New Hampshire Jewels
New Hampshire has a rich array of interesting places to see from the air, but along with its obvious attractions are countless aviation related nooks and crannies that are for the most part, unknown to the general public. I like to call these places New Hampshire Jewels. Over the coming year, we will be growing our directory of interesting aviation places less traveled. These can be anything from a greasy spoon cafe you never realized existed, to a particularly aviation-rich corner of a public library bookshelf, or just a really nice view. They need not be found at airports, but that is always nice.
I encourage all members and visitors to drop any of us an email to share your favorite aviation place in New Hampshire.
Click Here for January's Jewel - Santos Dumont Cafe
Click Here for February's Jewel - Alton Bay Ice-Port
Click Here for March's Jewel - Fly Morningside
Click Here for April's Jewel - New England Aviation Expo
Santos Dumont Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor, 770 Elm St. (RT101), Milford NH (603) 672-5464
Aviation history buffs will quickly recognize the name Alberto Santos-Dumont as Europe's premier aviator. In 1906 he achieved Europe's first manned, powered, and controlled flight. He is recognized as one of the great pioneers of aviation with an array of recognizable aircraft. Fewer may realize that he funded his endeavors through his thriving coffee bean trade. This sets the stage for a wonderful little cafe on the Milford/Wilton town line off highway 101. Pay attention as you drive west from Milford to Wilton for a converted schoolhouse with a distinct bisque colored paint and a giant oak tree in the front.
At Santos-Dumont you'll find an excellent assortment of fresh bagels, coffees and teas. Airmen will delight in the large scale model of the famous Antoinette aircraft hanging from the ceiling and the assorted period posters, photos, and books covering the early days of European aviation. You'll also find a busy calendar of live music, local artwork exhibits, and other cultural excitements. While I wouldn't make this a destination in itself, it is a must-stop for any airman traveling along this part of RT101.
Check out the coffee shop website at www.santos-dumont.com and their fascinating early aviation sister site www.wingswithwires.com
ALTON BAY ICE PORT B18
How could we consider anything else for February's Jewel?
Click on the link below to see a home video of a Mooney landing at the IcePort in a previous year, compliments of Jim Murphy.
http://www.murphymotorsports.com/altonbay.wmv
Our AANH President provided this wonderul narrative from the 2003 IcePort event.
Morningside - The Phantom Airport?
How often do you find a "new" airport that has existed for decades?
Occasionally New Hampshire jewels turn up in unexpected places. Such is the case with Morningside Airpark. Never heard of it? Well you won't find it on your maps either, so you'll be surprised to hear that it has been in operation since the sixties! Morningside, on the NH side of Mt Ascutney, is officially recognized as a hang-gliding hill, and that's their primary mission. But over the years, their mission has slowly (so as not to attract too much attention) evolved into a full service training operation, complete with a 3800' grass runway (minus the ditch and bridge out just past the half-way point) for those of us who prefer solid legs under our aircraft. How can this be? Live Free and Fly, and don't ask why!
We chose Morningside as our March jewel not only because it precisely fits our description of a New Hampshire Jewel, but also because of their wonderful web site. www.flymorningside.com Grab a hot cup of coffee, turn the lights down, crank the sound up and enjoy!
We don't often pay enough attention to our lighter-weight airmen, but you've got to admit, this looks like recreational aviation at its finest. Helmets off to you guys!
The Annual New England Aviation Expo is held on the last Sunday of April at Daniel Webster College. www.faa.gov/region/ane/expo
The Expo is a great way to spend an afternoon in April. Daniel Webster College hosts the event along with AANH and a growing number of exhibitors. Seminars are free and run throughout the day in several classrooms. All seminars are good for WINGS credits. While not a large show, the informal character and campus environment make for a fun time.
