The Carolina BalloonFest is less than two weeks out. The annual event, now in its 43rd year, draws crowds of thousands, but if you’re looking for a more private aerial affair (marriage proposal rides are popular, for example), here are some options in the area.
Details about rides at the Carolina BalloonFest (October 21 – 23) are also included at the bottom.
AeroSport Balloons
Location: 2 launch sites in Cool Spring and Lake Norman (near Statesville)
Distance from Charlotte: 55 miles
Duration: 1-hour ride (whole experience takes about 2 hours)
Pricing: call for pricing
via Facebook
Eagles Wings Hot Air Balloons
Location: Rock Hill, SC
Distance from Charlotte: 30 miles
Duration: 45-minute to 1-hour ride (whole experience takes about 2-3 hours)
Pricing: Private ride for two $400, Individual ride $200, On-location tether rides $600/hour
via Facebook
Above North Carolina
Location: Winston Salem but they service Charlotte rides
Distance from Charlotte: varies
Duration: 1-hour flight (entire experience takes about 3 hours)
Pricing: Standard ride $250/person, Sweetheart Flight $600/couple, Extreme Adventure Flight $500/person (2 person minimum), Dawn Patrol Flight $500/person (2 person minimum), Balloon Skydiving call for rates
via Facebook
Airtime Balloon Company
Location: Troutman, NC
Distance from Charlotte: 35 miles
Duration: about an hour
Pricing: Groups of 2-4 people $250/person, Single adults $300, Private basket $600/couple
via Facebook
Carolina BalloonFest
The annual event will take place in Statesville October 21 – 23. It features an artisan village and marketplace, live entertainment, kids activities, a wine and beer tasting garden and, of course, plenty of hot air balloons. Tickets are $5 Friday, $20-$25 Saturday and $15-$20 Sunday.
You can also book your own balloon ride at the festival, either tethered or in the air. Tethered balloon rides are $5 for kids and $10 for adults (cash only). Pricing for aerial balloon rides is $250/person. Select your balloon and book your reservation here.
via Facebook
“Morning Flight” header photo of Carolina BalloonFest by Wendy Wright via Facebook
