Here’s where to ride a hot air balloon near Charlotte
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"Morning Flight" photo by Wendy Wright via Facebook
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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“Morning Flight” header photo of Carolina BalloonFest by Wendy Wright via Facebook