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USA: Indiana

Greencastle, IN (4I7 - four india seven)

Ok, Indiana...I don't have a recommendation for a good "day trip," but I can tell you where I like to RON when passing through. Greencastle, IN (4I7).

Here's a snippet from what I wrote last summer on http://www.rvproject.com/20060718.html:
You may be familiar with the Dixie Chopper line of lawn mowers. They're kinda the "hotrods" of mowers. I mean, if you're gonna do it, do it up, right? I've never ridden a "high performance" mower, and I'm sure I don't know what I'm missing. Anyway, this is all relevant, because at 4I7 (four india seven) is an FBO called Dixie Chopper Air. The company runs its executive business center right there at the airport, and there's a restaurant, lounge, pilot shop, and even a hotel right there IN the FBO! At $3.47, their price on fuel was among the cheapest in the country. Sign me up. This was perfect. I could stop, fuel up on the cheap, crash in the hotel for just 50 bucks, and I don't need to worry about ground transportation -- no need to leave the premises. Sweet!

I rolled into Dixie Chopper Air around 6pm central, and when I casually inquired if they had any overnight hangar space available (expecting the answer to be, "Yes, but it costs umpty dollars per night."), the guy working there was kind enough to offer me a spot in their hangar...and since I was staying at their hotel the hangar would be free! I pulled the plane into the sparkling clean hangar, where it spent the night tucked in alongside a nice biz jet...a Dixie Chopper company airplane. I checked into my room, which was basically a suite. This "hotel" right there in the FBO was fantastic. The room was spacious to say the least, had basically a living area and office area and a good sized bathroom. Plus, wireless (and wired) broadband internet. All for 50 bucks! And when I realized I left my laptop power supply in the plane, it wasn't like I had to get a cab or take a rental car back to the airport. I just walked downstairs to the hangar. This place kicks ***...way cheaper, way more convenient than a comparable alternative, and it's a heck of a lot nicer to boot. I will definitely stop there again. Highly recommended!
 
Greencastle (Putnam County Airport 4I7) is the only place I buy gas. Great folks. You can see the guy who owns Dixie Chopper there eating breakfast all the time and you can check out the chopper that the boys at Orange County Choppers built for them in a glass case in the FBO building.
 
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Kimbler's Landing, Muncie Indiana

Newly Opened and formerly Vince's Restaurant out at Muncie Airport, Kimbler's Landing has taken the lead in offering Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Moday through Saturday 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Sundays are out of the question until more interest is shown by pilots and the community as a whole.

There is a temporary website at http://www.eatonindiana.net/kimblerslanding.html

The site is currently under construction. For more information please visit the site. There is contact information, just click the contact link. :D

Jim Szutowicz
AKA "The Flying Chef" ;)
 
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Well, I have to say that I've been to Kimbler's twice in the last couple of months and at the rate its going, I don't expect it to stay open very long. While the food was pretty good, the service both times was staggeringly horrible. I mean unbeliebably bad. Both times, I saw customers walk out of the place because they couldn't get service, food, drinks, or anyone to wait on them.

I could give you all the gory details, but when they ran out of ice tea, steak, and a featured entree by 5:30 PM on a Wednesday, I figure the place is not well managed.

Too bad because I'd like to see a restaurant succeed there. It's a nice flight up from Indy, the tower controller is real friendly, and it makes a nice evening flight during the week. If you're still listening Jim, you've got to solve your server problems or no one is going to come back.
 
French Lick

Stopped by French Lick (FRH) today (about 75 miles from home base of OVO North Vernon) and found it to be a nice, friendly airport, although gas was a little pricey (I didn't need any.) They called the shuttle and the hotels/casino sent a Buick SUV out for us. After about a 5 mile ride, we had a GREAT buffet lunch for $13.00 each at the old French Lick Resort. Rides are free but a tip is in order. I understand they spent almost $400 million restoring it to it's 1901 splendor. West Baden Springs hotel with what was the largest unsupported domed ceiling in the world until the Astrodome is also open a few blocks away. Both are very plush and a great study in early 20th century opulence. The casino is okay also, if you are into such things.

Bob Kelly
 
Kimblers Landing / Problems

Hello guys, well I am sorry you have had bad service at Kimblers. I myself had big hopes for the establishment and enjoyed working there very much. I have left the establishment for reason I would rather not discuss in this forum, unless two things happen, 1. they go out of business 2. They turn things around and become extremly successful.

I will say this though "Just because you learn how to fly and get a private pilots License, does not mean one should jump into a 747 and takeoff and go flying. There is one important thing when flying that 747 and that is Landing the bird!!!!!!! Kimblers is in the patern and decided they could fly a 747 based apon learning time in a Cessna 172. The 747 is still in the air, until they can land that plane, my prayers are with them and I hope them the best.

I left on good terms and hope that when certain things happen I will go back this winter. I have a bad habit of using my brain and sometimes it offends people!

Do not give up on them, they are trying!!!!! :) :eek:
 
Save $.10/gal on 100LL

OVO at North Vernon, IN has always had about the lowest avgas prices in the area and now they have something of a special. Go to their website www.nvair.org and click on the promo (left side) and print off a coupon for $.10 off. Anyone passing through can save a few buck, anyway. Self serve and very friendly folks.

Bob Kelly
 
EYE?

Although I have not yet been there KEYE, Eagle Creek just north of Indianapolis has been recommended.
Any feedback?
 
EYE Thumbs Up

I've flown into Eagle Creek before and liked it a lot, but it's been a couple of years. It was always a good place to fly in and walk across the street to the very good seafood restaurant on the reservoir.

I don't have any experience with the FBO, though a cousin of mine keeps his twin hangared there.

