If you live north of Boston you’re within decent driving distance of one of the coolest small airports around – Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. There are two prime selling points when it comes to MHT (the airport’s code): its location in Manchester, N.H. 50 miles north of Boston, and its well-deserved reputation for not having to shut down because of weather.
That typically allows flights from along most of the East Coast to operate with decent punctuality. OAG indicates you can catch a non-stop flight from MHT to Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, N.C., Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale,Fla., New York, Orlando, Fla., Philadelphia, Tampa, Fla. or Washington D.C.
Southwest, which provides many flights into Manchester, is poised to resume non-stop seasonal service to Las Vegas June 2.
But there’s more to MHT than the functional aspects of the airport. Made of native stone, steel and glass the architecture of the terminal is clean, crisp and sunny. MHT’s environment is reflective of a fine fall day in New England.
Wi-Fi is free at Manchester. It’s a little thing, but it makes a difference.
The cuisine offered at the airport is another highlight. Milltowne Grille is a full-service bistro that serves up some New England favorites – terrific chowder and grilled seafood – as well as hand-formed pizzas, and vegetarian fare.
Want a beer before boarding? Smuttynose Brewing Company offers Portsmouth-brewed Smuttynose beer, as well as lovely hand-made crêpes from what they claim is “the only true crêperie north of Boston.”
Both Smuttynose and Milltowne are post-security, so if you want to buy some take-out fare to carry-on there’s no hassle with TSA.
There’s little hassle to be found anywhere at MHT.
(Image: dsearls)
