Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)

Baltimore, MD (9 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 146

Don’t be afraid of this airport, just because it’s big. GA traffic usually uses 15L-33R, so is separated from the big boys. Nice fancy FBO (Signature) from whom you may be able to borrow a bicycle. In any case, they will drive you free to the light rail stop about a mile away, and from there it’s a cheap and pleasant trip into the center of Baltimore. They will pick you up at the rail stop when you come back. See the Martin State entry for things to do. Check out the Fels Point area for lots of nice little restaurants, B&Bs, etc. (psp 9/94)

Martin State (MTN)

Baltimore, MD (9 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 22

This is a National Guard Base, right on Chesapeake Bay, but you may have to pass over Patrick AFB (and they rarely answer you). There is an annual Air Show in September. You can get a taxi into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for about $10 one-way. The Inner Harbor has a science museum, an aquarium, shops and many restaurants and food booths, to say nothing of the spontaneous gatherings and entertainers on nice days and evenings. Ride the 2-person paddle wheel boats or take of tour of the harbor, around all the yachts and pretend you have lots of cash, too. There are outdoor science experiments for kids which we found quite entertaining. (gv/ked/dd/md 9/94)

Hagerstown Regional-Richard A Henson Field (HGR)

Hagerstown, MD (4 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 703

Hagerstown may seem to be in the middle of nowhere, but it’s a beautiful trip. They roasted a pig (or pigs) the week before Memorial Day and held a picnic dinner in the Alphin hanger. There are rumors of a wonderful restaurant within walking distance of the field, but we never got past the pig. Excellent location if you want to take in Gettysburg, Antitam, and Harper’s Ferry. (9/94)

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY)

Salisbury, MD (4 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 52

Helpful FBO and FSS on the airport. Comfortable FBO if you have to wait out the weather, but not much close by to entertain you. The flyers claim that the town is host to the World’s Smallest Zoo and a myriad of discount malls. (gv/ked/dd/md 9/94)

Easton/Newnam Field (ESN)

Easton, MD (2 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 72

There’s a nice little cafe in the terminal building at the North end of the field, where several FBOs are also housed. Check out the crab cakes in the cafe – also gigantic! There’s a tongue-in-cheek fresco in honor of the FAA’s contributions to the field inside the cafe. The Waterfowl Festival takes place in the Fall and there’s a free shuttle from the terminal into town. The stiff cross wind the last time we arrived led me to believe that everything about this airport is crab-oriented (sorry, bad pun :-) ) No need to stay at the airport, though. Rent a car at Hertz, just outside the restaurant, and take an approximately 11-12 mile drive to St. Michaels, located on the Chesapeake Bay. At the airport, get on MD Hwy 322 south to MD Hwy 33 to St. Michaels. It is a short drive, but don’t hire a cab at the airport. On one trip, we made the mistake of taking a cab to St. Michaels and were charged $20/couple each way. We thought that was a bit much and have paid less to rent a Ford Contour. You are now in crab-country. There are plenty of restaurants along the peninsula that St. Michaels is located on, but we had a recommendation to try the Crab’s Claw in St. Michaels. The Crab’s Claw Restaurant sits at waters edge on a dock. Seating is inside as well as outside on the dock. In season, you may have to wait a bit for a table and/or settle for an inside table. Once seated, you find yourself surrounded by people hammering away at crabs. After lunch, it is pleasant to grab an ice cream and just wander around the town. There are many shops to browse, along the main drag. There is a Maritime Museum in town, but we did not get a chance to visit it. (ked/gv 9/95)

Ocean City Muni (OXB)

Ocean City, MD (2 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 11

The airport is a ~$10 taxi ride from the beach and boardwalk. A bus runs along the boardwalk, and is handy for getting to Phillips Crab House (excellent) which is 22 blocks up from where the taxi lets you out. (gv/ked 95)

Bay Bridge Airport (W29)

Stevensville, MD (1 mi)
Washington Sectional
Elevation: 15

Bay Bridge is within walking distance of a couple restaurants. Try Hemingway’s (they’ll come pick you up) for brunch on Sundays or a great sit-down lunch (mmmmmm... crab cakes! 410-643-CRAB). This is especially good in summer when you can sit out on the deck and watch the boats and critique landings at the airport for rwy 11. Also walk through the marina and check out how the other half lives. Kent Manor , a Victorian inn, is across the highway from the field. We haven’t tried the food there, however, but the inn will also send a car and Northeast Weekend Flyers rates it highly (410-643-5757). (gv/ked 10/96)

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