Does the idea of being a pilot seem appealing? Or are you just intrigued by the history of humans in flight? If you love airplanes and helicopters or know someone that does, this aviation-themed getaway is the perfect road trip for any aircraft enthusiast. Let's take a look at this journey that will take you to the best places in Connecticut to enjoy all aspects of air travel.
Here is your route map for this awesome aviation themed getaway. To make changes to the order of your trip or add some extra stops, you can view the interactive map here.
1. Connecticut Air & Space Center, Stratford
The Connecticut Air & Space Center in Stratford is a gold mine of aviation history. View aircraft, helicopters, and artifacts from the aviation industry all in one spot. Volunteers painstakingly restore donated planes, helicopters, and other vehicles to be put on display for the public to view. You will just love the exhibits at this unique center in Connecticut.
For hours of operation and more information on the Connecticut Air & Space Center, visit their official website.
2. National Helicopter Museum, Stratford
Just a few short miles away is the often overlooked National Helicopter Museum. Visit an authentic helicopter cockpit and view the many photos detailing the history of the helicopter. A flight simulator is one of the newer additions to the museum and will delight all fans of aircraft.
The National Helicopter is open seasonally, for hours and more information, visit their official website.
3. 121 Restaurant, Oxford
Next, grab a bite to eat at the 121 Restaurant at Oxford Airport. You can watch departing and returning aircraft while you fuel up your own tank. If you are really hungry, devour the mouthwatering mile high burger, but don't worry they have lighter options on the menu as well.
To learn more about 121 Restaurant, click here.
4. Winvian Farm, Morris
To top off your first day, you'll spend the night in this one-of-a-kind helicopter suite at Winvian Farm. A full restored Sea King Pelican HH3F sits in the center of the cottage complete with seats, gauges, and switches. It also has a modern TV and a sofa so you can view movies from inside the cockpit. Sleep in a king size bed outside of the copter warmed by a glowing wood stove.
For more information on the helicopter cottage at Winvian Farm, visit their official website.
5. New England Air Museum, East Granby
Start off your second day of this aviation-themed getaway with a visit to the New England Air Museum. There are plenty of aircraft on display that will make your jaw drop and cool interactive exhibits to entertain people of all ages. The kids will love the airplane scavenger hunts, paper airplane making station, and imagination dress up area.
For more information and the New England Air Museum hours visit their official website.
6. The Flying Monkey Bar Grille, Hartford
Stop for lunch at the Flying Monkey Bar Grille that has clear runway views of the Brainard Airport in Hartford. The menu has scrumptious burgers, wraps, salads, and more to choose from. The buffalo chicken monkey casserole is a sure hit with elbow pasta tossed in a creamy cheese blend with buffalo chicken and topped with mozzarella and broiled until golden brown — yum.
For the Flying Monkey Bar Grille hours and menus, visit their official website.
7. Air Ocean Aviation, Wallingford
After seeing all of the awesome airplanes, helicopters, and aviation exhibits on this road trip, you must be itching to get up in the air. Last stop is a helicopter tour to experience being in flight and view the incredible scenery of Connecticut from way up in the sky. Air Ocean Aviation in Wallingford offers several different helicopter tours and each is spectacular in its own way. This just might be the highlight of the entire aviation-themed getaway.
For more information and to book helicopter tours at Air Ocean Aviation, visit their official website.
Would you want to take this aviation-themed getaway? Who would you take with you on this amazing weekend journey? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you are looking for a fantastic, yet mouthwatering road trip in Connecticut, try this cheese trail for the most delicious day out ever.
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