Destinations
(last updated 3/20/2016)Below is a list of flying destinations near Boston that our members have recommended. Nearby airports with restaurants or cafes within a short flying distance of KBED are listed on the right. Our pilots love taking their friends and families up in the Cessna 182 or Cessna 206 for a bite to eat or to do some sightseeing. Be sure to call ahead to make sure they are open! If you have any recommendations please send them to Ted or Richard (rh_at_bluervdotcom).
Sightseeing
Boston City Tour, KBED (0 nm) - The Boston City Tour is great for passengers. Start North of the Needham towers. Call Boston approach (124.4) and ask for the city tour, going along the Charles River then turning north at I-93. They will usually allow you to do it at 2000 ft and will have you contact KBOS tower.
Keene, NH, KEEN (50.4 nm) - Keene, NH has a restaurant located on the airport. Eclectic mix of American, Italian, and fried seafood. Brunch before noon on weekends. It is also great for building XC time as it is just over 50 nm from Hanscom Field. The foliage is great in the fall and Mt. Monadnock is impressive year-round.
Newport, RI, KUUU (56 nm) - Nice area with bridges and mansions and skydiving.
Portland, ME, KPWM (82 nm) - Taxi into downtown Portland and the waterfront district and museums are great destinations for visitors.
Other Destinations
Basin Harbor, VT, B06 (137 nm) - A little farther than most of the other destinations here, but great for a day trip. There is a restaurant (The Red Mill) on the manicured grass strip. You can also walk down to Lake Champlain to go swimming or rent kayaks or sailboats. A little out of the way, but be sure to fly over Fort Ticonderoga just south of 4B6.
Bethel, ME, 0B1 (119nm) - Bethel Regional is right by Sunday River Ski Resort. Pack your skis for a day trip of skiing. There is a bus that picks up near the airport and goes up to the slopes.
Block Island, RI, KBID (79 nm) - Block Island is old, quaint, and not quite as popular with tourists as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. A taxi will take you on a short round-the-island tour. Can also walk or bike into town from the airport.
Katama, MA, 1B2 ( 75 nm) - Katama Airpark, on Martha's Vineyard, is a great beach destination. You can park at the southern end of the field and walk across the road to the beach. Be sure to stop by the main building to pay the parking fee and get some ice cream or food at the cafe. KMVY is a better choice if the weather is bad. Click here for an info sheet on Katama Airpark, no guarantees on currentness.
Kingston, NY, 20N (123 nm) - Short cab ride from Kingston to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. They put on a fun, family friendly show with some amazing antique aircraft and great flying. The museum is interesting as well.
Lewiston, ME, KLEW (104 nm) - Grab the crew car from Auburn/Lewiston and go apple picking at Thompson's Orchard.
Martha's Vineyard, MA, MVY ( 71 nm) - There is a cafe at the airport which has good breakfast and you can take a bus or taxi into the towns.
Nantucket, MA, KACK (91 nm) - Nantucket is a beautiful island to visit. The airport is located in the center of the island and has a restaurant. From there you can get a bus or taxi into downtown. From downtown you can walk down N Beach St to Jetties Beach. The island is also great for riding bikes, which fit easily into the Cessna 206.
Provincetown, MA, KPVC (53 nm) - Provincetown airport is right on the beach. It has a very cool approach right over the dunes. From the airport you can take a bus or taxi into town.
Rockland, ME, KRKD (135 nm) - The Owls Head Transportation Museum is located at the Knox County Airport in Maine. Rockland and Camden, nearby, are quaint Maine coastal towns worth visiting.
Sugarloaf, ME, B21 (164 nm) - A little bit farther than Sunday River, Sugarloaf Ski Resort is right by the Sugarloaf airport. Call the resort for a pickup from the airport. The distance is just right to make this a day-trip.
