[Boomer]

I realize this a longshot, but I thought I would ask anyway.

Has anyone visited the antique airplanes in Rhinebeck, New York?

If so, do you think it is worth the trip? Any suggestions?

The trip would be for a dyed-in-the-wool airplane fan and single-engine pilot for whom all airplanes all the time (almost) would be just fine.

(I thought I had better not call him an 'aviator' because that rhymes with 'alligator' and I know I had better be careful around here lately. So I just called him a pilot.)

I know that this is probably one of those questions that may hang out there unanswered, but I thought I would ask anyway. Just in case anybody knows anything about Rhinebeck.

Thanks.

Boomer (Not an Aviatrix)

[Blondie]

Oh Boomer, this is a great place especially for fly boys. My husband and I flew there a few times. He went up in a bi-plane one of the times we went. This was many years ago, so I don't know if it has changed, but I can tell you my fly boy loved it. Give it a try, and let me know how you liked it.
MD Blondie

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Boomer BeBack

I realize this a longshot, but I thought I would ask anyway.

Has anyone visited the antique airplanes in Rhinebeck, New York?

If so, do you think it is worth the trip? Any suggestions?

The trip would be for a dyed-in-the-wool airplane fan and single-engine pilot for whom all airplanes all the time (almost) would be just fine.

(I thought I had better not call him an 'aviator' because that rhymes with 'alligator' and I know I had better be careful around here lately. So I just called him a pilot.)

I know that this is probably one of those questions that may hang out there unanswered, but I thought I would ask anyway. Just in case anybody knows anything about Rhinebeck.

Thanks.

Boomer (Not an Aviatrix)

Hey Boom.

I am here to help any fellow Buckeye especially one born on Eden Avenue in Cincinnati and who is rich and famous.

However. I don't know ANYTHING about Rheinbeck, NY. I can sing a song about Leukenbach Texas. (But not very well.)

Hugs anyway.

Your devoted pal.

Gracie Girl

[Boomer]

Thank you md b and gg,

We had heard somewhere that if you plan to go to Rhinebeck, you had better do it quick. But that's all that was said. I believe there has been an older couple devoted to and involved in the planes and the property for a long time. So I am hoping to find out more about what's going on there now.

Yes, I have a pilot on my hands. Thus, I pursue cheap hobbies like digging in the yard and TOTV. (Well, I guess TOTV is actually free. Even better, huh.) Anyway, he won't settle for just me holding my arms out straight from my shoulders and running around the house making airplane noises.

He is getting ready for his annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh. Talk about all airplanes all the time.

Boomer

[Blondie]

Boomer, as you can see I always called my husband "fly boy"--and it doesn't rhyme with alligator. I was only the passenger, and sometimes a reluctant one--I used to tease him that the engine in his plane couldn't run my lawn mower. Actually, I was nervous in the small planes that he few and loved. It's funny, I should come by love of flying honestly b/c my mother was a pilot. She flew blackout missions for the CAP in WWII. I guess I am not a risk taker-----oh wait---I ride a Harley. ;D
MD Blondie

[Boomer]

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!!

md blondie,

I know you know how amazing your mom would have been to be a WWII pilot. We were in Kalamazoo, MI, for a graduation. Of course, we went to AirZoo. And while I was there, I chatted up a docent (imagine me doing that) and anyway, he told me all about the woman there who has been so instrumental in that museum. She is an heir to a pharmaceutical fortune and was a WWII pilot who had a lot to do with equalizing benefits under the military for women pilots. He knew her and really liked her. He said when she comes into the museum, she makes everybody comfortable immediately. Wears comfortable old shoes with her evening gowns at the events. Now, that is truly a class act. Serious money at its best. Making everybody comfortable. Knows what's important.

There is a book, which is actually a book for young people, but it is well-worth getting. It is called Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots of WWII by Amy Nathan. The book tells their story and has lots of pictures. I don't know if you have grandchildren or not, but if you do, this book would be wonderful for them so they could know more about what Great Grandma went through.

Now, for a book about women pilots that is just for grownups. I talked about this book on here once long ago. It is called The Happy Bottom Riding Club: The Life and Times of Pancho Barnes by Lauren Kessler.

Pancho Barnes was also a very wealthy woman for a lot, but not all, of her life. She was a barnstormer, a racer, and even a Hollywood stunt pilot when women just did not do such things. She knew Howard Hughes. And outsmarted him. She had 4 husbands and countless lovers. This woman had a lot going on.

The Happy Bottom Riding Club was the bar she ran. It was out in the desert where all the ultimate flyboys hung out. She was Chuck Yeager's drinking buddy. Pancho liked to call herself "the greatest conversation piece that ever existed."

But the book about Pancho is not one to give to your grandchildren.

Wow! How do I write all this stuff! I am supposed to be cooking ribs right now. This daggone computer is in the kitchen. Oh well. It's what I do.

Anyway, md blondie, I know those WWII women pilots had to be something really special. I know you have to be so proud of your mom. I know I am.

