In the Air
Flo’s Airport Cafe
It’s odd, yet comforting to come back to a place you knew well a long time ago. We’ve both been to Flo’s Airport Café, but this is our first visit together. I have my friend Gretchen to thank for introducing me to Flo’s way back in the day. Though I’ve not seen Gretchen nor the airport café for quite some time, I do remember that Flo’s will be crazy-busy come 10am on a Saturday, so we get there early.
We are soon seated in the kitschy-cool dining area – something to see everywhere you look. Our waitress Joanie, has worked at Flo’s for 25 years. I’m sure she’s seen it all – families, bikers, pilots, dairymen, you name it.
This cafe is known for its biscuits & gravy, so of course we HAD to order that – even over the crispy hash browns (just try it-you can thank me later!). The biscuit is fluffy and light, the gravy has a nice, peppery texture. The “Everything Omelet” lives up to its name – all the ingredients whipped together with two kinds of cheese inside and more cheese on top. I used all my self-control to not ask for more gravy to top my omelet.
Generous portions, good food, fun environment. It’s an institution.
Flo’s Airport Café – 7000 Merrill Ave., Chino, CA (909) 597-3416
Planes of Fame Air Museum
Since we were already at the airport, we decided to check out the Planes of Fame Air Museum. We open the entrance door and we are greeted with a large mural and the roar of a Curtiss P-40 airplane. Welcome!
This museum, established in 1957, is home to over 150 aircraft, missiles, drones and spacecraft. Sitting front and center outside the museum is the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, what I assume to be the crown jewel of the collection. It is the only plane you are actually able to go inside.
Husband’s Uncle Jack was a gunner on a B-17 in World War II, so we climbed inside, trying to imagine what it must have been like for him.
It was cramped and confining. Humbling to think of fighting a war in this thin-skinned vessel. Not a lot of protection between the men and the flak coming at them from all angles. Respect.
The museum is a nice slice of aviation history, with a soundtrack of WWI & WWII era songs, like the iconic 1917 classic “Over There”, taking you back in time with sound as well as visual. The 7 hangers showcase American planes and also include a Sherman Tank and a Fokker DR-1 triplane.
I particularly liked the boneyard. . .
But then again, I like cemeteries.
This made for an interesting afternoon – well worth a visit. We plan to also see the Yanks Air Museum, also at the Chino airport – another day. . .
Planes of Fame Air Museum – 14998 Cal Aero Dr., Chino, CA (909) 597-3722
