- States:
- California
- New Mexico
- Kentucky
- Vermont
- Alabama
Travelers worldwide flock to the USA to explore its dramatic landscapes.
Vast deserts, thick forests, rolling fields, deep canyons and rugged coastlines lure adventurous visitors. Add a hot air balloon to the scenery, as they do at each of these five festivals, and the views get even better – especially for the riders.
BB&T Great BalloonFest
Louisville, Kentucky
Festival highlight: Part of the annual month-long Kentucky Derby Festival, which precedes the prestigious horse race, the BB&T Great BalloonFest features several ballooning events. During the nighttime Great Balloon Glow, the pilots of earthbound balloons fire their burners in sync to a musical score.
How to get there: Louisville International Airport is about 1 kilometer southwest of the Kentucky Exposition Center, where many festival events are held.
What else to do: Kentucky is home to the top bourbon distilleries in the world. To learn how this variety of whiskey is made — and taste the results — visit the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville or head just east of the city and tour the distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Festival highlight: Held annually in October with more than 500 balloons, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico is what the city touts as the largest hot air balloon festival in the USA and one of the largest in the world. That’s no surprise given the ornate designs on the balloons, with fractal and kaleidoscope patterns, and the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. The fiesta is one of the rare hot-air balloon events where you can walk among the balloons and chat with the pilots, too.
How to get there: Albuquerque International Sunport is 25 kilometers south of Balloon Fiesta Park.
What else to do: While it incorporates Native American, Mexican and Spanish flavors, New Mexican cuisine’s use of red and green chiles gives it a unique flavor. Visit restaurants along Central Avenue to taste some of the creative ways Albuquerque chefs are using chiles.
Hot air balloons at sunset in Albuquerque
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
Windsor, California
Festival highlight: Want to ride in a hot air balloon ride but feel a bit nervous about the experience? The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic in California offers five- to 10-minute rides in balloons that are tied to the ground. The journey could give you a good look at the city’s old downtown and lush parks.
How to get there: Fly into San Francisco International Airport and then drive 134 kilometers north on US Highway101.
What else to do: Sonoma County is one of the top U.S. wine regions, so don’t leave without visiting at least a few of the area’s more than 400 wineries.
Getting a hot air balloon ready to take off
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Foley, Alabama
Festival highlight: Volunteer at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Alabama for an up-close look at the balloons – and the chance to fly in one and see the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. (Also, you’ll get a free T-shirt.)
How to get there: Pensacola (Florida) International Airport is 55 kilometers east of the Foley Sports Complex.
What else to do: For insight into a less leisurely form of air travel, head back to Pensacola and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, where you can experience a fighter-jet simulator.
2014 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival
Quechee, Vermont
Festival highlight: The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival in Vermont offers 40-minute ascension rides (weather permitting) that can provide stunning views of the 50-meter-deep Quechee Gorge. And, keeping with a ballooning tradition, the rides end with a glass of sparkling wine.
How to get there: Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, and Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, are both about 220 kilometers away.
What else to do: For a closer look at Quechee Gorge, hike in Quechee State Park.
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