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Grand Cayman, British Virgin Islands - The Westin Casuarina Resort (345) 945-3800 is a great place to stay. Right on Seven Mile Beach. Ask for the Airline Pilot rate ($97.50) Across the road is a good pub, Legendz. Grand Caymen is VERY expensive. It is a huge off-shore banking center and their dollar (the CI) is worth $1.25 US. A 12 pack of Miller will run you $19. The hotel is right on the beach, with a great pool and great snorkeling right out the door. The big thing to do on the island is Stingray City... Captain Marvins (across from the hotel) has 6 hour trips for $50 that includes all you can eat Mahi-Mahi and sides plus the Conch's you pick up off the bottom, and Rays are amazing. Get your rental car at Coconuts' across the street from the airport.

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles - Marriott Resort, Curacao was awesome! If you're lucky enough to venture down here for more than 17 hours, bring your SCUBA card! The island is between Aruba and Bonaire; but nobody knows how to pronounce Curacao (ker-uh-sow), so it's often over-looked by the mainstream tourist (although the KLM aircrews swap in and out of the hotel on a revolving-door-like schedule). It's an expensive island, but the turquoise waters of the Caribbean make up for it. The Marriott Resort is THE PLACE to be billeted ($150/night, $77.50 military contract rate). The hotel has a private beach (raise the flag on your beach chair and they'll bring you drinks!), a dive shack, four restaurants, and a heated pool with a swim-up bar. The restaurants in the hotel are Portofino (upscale-Italian), The Emerald Grill (usual restaurant cuisine), The Palm Café (hot breakfast buffet for $18 and casual lunches) and the Seabreeze (this is the swim-up bar that also serves sandwiches, burgers, fried fish and such). If you have time, venture off the hotel grounds to Hooks Hut--the tables are right on the beach! It's about a five-minute walk from the hotel--just follow the blue signs. There is always a special catch-of-the-day and a pasta-of-the-day. I had the blue marlin the first night--wonderful. They have great (but pricey) drinks, too. If you make it to the capital city of Willemsted, there is a good row of restaurants in the Punda section of town called the old Water Arches--Indian, Italian, Grilled, American and Mexican foods are all available here. Mambo Beach is the local (and tourist) hangout on the weekends. It's quite the party spot. That's about it for the eats and treats. Like I said, stay at the Marriott! We were at the Sheraton Curacao for the first night. This hotel was still very nice (two-for-one drinks during Happy Hour), but it doesn't compare to the resort atmosphere of the Marriott. At the Marriott there is a shop to buy some swimming trunks, suntan lotion or whatever else you may have forgotten to bring on your seventeen-hour turn five-day tour. There is internet access ($14/half-hour) available at the hotel and an ATM across the street at the World Trade Center. Most hotels have tour-desks to signup for island tours, snorkeling / SCUBA trips or deep-sea fishing. The hotels are all about a 15-minute drive to the airport. As for FBO support, you'll be working with Mr. Cordero (frequency 130.3 if you need him while you're in the jet). He will marshal you in, supervise the refueling of your jet, get you a rental car (at the airport terminal), make your box lunches ($6 each), file for you (it's easiest to bring copies of your next 1801 with you--there are no mission planning facilities on the island) and get your weather. It is very expensive to use any of the airport's equipment. Our crew chiefs needed a ground power cart for maintenance--$200/hour. They want you to be in civilian clothes before you leave the airport. There was a small Command Post facility maintained by the host NG unit to store secrets. There is no radar facility on the island, so you'll be giving position reports until you are visual with the field. ~We've been here for 45 days and while we weren't at the Marriot and the Holiday Beach and Casino left a lot to be desired, we still enjoyed this beautiful island. If you are looking for a great place to eat for very little money, we recommend Landhuis Papaya. It is minutes from the airport and the Holiday Beach and is by far the best restaurant for your money. We recommend the grill platter (2 of them fed 6 of us plus leftovers.) It is family run plantation house with a very friendly proprietor. The are opened for lunch on Wed and Thurs and dinner Fri, Sat, and Sun with live music on Sunday. This is a must do while on Curacao. If you are coming to our FBO in Curacao and would like to let us know about services you require, please E-MAIL US at CATSNV@HOTMAIL.COM with your aircraft's tail number, arrival date and time, and services you would like. We will arrange every detail for you! ~Marriott Beach Resort was definitely the place to stay according to the USAF AEW personnel staying there and at other hotels. Hato/TNCC now has a USAF run ramp, no need to use the FBO anymore.

Bermuda - Groto Bay Beach Resort was nice and right on the water. 5 minutes from the airport. Moped/scooter rental right next door (cruise the island for $50). Swizzle Inn is a decent bar one block from the hotel. Other bars are in Hamilton (about a 20 minute cab ride). Buy your rum at the Duty Free (half the price that you would pay in town). ~Grotto bay was very nice. SCUBA rentals, little gym, poolside bar, really good omelets in the morning. Pricey, but that's what you get $145 a day per diem. The cab fare downtown was about $25 for 5 people. The OZone was closed (we were there on a Wed nite) but it was highly recommended to us. Lawrence at the FBO took really good care of us. The FBO picked up the cab fare to and from the hotel. The facilities are a little sparse, but he got us everything we needed, took us to the duty free to get the aforementioned rum and was very friendly. They are trying to put together an airshow next year, so give him your info when you go through, maybe you'll get an invite. Coordinate the fuel services before you head to the hotel, the fuels guys work odd hours, make sure they are available. Watch out for Wyoming -130 crews who buy Shirley Temples for tanker guys and put zaps on all of your hubcaps.

Bahamas - Flew into Governor's Harbor Airport (Eleuthera Island) -- Day VFR only, 7900ft. "Big Daddy" has a 24 hour taxi service (big Dodge van), [332-1592], it costs $42 for the first person and $2 for each additional for a one way trip from the airport to The Cove [1-800-552-5960]. You can also rent a car for $60 a day. Approx. 30 minute trip (roads are bad from hurricane Floyd). The Cove will make arrangements if you tell them. The Cove has several bungalow buildings with four rooms each, right on the water -- great view. Rooms are clean, one bedroom with separate bath (no phone in the rooms), and well within the per diem rate. The food is some of the best in town. Complimentary drink coupon on check in. Well stocked bar and Chenelle mixes a mean Bahama Mama. They have kayaks, snorkeling gear, bicycles, and tennis equip. for no additional charge. Night life is 30 min north on Harbor Island. Run by a couple of nice ex-pat Canadians -- very laid back atmosphere. ~When in Nassau, Bahamas, stay at Super Club Breezes 242-327-5356. Very nice place to break down at. The hotel gov. rates are about 160 a night. All inclusive resort...which, if you dont know, means that drinks and food are included in the room cost. Lots of activities and great looking women. Per diem is like 130 a day....but you dont even need it at this place!!! so I recommend a nice week long break on this tropical island!!!

Thule Air Base - Greenland - Northernmost DOD base, interesting experience to be had. Joint US-Danish base, with most of the base services operated by a group called Greenland Contractors. They'll be the ones coming up planeside once you touch down, good dudes really, but if you are off-loading cargo, make sure they know where it's supposed to go or they'll dump it in a random hangar. Hotel is walking distance from airfield ops, but they will have one of the base taxis drive you. Hotel is actually really nice given it's location. Room is just a small bed, tv, minifridge and a desk, with a bathroom and dayroom/kitchen down the hall. Just like being in college again. TAKE LOTS OF CASH WITH YOU since it's the only way to eat. They give you a food card when you check in, load it with cash at these ATM-type machines at the chow hall or at the hotel. Chow hall right next door to the hotel, fantastic food. Tons of choice at every meal, and more danish pastry then you could eat. Beg/borrow/steal a 4x4 truck to go exploring around base, lots of things to see. Closest things are the glaciers and Mt Dundas. Mt Dundas is essentially a 45 degree incline almost to the top, then it's vertical for the last 20 or so meters, with great views on top. Community Center is only source of internet, $4 for an hour's worth at blazing dialup speeds. TOW club has good food and drinks and will deliver late at night. Hotel room phones are DSN phones through Colo Springs, so if you want to call anywhere, bring a phonecard. Gym is decent, complete with bowling alley. I was up there in the summer, but the weather can change in an instant. We had temps from low 30s to 50s, and winds from zip up to 80 knot gusts. Winter gets a bit chillier, with temps as low as -40 and winds well over 100 knots. The whole place is mud, so bring an old pair of shoes or boots with you. Things like BX, community center, and TOW club have odd hours and are closed on random days.

Merida Mexico - Fiesta Americana Merida (Phone:52 999 9 42 11 11) was a Palace! www.Fiestamericana.com or 1.877.EXPLORA. Excellent hotel, has huge rooms in the center of Merida, about 20 mins from the airport. Merida is very safe, can walk all over if you want. Rate is within PD. Food and drinks on the town are very reasonable. There is a VIP room on the fifth floor: "The Fiesta Club"; free drinks, continental breakfast, dinner time snacks and very friendly, beautiful hostesses. Ask about it when you check in. There are three different restaurants in the hotel and a bar. One of them has "Steak Night" on Saturdays, for about $20, all the steaks you can eat incl. filet and NY Strip, all grilled in front of you -incredible. The hotel also has a number of shops on the street level, a Sanborns restaraunt, and a huge disco that rocks on the weekends. The Merida Hyatt Regency is directly across the street and has multiple restaurants and a huge beautiful bar. Mexico City, Mexico - Stayed two nights in Mexico City at the JW Marriott. Overall, a very nice hotel that is in a safe district and close to a couple of bars and restaurants. About 20 minutes from the airport. The hotel was near the Hard Rock and an Irish Pub was across the street. The only down side was that this was probably too nice of a hotel for crew dogs as everyone was wearing suits in the place and we stood out as ugly Americans...oh well. Veracruz, Mexico -If you are ever fortunate enough to spend a night here, take advantage of the attractions in this Mexican Gulf Coast city. On the East side of the city are the beachfront hotels. Consider Hotel Playa Paraiso. If you can get them to offer you the government rate for the villas, better yet. They are nice, large villas about 30 seconds away from the beach. The service there is awesome. There is a restaurant in the hotel that serves great food and inexpensive drinks. There are also restaurants and a large mall across the street, and cab rides to the bar/club district are short and cheap. The nightlife in this city is truly outstanding. Ask for a wakeup call on the day you leave if you stay at the Playa Paraiso. The wakeup call consists of a guy (or girl) bringing you good Mexican coffee to your door. The Mexican Navy folks there are awesome and will go out of their way to help you. If you have ravens, they will give them food at their chow hall and make their showers available at all times.

Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada - Cold Lake's not too shabby. The town is separated into two parts--North Cold Lake and South Cold Lake. North Cold Lake (further from the base) is right next to the lake itself (which offers some incredible fishing), while South Cold Lake has the majority of shops, restaurants, etc. The Lakeland Inn is in South Cold Lake and is within walking distance to the movie theater, coffee shops, and car rental place. There's a bar attached to the hotel called Taps that serves good food. Try some Canadian grub like Poutine (french fries drenched in gravy and cheese). Just a walk away we had a phenomenal meal at a place called The Chameleon Bistro. Incredible gourmet meals, desserts, and fine wines are offered along with impeccable service. Try the buffalo steak or pepper steak along with the cheese cake! Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of food. A great lunch spot is Clarke's General Store located in North Cold Lake right next to the marina. They have world class milk shakes and fish and chips (nice and greasy). Of course being Canada, the beer flows and is pretty cheap. Kokanee Gold on tap was the premium stuff. For higher class accommodations, you may want to check on some bed and breakfast-type places next to the lake. The gym on base rocks and the people on base are very friendly and helpful. ~Cold Lake sucks. If you are going to a Maple Flag, MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE that your WHOLE crew stays off base. Or don't go. MF will direct that your enlisted will stay in their 'special quarters', which are big trailer houses divided into 10'X12' bunk bedded, no TV, no Radio, NO Air conditioned, piss smelling rooms. You WILL have crew rest issues if your people are billeted here. MF will try to sell you some bullshit about how they have policies and that's how ACC does it, but if you're not ACC then why play by their rules? Get Off base somehow and your life will be much better. The El Lobo is fine, standard hotel, walking distance to both bars ==> the girls at the Kaos Club (bar, not strip joint) are cool and friendly. Cold lake has nothing to do except drink. So bring something, somehow. Edmonton is 3 hour to the south for the weekend, great time, go for sure. The flying is fun. CFB Bagotville (CYBG) Stayed at Hôtel Le Montagnais which was roughly 20 minutes from the flight line in winter. Bring someone who speaks French on your TDY if able because many of the residents will only respond to French; hotel staff all spoke some English though. Bathrooms and rooms were clean if only in need of a little maintenance. Very little was open, on a Monday night, other than the hotel club and restaurant although they did keep the hotel restaurant/bar open until we were ready to leave. Several restaurants, Tim Hortons, fast food etc... in close proximity (walking if necessary). If you're a crewed jet, you can arrange through rental car agencies to have the cars ready for you on base when you land. Nice to have when having to arrange 11 cars for the 40 folks we brought. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada - Delta Fredericton 506.451.7914 is a nice hotel. Nice stop on return from the desert. Airport is small. Use PLH fuel for DoD contract. Use Capital Airways for FBO services. The Delta hotel is on the level of a Hyatt or Hilton. Goose Bay, Canada - Goose Bay is a hole. They have one or two clubs that are sausage fests on Ladies night. Trappers has good 'cook-your-own steaks' and good beer. (Hope you like Molson or Labatt) The Aurora isn't much but its the best thing in town (better than the Labrador and British Barracks). If your get a day and a rental car, Muskrat Falls is a descent way to kill time. Every place takes US dollars but get Canadian or they'll screw you with the exchange rate. First off, the billeting office ONLY TAKES CASH!!! Plus you must pay upfront. The rooms aren't the greatest but in case you're bored or snowed in there are tons of TV channels. The chow hall is expensive ($13) but it is all you can eat and the food is good. If you go off base a cab will run $15 Canadian. Food-wise there is a good pizza place (like Pizza Hut) across the street from a pub, a supermarket, and a sports bar. ~Hotel North (709) 896-9301 / (709) 896-9302 is the newest hotel in town and far better than the Labrador or Aurora. This is also the only place that has a free continental breakfast and is conveniently located next to Subway.Woodward Aviation is an excellent FBO with new facilities. Long distance phone calls and icecream are both free. If you are there in the winter, be sure to rent some snowmobiles (Candians call them skidoos just like we call all sodas Coke). Don't waste money renting off base. Contact the Brits in hanger eight (896-6897). It costs $35 Canadian for a half day or $50 for a full day. Price includes skidoo, guide and all necessary gear including snow suits. Mulligan's is the best pub in town. It has friendly girls behind the bar, great food, and the Guinness flows like water. After midnight on Friday or Saturday catch a ride or take a cab to Maxwell's. ~Northland Hotel was decent compared to the Labrador Inn. We stayed at both the Lab Inn and the Northland and thought that the Northland was better, primarily because it's a lot quieter. It's also a lot newer. The big plus to the Lab Inn is that they have a pretty decent restaurant in the hotel. We ate at Trapper's one night and did the "grill your own steaks" thing. It was decent but not great. We had a better time at "Mulligans" pub down the street from the Lab Inn. We had great Caribou burgers and Poutain and the people there were extremely friendly. The bartender tried really hard to find someone who could get us "screeched" but no one was available. The biggest plus about Goose Bay is the FBO, Woodward Aviation. What an awesome FBO! They provided everything we needed (WX, flight plans, calls to TACC, fuel, hangar coordination, crew trans, etc.) without us even having to ask. Rod and Nicole are both very friendly and will take great care of you. Give them a call @ 1-800-563-5202 or e-mail them @ woodcyyr@hvgb.net One last thing that we saw but didn't get to try were the Skidoos that the Brits have to rent. For 35$/day it looks like you can have lots of fun. Overall, Goose is not a garden spot but it's definitely not the hole that most people say it is. ~I am not sure about Woodward Aviation, but Irving Aviation really takes care of you. Right as we got in, there were employees greeting us and welcoming us to Goose Bay, Canada. Nadine was so very helpful during our stay. She had us Ice Cream and drinks waiting for us right as we walked through the door. She was also very helpful in giving us the intel on the night life of booming Goose Bay. She went well out of her way to make everything go smoothly. I definitely recommend Irving Aviation in Goose Bay and anywhere else they are located. ~The El Greco is a $12 CDN taxi ride from the North Hotel. They have excellent food there. Anything from pizza (which is the best I have ever had) to Caribou (that the owner made especially for our crew). The owner is very hospitable. Prices on food were very reasonable. ~Great North Hotel was a nice hotel. Just outside the base perimeter in Goosebay, it doesn't look like a hotel from the outside. It looks more like a warehouse but the accommodations are nice. There is a meeting / breakfast room very nicely maintained by the staff (wide variety of juices, coffees, breakfast cereal etc). It is included with your room charge. Subway and A&W Resturants are appx 100 yrs down the street. There is also a place called Trapper's Cabin that is a bar and grille. The selling point about Trapper's is you cook your own cut of meat. The chops, steaks, and chicken breasts are quality cuts and there are plenty of fixins to perk up the taste. The only downside to the hotel? It is next to a bar called Shooters (I think) and when it's closin time you can hear the drunks as they stagger to their cars or home (not conducive to an early show). All in all not a bad place to go. Greenwood, Nova Scotia, Canada - On-base Billeting (aka The Shacks) sucked. Goods: The Base Ops/Terminal folks take good care of you. They have fuel. Others: 'The Shacks' as they were referred to by the folks on base as well as the locals in town were simply that. The were noisy, rickety, and overall piss poor! The billeting office is open only 1200-1600 on the weekends, so late arrival and early departures are not convenient at all. No servicing available if your ride is equipped with crappers and sinks...no lav dumping, no potable water. My advice...avoid the place...say you just couldn't make that extra 75 miles across the peninsula from Halifax and stay over there! Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sheraton was a nice hotel. Try to stay downtown if time and rooms permits. The town has a great waterfront with lots to do. Much nicer town than staying at St. Johns. The airport is well out of town so expect 30-45 min trip between the airport and downtown. Taxi to downtown was about $40Cnd. Due to a large number of tourist this time of year (June), we were not able to get rooms downtown on Friday night & moved to the Airport Hotel. That hotel was decent but very isolated. There is an aviation museum near the hotel but that's about it. Before you leave, stop by the airport terminal & get live lobsters. ~Casino Hotel ( http://www.casinonovascotia.com ) was an excellent hotel for both the refined and the gamblers. Right on the waterfront. Near great seafood and traditional restaurants. A 20 minute ride from the airport. St. John's, New Foundland, Canada - Delta Hotel is a great hotel close to the bars where all the action is.. Esso Aeroflight (709-570-0765) is THE chart-toppin', booty-whoopin' FBO... Throughout many years, our squadron has had nothing but the finest service from Esso with their support of our countless deployments and re-deployments... These folks treat you like superstars and can hook you up with the finest of all your lodging and transportation needs... And if things aren't going so well on the MX side of the house while enjoying your stop-over in St John's, they are able to provide immediate and complete support in arranging for whatever equipment is needed to get you fixed up...Contact Linda or Stacie at (709) 570-0765 to set things up; they are the best! Linda, Stacie, Ray, and Mike will take good care of your crew! ~The Delta is a real treat. Less than a block away from the town's brand new hockey arena. Ask the front desk if they have any free tickets for that night's game/event. Ask for 9th floor rooms overlooking the harbor - it comes with free continental breakfast and late afternoon hors d'ouvres. (the other floors don't). Bring your swim trunks - heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, gym - NICE. Centrally located in the city, only 18 minutes from the airport (airport support and transport was outstanding). Check in for our 24 people took less than 10 minutes. The micro brews in the newly renovated bar are excellent. The breakfast buffet, while a little pricey, is very good. O'reilly's is within stumbling distance and is the best Irish pub in town. It's great any day of the week but it rocks on Thursdays. Bored? Check out the Avalon Mall. Big theater and shopping is cheap in Canada. Also, check out Signal Hill - site of Marconi's first trans-atlantic radio transmission. Yeah, so what... but the view is great! The Delta Hotel and the Newfoundland Fairmont are the high hook-up while you enjoy your stay... Both are close to the infamous George Street (Fairmont perhaps not so much, but cry me a river...) 1892 and Northern Light are the predominant brews in St John's as the Quidi Vidi Brewing Co is located here in St John's -- all fine choices! For the best meal you've had in a long while, try Django's near the Fairmont... Crooked Crab and Hungry Fisherman are also good choices... Typical bar food is available on George Street (Jungle Jim's is the place to hit if you just are just looking to fill up for a night at the Roxbury...)St john's is a great opportunity to enjoy wicked-good seafood, choice beer, and excellent hospitality overall! Have fun! ~One of the best restaurants in the downtown area is The Cellar. Great seafood and an outstanding wine selection at reasonable prices make this place a required stop every time I've passed through. I don't know the exact address, but everyone in town knows where it is. ~The name of the restaurant is the hungry fisherman. Great hotel in the same building - the Murray Premises next time you are there. Great rooms and a perfect location. Don't judge by the lobby. It is in the same building as a great restaurant and a coffee shop. ~If the ATM machine is not working, the front desk will make a cash advance on your gov card. Sometimes they charge 3%, most of the time they do not. Any leftover money can be put towards your hotel bill. Also, Esso Aviation rocks! Those clowns at Irving tried to hose our crew when we went to Esso (Military Contract Fuel). They (Irving) called the Delta and cancelled our hotel rooms when we did not purchase fuel from them. Call home for cheap - Canada Calling Cards ~Aiport Inn was a dump! During the summer months, St John's is a pretty big tourist attraction. If you want to stay downtown, make sure you make your reservation as far out in advance as you possibly can. If you wait, you end up staying at the Airport Inn. First, you will most likely get placed in a smoking room. Which smells like ass. You also get all the noise from the airport which is about a block or so away. The cab ride to downtown is about $15 (Canadian). Another thing was that the staff was less than cordial and certainly weren't the most efficient of workers. Check in didn't take all that long. But, check out was a nightmare. We got down there about 45 min before our bus time and finally left the hotel about 30 min AFTER bus time. We only had about 20 guys that needed to check out. The little bar at the hotel was nice, though. A good place to pre-game before heading downtown. There is no continental breakfast there, the prices at the hotel restaurant were pretty large for what you got, and there is NOTHING within walking distance. Again, make your reservations for downtown as soon as you know you are going there! Update: 5/8/07 ~WOODWARD ESSO AVIATION , < MIL CON > 1-888-490-3776 or (709) 579 3776 is the FBO that handles DOD aircraft. WOODWARD ESSO AVIATION is THE chart-toppin', booty-whoopin' FBO ... Throughout many years, our squadron has had nothing but the finest service from ESSO with their support of our countless deployments and re-deployments ... These folks treat you like superstars and can hook you up with the finest of all lodging and transportation needs... And if things aren't going so well on the MX side of the house while enjoying your stop-over in St.John's, they are able to provide immediate and complete support in arranging for whatever equipment is needed to get you fixed up .. Contact Natalie at 1 888 490 3776 or 1 709 579 3776 or yytoperations@woodwardaviation.com to set things up, she is the best. Natalie, Tony, Ray and Mike will take good care of your crew. Update: 8/2/07 ~Just got back from St. Johns and thought I'd offer this about the Fairmount hotel: While upscale and clean looking in the lobby, the rooms leave much to be desired. Unless you get the more expensive (beyond gov rate) rooms, all of Fairmounts rooms, regardless of non-smoking, smell like cigarettes. They also have thin walls and heat/air conditioning controls that you can't control. The Fairmount is almost beyond walking distance from George St. Finally, if you get lazy and eat at the hotel restaurant, don't get the Prime Rib--it's not bad, but not worth 45 dollars. My suggestion: stay at either the Murray Premise or Delta as they are much nicer and closer to the action.

