Flying colors for Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum and Miller’s Smorgasbord

Before we get something to eat let’s make a stop. For me, this will be my first visit and I’m betting

10 to 1 you haven’t been here either. We’re going to the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum, 701 Wilson Point Road (off Eastern Blvd), Middle River.

Open Wednesday through Saturday year-round, and open since 1993, there is a five-dollar charge for adults. This is a nonprofit private museum, which depends on funds from visitors and donations. I am told tours are guided, which believe me, is the best way to see any museum. To get a guided tour call for a reservation.

The museum is adjacent to the Glenn L. Martin Airport, a state airport, under the Maryland Aviation Administration, along with BWI. Besides runways, the airport has two flight schools, helicopter charters, a medical helicopter and houses the Air National Guard.

When approaching the museum head to Hangar 5. There is a guard at the car entrance where you must show ID. He can direct you to the hangar. You enter directly into the museum. Their mission is simple: ‘to preserve, exhibit and interpret the rich legacy of Maryland Aviation while educating all generations about the value of aviation, science and technology’.

The museum is filled with history. You’ll find it in posters, displays, model airplanes and brochures. What I found particularly interesting was the history of Mr. Martin, who died in 1955. He did much more than just have his name attached to an airport and museum. He was one of the first to hire women for example.

The entire museum is operated by volunteers. These are folks who really love what they do and have a deep respect for the museum. My thanks to Debi and Lou. It takes a lot of work to run and care for an attraction like this one.

When you’re finished with this part of the museum, you’ll get back in your car and drive about one mile to where they keep the airplanes, old ones of course. There are about 16 and each one has information in front of it. Take your time and see them all.

Some of the planes are a 1952 Martin 4-0-4, two B-57A Canberras, a TA-4j Top Gun Aggressor and a UH-1M Huey helicopter. Your donations will help maintain them. By the way, if you have a small plane, you can rent a hangar. Unfortunately, my jet won’t fit into one.

So I was right? You haven’t been here. Yet. Okay so here’s a suggestion. Stop by on Open Cockpit Day, Sept 21. On that day you can go into the cockpits of many of the planes. Reach the museum at 410-682-6122 or go to mdairmuseum.org. (October 19 is Family Fun Day)

Now we’re on our way to Lancaster and a hearty meal at Miller’s Smorgasbord, 2811 Lincoln Highway East. The brochure says that’s in a town called Ronks, but let’s just say Lancaster. It was opened in 1929 by Anne Miller and she wouldn’t believe what has happened to that one building.

One of the managers described the menu items as Dutch-style comfort foods. And trust me there’s plenty of it. It is all-u-can-eat and yes people make 2, 3, 4 trips to the buffet. I stopped at 2. And the place is huge, seating for about 400. And while there is usually a line, especially in tourist season, it moves quickly. Be smart, make a reservation.

Open 7 days, hours vary with the season, this is very popular with bus tours. I also know folks from the Baltimore area are frequent guests. Miller’s makes a good destination for a day trip. There is plenty to do in the area. From Amish farms to the Sight and Sound Theatre to the American Music Theatre. Nearby lodging is available.

The traditional smorgasbord dinner is $25.49. There are far too many items to list. Take my word, you won’t leave hungry. There’s also the Soup, Salad & Bread Smorgasbord with prices ranging from $11.99 to $14.99. There’s also Menu Dining with each entrée separately priced. For example, the chicken & waffles $11.99, the cheeseburger $10.99. Kid’s pricing is available for the Traditional.

Besides the food, dining here is fun. It’s an adventure exploring the food options. And, what do you know, on-premise is a souvenir shop. As a treat, ask if Pat is working. She’s only been here for 41 years. She’ll tell you some good stories.

Reach Miller’s at 717-687-6621 or go to millerssmorgasbord.com.