Has anyone heard of the $100 hamburger? If you live in California, this term is probably related to Harris Ranch in the Central Valley. If you have ever passed by it on the freeway, you may have noticed that there is an airport that parallels it. Now, I might note that the actual hamburger isn’t $100, it’s an average restaurant price, so if you want to eat at a restaurant like Harris Ranch, you still can, and it won’t break the bank. The reason food like this is has such a price to it is because, why drive if you can fly, right? So, can you guess what me and the husband have been doing for the last month (every now and then)?

You guessed it! Well maybe; we didn’t go to Harris Ranch. Although, I do think it is in our plans when we travel back to California! Anyway, we flew to lunch! If you don’t know, it takes a lot to fly a plane; so, when Andrew (the husband) and I are pulling five hour flight days, sometimes we chose to go to lunch, so that our energy levels will be top notch. We have flown to a couple of places around central Florida, but my favorite places is called Runways at Bartow. We have been here twice. Look at what I got last time! It’s called the Bartow Bennie. It was also accompanied by a complimentary brunch buffet that had home style potatoes, fruit, bread, macaroni and cheese, a broccoli casserole and more!

Are you hungry yet?

I did the happy dance eating this. Ugh, the biscuits were amazing, the eggs were perfectly cooked, the ham was out of this world, and the collard greens and tomato (under the ham) were the cherry on top. Put each element on your fork, and you will be doing a happy dance too!

I got this because they were serving brunch, but they have an awesome menu full of sandwiches, burgers, you name it; and their tea is sooo good! If you live in Florida, or find yourself near Bartow for whatever reason; I strongly urge you to stop by Runways. You don’t have to be a pilot to eat there. Drive in and park in the terminal parking lot (it’s not a huge place, so don’t worry about parking or the walk) and walk right in. Visit the diner, meet the awesome people; then, walk off the one (or three, if you’re like me) extra bite you shouldn’t have had because you were already full and visit the airport’s museum.

Back in it’s day, Bartow used to be an Air force training base. You can see a bunch of artifacts and pictures from that period, and scattered across the lobby there are other pictures and signatures from individuals such as Buzz Aldrin, who trained at that very base! I’m telling ya, if you have the chance to visit Bartow Municipal Airport, do it! Meet the great people, grab a bit, and check out the area; it’s so worth it!