Anchorage, Alaska - The summer is sweet. The base is spread out so get a U-drive from AMCC or get a rental. No U-Drives for AMC crews less than 24 hrs on the ground. We got horrible support from the base (since it's PACAF). The aircrew billeting is barely within walking distance of the shoppette. Northstar Inn is a decent hotel. The BX and Commissary is shared with Ft Richardson and sits between the two on the other side of the flight line. While the F-15s are flying, good luck trying to sleep (STAY OFF BASE IF POSSIBLE!). Downtown is pretty cool with plenty of restaurants. Make sure you hit any of the following places: Humpy's (order the Halibut Tacos), Snow Goose (excellent brews and on the water), Moose's Tooth (excellent pizza and beer), Chilkoot Charlie's ($1 beers before 10, no cover before 8), Hot Rod's, and the world famous Alaskan Bush Company (a right of passage for 135 crews). Only way to check email on-base is at Base Ops, off-base try Oscar's cigar bar. See ITT for discounts on fishing and cruises. Hike Flattop Mtn or Eagle River Park. Also, check out Piper's by the airport and watch seaplanes land while you sit on patio sucking down beers. If the weather is nice, drive 2 hours north to Talkeetna and rent a flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley in a ski plane (cost is around $150, bring advertisement from local magazine 'Coast' and get $10 off). It was one of the most beautiful flights ever (and I've been on a lot) - well worth the money for this once in a lifetime opportunity. If you want to see a real Moose up close and personal, drive 10 minutes to Chugach Park overlooking all of Anchorge and walk on the trails, lots of Moose and an awesome view. The Peanut Farm (sort of katty corner to the Bush Company) is a dumpy sports bar where you can go to watch your favorite team play football while you eat a great breakfast (diner food). Get there before 8:30 am or you'll get a lousy seat. Note: During the summer off-base hotels and rental cars are expensive as well as everything else. ~A fantastic place to stay downtown is the Voyager hotel. It only has 38 rooms, but they are extremely large with kitchenettes. It is also located right downtown, so you are conveniently located to the main avenue of Anchorage and the shops and restaurants. Avoid the Days Inn downtown like the plague. I actually felt as though I was in danger going to and from the place. Honestly, the police and drunks spent more time down in that end of town than I did. If you get some extra time, get a vehicle and drive out to Seward, Alaska. The drive takes about 2 hours through some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see. The Portage Glacier is along the way if you have an extra hour to spend on the trip. Once in Seward, rent a space on a tour boat and go out and see the Alaskan nature. The boat trips all include sea lions, seals, otters, birds, mountain goat, Bear Glacier and if you're really lucky you'll see killer whales from 25 feet like we did. Definitely the most awesome picture taking "memory" experience I've had in Alaska! A great place to eat in downtown Anchorage is Sullivan's which is located on the corner next to the big mainstreet mall. The food was a bit pricey, but the bar, service and food are out of this world. I will not make a trip back to Anchorage without stopping here! ~Winter rules apply in Elmendorf! They gave us a UDrive (appreciated, but not requested) and set us loose. The map that they provided was worthless unless you knew what building number was which. I recommend getting a map from the gate guard if you can, apparently they need the terrorists to have more info than us. Be aware, if you show before 6 AM, there is nothing on base and they WILL NOT open the dining hall. The Denny's close to downtown close at 2 AM, so we had to head down Seward Highway about 12 mi to find one. Terrible service (1.5 hrs for Breakfast), but standard Denny's otherwise. Food/Drink: Sub Zero 907-276-2337, Downtown on F Street (short cab ride out of the Government Hill Gate). Shares a kitchen with Humpy's and serves similar styles of food. They do have a good selection of Belgian Abby beers and it's generally less crowded than Humpys. Humpy's(907) 276-2337, Downtown on 6th Ave. Good selection of brews on tap and good pub food. Pub Quiz on Tuesday nights in the fall/winter. Live, local music the rest of the week. Small dance floor. F Street Station(907) 272-5196, Downtown on F Street. Used to cater to military/civilian pilots but has changed ownership in the past couple of years and now caters to the "meathead" UAA crowd. Good amount of aviation memorabilia on the walls. Food isn't the best. Pioneer Bar(907) 276-7996‎, Downtown on 4th Ave. Average selection of beers but is a hangout of choice for UAA students. Will be shoulder to shoulder packed on weekends regardless of temperature. They have several pool tables and a shuffleboard table. Moose's Tooth (907) 258-2537, Old Seward Highway (about 15-20 minutes from base), serve good homebrews and tasty pizza. Usually packed at all times and sell "growlers" (carry out 1 gallon of beer). Bear's Tooth (907) 276-4200, Spenard (about 15-20 minutes from base), theatre pub owned by same guys as Moose's Tooth. Serve bar food with similar pizza offerings as Moose's Tooth. Also serve burritos. Can get food/beer while watching second run, or independent movies. "First Tap" happens the first Thursday of every month where they unveil a new beer and have a band (occasionally the band is a national act i.e. Cake, Rusted Root but usually a local band) Glacier Brew House (907) 274-2739, Downtown on 5th Ave. Slightly more "upscale" Alaskan restaurant but no dress code. Serves a good selection of Alaska dishes but slightly more pricey than the other places listed. Orso's, next door, owned by same guys with similar food offerings. Platinum Jaxx (907) 278-5299, downtown on 6th Ave, One of Alaska's only "dance clubs" and also the only place with a dress code (don't wear sneakers). If you want to get sweaty with a chica this is your place. They also have NFL Sunday Ticket and it's much less crowded with a decent breakfast menu (better than Kashim Club on base). McGinley's Pub (907) 279-1782, downtown on G Street, standard Irish bar, good selection of beers, usually have a band on the weekends. Couple of pool tables. Food is standard Irish Pub fare but is fairly good. The Peanut Farm (907) 563-3283, Old Seward Highway (20 minute cab ride), Anchorage's largest sports bar. Plenty of TVs and projectors. Food is standard bar food (nothing especially noteworthy) but does have good breakfast. Lucky Wishbone (907) 272-3454, on the way out of downtown on 5th Ave, Great fried chicken, burgers and milk shakes. Sicily's Pizza (907) 333-8000, Delivery Pizza (24 hours), can deliver on base. Good when you're hammered and have the munchies. Things to Do: Summer - Go Fishing Can fish on base (stocked) or downtown for salmon. Ensure you have proper licenses for what you're fishing for or Alaska Fish and Game will throw you in jail. They have plainclothes guys who will walk up and down the banks asking to see licenses and or questions about bag limits. Go Hiking Flattop is in South Anchorage (roughly 3,500 foot summit) with well maintained trails to the top. Roughly a 4.5 mile hike. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Can rent bikes downtown or just hike the trail. All paved with great views. Winter - Cross country skiing can rent gear at Outdoor Recreation, (907) 552-2023, on base. Many groomed trails in Anchorage. Downhill skiing Alyeska Resort (1 hour from base), (907) 754-1111, can rent gear from Outdoor Recreation or at the slopes. Skiing is pretty good and the season runs from November until late March or April. Eielson AFB, Alaska - Billeting is across the street from the chow hall - which serves a nice hot breakfast on a cold morning. There is a great exchange and commissary (connected together by a covered, heated walkway) to buy some sundry items, snacks, and a few Alaska items to bring home. The chow hall puts together damn good in-flight meals, but they are slightly slow providing them on short notice, so get your orders in early. For lodging, the Captain Bartlett Inn located in downtown Fairbanks is relatively nice. The rooms are spacious and the whole place has a "log cabin" feel to it. The bar which is attached to it makes for a nice evening of fun after flying. They don't offer any breakfast deals, though, and you are 30 minutes from base (which sucks). Sadly, your best bet at Eielson is to stay on base so you can avoid the drive into base from Fairbanks. The base is situated about 5 minutes from North Pole, Alaska (great place to have your Christmas Cards postmarked from!) and about 20 minutes away from Fairbanks. If you have some cash in your pockets and don't mind spending it all on dinner, get a vehicle from TRANS and eat at Pikes Landing in Fairbanks. They have Alaskan King Crab legs (they're no cheaper there than they are here, unfortunately) and excellent salmon. The entire meal is upscale, but you don't have to dress up. Great food, excellent service and highly recommended! Another "neat" dining experience is the "Alaskan Salmon Bake" at Alaskaland. This dinner is seasonal, so you have to time your trip to get it. It is all outdoors (be sure to bring a jacket if it's cold out) and is great food and atmosphere. The salmon is grilled and marinated so that it ranks as a true "outdoor Alaska" experience. A "Don't Miss" while at Eielson is heading out to the little airstrip in North Pole and getting an ultralight ride. Actually, they are microlights (basically a hanglider attatched to a seat/engine system. For $40.00 you get 1/2 hour of instruction by one of Alaska Sky Systems IPs. Bring a video camera, a set of gloves, and a jacket and you will have the time of your life. Contact them at (907) 488-9100 or goto their website. ~DO NOT get a box lunch at Eielson!!!! Gold Rush Inn was decent. Billeting offers wireless internet in the lobby's cyber cafe if you are so equipped. If not, there are four computers at your disposal. When getting a vehicle from Trans, tread softly! They have a deal with the local police to report vehicles in unauthorized location and then they tow them. Our crew chiefs had a vehicle towed while trying to pick up their buddies from a local bar. Even the ski resort at Ft Wainwright is off-limits. However, on some days if you show up in uniform you get free lift tickets (you are allowed to change before you ski). Food-wise, be sure to check out the Food Factory in North Pole or Fairbanks. Near the airport is a place called The Pumphouse which has descent food and a great selection of booze. Geraldo's on the main drag has pricey pizza and calzones. ~Be sure to visit the "Silver Gulch" brewery. They have free beer tasting in the summer months and it is well worth the experience. You can find directions somewhere there. We did so you can. ~Do not let them try to put you in the Klonodike Inn. Cigarette and blood stains on the comforter in one room, enough said. If you have time off, and don't mind the drive, Chena Hot Springs is 1+30 away, and is a great place to relax. We had nice rooms, a bar, and the hot springs. It was only for one night, but it was worth it. I think the only way you will get lodging there is if you beg and plead, we were there during the Eskimo Olympics and all rooms in Fairbanks were completely booked. ~Captain Bartlett Hotel was a dump, best bet is to stay on base. ~Stayed at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks. Nice rooms and free breakfast every morning. It's a little better than the usual 'continental breakfast', but not an all out hot breakfast. Food in the downstairs hotel/bar is also quite good. Ladd AAF, Ft. Wainwright, AK - Springhill Suites by Marriott (phone: 907-451-6552) was a nice hotel. The army billeting situation at Fort Wainwright is the nicest I've ever seen on an army post. The rooms are newly constructed and one block away from the PX. Fort Wainwright is about five minutes from Fairbanks as opposed to Eielson's 20 minute drive, but beware there is very limited ground support at Ladd AAF. Springhill Suites was very nice. Large comfortable rooms with a nice bar in the hotel and a decent breakfast in the morning. Con the hotel shuttle driver into taking your group out to Alaskaland as it is a bit of a walk. After the Salmon Bake you can jump on a free shuttle there to get back to the hotel.

