Fly-in Eateries:
Bearing 140 Magnetic, 150 Nautical Miles
By John A. Teipen

What is it that makes the $100 hamburger trip worthwhile?  It’s a good way to use and practice our piloting and navigational skills.  It’s an opportunity to go somewhere and experience a meal that would not be practical by more time-consuming ground transportation methods.  Perhaps it’s the need to explore unknown airports?

I wake up with excitement on the day of a planned $100 Hamburger trip because I am free to “aviate at will”.  A privilege that we can all appreciate more this season.  We can go to the airport, file, fire-up, and fly to the food because we live in a free country.  Is there anyway to experience more of the “free” in freedom?  If that is not enough there is a bonus, take some friends along on this exercise of our American Freedom.

Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, Gilbertsville, KY: On a recent trip I was accompanied by my best friend Nora Teipen, and Joe and Ginny Dobronski, to celebrate their forty-four years of marriage.  Joe retired a few years ago from McDonnell Douglas as the Chief Test Pilot.  You know that will always be good for exciting cockpit talk and dinner conversation!  (If anyone is counting, that’s at least four or five bonus reasons to spend that $100 so far!)

We headed 140 degrees southeast from the Spirit of St Louis airport (SUS) to the Kentucky Dam State Park airport (M34) in Gilbertsville KY, about 150 nautical miles as the Piper Lance flies.  Our destination is Patti’s 1880’s Settlement.  A group of shops and restaurants that we know only by reputation for fine food and friendly service.

We planned the weather just right this morning.  A nearly perfect crisp, sunny day that the Wright Brothers must have had in mind when they decided it was time to learn to fly.  The Lance jumped for the sky with the spirit of 300 horses eager to kick up their heels on a fine winter’s day.  Before long we saw the lakes on the horizon and descend to pattern altitude at M34.  The airport has an ample East-West hard runway 4000’ X 100’ at 349’ MSL.  Other than the basic necessities like runway lighting, fuel, and tie-downs, this state owned airport has camping facilities including showers.  We are planning a return trip in the spring with camping gear and mountain bikes!

Patti’s is one of those “pilot friendly” destinations.  We called for pickup and their van arrived in just a few minutes.  Our driver had that unique combination of helpfulness and personal interest in our visit that gave us a warm feeling about the area and local folks.  She answered all of our questions (that must be heard from every visitor) with attention and care.   This took on a greater meaning when Joe and Ginny were serenaded to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” sung by Patti’s staff.  The driver had let the staff know of Joe and Ginny’s anniversary!  Now that’s service!

We arrived at lunchtime and were seated immediately.  I would suggest calling ahead for reservations though, especially if your plan is to dine in the evening hours.  (1-888-736-2515 or checkout www.patti-settlement.com website)  The menu offers a wide variety for just about any diet or taste. Patti’s “must try” entrée is a 2” pork chop.  Let me say that there are four more pilot type $100’ers that recommend the 2” pork chop.  You will not regret it!  And if that is not enough save room for the fantastic desserts ranging from ‘one foot thick’ Lemon meringue pie to the Boat Sinker chocolate on chocolate treat.  If you walk away hungry you can’t blame Patti’s staff!

It’s easy and worth your time to walk off your dinner browsing through the various shops that are part of Patti’s Settlement and the immediate area.  After visiting a few antique shops and bypassing yet more opportunities for dessert, at coffee shops we walked to the Lighthouse Landing Marina.   We relaxed by the sailboat cove and agreed that we must plan a longer trip to really investigate all the peaceful beauty of this wonderful lake region.  We will keep this flight plan on the GPS!

Reluctantly, we headed back to the airport.  This might be the end of a great day except for that fact that we are pilots and we turn our attention and excitement to the return trip.  Halfway home we were treated to a perfect sunset.  Could this day get any better?  As we glide over the twinkling lights of St Louis, we are filled with the peace and satisfaction of a day well spent and the promise of more adventures to come.  Most of all we cannot help but be proud and very thankful that we live, and will always live, in a country where these simple freedoms are available for all to experience.

Best wishes and safe flying in the New Year.