A Publication of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

August 2017

Eisenhower
Air

Boston Tree Party

See the birthplace of America — and autumn

The leaves turn everywhere in the New World, but they do it first and best in New England. A tour of the fall foliage around Boston is on your bucket list. Or it should be. And now is the time to book a flight.

Peak leaf peeping season in Massachusetts is in October. Autumn in America starts a little north of there in September, turning leaves first in Maine and New Hampshire and then on down. That makes Boston in October the perfect place to start your tour. Anywhere you go from there that time of year is bound to be beautiful.

Start your tour in Boston, where the beauty is built in. Cobblestone streets, churches and taverns dating back to the Revolutionary War, tall ships bobbing in the harbor. It's one of America's oldest cities, like strolling through an outdoor history museum, and it's wicked nice in the fall.

From directions to Paul Revere's house to the routes to take with the best views of fall foliage around New England, here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of your trip to Boston.

Visit the Boston Esplanade while visiting

Boston Esplanade

Peak Fall Foliage Times in Massachusetts Peak Fall Foliage Times in Massachusetts

TOUR THE MOHAWK TRAIL

This roughly 70-mile scenic trail was traveled by foot by Native American tribes along the Atlantic Coast. You'll want to rent a car and find Route 2 just west of Boston. Your drive will wind along the Deerfield and Connecticut rivers and offer breath-taking views of the Berkshires and Taconic Mountains.

SEE PICTURE-PERFECT NEW ENGLAND

Just north of Boston and a little outside Salem along the Yankee Division Highway, you'll find yourself in picture-perfect New England, passing through quaint villages and towns along country roads that will take you right up to the seaside.

STROLL THE BOSTON ESPLANADE

You don't have to leave the city to experience the beautiful fall tapestry in New England. The tree-filled Boston Esplanade is a sea of gold and orange in October. You can walk along the river paths. Take your time, take a camera, and enjoy the view.

THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON

FOLLOW THE HISTORY ALONG THE FREEDOM TRAIL

Follow the red brick road. In just under three miles, the Freedom Trail will take you directly to 16 historical sites from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. American history unfolds at your feet, from the Old North Church where the "one if by land, two if by sea" signal originated, to the USS Constitution in the harbor, to the very places where the early colonists stood their ground in their battle for independence. You'll even see Paul Revere's house.

The Freedom Trail has 16 historical sites

Freedom Trail Marker

SEE THE FINER THINGS AT MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

It's a high culture city. It's home to a great symphony, five-star restaurants and some of the brightest minds in the country at nearby Harvard University. There's a lot of finer things to take in. Start with the Museum of Fine Arts. It's been there since 1876 and boasts an impressive collection, including works by Degas, Gauguin, Renoir and Van Gogh. The highlight is a new four-story wing dedicated to the Art of the Americas, which spans the pre-Columbian era through the 20th century. It's another history lesson, beautifully told.

See the World War II-era destroyer the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution, out for repairs and restoration work, will return to Boston in shipshape in September.

BE AWED BY TRINITY CHURCH

Here's another masterpiece. You don't have to know much about architecture to be awed by the sight of Trinity Church. It stands today as the finest example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style in the country. Which is to say, it's something to behold. The view from inside is even more breathtaking. Free tours are offered on Sundays after services. There's only a modest fee on other days of the week.

SHOP AND HAVE FUN AT FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an outdoor market that is home to shops, restaurants, bars, street food and street performers. It's been a popular destination in the city since it opened in 1742.

VISIT CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD

On top of everything else, Boston is a port city. And, yes,a historically important one that built and repaired many ships for the American fleet. While you're there, you should really get down to the docks and have a look at the tall ships and see the museum aboard a World War II-era destroyer.

SAMPLE THE LOCAL FLAVORS

Sample the local brew and beans. Start with a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery, but save room for other local flavors, like the Boston Cream Pie at Mike's Pastry, the Boston clam chowder at Neptune Oyster and the Boston baked beans at Marliave. They've been making them since 1875.

Visit the Faneuil marketplace thats been around since 1742

Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

SEE CHEERS

Cheers Beacon Hall

SEE CHEERS

Cheers was filmed before a live studio audience. In Hollywood. But that hasn't stopped millions of tourists from bellying up to the bar in Boston that inspired the television show. It was originally known as the Bull & Finch Pub. It's now Cheers Beacon Hill (there are two locations, but the Beacon Hill bar is the original). It's worth a visit. They're always glad you came.