Chyenne, WY - Stayed at the Holiday Inn just outside downtown, nice hotel and very close (walking distance) to lots of fast food. Cowboy Club was only one block away. Great bar frequented by University of Wyoming students and has one of those rodeo bull rides inside! Super 8 was a total dump. Don't stay at the Super 8. The train tracks run right behind the hotel and since Cheyenne is a railway hub, they run all night. Holiday Inn is the best place in town and a lot closer to everything. Right next door to the Holiday Inn is a new Marriott hotel called SpringHill Suites. Free buffet breakfast and nice rooms with flat screen TVs. Casper, WY - Casper Jet Center reserved us rooms at the Radison Inn (307-266-6000). Not a bad joint...2-for-1 "happy hour" from 5-7 p.m. Night life - ask the locals, but we went to "The Beacon" country dance club on New Year's eve and it was a pretty good time (plenty of painted-on-jeans). Bring you cowboy boots and hat if you got one! There are ski slopes within 15 minutes of Casper - not bad skiing, but not spectacular.

Wisconsin should be avoided in the late fall and winter, as weather is horrible and unpredictable. From Thanksgiving to Easter, it will be cold, and if not cold then it will be raining or snowing. If you have not packed accordingly you will be miserable. The remainder of the year the weather is amazingly pleasant, and it never gets too hot or too humid. The summertime, particularly the last week of July during AirVenture in Oshkosh, is fantastic for outdoor activities, and almost all major activities (airshows, fairs, and carnivals) take place between June and August. Milwaukee, WI - Clarion Hotel Airport 414-481-2400 was a nice hotel! RON'd at General Mitchell Field in Milwaukee. It was the weekend so the Guard and Reserve units were out. Folks at Signature Flight Support had a nice FBO and were very helpful although they parked our 130 kinda funky. So if you go be aware they may not be used to your specific aircraft needs in some areas. We stayed at the Clarion Hotel Airport, a 5 minute drive from Signature. Rate was well below max lodging, rooms were spacious and quiet. Staff there was quick and efficient checking us in and out. There is a restaurant downstairs which serves food until 10 pm, and also a quaint little pub that serves till midnight. Staff also recommended to us the Landmark, just down the street, for drinks and fun. Landmark was a nice place, lots of people and 50+ types of beer on tap. Adult entertainment was nearby walking distance from Landmark also. The Clarion's airport shuttle played taxi for us--took us to the Landmark, then picked us up there when we were done. Signature has a courtesy van which took us to the hotel and picked us up to go back to the airport when we left. The Signature guy even drove us someplace to get sandwiches for our flight on the way there, and waited patiently while we got them. Madison, WI - Madison Concourse Hotel (Downtown) was great, perdiem rate (even on weekends) Hauled the USAFA basketball team here for a game. Excellent location, walking distance to State St. (U of WI), tons of restaurants, bars, college scene. Ask for Amanda (Group Sales) +++ ~Always, and I mean always, try to stay close to the State St. / Southeast Campus area. The Concourse is a normally ritzy hotel that has a high rate, so if you can get it at per diem, you are getting a steal close to everything. Co-eds galore during the school year and beer and booze year-round. Best/strongest cocktails are at Monday's on State, but the students are most numerous at State Street Brats and Wando's on University Ave. The City Bar on State is a great place to chill, and Amy's Cafe on Gilman is good during the day when the weather is good. Off of the Capitol Square, the Brocach is a top notch Irish pub that rivals Fado for atmosphere. ~Great food on State includes The Parthenon for Greek and Pizza de Roma. The Great Dane on the Square has its own microbrewery and has great burgers, as well as a decent pool hall for the nightlife.

Clarksburg/Bridgeport, WV - Holiday Inn Clarksburg (304)842-5411 was decent. The Holiday Inn, although just an average stay, is the best place to stay during your visit to FWAATS. I had a kingsize bed, small fridge, microwave, and dialup internet at the military rate ($55/night). There is a nice gym right behind the hotel (Extreme Fitness) which costs $40/month to join or you can use the gym at FWAATS which has nice equipment. Note: The local phone calls cost $.75/call if you are not a member of \"Priority Club\" - so join to make the calls free. Plenty of good chain restaurants available within a short distance. A movie theater is located at the 121 exit located in the mall. The newest hotel in WV in the clarksburg/bridgeport area is the Windgate Hotel. It is about 5 minutes from the FWAATS Training site. You will not be disappointed, the daily room fee is $90 a day as the perdeim is for that area I do believe. They have a nice pool and equipment.

