Need to start building up some XC time for my Instrument, as well as enjoyment and need help thinking of some cool destinations. I will be going during the second week of march and plane on taking the plane for atleast 3 days. I will be departing Lexington KY (KLEX). Any ideas for some destinations?

I'm not familiar with your area, but you could ask some locals at your airport, or check out the $100 Hamburger book (available at pilot stores). You might also look at the AOPA airport directory.

If you're looking to do a $100 Hamburger kind of thing I would reccomend Clow Intl Airport in Bolingbrook, IL (1C5). They have a restaurant on the field called Charlie's. I used to work for the FBO on the field and I loved eating there.

Fly north until you cannot handle the cold anymore.

Hehehe, I was thinking of telling him to go north, around the UP of Michigan, then back around. Hug the Lake, and just enjoy. There's all kinds of places to stop. On the west side you can stop in at Oshkosh to see the museum if you got time, then test your skills going through/around chicago's airspace.

Another place I just love flying over, but never done it down low, is Mid-to-Eastern PA. I love the cut-out valley's. Then you could cut down through WV towards VA and TN. I have a thing for hills/mountains. I'm a motorcyclist, so I love riding them as much as I enjoy flying over. Although I haven't had the opportunity to go out west yet, I do plan to in a year or two.

Go to Sikeston, Mo. KSIK. Have the FBO call the shuttle to Lamberts. Best greasy country food you will ever have. There's also a good restaurant at St. Charles County (KSET). Another place to check out is Gastons in northern Arkansas. It's a private grass strip so I don't know if you could do that but it's a really cool place.

Or fly to First Flight Airport in North Carolina. Nothing better than going to where it all began. It's something I plan on doing someday.