Bucket List of things to visit in Boston

ICT TO BOSTON

Flights from Wichita to Boston

SHOCKERS FLY ICT

Where and how to fly and have fun at Shocker away games this season

WSU Shockers fly ICT Airport for away games WSU Shockers fly ICT Airport for away games

Calling all Shocker fans. Wichita State is now part of the American Athletic Conference, meaning the away games will be extremely away. The men's basketball games will be played on the national stage. You want to be there, you want to support them, you want them to win — that means you'll need to fly. Here are some suggestions about what airport to fly into, which airline to book and where to grab a good bite, or find some fun, or take in an interesting roadside attraction while you're there. You might even decide to stay awhile. Go. Live a little. And go Shockers.

WSU part of American Athletic Conference

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

FLY TO

Orlando International (MCO)
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest or United

Things to do in Orlando
  • Stop in at Icebar, a frosty pub with icy drinks, ice seats, ice sculptures. It's a cool place.
  • Try the key lime pie at P is for Pie Bake Shop, where the locals go.
  • It's theme restaurant city. Dine at the House of Blues, or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.
  • Make a week of it and visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort.
  • Kennedy Space Center is not far from Orlando, and out of this world.
Fly to Orlando from Wichita - Visit Disney World

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI, OHIO

FLY TO

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
Airlines: American or United

Things to do in CINCINNATI
  • Tour Over-the-Rhine and the underground tunnels, crypts and old breweries of the city.
  • Skyline Chili does Cincinnati-style chili the best.
  • The American Sign Museum has an amazing collection of neon and road-side nostalgia.
  • The Vent Haven Museum is an offbeat attraction dedicated to the art of ventriloquism.
  • The Cincinnati Zoo is a storied menagerie, the second-oldest zoo in the United States.
Fly to Cincinnati from Wichita - Visit the American Sign Museum

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

MANSFIELD, CONNECTICUT

FLY TO

Bradley International, Hartford (BDL) (30-minute drive)
Or fly into Boston (90-minute drive)
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest or United

THINGS TO DO IN HARTFORD
  • Visit the Mark Twain House and Museum.
  • Go boutique shopping at Blue Black Square.
THINGS TO DO IN MANSFIELD
  • Get some ice cream. Uconn Dairy Bar is famously good. And it's right on campus.
  • The Adventure Park offers zip lines, tree climbing, ropes courses and more.
  • The Ballad Institute and Museum of Puppetry has 2,500 of them, spanning the ages.
Fly to connecticut from Wichita - Visit the UCONN Dairy Bar

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

FLY TO

Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) - 2 miles.
Airline: American
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), New Bern - 47 miles.
Airlines: American or Delta
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 81 miles.
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) - 109 miles.
Airlines: American, Delta, United

THINGS TO DO IN GREENVILLE
  • The Outer Banks along the coast are a short drive away. Explore.
  • Sample some North Carolina barbecue. Smoky Dreams BBQ is the local favorite.
  • The local brew at Uptown Brewing Company is highly rated.
  • River Park North is a great place to take a walk or paddleboat.
  • Extreme Park at Jaycee Park is legendary and open to all who dare skate or bike there.
Fly to North Carolina from Wichita - Visit the Outer Banks

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

HOUSTON, TEXAS

FLY TO

George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU)
Airlines: United nonstop or connect on American or Southwest

THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON
  • See the rockets that put men on the moon at Johnson Space Center Houston.
  • Buy a pair of cowboy boots at the Texas Junk Co. Real, vintage boots starting as low as $20.
  • Like Mexican food? You'll love Hugo's. It's artisanal and authentic.
  • The Chocolate Bar is a real treat. It's inspired by Willa Wonka's chocolate factory.
  • Gatlin's BBQ is an award-winning local joint. You can't order wrong, but get a side of mac and cheese.
Fly to Houston from Wichita - Visit the Johnson Space Center

THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

FLY TO

Memphis International (MEM)
Airline: American

THINGS TO DO IN MEMPHIS
  • Visit Beale Street. Music streams from every door and there's history everywhere you look.
  • See Sun Studio — home to Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis — the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.
  • Stax Museum of American Soul, formerly Stax Records, is America's soul music mecca. They even have the dance floor from Soul Train.
  • Elvis has left the building but Graceland is still there.
  • Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is worth the wait, which can be more than hour. It's that famous.
Fly to Memphis from Wichita - Visit the Sun Studio