McChord AFB, WA - On base at McChord is nice for the O's but crappy for the E's. The Comfort Inn is nice and new, comfortable beds. But if you can, the Sheraton downtown is the way to go. But of course it is the last hotel on the planet they'll send you to. Oh, flight lunches aren't too bad at all. The coffee you can get for the flight is great, tastes like some sort of special Seattle coffee. ~Command post should have a rated person collocated with them so when you request Prime Knight they should hook you up. We were put up at the King Oscar which is a couple exits up the road from the base. The hotel is OK, there is a cheesy free continental breakfast. There is a Subway up the street for grabbing a quick flight lunch. There is also a casino nearby and a Denny's for those late night shows. The Best Western next door looked a lot better, try to go there. Billeting said if you call ahead they can try to get the hotel you want. With regards to the Sheraton, they will only put you up there if everything else on the contract quarters list is booked. The maps we got from Trans were confusing, the Base Ops on the map was the one under construction. Currently they are collocated with the 22 STS. Fleet service was really helpful. ~Comfort Inn Tacoma (253) 538-7998 was nice! The hotel was very clean and located adjacent to Denny's and a casino. Continental breakfast was good with make it yourself Belgian waffles. Seattle is 26 miles north and I-5 can be extremely busy. Piers 57-59 and Pioneer Square are cool to see but pretty touristy. Fort Lewis has a nice golf course that is now public but the people working there have issues. Good bar is the Pyramid brewery across from Safeco stadium. ~Tacoma La Quinta (253) 383-0146 was decent - Very clean hotel, beats the King Oscar, continental breakfast--seen a better spread elsewhere, but adequate-- next to the Tacoma Dome on I-5, 15 mins from base. ~while the trans support gets better, the billeting support gets worse. Our crew was put up in Airmen's Quarters because "when the VOQ is full we put crews in the VAQ regardless of rank." We contacted the Lodging Manager and this is wrong so if they try to do this raise the BS flag. If you want to overfeed yourself, drive up to South Center Mall and check out Claimjumper (Take I-5 north to exit 152). Good food and huge portions. Call ahead (206-575-3918) for a seat since it can get extremely busy. ~Shiloh Inn was decent. Rooms were okay, most had a king size bed, and sometimes another queen as well. Standard continental breakfast. IHOP and BK right across street. Hotel is right next to I-5, so a little noisy, not too bad. Our nav did have something funky on his sheets and had to get housekeeping to swap. Great seafood and local beers at Tide's Tavern in Gig Harbor, a few exits north of hotel. Right on water. Also Katy Downs for microbrewery/brickoven pizza, on waterfront in Tacoma. Trans will tell you U-drives are 10nm radius only, yeah right. Hooter's right across interstate from Shiloh. Hotel was alright, although a bit dated. Didi have free internet in lobby and a Starbucks 2 blocks up. Update to Shilo: Now has free wifi in all rooms. Seattle, WA - Doubletree Seatac is a great hotel close to downtown (20 min.) and close to the base (30 min.). Nice bar on the top floor. Also, call ahead to confirm the gov rate. Clairemont hotel Virginia St. Downtown was nice - 5 min walk to Pike Street Market. Palmer's Pub around the corner and nice restaurant within a stones throw. No vending so everything is room service, but they're great too! Valet parking out front is cheaper than the lot so USE it. Just a couple blocks from the interstate so you can hop on and head to wherever you may need to go. You can walk to Pioneer Square but its a haul or a $7 or so cab ride. Galvin aviation at Boeing Field is GREAT! Tell Shawna hi! ~If your squadron won't authorize a rental car and you can't get McChord Transpo to cough up some vehicles don't despair. Give LtCol Kent Fister a call at DSN 382-2106. He runs the WA ANG flightline support facility on Echo ramp and has his own motorpool. If he is not having to support some transient fighters he'd be happy to help. Whidbey Island NAS, WA - Do not stay at the Coachman Inn! Thay are the most unfriendly staff in the world and will screw you in cancellation fees. I reserved rooms for three aircrews - 2 planes diverted for IFE and I called to cancel the rooms from Baseops at 1800. I was told "no problem" but a month later when I got my credit card bill I was charged for their cancelled rooms. Now my squadron has to reimburse me because finance won't do it - we are out $1400 on this one. Seattle, Boeing Field, WA - Clay Lacy (near Galvins) now has the gov't contract. We've had good luck getting a courtesy car car. Go to Salty's (about 15 min from KBFI; www.saltys.com). Entrees are about $16, but the food and view are outstanding. Very good pilot shop about 1/4 nm up the flight line from Clay Lacy; lots of good books, supplies, gifts, etc.

Langley AFB, VA - Extended Stay America was a great hotel. This place is wonderfully located right behind Hooters, across the street from a mall and the Bass Pro Shop. The base is only ten minutes away but will take twenty to thirty to get on because of traffic. Rooms were spacious with free internet, kitchenette, full size refrigerator, cupboards, and dishes! It was an all around great stay for our entire crew of nearly fourty. Norfolk NAS, Virginia Beach, VA - I made reservations at the Comfort Suites previously recommended on the page, but that hotel does not cater to AMC crews anymore. In fact, they even gave me a very hard time canceling my reservation. Comfort Inn Norfolk Naval Station -- "We wanted to let everyone know that we are offering you the same great deal that Comfort Suites is offering....only ours is better 1/2 mile from NAS, free cab fare from MAC Terminal, Crew Room, Free Pizza, Free Continental breakfast, Indoor Pool & hot tub, preferred guest hospitality -- We would be happy to honor any special requests for food & beverages as long as you let Johnetta or myself know in advance" Contact Johnetta or Mitzi @ 757-451-0000 Great Rates!!!! -excellent customer service,free pizza & beer, transportation from airport! Sheraton on Waterside Drive is good -(757)622 6664 -Go down the street to Dixie's Tavern. Great Bartenders! ~Comfort Inn Norfolk NAS was a nice clean hotel with great customer service. We found plenty of restaurants nearby. See the manager Mitzi...she's great. Plenty of free beer and pizza and a private hospitality room (not in the lobby like comfort suites) ~It seems the place to go now is the Quality Suites at Lake Wright. It has all the old amenities and is located next to a golf course. the rooms are all suites. Please pass along. Their phone# is (757) 461-6251. ~Good Hotel. AMC room BEST in Norfolk. Transportation provided from base. ~Sheraton Waterside (757-622-6664) was great! Great rooms service and location. Was able to negotiate government rate of $55 night.Located next to Waterside Restaurants, including Outback Steakhouse, Jillians, Hooters et.al. Plan on a cab fare of appx $20-25 if Navy doesn't give you wheels. Complimentary USA Today and WSJ. Much nicer than Radisson. Ground transportation from NAS Norfolk to Norfolk Intl, use LPR Airport Express 757-857-5950, 1 to a busload with go-to-war baggage. P/U at terminal (not the front gate), large group discount. Our 20 persons cost $125 total, open 24/7 ask for Perry or Lisa. Pentagon, Arlington, VA - Crystal City Doubletree was a great hotel, close to the Pentagon. Walking dist to Pentagon City Shopping Mall. Free bus to the Pentagon. Rooms with nice views of the Capitol Mall. Rotating bar overlooking DC with expensive beers. Overall, nice place to stay. Oh, yeah. Free warm chocolate chip cookies on check in. ~Ritz Carlton, Crystal City was a Palace! Ask for the military rate of 150.00 per night. This hotel is terrific. It connects to a mall and is within walking distance of the Pentagon and numerous restaurants. So if you have official business at the Pentagon you might as well put on the Ritz. For TDY information on the greater Northern Virginia area, check out the Washington DC TDY Guide. Quantico MCAF, VA - Quantico MCAF is a separate installation from Quantico Marine Base. Therefore you DO NOT need a non-availability slip from lodging. You're on your own finding a hotel & rental car. Good luck on the weekends or when OCS has a graduation. - Stayed at The Crossroads Inn and was not displeased. Clean and easy with a 10 minute on-base drive to baseops and the flightline. Would be pretty good for an extended stay with a mini-kitchen in the rooms and a GOV signed out no hassle. The Marines run a good show here. Good trails/roads for running and a pretty good gym too. Excellent German dining "Zum Rheingarten Restaurant" with excellent beer. right out the gate (straight shot from billeting).

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Hill AFB, UT - Peery Hotel (est. 1910) 1-800-331-0073 is a great place for C-130 guys to stay at if picking up a PDM bird or dropping in to Salt Lake for a night or two! Recommend only a couple of nights due to no swimming pool/bar/etc...but they offer the mil rate, always have great rooms, and just did a 3 million dollar renovation. It's a very historic place that offers free breakfast and is within walking distance (1 block) of a nice little microbrewery with good beer and food (Squatters), 2 blocks from a cool dance club, and close to the Delta Center during basketball season--the PDM guys have box seats that are usually available--check with the LT COL running the show! Airport Radison has free buffet breakfast, free drinks from 5-7 each night, USA Today for each room. 5 min drive to the guard base. This was a PDM input. Arrive early enough to drop your plane off at depot, catch a van ride to the airport for your rental cars, check into the fabulous Sheraton, downtown Salt Lake, across from the Salt Palace, and still have enough time to hit the slopes for some night skiing. Brighton provided 4 hours of night skiing, boots, poles, and skis for $30. We also scheduled our return flight, a double layover trip, on the following afternoon, allowing us time after skiing to hit the nightspots in Salt Lake. Believe it or not, there are some good ones. The Squatters Brewery is a good place to start, ask the help there about good clubs to hit after hours. Oh, and our fellow guests at the Sheraton that evening? The Chicago Bulls and the Judds. Nothing like hanging out with Elton Brand in the lobby while TDY. All in all, an excellent two day TDY! Radison Airport = Free Alcohol from 1700 to 1900 every nite. Food in restaurant is good to above average. Rates are Perdiem. Hey, just finished a JA/ATT to Salt Lake City, UT. We stayed at the Embassy Suites, 110 West 600 South St. (801) 359-7800, and they DEFINITELY deserve a lime-star rating. Free well, wine, and draft from 1700-1900 daily (yeah, even in Utah!). Complimentary cooked to order breakfast every morning, plus a USA Today. Rooms were awesome with fridge, microwave, and separate living room. They charged max per diem rate of $75, but we checked and they were $140 to the everyday bubba. Outstanding service, too. Also had dinner at a great restaurant. Rodizio Grill, 459 Trolley Square (801) 220-0500, is a Brazilian buffet like you've never seen. Some of the meats are pretty exotic (rattlesnake, alligator, swordfish) but they have the traditional top sirloin and other stuff. They bring it to your table on spits. Food bar was equally impressive. Expect to drop $20 for the buffet, including drinks, but it's well worth it. Great support from the 151st Air Refueling Wing! They really went out of their way and did all sorts of stuff to help us out. Besides, any unit that subscribes to Maxim for each of their crapper stalls deserves a kudos. Important note: DO NOT PLAN A TAKEOFF/LANDING AT ANYWHERE NEAR 1000. This is a surge period for Salt Lake International, which we thought we could work around. It took us almost an hour to taxi from the active to parking. And lastly, we'll second your site's recommendation to ski Brighton. Inexpensive rentals and all ranges of difficulty made for a great trip! Also, SEE OGDEN, UT. Ogden, UT - Can't get into Hill? - Try Ogden (KOGD)... the folks at Great Western FBO (801) 294-3400 will roll out the red carpet (no kidding), give out hats and take you to a fantastic Ogden Marriott (801) 627-1190 (under the perdiem) just a short drive from the airport. There at the hotel you can hit the bar being a guest. Try the Tember Mine for dinner (5 star)and get a great steak for a fairly good price. The hotel also offers one of the best breakfast bars on this planet. All-in-all, a great TDY all because of the Ogden stop.

