RHINEBECK, N.Y. - In the heart of Duchess County, New York, vintage airplanes aren't just on display, they're still taking to the skies.
At the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, the spirit is in the air and on the ground. It is a living museum dedicated to old aircrafts from bygone eras.
"This is the original living flying museum of antique airplanes in the United States," said Mike Fisher, a board member at the Aerodrome.
Fisher said that the Aerodrome's founder, the late Cole Palen, wanted to make sure the public could enjoy his love of early aviation.
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome showcases planes dating back to 1909, from the pioneer era, and from WWI. While the Aerodrome has dozens of restored aircraft in its vast collection, the museum staff is particularly proud of its latest long-term project - a reproduction of Charles Lindbergh's Sprit of St. Louis.
"It's been a labor of love to finish it," Fisher said. "In honor of Charles Lindbergh and Cole Palen."
Interactivity at the Aerodrome has also taken off, courtesy of a newly refurbished New Standard D-25 plane from 1929. For an extra charge, guests are welcome to hop aboard and take to the skies in the open cockpit plane.
"You get vistas of the beautiful Hudson Valley," said Clay Hammond, the chief pilot at the Aerodrome. "It is the perfect place to take a bi-plane ride because there is so much to take in."
The flight lasts about 15 minutes and provides a lasting memory.
"Everyone who takes a bi-plane ride thinks it's the greatest thing they've done in a long time," he said.
On the weekends, the Aerodrome holds airshows featuring the iconic aircrafts from the barnstorming era.
For more information on the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and how to make reservations for a bi-plane ride click here.