If you stay low to duck under the Indy class Charlie airspace watch out for tall towers to the north.

David Wright
 
Indiana Eats

Ricks across the street from KEYE has been a good place to go for over 20 years.

Greencastle (Putnam County) is great. Food and service getting impressive and the fuel prices are always good.

KHUF where I'm based at in Terre Haute has a little restaurant at the terminal that is open every day for breakfast and lunch (til 2). Hopefully in the next couple weeks (as of 1/08) we'll get a new airport director and they'll reduce the 100LL back to a more transient friendly price. The controllers are friendly and the food is pretty good. Come on over!

Flying into French Lick and getting a pick up from the old hotel used to be pretty nice. Since they renovated, I don't know if they've become astronomical in price for food like I've heard the rooms are priced. Pretty country down there, quite a few things to do in that area.

Don't forget Sundays once a month in the summer at Lee Bottom on the Ohio river.
 
Flying into French Lick and getting a pick up from the old hotel used to be pretty nice. Since they renovated, I don't know if they've become astronomical in price for food like I've heard the rooms are priced. Pretty country down there, quite a few things to do in that area.

French Lick is WELL worth the trip! They still pick you up at the airport and take you downtown (and even bring you back!) No charge, but tips are expected. Eat in the Grand Colonnade Buffet on the lower level of the French Lick Springs Hotel and the prices are very reasonable and the food very good. Other eateries can be pricey. Do visit the West Baden Springs Hotel while you're there. Our EAA chapter did a flyout there this year. www.frenchlick.com Amazing how much you can fix up a place with a spare half billion dollars!

Bob Kelly
 
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eye

Directly across the street from EYE is ricks boatyard. It is a nice place that has good menu and live jazz music when I have been there. I do not know about gas prices at the airport though...
 
Air Force Museum

Take a short jog due east from Indianapolis to Dayton Ohio and check out the US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson. A couple things to see...the wright brothers original patent for "flying machine". The Aircraft that dropped the A bomb on Nagasaki. One of Germany's initial Junker prototype jet aircraft. And bunches more.
 
Places to eat

RCR- Fulton County has a couple places to eat via grass taxiway

BAK- Columbus has a diner for breakfast and lunch in the main terminal

3I1- Elwood has a drivein/fly in diner on the westside
 
The restaurant at Muncie Airport (MIE) has reopened under the name "Nick's at the airport". I have no info on the food quality but they open at 8am and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Okay, back to square one. Went there for lunch two days ago and it was already closed AGAIN.
 
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RCR- Fulton County has a couple places to eat via grass taxiway

BAK- Columbus has a diner for breakfast and lunch in the main terminal

3I1- Elwood has a drivein/fly in diner on the westside

Another one at RCR is a short walk across SR 25 called Tweedle Dees (really).
 
Washington,In (KDCY) airport has loaner car just put in couple gallons of gas. It?s the blue Ford Ltd and the keys are under the floor mat drivers side. Good Amish food at Black Buggy,Knepps,Gasthof Restaurant all within 4 miles in town. http://www.blackbuggy.com/washington.htm
100L fuel is usually lower priced for this area (4.56 as of 7/18/08).

Squeak
RV-7A
 
Griffith: 05C

Rob and I flew up for lunch at the Mexican restaurant, Mi Tierra, that was at the FBO. The food was excellent and the owner came out and greeted us and told us some interesting history of his restaurant. Flying we got a great view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
 
Lunch Today 6/5/2010 KEHR

Our EAA Chapter is pleased to announce that EAA 21 Club will again be preparing Gourmet Hamburgers, Brats and Hot Dogs for all that flyin.

Just as New York's 21 Club has become known as the HAPPENING PLACE to be and be seen, EAA 21 Club is the place to be on the first Saturday (with a couple of exceptions) each month.

When: June 5, July 10, August 14, September 4, October 9
10:00 AM till 2:00 PM Central time
Where: Henderson Kentucy City-County Airport (KEHR

http://www.eaa21.org

Contact: Steven Eberhart
Phone: 812-422-4525
 
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PIREP for those going to Muncie

Those wanting to fly into Muncie for some grub will now find Kacy J's, (formerly Vince's and Kimber's). Owner met us at the door. Opened in Nov 2009. Good food. Reasonably priced. Check it out!!
 
Virgil I Grissom Municipal Airport, Bedford, IN

Virgil I Grissom Municipal Airport, wonderful place to stop and take in the surroundings. Spring Mill State Park is only 10 miles away and they have a courtesy car available for the asking. One of the friendliest and down to earth airports I've been to lately, it's nice to know that that an airport can still be just a nice place to stop in and say Hi.

http://www.funplacestofly.com/funflydetails.asp?id=2062
 
Muncie, Katy J

Had lunch at Kacy J yesterday. Owner met us at the door. Food good and reasonable. Closed Mondays.

Jim & Heather
 
Join us for Lunch at KEHR, 1st Sat. each Month

Join us for lunch this Saturday. We will be preparing Hamburgers, Johnsonville Brats and Nathans Famous Frankfurters for all that fly-in. Just as New York's 21 Club has become known as the HAPPENING PLACE to be and be seen, EAA 21 Club is the place to be on the first Saturday of each month.

Check out some of our previous 21 Club events: http://www.eaa21.org/

When: August 6, September 3, October 1

10:00 AM till 2:00 PM
Lunch served
11:00 AM till 1:00 PM Central time

Where: Henderson Kentucky City-County Airport (KEHR)

If KEHR is VFR then we are grilling the best gourmet hamburgers, Johnsonville Brats and Nathans Famous Frankfurters this side of Sporty's for all that fly or drive in..
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