San Antonio, TX Billeting The Kelly Base CC has a new way to screw with crews. If you do not process thru billeting, even when less that 24h, the base trans WILL NOT take you to the hotel, or pick you up...WHAT A CROCK!!! - Luckily you can call MACTRANS (Baseops has the phone #) and for a fee (reimbursable) they will pick you up and drop you off at any hotel in SA. Stay at the Hampton Inn on Bowie Street - it is right downtown 2 blocks from the River Center at the Riverwalk - and it is within your lodging allowance! Homewood Suites is great for crew dogs. Free happy hour w/beer, cocktails and food Mon-Sat. Free Breakfast. Rooms are suites with separate bathroom and living room/kitchen - call ahead for Gov rate. On the riverwalk just a few blocks from everything, such as, Market Square, Dirty Nellies, and Dick's Last Resort. Residence Inn was a .5 mile walk from the river walk and each room was a business suite style room. It had a full kitchen with all appliances a queen bed and pull out couch bed as well. The staff was very friendly and the complementary continental breakfast was great. Also the 24 hour mexican restaurant (Mi Tierra's) down the street was good for margaritas after a long mission. It is on the Non-A list at Kelly Billetting as well. Enjoy! ~Crowne Plaza Downtown 210-354-2800 was a palace! We got stuck with a last minute Hurricane Evac to San Antonio. We ended up finding the deal at the Crowne Plaza which charged us $93 gov't rate and no tax, since we could fill out tax exemption forms that saved some cash there. Rooms were great! Large beds with fluffy comforters. Wife met me in SA and got a kick out of the courtesy bag filled with cool sleeping stuff. Bar was okay, a little crowded and smoky, but beer wasn't too bad. 10 minute walk to the "River" and restaurants. Staff was very friendly and willing to help with last minute reservations. Do NOT go to the Days Inn Downtown on Houston St. They were very unfriendly, screwed our buddy with charges for reservations that we did not use and were expensive as hell. $150 with tax. Also, agree with others about Kelly VOQ...rooms weren't too bad (for a Navy guy) but no where was food to be found within walking distance. Okay for short crew rest, sucks for anything longer without car. Enterprise Car Rental around the block though...Kelly Transient no help there either. ~Kelly Billeting is a joke. Now, if Kelly doesn't have rooms for you, they will call Lackland and then the ISQ (international school quarters) before they give you a non-A (This is specifically prohibited by the JFTR, U1045, bring a copy of that page). If you have to go to Lackland or ISQ, also on Lackland, Kelly trans won't take you. You have to get Lackland to come get you. If you go to the ISQ, not only do you have get in another van to drive to your bldg, but they split you up or make you share bathrooms. They refused to put enlisted in the officer's quarters. It was 2 hours from when we arrived at Kelly billeting to seeing our shared bath rooms at the ISQ. Don't let them do this to you. We threw the flag and stayed at the Rivercenter Marriott which was very nice. Just went to Kelly(Lackland Annex) and with new rooms the chances of off base are slim. However, transpo will give you a free ride down to and pick you up from the riverwalk-a pretty good deal. They pick you right up from billeting drop you off wherever you want to go and then call them about 1/2 hour prior and they pick you up. Kelly Annex update, Dec 07 There is nothing 'new' about any of these rooms or the building! The billeting building must be 70+ years old and needs to be condemned! Beware, Lackland/Kelly will give you the runaround! ~Despite the horror stories from Kelly Billeting above, we were able to get a Non-A slips fairly easily and they made reservations for us downtown. The catch, however, was that they put us at the Radisson Market Square. If you have a choice, DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL. The place is in serious disrepair; broken shower heads, sinks that won't drain, missing striker plates on room doors, lousy beds, etc. Enterprise on Kelly delivered two cars to base ops prior to our arrival, however, both were delivered with ~1/4 tank of gas. They book billeting pretty far in advance. They will give you a Non-A number (not a "letter", just a "number"); just put it on your travel voucher. The Clarion Suites 210-655-9491 (Pat Booker & 1604) has 1 & 2 bedroom options (2 BR has 2 bathrooms also); full kitchen; living/dining area; pool/hot tub (outdoors); laundry facility; free continental breakfast. Make sure you are getting the "monthly rate" if you are staying that long (see maximum rate notice on your room door) - if billeting makes your reservation - they will charge the GOV rate (for a 2 BR that is $85, but $69 is the "daily" max rate based on monthly rate schedule). Either way - you get reimbursed, but the $85/day will max out your GOV'T card faster! Residence Inn, Santa Rosa Ave (210)231-6000 was fantastic and has Free Beer and Pizza from 5 to 8pm. Close to the River Walk. ~I've stayed at the Crockett Hotel previously with my civilian employer and it was nice. The difference is this time we had the government rates and the rooms sucked. They put you in the building across the parking lot. If you stay in the main building I think you're alright. Food Alamo Cafe - 281N and Bitters Rd (on the northbound access road) Inexpensive tex-mex. Some of the best in San Antonio. Amazing tortillas (It's a San Antonio thing, trust me: just try them). Easily accepts large parties. Don't be discouraged by crowded parking lots, or long lines, never waited longer than 15 minutes for a table. Food is always served quickly, and is delicious. Can walk away stuffed for under $15. Goerke's Country Tavern - Country style restaurant hidden in the backwoods behind Randolph AFB. Nothing fancy, just good food. Wednesday night is all-you-can-eat Cajun Fried Catfish, fries, homemade hushpuppies, coleslaw, and pinto beans for under $10. Come early, seats fill up fast! Can accomodate large parties, if you get there early enough. Meals typically under $15. No reservations. Camino Ranch - Located a few miles outside Randolph on I35, this place boasts some of the best margaritas and fajitas in San Antonio. A Must-eat if stopping in San Antonio. Accomodates large parties, meal price $15-20. Chester's - It's straight out the front gate on Pat Booker outside Randolph AFB, but can be found throughout San Antonio. Self-proclaimed "best hamburgers in town and state", but most digestive systems disagree. Still a great greasy burger and milkshake joint. Great for a different and quick meal for quick turns. The jailhouse cafe has the biggest chicken fried steak you've ever seen - and it tastes great. Rio Rios - On the River Walk, serves Tex-Mex Go for some great barbecue at The Barbecue Station at Loop 410 and Harry Wurzbach, followed by drinks next door at Lil' Darlin Lounge. The key to a stay at Randolph for any length of time (PIT, etc) is to get off base! Not too difficult (especially if your family tags along) if you are staying for 2-4 months (i.e. PIT or T-6 transition). Randolph AFB, Universal City, TX - Quick eats off base: On Pat Booker north side is an Italian joint called Napoli's. Ex-navy owner named don is friendly and food is quite good. also, North on 1604 just past the mall is Rudys BBQ can't go wrong! Entertainment The Auger Inn at Randolph is pretty jumpin on fridays. They put out a free buffet spread at 5pm and the beer is damn cheap. A good place to start the night before you head down to the river walk. A GREAT bar is The Tap 210-404-0827 at: 903 Bitters, STE 313, SA, (Just off HWY 281 N at Bitters, by the SA Int't Airport) Neat In-crowd hangout spot for Spurs players/managers and exotic dancers "off-duty". Tell Jennie or Jon (owners) "DAD" from Tinker AFB, OK sent you! Just got back from TDY to AIS at Randolph, found a couple great local bar/hangouts(not typical River Walk venues): NOTE: The Tap became Bitter End somewhere around 2003 (give or take). I wouldn't say it is the best place to find attractive girls, anymore. It IS a good place for live music and cheap drinks. Sherlock's A pub tucked away on San Antonio's north side. Has three separate areas, a quieter (compared to the others) sports bar type section, a section that typically has a small dance floor and a live band, and a game room, complete with real darts, pool, and shuffleboard. Pay pool tables, and just need an ID and refundable deposit for the darts and shuffleboard. Bands typically are in the punk to hard rock genre. More of a local crowd, and when compared to some of the other places in town, the number and quality of ladies there leave more to be desired, but in the end, a nice place to hang out, especially if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, or a change of pace from the other bars in San Antonio. Cowboys Dance Hall - Massive country dance hall located on the 410 loop where it meets I35. Despite your feelings towards country music, one trip here will keep you coming back. The sheer quantity and quality of the women (both patrons and workers) is what makes Cowboys the "Mecca" of the San Antonio night life. Weekdays offer live music with college and military discount nights, bikini contests and very cheap beer nights, while the weekends often offer larger packed crowds, expensive drinks and high covers along with popular country music stars. Live music every night, and when the band goes on break, they will often play more current music. Hooligan's - Sports bar near Randolph. Large open areas, lots of big screen projectors and TVs great for viewing the game. Hot wings, greasy burgers, pool tables and dart boards make this place a good place to go to end the night with a cheap taxi back to base. San Antonio Missions - San Antonio's own minor league baseball team. Good entertainment, however the best times to go are on \"Dollar Night\" Where you can get a slice of pizza, a hotdog, or a cup of beer for $1. This along with some high-quality heckling can make for a great night if you can get the fans into the mood. One might think that being DD would suck on a night like that, however, the drive home takes you past about 5 strip clubs. Once you drive past a few and have a car full of drunkards begging you to stop, you can usually get your cover and a few lap dances paid for. San Antonio Spurs - Need I say more? Good luck getting tickets at a reasonable price. You'll need it! The following links are NOT SAFE FOR WORK! XTC Cabaret - a BYOB strip club. Sounds shady, and isn't as well presented as the others, but worth a trip if in town for a while. They will search your coolers at the door and take any non-alcoholic beverages (kind of humorous, but true). Ladies are hit and miss. I've been there to see nasty women, and ladies on the complete other end of the spectrum. There was this brazilian woman there that was smoking hot, and would give one hell of a performance. I saw a one-legged stripper here once and she was awesome! Perfect 10's - Strip club located on 410, definitely living up to the name. Hot women, and relatively cheap drinks. Definitely the club if you are looking for a more "hands on" experience in San Antonio. Camelot on Pat Booker just outside the gate is good place with high quality young lovelies. Camelot burned to the ground a few years ago.

