USA: Indiana

[DeltaRomeo]

...starting section.

[f1rocket]

Doug,

What happened to all the posts in this section?

[dan]

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!

[f1rocket]

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.

[szutowiczrv10]

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.

Jim Szutowicz
AKA "The Flying Chef"

[f1rocket]

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.

[videobobk]

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

[szutowiczrv10]

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!!!!!

[videobobk]

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

[zzapp]

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