest, deepest powder you’ve ever seen, and which very few people have ever heard about. Technical Editor Crista V. Worthy explains the ins and outs of this extreme ski resort, and where to stay and eat in Silverton, a tiny Victorian gem in a stunning valley. From Durango, you’ll want to take the famed Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad up through snow-clad mountain passes for spectacular daytime sightseeing, or bring your child at night to the special Polar Express Train to meet Santa! We round out our story with lots of other ideas for year-round adventures, including an all-inclusive dude ranch and the world’s longest zip-line rides.

Hood River, Oregon

Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is arguably one of America’s most beautiful landscapes. On the Gorge, the town of Hood River makes a great weekend getaway, as author Erin Willison discovered when she visited there. Home to one of the Northwest’s oldest vineyards, Hood River offers wine tasting, wine tours, fine local microbrews, orchards brimming with juicy apples and pears, and even an antique aircraft and automobile museum. This area is also one of the best places in the world for windsurfing. Ride the century-old Mount Hood Railroad, with its own Polar Express Train, or a Murder Mystery Train. You’ll also find several ski areas nearby. Hood River offers 18 high-quality B&Bs as well as inns and villas, so you’ll be well taken care of during your stay.

The Abacos, Bahamas Out Islands

When winter becomes cold and dark and dreary, who wouldn’t relish a weekend in The Bahamas? As a pilot, you can take advantage of the country’s open invitation to general aviation pilots and fly there yourself. Author Patricia Strutz walks you through the straightforward customs and flight procedures for this easy and beautiful tropical adventure trip. Once you’re on “island time,” you can slow down and relax on gorgeous white sand beaches with turquoise waters. Charter a sailboat, try deep sea fishing with fun and professional guides, or rent a fully equipped motorboat and cruise from one tiny cay to the next. Our story is full of top-notch ideas for creating your own island fantasy vacation that will banish all thoughts of a cold winter! You’ll find plenty of fun restaurants serving Caribbean specialties and an endless variety of rum libations guaranteed to get the party going. Explore underwater caves and coral reefs by snorkel or scuba, take an underwater photography workshop, stroll the quiet lanes of Hope Town, and visit one of the world’s last manual lighthouses. Everywhere you go, you’ll be met by friendly, easygoing locals who love to share their island paradise. After you get home, we bet you’ll be plotting your next opportunity to point your plane to The Bahamas.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Ready for bright lights, world-class cuisine, gambling galore, tip-top entertainment, and 24-hour, non-stop action? You can find all this, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Author Heather Sanders Sable walks you down the famous Boardwalk where you can find a famous Sub or Philly steak sandwich, hop on an amusement ride, shop till you drop, visit a museum, or even see an air show. Try your hand at fishing the back bay that has no waves or chance of getting seasick, or visit the renowned aquarium. And of course, you have the casinos with every kind of gambling, nightclubs, and entertainment. We’ll introduce you to some special deluxe and boutique hotels (some without gambling if that’s your preference) as well as a cozy B&B. When it’s time to dine, you’ll find a dizzying array of restaurants, many owned by famous chefs, and all competing to beat your expectations. You’ll be sure to keep coming back for more fun in Atlantic City.

How to Clean an Airplane

Aircraft are delicate and you shouldn’t trust your plane to just anybody. For the last several years, Technical Editor Crista Worthy has also been an aircraft detailer, and in this article she shares tips and secrets learned from detailing over 100 airplanes. By learning how to clean, wax, and de-grease your plane yourself, you’ll save money, get to know your airplane better, increase its value, and even get in a little exercise. Don’t miss these pointers that can help turn your plane into a gleaming gem you’ll be proud to take anyone up for a ride in.