Biggs AAF, El Paso, TX -The Hawthorn Inn & Suites (915) 778-6789 is nice, and they have complimentary drinks 5-6pm M-F -- BONUS! Also, it's right next door to the Cattle Baron's restaurant which has a nice bar, attentive waitstaff, and a great menu. One of the best restaurants, Carlos and Mickey's has AWESOME Mexican food (a MUST for El Paso) with speedy service and reasonable prices; fantastic margaritas too -- get the "TEXAS SIZE". It's only 5 minutes from the hotel which is right near the airport. If you have any problems, call Chief Warrant Officer 3 Roberson at DSN 979-6707 -- he'll hook you up with wheels and hotel reservations. These are good folks and they represent the 204th -- an Army unit from Fort Bliss. They'll make what could be a pain-in-the-a** trip a good time for you and your crew. ~El Paso is a hole for those of you who haven't had the pleasure. The Embassy Suites was nice - all the standard embassy suites stuff like free happy hour and breakfast. About 10 minutes from the field. Close to the hotel was a good mexican place called Forti's - ask the guys at the desk. No Udrives from the base. Austin, TX - Omni is a palace and only one block from the party on 6th Street. 5 Star accommodations. ~OMNI Austin Downtown (800-the-omni) is fantastic and has a government rate, just ask for it, about $85-95 a night. Best location to party on 6th St. Also, check out the Hula Hut on Lake Austin for great food and try the Fishbowl drink. Antone's is the best place for live music. New Hilton Hotel on 4th Street with government rate. Unbelievably nice, friendly staff, can't get any closer to downtown bars. OMNI is a great hotel. The hotel staff upgraded our rooms to include internet (which should be already included) and a two hour free open bar. The front desk girls even sent the co-pilot a complimetary bucket of Dos Equis. Only a block from 6th St--can't beat the location. Head to Stubb's for some barbecue and a Shiner Bock. Bone Daddy's was recommended for the eye candy, but that's only second-hand information. Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX - Worthington Hotel is a GREAT Hotel. 10 minute drive from the base. Hotel overlooks the best bars in Ft. Worth. Fills up fast...book early!! Radisson is also downtown, about a 10 minute drive from the base. Hotel is with 1/4 mile from all the bars. Recommend going to 8-O's, cafe USA, Flying Saucer, or any other bar along the strip...great town with a great night life. If you have time...take a trip to Dallas. ~Downtown Clarion was awesome! Navy Ft Worth gave none availability slip to go downtown - no problem. And then gave us transpo downtown and picked us up on Sun morning. Clarion Hotel gave military rate for $49.00 a night in early Nov on Friday and Saturday night! Walking (stumbling) distance to all the downtown restaurants / night life. ~NAS Ft Worth info: Great "Gentlemens Club" just right out the main gate over I-30 overpass on the left called New Orleans Nights (2-3 minutes from the base). For a little lower "quality" of entertainment there's Illusions about 1/2 mile more up the road on the right. Worthington hotel was a Palace! Worthington Hotel is THE place to stay in Fort Worth. For great eats, try Risky's across the street (south side). They have $9.99 All You Can Eat beef ribs every night of the week. Great place for Grita's and ribs. Flying Saucer is the place for beer in Fort Worth. Get there early, it fill up fast. ~Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (Simuflight Training for C-21) -- Homewood Suites Hilton in Grapevine was a nice hotel! (972) 691-2427 Local/ (972) 355-5376 Suites have has two or three bedrooms and a living room with an integrated kitchen. Has a refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, dish washer, working desk, free wireless internet, two TVs, pull out couch, etc. Very posh. Hotel has an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, business center, gym, tennis court, and basketball court. Free breakfast and dinner. Grapevine Mills mall is just across the street. Dallas-Fort Worth Airport is only 10 minutes away. Nice restaurants all around. Very safe area with security. Very friendly service. Simuflight, who does the C-21 ground school and simulator training, makes reservations for its clients here at the Homewood Suites. Dyess AFB, TX - We were stuck on-base but it turned out to be not that bad. We had the two-room set up. New furniture and the works made it bearable. There was no problem getting a u-drive from transpo. That made life a little better. There are a number of great grill places in town to eat at. The Roadhouse Grill has great Ribeye. Joe Elen's also has great beef. There is a little hole called Squares that has a buffet that you cant beat for $7.00. There beef briquette is great. Don't even worry about bringing you golf clubs. The base course is terrible. Nothing but weeds and hard packed dirt. There are not to many sites to see there, maybe a farm or two if you are interested. That is about it. You could say we spent a year there in one week. ~For the best BBQ in Abilene - bar none - go to Harold's Pit BBQ. This is a no-frills joint with awesome "Q". Most people will tell you to go to Joe Allen's. It's good, but it's definitely second best. (Joe Allen's has some awesome mesquite-grilled steak, though.) Harlow's (BBQ) has a cool aviation museum, but the food needs quite a bit of help. If NY-style pizza is your deal, go to Joe's Pizza at Buffalo Gap Rd and Rebecca. It's run by some Albanians, and they make great pizza. Hampton Inn was decent - about 20 minutes from DYS base ops. The only Hilton-family hotel in the city. Not bad: hot tub, pool, continental breakfast. Very near a few good places, including a large sports bar, which is probably the best nightlife in the city (other than possibly the large country and western bar I've heard about). I don't remember the name of it. Fort Hood / Killeen, TX - Holiday Inn was awesome at $65 per night. This is a brand new hotel (Jun07) just off of Ft Hood St. on the East bound service road of HW190. It is next to the Fairfield Inn. Very clean, big rooms, nice beds, class-A decor, and flat screen TVs in all rooms! Laughlin AFB, TX - Laughlin has improved recently! We now have a brand new billeting facility and new 5 star gym with an indoor pool, indoor elevated running track (above the cavernous basketball courts), and juice bar. When in Laughlin, visit Acuna, Mexico: Go to Crosby's for dinner and hit any of the bars around it. From what we understood, it's gotten a lot better over the years in Mexico. Friday night was dead but Saturday night was pretty good with a live band at the Corona Club. Robert Gray AAF, TX - A new/old hotspot thanks to President Bush's home of residence. Ramada Inn (817-634-3101) was decent and is within walking distance of a handful of restaurants. The Ramada has the all important free USA Today, and free Breakfast Buffet. And not just Continental Fare; all the good greasy stuff. They have a fair outdoor pool with towels provided poolside. They had no issues with our crew bringing a cooler of beer to the pool area. ~Shoney's Inn & Suites 404 S. Fort Hood St. Killeen TX 76541 (254-554-6633/ 800-222-2222/ fax: 254-554-6222) Decent, nice clean, non-smoking, suite type rooms. Just down the road from the Ramada. Not a lot of food around, but we had wheels from KGRK base ops so it wasn't an issue. Breakfast wasn't a huge buffet but it was more than just juice, coffee and rolls. Better than the average from an Army town. San Antonio, TX - CLICK HERE for the gouge.

Campbell AAF, Clarksville, TN - Ramada Riverview Inn (931) 552-3331, 50 college St. = Average motel, but apparently its where EVERY aircrew always goes. Two blocks to the bars, 'black horse', 'moose creek', 'Night Deposit', a german place in there too that has big glasses. Enterprise is on post, but when you go back on post from the motel, they will bust your balls and make you get a pass, USE THE MAIN GATE FOR THIS. tell them you're leaving and it's a post rental, they might let you through. About 60 miles from Nashville, but we never went there. ~I will defend the Riverview. It is an average hotel, but they just got all new furniture in the rooms. They have a pool, you get a free membership to a gym down the street, there is a jogging trail on the river right in front of the hotel, they have free breakfast too. Lots of food choices down the street. Night life is at the Warehouse a block away Wed. thru Sat. Lots of college types. Good pubs are Front Page Deli and Blackhorse about two blocks away in the old downtown section up the hill. College campus isn't far away either. Riverview also has free wi-fi and a free public business center computer too. Millington/Memphis, TN - Admiralty Inn and Suites was a dump! We flew into Millington Muni, formerly NAS, and the FBO made reservations for us at the Admiralty Inn and Suites. We drove by and there were bars on all of the windows and people drinking in the parking lot out of brown bags. We kept driving to downtown Memphis and stayed in the Residence Inn. As with all other Residence Inns I have stayed in, it was very nice and brand new. They gave us the govt rate of $80. Full, hot breakfast buffet in the morning. Don't miss out on Beale St on the weekends. It is like Bourbon St in New Orleans except cleaner and smaller. Nashville, TN - Doubletree hotel was decent. Diverted into Nashville due to WX. Nashville guard was very helpful. Stayed at the doubletree which is walking distance from all the bars. I think they are located on fourth ave. Try the beer seller. Its located next to hooters on second ave. They stock about two hundred different types of brew. Good C/W bars all up and down second ave. - Used Signature Aviation at BNA and as usual they were awesome. No problem getting a U-drive until we got a rental car hooked up. We stayed at the Homewood Suites downtown. About a 20 minute drive from the FBO and a 5 minute walk to all the bars & clubs on Broadway & Church St. They gave us huge suites w/ full kitchen & fridge for the $107 government max lodging rate. If you're not into country music then Bailey's is a decent pub/pool hall located right on Broadway. Knoxville, TN - Downtown Marriott was very nice. Renovated bar downstairs should be open soon. Highly recommend "Regas" steakhouse downtown for dinner. Open since 1919 for good reason, their food was outstanding. U-drive was provided by McGhee-Tyson ANGB even on an AMS graduation weekend.

Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls SD - Going TDY to Sioux Falls the Sheraton is the place to stay. It's location is close to the base and several bars close by. Next to the Hotel is the Sioux Falls Arena with some good minor league sports team. Such as the USHL (hockey) Stampede, Skyforce (basketball), Canaries (baseball), and Storm (Indoor Football). The main stretch of bars and restaurants is on and along 41st. Nutty's Bar off 49th st has some good drink specials at time.

