Fly-in Eateries:

THE CRYSTAL INN HOTEL & RESTAURANT AT BEARCE

By Ralph McCormick  (updated 09-10-08)

Mt. Ida, Arkansas -- Whether you call it Mt. Ida, Bearce, or 7M3, it spells good food and friendly service at the airport and restaurant.  The runway is 4,000 X 50 feet.  Unicom is 122.9 MHz and the last time I was down there the taxiway was a bit rough. 

The restaurant is not on the field, but is just a very short walk to just next door.  Once you get there you will find good food and reasonable prices.  The Crystal Inn Restaurant has been in operation for many years.  The present owners, Robert & Elizabeth Liva, have owned it for about seven years.  The location, for those unfamiliar to that area of Arkansas, is west of Hot Springs (HOT).  Hot Springs, if you remember, would be famous for Lum and Abner.  Mt. Ida is famous for Charlie Weaver, the comedian, from Mt. Idddee?????  Perhaps you remember him as Cliff Arquette. This might age date you should you remember the comedian.

What you will find at Crystal Inn Restaurant is that $100 Hamburger, sandwiches, Cajun fries, or for lunch ribeye steaks, prime rib, shrimp, and ribs.  Breakfast is a popular fly in meal for pilots.  I must say it is very good at the Crystal Inn Restaurant and the cost is most reasonable.  The hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a. m. to 2:00 p. m. and then 4 to 8 pm. On Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The phone number to Crystal Inn Restaurant is 870 867-2643.  Call ahead to be sure of their hours.

The airport is in very good and easy to access.  Check the inbound procedure for landing.  Fuel is available on the field.  Call ahead if you need more information.  We certainly enjoy our trips over for a great $100 Hamburger.