Waypoints | STOPS ALONG THE WAY
Akron-Canton, OH: CAK
A handy overnight stop mid-way between New York and Chicago is Akron-Canton airport between the two cities whose names it bears.
The preferred hotel is Four Points Sheraton, which provides discount rates to pilots and will gladly shuttle aviators not only to and from the airport, but to many area restaurants as well. The hotel is within walking distance to a number of chain restaurants, but for the best in local dining, visit Oscar’s which is directly behind the hotel, or Cite Grill, which is a few miles away. Both offer excellent steaks and American entres, along with a comprehensive list of American wines.
The largest FBO is McKinley, which is the only FBO we’ve ever seen that locks the flight planning room—pilots are required to pick up a key at the front desk. Strange, but overall a clean, modern facility.
Minneapolis, MN: MSP, ANE, MIC
There are four excellent towered airports in Minneapolis. And while many pilots may shy away from the busier, Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP), its central location and excellent FBO make it a worthy option for anyone visiting the downtown area.
 Signature Flight Support at MSP has an excellent room rate with the airport Hilton, and the hotel shuttle has a regular schedule to the nearby Mall of America, which features a number of restaurants, shops and an indoor amusement park. This mall is so huge, it is one of the few shopping venues to have not one, not two, but three Victoria’s Secret locations under one roof. That alone makes it worth a visit.
While in town check out a local favorite called Byerly’s, a grocery store chain that features carpeted aisles, crystal chandeliers and gourmet dishes that can be purchased in the freezer aisle or eaten in the store’s attached diner.
If you don’t feel like hearing, “Keep your speed up” as approach drags you in between heavier jet traffic,
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check out some of the surrounding airports. Flying Cloud (FCM) is to the southwest of the city, Anoka County (ANE) is due north, and Crystal (MIC) is to the northwest.
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Sheperdstown, WV: MRB
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Mid-way between Cincinnati and New York lies this picturesque valley that is an ideal spot a romantic weekend retreat.
A stay at the history Bavarian Inn & Lodge, perched above the Potomac in nearby Shepherdstown, will put even the most frazzled nerves in order over a relaxing weekend. The Lodge features an excellent gourmet menu, an award-winning fine wine list, and luxury accommodations in cottages perched along the edge of the river. Rooms and meals are reasonably priced, and the staff is attentive to your needs.
Photo Courtesy of The Bavarian
You can also play a round at the nearby Cress Creek Country Club, a 6500-yard, 18-hole course that is only minutes from the lodge.
The best airport is Eastern West Virginia Regional/Shepherd Field (MRB) and the only FBO on the field is Aerosmith, which closes at 7 pm each day. Two words of warning: the tower keeps odd hours, and Potomac approach doesn’t have radar coverage below 3,000 feet in this area, so plan your trip carefully.
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