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

DALLAS, TEXAS

FLY TO

Dallas/Ft. Worth International (DFW)
Airline: American nonstop

THINGS TO DO IN DALLAS
  • Little known fact: The frozen margarita was invented here, at Mariano's Hacienda. Go there. The original machine is in a museum, but they still perfect the blend.
  • From fossils to robots, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science makes for a perfect half-day destination.
  • Pioneer Plaza boasts the largest bronze monument, 40 head of longhorn steers, on the planet.
  • Play Pac-Man and all your old favorites for free at the Free Play Arcade. There's also beer (not free).
  • Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse is open 24 hours a day. Just sayin'.
Fly to Dallas from Wichita - Visit the Steer Sculptures

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

TAMPA, FLORIDA

FLY TO

Tampa International (TPA)
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest or United

THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA
  • LaTeresita Restaurant is the city's best Cuban restaurant. And it's casual and inexpensive.
  • Walk through a swamp or swim with the sharks at Florida Aquarium.
  • Pack your trunks and hit the water slides at Adventure Island.
  • With both rides and wildlife Busch Gardens is part theme park, part safari adventure. It's fun for the whole family.
  • The Tampa Riverwalk offers plenty of dining options and fun along the water.
Fly to Tampa from Wichita - Visit the Florida Aquarium

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

FLY TO

Philadelphia International (PHL)
Airlines: American or Southwest

THINGS TO DO IN PHILADELPHIA
  • Visit Old City, a charming and historic neighborhood with lots of dining and pub choices. It's like Old Town, but older.
  • Follow the money. You can watch coins being made at the United States Mint.
  • Eat a cheesesteak. Pat's King of Steaks invented the sandwich. Go there.
  • Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a half a city block of mosaic and madness. Constructed from bicycle spokes empty bottles and more, it's a marvel.
  • See the Liberty Bell. It's behind glass, but still cracked.
Fly to Philadelphia from Wichita - Visit the Pat's King of Steaks

TULANE UNIVERSITY

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

FLY TO

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Airlines: American, Delta, or United

THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS
  • Try the Beignets at Café du Monde, a little coffee stand in the French Quarter. Their fried fritters are famously good.
  • Hit a jazz club. Fritzel's European Jazz Pub on Bourbon Street is the heppest.
  • Order a Hurricane. It's the city's signature drink. It packs a punch.
  • Get the gumbo at Dooky Chase's Restaurant.
  • Visit New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum in the French Quarter and explore the mysteries. They also offer cemetery tours.
Fly to New Orleans from Wichita - Visit the Jazz Clubs

End

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TIME MARCHES ON

August is here and we're looking forward — and back. The busy summer travel season is over, which means flights will be less full but the fares will be lower. It's a great time to look ahead to autumn and book a trip to the northeast to see fall foliage. Or think beyond, and book trips to follow the Shockers in the winter.

Meanwhile, here at ICT, we'll soon begin the process to start the demolition of the old terminal building. We'll say goodbye to a facility that opened in 1954 and holds many memories. Who remembers the old observation deck, or the restaurant with table cloths and wait staff? Who got a shoe shine? There's been thousands of welcome home celebrations, teary farewells, and lots of hugs and kisses at the old terminal. It's a little sad to see it go. We're looking forward to the fall, but forgive a few of us for looking fondly back.

Victor White - Director of Airports Wichita

Victor White, director of airports, Wichita Airport Authority

Victor White - Director of Airports Wichita

Credits

Editor Valerie Wise, Wichita Airport Authority
Creative Agency Greteman Group
Creative Director Sonia Greteman
Art Director Meghan Smith
Contributing Writer Barry Owens
Photography Phoebe Ayres, Jorge Cancela, J. Miers, Travis Wise,
Jerry Huddleston, James Willamor, Gabriel Synnaeve,
David Brossard, Maurice Chedel, L.E. MacDonald,
Kimberly Vardeman

Eisenhower Air is published for the traveling public by the Wichita Airport Authority. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please direct them to Valerie Wise at [email protected]. We also encourage you to share articles through social media and email. Help us spread the word about the good things happening at our airport.

2277 Eisenhower Airport Parkway,
Wichita, KS 67209

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