Frazier Lake has one of the few grass strips in Northern California along with a seaplane landing strip. The first Saturday of every month (weather permitting), Frazier Lake opens their hangar doors and their grounds for public viewing of antique and classic airplanes. Interesting aircraft may show up from all over Northern California.
EAA Chapter 20
Hugh's
Vintage
Aircraft
Museum
is
open
most
weekends
and
some
weekdays.
They
have
a
small
but
interesting
collection
of
antique
aircraft
.
The Ding-a-ling Cafe is located just outside of the perimeter gate and is very popular with local pilots for breakfast and lunch.
The Wings of History Museum is located just across the street from the South gate (near the County's tie-down) area. The museum is free and has a reasonable collection of interesting aircraft including a Wright Flyer full size replica, planes and gliders from the 30s to the present. They also have a prop shop where they build gorgeous wood props for small aircraft.
Columbia Airport is a fantastic destination for airplane camping. The campground can accommodate dozens of planes and each site comes complete with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground also has group camping facilities, flush toilets and showers. Columbia State Historic Park is a well preserved gold rush town with displays, museums, shops, and attractions. It is a short hike into town where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of the best food in town can be found at the Gold Street Restaurant (tucked away on Gold Street). Many type clubs have fly-ins to Columbia throughout the year.
Interesting Airports in Northern California
Pine Mountain Lake Airport (E45)
Tucked away in the Sierra foothills, this airport is at the back door to Yosemite National Park. For a great place to stay with people that love airplanes, place a call in advance to Joe and Charleen at the Cub Inn.
Auburn Airport is home to the immensely popular Wing's Grill. You can have breakfast or lunch here while enjoying a great view of the runway.
When it's not fogged in, this is a wonderful little airport to visit. It's just a short walk to the beach and local restaurants, or you can enjoy the fare at the Three-Zero Cafe located on the field.
Watsonville Airport not only hosts one of the premier regional airshows but many interesting aircraft are hangared there year round. On the field you can find Zuniga's for respectable Mexican fare.
