Destinations north of Florida

[PhilD]

I have been sent to Florida next week at my company's expense, so I decided to capitalise on my good fortune and have hired a plane from the Tampa area for the weekend of 7/8 Feb. Now all I need to do is think of somewhere to fly to!

I have done a little flying in the south of Florida (down to Key West), and this time I like the idea of going north, towards the panhandle and beyond, but unlike the well-documented attractions of Florida airports I don't know of any destinations in the neighbouring states to the north, so I'm looking for help from anyone who knows those parts, or has been flying around there and knows some interesting places to visit (either airfields or nearby attractions). Alternatively any relevant website links would be welcome.

I could either do 2 day trips and return to Tampa in between, or do a longer trip and stay away.

All suggestions welcome

PS I'm all up-to-date with licences, BFRs etc etc.

PPS I tried to search this forum for advice, as I'm sure that this must have been asked before, but it looks like the search functionality has been turned off.

[englishal]

I would go to New Orleans if you haven't been there before (and go to Pat O'Briens for a "Hurricane" :D). Distance is around 423.9nm from TPA, and would make an excellent trip if you have say three days to spare.

EA

[Sensible]

Try Memphis, really nice busy airport and you can report over the Elvis VOR, borrow a car from the flight centre and go see Gracelands. There's also small airports like La Grange, Callaway, Savannah and Pine mountain all worth a visit.

[Ace Rimmer]

Closer in to Tampa there's Crystal River - only about 80 miles north nice little field one paved one grass. Snorkel with Manatees and check out Cody's road house (best Chicken Fried Steak around). If 09 is the active give me an Mrs R a wave as you cross the golf course on short final.

[Bluebeard]

Would second Crystal River - visited it last autumn and it was a lovely spot (although didn't venture beyond the airfield).

Ocala is also a worthwhile shortish hop from Tampa, with a good traditional diner. Again, didn't go beyond the airfield, but the Lonely Planet is very complimentary about the town.

[finfly1]

Cedar Key, further up the Gulf coast.

river ranch over to the east used to be a working dude ranch with strip

Cape Canaveral is an interesting destination for pilots

Jekyl Island up in Georgia on the Atlantic coast

Maybe you could overfly Travolta's 707 up near Ocala

[knobbygb]

Probably a bit far at 595nm from Tampa, but I've always fancied Kill Devil Hills in NC. Don't know if there's much to actually see, but it'd be nice to get in the logbook.

[FWA NATCA]

Phil,

If you like historic places, check out Savanah GA, Charleston SC, Stone Mountain (20 miles east of Atlanta GA), or if you are interested in Civil War Sites, there are many, such as Andersonville GA (site of the largest civil war POW camp and cemetary).

There are literally thousands of places to sight see, it just depends on what your interest are.

Mike
NATCA FWA

[IDGing]

Just come back from 2 weeks of flying around Florida, had a fantastic time.
Places I would recommend to the north of the state are Cedar Key, atmospheric place to visit and look around. The taxi from the airport is worth the visit alone, Judy the taxi driver listens to the Unicom and comes down to the airport in a very old checker cab. The place was very busy last Thursday with around 8 aircraft on the small pan by lunch time. If you want to night stop I would recommend the Island Hotel for a very atmospheric stay, its supposed to be haunted and the Captains Table for lunch or dinner.

On the East coast Space Coast Executive (Titusville) is very close to the Cape which is worth a visit by itself. For lunch go to the Outer Marker diner, all the menu items have aviation related names.

Further north is St Augustine, the oldest inhabited town in the state, very pretty and good food although didn’t get the chance to stay overnight.

Ocala is worth a stop to see the jockeys lining the path to the FBO and yes it has a diner but unfortunately it was closed when we visited.

Enjoy your visit, I got the impression that no matter were you go its great fun!

Can't wait to go back :D :D

[Airist]

Last time, wanted to get out along the FL panhandle (e.g Pensacola, Fort Walton/Destin) but didn't get a chance. Anyone got any suggestions for up that way..?
But thoroughly enjoyed everything further south. Low level over Disney (special concession, but get the right controller and they can be astonishingly accommodating) and MCO was a great way to end.
Wherever you end up PhilD, you'll have a terrific couple of days. Let us know where you end up!

[fernytickles]

Savannah, GA is a great place to visit.
And if you are trying to find out info about the airports you would like to visit, try www.airnav.com Its a bit temperamental sometimes, but when it works it is full of useful info.
Have fun!