Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) told us about Bernice “Bee” Haydu, one of the 1st women to fly for the U.S. military as a member of the WWII Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
Welcome to another episode of our 5 Things We Love About… series, which celebrates features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.
Today we land at ‘The Aviation Gateway to Central Oregon’: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), a small airport 15 miles north of Bend that has plenty of charm – and some surprises.
As usual, if we miss something you love about Redmond Municipal Airport, please leave a note in the comments sections below. And be sure to take a look at the other airports on our 5 Things We Love About.. series.
RDM is in Bigfoot country. And while few have ever seen the elusive creature alive in the wild, this Bigfoot statue lives in the terminal year-round.
2. Art and nature in the RDM terminal
The 100′” by 60″ American Flag quilt, above, was stitched together by 18 local women artists using various hand quilting techniques.
The tree, below, is an example of the beautifully gnarled and twisted Western Juniper trees that can be seen growing in the high desert of Central Oregon. RDM’s juniper tree is thought to be about 500 years old. A baby compared to the oldest juniper tree in Oregon, which is on a ridge east of Bend and may be more than 1600 years old.
3. Rocking chairs at RDM
We’re happy to see another airport with welcoming rocking chairs for passengers.
4. Kids play area and Flybrary Library
RDM has fun play areas for kids pre and post-security with activities for children of various ages. The airport’s Take One/Leave One ‘Flybrary’ is a partnership with the local library.
On clear days, you should be able to get a great view of the Cascade Mountain Range from RDM airport.
This viewing plaque will help you identify the 3 Sisters, Broken Top, Mt Bachelor, and other mountains.
If we missed one of your favorite amenities at Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), please let us know. And if you spot Bigfoot in the wild near the airport, be sure to snap a photo and a send it along to StuckatTheAirport.com.
StuckatTheAirport.com is a big fan of airport mascots. And Redmond Municipal Airport now has a really big one.
Central Oregon is prime Bigfoot (or Sasquatch)-hunting country. And the newest resident at Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) gives everyone a good look at the ever-elusive creature that tourists hope someday to see.
More than 6-feet tall, this Sasquatch creature toting a pink suitcase arrived at RDM just last week and he/she/it will remain in the terminal for the foreseeable future.
Because, really, who is going to tell a creature that looks like that to move along?
RDM hopes visitors will take selfies with the newly-arrived Sasquatch. And they also hope travelers will post those selfies to the airport’s Facebook page and/or share their photos via Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #RDMYeti, #centraloregonsasquatch or #FLYRDM.
And for those who would like to take home a Bigfoot souvenir beyond a photo, the two airport gift shops have plenty of great options.
Here are snaps of some of our favorite Bigfoot gifts. Beyond t-shirts and a great Sasquatch bottle opener, the options include a great addition to our growing collection of airport chocolate ‘poop’ souvenirs.
Please be on the alert for a great statue, mascot or souvenir at any airport you pass through. If you see something that’s fun and very local, please snap a photo and send it along. If your photo is featured on our Souvenir Sunday feature, we’ll send you a cool travel-themed souvenir.