Charleston, SC - Don't stay at Super 8. It is right next to the exit ramp for the interstate, and is not conducive to rest. Plus, it has absolutely NO freebies. Sheraton is great with lots of flight attendants, The Mill's House Hotel 1-800-874-9600 is a very nice hotel and it's $80/night (max is 99). The hotel is in a great location (very close to all the shops/bars/restaurants downtown). ~If Charleston AFB does not have billeting they will try to put you in the days inn right off base where there is nothing to do. If you request to stay at the Mill House ( a 4 star $299 a night hotel) down town, they will get you a room for $80 a night but you have to get the taxi down town. Just claim it on your voucher. You are close to all the good times if you can stay downtown. If you split a room with someone you can both pay $40. If you like seafood, we ate at Hymens (yup, that's the real name), and it was pretty darned good, going to try some new places tonight!!! Embassy Suites/ Historic Downtown is very nice...(#337 Meeting St. /843-723-6900) it used to be part of the Citadel Military Academy. It's located downtown, with all bars/ restaurants within walking distance. Good bar called the Mandalay nearby. The hotel cost is actually higher than the max allowable, but we were able to talk them into a $99 rate. Just explain that you're in the military, and that's all they'll let you spend. A little Southern charm doesn't hurt either. Although not downtown, Sheraton-North Charleston 843-747-1900 isn't bad. Upon checking in, you're given a card for three free drinks in the hotel bar. Also, given a card for a free American breakfast (Nice spread of vittles!). Great room with a free USA Today delivered to your door. $53 per night + tax. ~The major plus is free buffet breakfast plus three free "real" drinks in the bar per night. DO NOT CALL LONG DISTANCE FROM THE ROOM!!! Our Boom shelled out $27 for a five minute phone call to Fairchild. Hyman's is really good but can be crowded. Wild Wings Cafe is good place to eat and have a brew or two. Most of the places worth eating are all near "the market" in Downtown Charleston. The Southend Brewery is OK but the service was not the greatest. One town over in Mt Pleasent, is a place called "Romanza's" and it has really good Italian food. For directions ask the lady at the Weather desk. If you get a U-drive be wary, our's conked out at Base Ops right before we turned it in. If you are stuck there for a while, head down to the Visitor's Center and catch a bus tour (only $15 for a 90 minute tour). ~I must disagree with the generous rating of the Best Western. The place is a DUMP! The freeway noise is opressive and the A/C never works quite right. The neighborhood is somewhat seedy at night. Head for downtown for meals. ~New hotels at, International Blvd Near Tangier Mall ( 15 min, from rear gate ) Hotels: Marriott Residence Inn ( earn points)( Great Hotel...sits on final approach path for CAFB) New Holiday Inn and Hilton near by. Restaurants: Fatz Cafe. excellent, huge portions, Dunkin donuts, Starbucks, Arbys, Mexican and Chinese also. 24hr Super Walmart right there also. Shaw AFB, SC - Reserved a regular room at Carolina Pines Inn (Base Billeting) (803)666-3658, given a DV Suite! Cheaper to drink from room minibar/fridge than to go out! El Mariachi (Mex Rest about 5 min from base) has $1.99 margaritas 1600-1900. Great Food! The Aerospace Physiology unit here is Tops! Great Class. Hilarious instructors and excellent instruction. ~The Sleep Inn was decent and had their shit together. The only thing to do on check out was turn in the key. The town really sucks though. The only place to go was Thursday night at a place called "Goochies". Overall not too bad, wouldn't want to be stationed there though. Beaufort MCAS, Beaufort, SC - Hampton Inn 1-843-986-0600 was a decent hotel. After staying at four different places while in Beaufort: VOQ, Country Inn, Sleep Inn, and finally the Hampton Inn, the Hampton was far and above the best place to stay in Beaufort. Hot free chow in the morning, WiFi in the lobby, and a walk across the parking lot to the Waffle House and Applebee's (the happening places in town we were told). They do the Mil Rate so ask for it. We literally walking in off the street asking for 10 rooms at that rate any they were happy to accommodate. Avoid the VOQ if at all possible. It's isolated on the far side of the base near the tower. If you are unforutnate enought not to have a UDI, you have nothing to eat. The Sleep Inn smelled like a mix between smoke and stagnant swamp water. If Hampton is full, recommend the Country Inn. If you are RON, work with whatever squadron / agency you are supporting to get a UDI. Otherwise you can be stuck on the ramp w/o any help. Semper Fi, right? Regarding the comments about Applebees and Waffle House being the 'happening places' in Beaufort SC: Downtown Beaufort- 20 minutes from MCAS Beaufort and five minutes from the Hampton Inn- has several good restaurants and bars with great local seafood and live music. Go to Hemingway's, Luther's, or Plum's. Park at the waterfront and walk to any one of them.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Hilton Philadelphia Airport (215-365-4150) was a pretty nice hotel, but the location isn't the best. Right around the corner from the FBO if you have a tight schedule but there isn't really whole lot in the area. Hotel restaurant is pricey, but decent. The hotel Bar is one of the best I've been to. Good prices and actually quite a few people hanging out there (probably because the location). If you're there for a while consider getting a rental car or crew bus because there is nothing within walking distance. Pittsburgh, PA - YOU MUST STAY at the Pittsburgh Hilton Towers. Five Star Outfit. Across the river from the football stadium, 15 miles from airport. Stumble from the bars. At the time we went, max lodging was $79, The hotel had a fed gov rate of $99. Talk to 'Mary' in reservations and tell here you're not fed gov, but usaf, and your max rate is $79, she'll hook you up. You'll have to valet your car for about $20, but you can claim it too. Tel:(412)391-4600 Fax:(412)594-5161 #600 Commonwealth Place; Gateway Cen, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. The bars are in 'strip district' on Mullberry way (parallels Penn st), around 20th street. There's some bars on Penn Street too. If you park on Pit-Reserve AFB's ramp, PRECOORDINATE for a ride to the rental cars on the other side of the airport. The sucked as far as support, nobody was there. We were on a banner. Erie, PA - Hampton Inn (814) 835-4200 Fax (814) 835-5212 was a great hotel. They charged us $20 less then allotable and the place was as nice as we could ask for. We talked to them and explained that they should charge full rate and give us a free meal or booze instead of the reduced rate. Hopefully they will work this. The staff at North Coast Air will make reservations for you if let give them a call. The hotel is across the street from a bar that is suitable for drinking and just down the road from food. Watch your weight restriction going in. There is conflicting information between the different sources. Call the airfield manager, he approved us for Single Tandem at 155K. Willow Grove, PA - Residence Inn offers free breakfasts, newspapers. Many nights have free dinners as well. Hotel is kept up very well and has a gym pass system with the local "Y". Overall best deal in the area.

Portland, Oregon - TDY to Portland calls for the Hilton downtown on Broadway. Gov rate also. Great location, walking distance from everything. Starbucks every block, sometimes twice in the same building. Go to Jakes for great seafood, or the waterfront. Oh, the rooms are nice, it's the Hilton, should I say more....

Tinker AFB, OK - The Westin has a great hotel in downtown (Bricktown) Oklahoma City. It is just blocks from a bunch of restaurants, etc. A fantastic Mexican restaurant within walking distance is Abuelos. Near the base, a great restaurant is Napolean's - they serve great subs and home-made French cuisine. It's located just outside the fence between gates 1 and 2. Restaurant row in Midwest City (right outside gate 1) was going N on Air Depot. Travelling W on SE 29th street takes you into Del City which has a smaller restaurant row. ~La Quinta at I40 and Sooner (405-672-0067) was a total Dump! Maid service is marginal, checked in-bed made and clean towels but the floor and bathroom was dirty. The hotel only has one washer and dryer. There was a double homicide in the lobby during broad daylight(1100L). ~Comfort Inn & Suites was decent. My room had a refrigerator & microwave, without my asking. It's also on the corner of I-40 & Sooner, so it's within easy reach of Midwest City's "restaurant row". I wasn't too thrilled with not being able to get beer over 3.2% alcohol at a convenience store, but I did discover you can buy good beer at a liquor store (although it's hot) if you can FIND a liquor store. It took me an hour of cruising around to find one. Don't miss Ron's on Air Depot Blvd if you like burgers. They have a fantastic selection & they're very friendly. Embassy Suites (405-682-6000 Fax 9835) was awesome. If staying more than 14 days they will give you the Per-Diem rate, gotta ask. Full breakfast 0600-0930 weekdays till 1030 weekends. Full comp bar 1730-1930!!!! Good liquor, no trash!! Residence Inn was awesome. Large suites at the Per Diem rate! Located next to Bass Pro Shops and the Bricktown Ballpark. The Ford center was about 4 blocks away as were the bars of Bricktown! Each room had memory foam beds, pull out couches and a great kitchenette. Free breakfast buffet every morning which was OUTSTANDING! When other hotels were not giving the government rate, they were more than willing to even though the hotel was packed. There are a couple different Residence Inns in the OKC area (and several Marriott hotels on the same street), make sure you get the right one! If you're going to OKC for Advanced Instrument School, your orders should direct you to Oklahoma City NOT TINKER AFB, allowing you to stay off base without a Non-A slip. Any hotel in the Bricktown area is an easy 10-15 min drive to the Mid-America building where AIS is located (off-base).

Wright Patterson AFB, OH - I can't figure it out? Nice looking base, decent transient services, empty flightline, but billeting was sub par. The rooms are very tired and in need of a serious overhaul. $39.00 a day is a rip off to the taxpayers. Rooms are circa 1970! And they have plenty available! Plenty of off base eating and entertainment options near the mall. Don' forget AF museum. Admission is FREE. Comfort Inn was a dump. I agree with the other guy about WPAFB. Beautiful base, situated in a dump of a town. For whatever reason, the Q was full the night we were there, altho the T-line was empty. We had to stay in town at the Comfort Inn, about 3 miles from the main gate. We reserved non-smoking single rooms, but when we arrived all they had were smoking double rooms. The guy tried to charge us the "Government discount" rate of $77, but when another customer came in, the clerk told him the normal room rate was $53. Go figure. The rooms were nasty and dimly lit, the bedding was stained, the TV had 6 broadcast channels (no cable) and the entire hotel stunk of cigarettes. You've been warned. On a positive note, we did get a brand new TMP car and excellent service from the TA folks. Do yourself a favor, take the GOV and go about 12 miles off base (take the freeway east about 8 miles) and you'll find several decent hotels and a bunch of great restaurants. Also, if you get the chance (and we didn't), go see the museum. Hope Hotel & Conference Center (937) 879.2696 was decent. This hotel is right out the gate. Looked like it was old billeting at some time? Sports Bar inside with nice breakfast buffet. Decent rooms but sketchy wi-fi. Thin walls so be courteous! Call before 6pm if you want a U-drive. Base ops folks were nice enough to give us a ride at midnight. Commissary is driving distance. Columbus (Port Columbus Airport), OH - Standard airport operations with nothing out of the ordinary. Supported by LANE AVIATION 614-237-7290 with nothing bad to say about them. Call 30 out with fuel request on 131.35. Called in advance and got rental cars ready for signout and pickup at the FBO. Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn right on the airport. Good accomodations and conveniently located. Ohio State is only a 15 minute drive with all the bars and associated university activities.