Boomer

[travelstiles]

Rhinebeck, NY is a great place to visit! Although I have never been to an Aerodrome shows I know people who have and enjoyed them tremendously.
There is so much to see and do there - Antique shows, Farmer's Markets, or just stroll down the quaint little streets and visit the shops. My family visited there from LI every summer and fall for over 30 years, and while it's become a little more 'upscale' in the past few years, the Aerodrome is an old favorite there.
I've attached a link to ssome of the attractions there, and if you plan to spend more than a day, be sure to visit nearby Hyde Park, the Vanderbilt Museum and the Culinary Institute. It's difficult to book a room on weekends in the fall because of the beautiful foliage, so plan ahead. The Hudson Valley scenery is spectacular, so bring a camera!

http://www.rhinebeck.com/resources.html

[Boomer]

Travel,

Thank you. That is a great link.

Boomer

[Sidney Lanier]

We live close to Rhinebeck when we're not in TV, and the area is everything that Travel says. Our son has an inn/hostel nearby and gets many guests who come for the Rhinebeck attractions, including the aerodrome, as well as so many other things to do in the area. Too often people who live west or south of New Jersey believe that when we say we're from 'New York,' it means that big congested mass of concrete at the southern tip of the relatively large state for an Northeastern state. The Mid-Hudson Valley, which includes Rhinebeck, is gorgeous! And though we're not into flying and so have never been to the aerodrome, we've heard people who are being very happy with their visit there. Hope this helps.

[Blondie]

Boomer, Thanks for reminding me how proud I was of my Mom. She was a beautiful tall slender red head. My Mom died when she was 55. She broke her leg (long bone break), and was in the hospital for 2 weeks in traction. Long story made short, she threw an embolism to her lung and died on Mother's Day. I do have 2 wonderful Grandkids, and what a great idea. I will buy that book and help them to know and love her as I did. Perhaps they will understand where the feisty side of the family comes from. :2cool:

I will also get the Happy Bottom Riding Club--I will bring it with me to TV in August.
I am so glad you asked the question about Rhinebeck b/c I have so many great things to remember and be thankful for. Thanks again, Boomer :bigthumbsup:

Travel, thanks for the great website--it helps me remember what a beautiful place it is. We also came to visit Rhinebeck from LI.

MD Blondie

[NYVette]

I have not viisited the aircraft museum in about 3 years. I'm not a big fan of flying. However I am a big fan of anything mechanical, hot rods to locomotives, new high tech, or antique old tech. Years ago (more than 20) I saw the air show and remember it as a terrific experience. I don't know about the shows now. The museum has a very interesting display of all sorts of antique planes, memorabilia, engines, etc. As I remember it, the museum (hanger?) isn't a prettied up expensive display. It's more like you are walking through an old aircraft mechanics workshop. This was just fine for me. You look at these old contrapions and ask yourself if those pioneer aviators were brave or foolish...but it was a time before excess litigation and medical insurance. As said in other posts, the back roads and scenery are prettier than most people expect. Re the Culinary Institute...great meals prepared by training chefs. Dinner reservations can be difficult so book early.

[REDCART]

And while you're visiting the Hudson Valley, don't forget the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (on the other side of the Hudson,) which is always held the last full weekend in September. It's the second largest garlic event after Gilroy, CA. I'm still amazed by the number of New Yorkers from the NYC metro area who have no clue of what the Hudson Valley offers. It doesn't get any better than a visit to the home of Samuel F. B. Morse, or Olana, dinner at the Beekman (The Beek) Arms, followed by a concert at Bard College--all within two hours of the City.

[zummy]

I lived in the Hudson Valley for 25 years , but left 15 years ago, about the last time I visited the Aerodrome. Fantastic Sat and Sunday shows with the "Red Barron". Great WWI

[Boomer]

When I posted this question, I really did wonder if I would get a response. I had only heard about Rhinebeck that very morning. But this response has been wonderful.

I asked the question because Mr. Boomer might be taking a trip there. That would be a short trip and would be all about the airplanes.

But now that I have read all this other stuff, I think there may need to be a second trip. Maybe a road trip. This sounds like a very special area of our country.

And MD Blondie, I am glad the connection was made to those books for your grandchildren. I think that because women have come so far in the field of aviation, younger people may not always realize just how exceptional those women pilots of WWII had to be. And to have the family connection to such an extraordinary woman is something really special.

There sure is a lot of knowledge out there in TOTVland. I have become quite spoiled by what I am able to learn here so quickly. I would not know half this stuff if I had moved this computer out of my kitchen and to a remote area of my house like I am always threatening to do.

So thanks again to all for such a nice thread with great information.

Boomer

[JoC]

Greetings from Rhinebeck. Along with the link above, here's a link to what's going on at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. http://www.dutchessfair.com/ during these events it gets crowded on the main streets (Rt. 9, 199, 308) and going over the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. I'd really like to brag a lot about Rhinebeck, but our house is sold pending the inspection (sold before it even went on the market - yea!), and I'm trying to say goodbye to the home and village I've lived in for 47 years. We'll be at TV this Thursday for a few days to house hunt and I wouldn't be surprised if we become full time Villagers by Sept. or Oct. (if people stop buying the houses I'm interested in)

I believe the Aerodrome has changed a bit since the old man who owned it and gave his life to it died. I think they still have the shows on Sunday and the museum. You'll enjoy it. Wear a hat and bring water.

Joanne in Rhinebeck (but not much longer)