Callaway Garden Balloons festival, Atlanta
Our Indian festive season is ahead and we are pretty busy for its prep. Stealing a bit of our time from the busy weekend we drove 90 miles to Callaway Gardens. Though i never heard anyone speak of this place among my friends, thanks to Facebook which advertised about the upcoming Hot air balloon festival.
The event is held to mark the farewell of summer every year. We were excited to celebrate it in a new way and welcome the 2017 winter.
Starting early at 6am with the opening of beach gate and balloon inflation we chosed to drive in mid afternoon and enjoy the evening hot air balloon shows. But in case you wish to make the full of this event in budding September i suggest booking an inn in advance and plan for a good two days stay to enjoy the birds of prey show, movie demonstration and face painting.
Starting early at 6am with the opening of beach gate and balloon inflation we chosed to drive in mid afternoon and enjoy the evening hot air balloon shows. But in case you wish to make the full of this event in budding September i suggest booking an inn in advance and plan for a good two days stay to enjoy the birds of prey show, movie demonstration and face painting.
Coming back to us we had a pleasant drive, leaving the city chaos behind and coming amidst the lush green grove. Before taking admission tickets for the event we circled the whole garden to explore the Mockingbird and Mountain creek lakes. Exploring the property gave us serene and tempting views with sights that was soothing to our souls.
Spending an hour and lot of instagramming we checked our watch and realized evening balloons inflation must have started. Driving backward to the event's gate or towards the amphitheater we purchase our event tickets and that was really quick. But yes the parking lot was so full to find our own space. So note it, make it early and get yourself parked real quick.
Before we enjoy the balloon ride we had to endure the long boring que. I was glad i brought with me water and snacks to munch on. As the que length shortened and the hot air balloons drew closer i could feel butterflies in my belly. We were given a brief guide of how and when to hop into the big basket and how to jump out of it. I made it real clear to Ani to help me both ways as my 5 inch size will only embarrass me.
Hot air balloon ride is all about good weather and gladly the sky was clear and sunny with crisp breeze sweeping us. Including the pilot there were total six people in a giant wicker basket while the burner send up heated air slowly lifting us all up. We were all waaoo and wooaa as everyone swayed and floated in the air. The buoyant motion of the balloon filled us with an exquisite, quivering joy. We had to be super quick foe selfie moments and had to be utter polite to ask someone to take our better pic.
Somehow we were little disappointed knowing later it was a tethered balloon ride which goes up to a low altitude remaining tied to the ground with ropes(preventing it to fly away). Well, for first timer and having fear of height it was not a bad deal for me and i felt real good to enjoy the 25 feet view at $10!
To the end of evening we walked towards the beach and enjoy the Moody band watching the sky growing pink and then dark. Just a warm cozy feel as we lay down on green lawn ignoring the twitching of twigs in our necks this was perhaps the best drive and weekend.
--Other things to do--
-If you're a photography buff, you can sign up for
"Mastering Night Photography" course.
-Enjoy the drink specials and sports on the televisions at the Beach Bar or dine at the Gardens restaurant.
-Watch the final balloon glow on Sunday night on Robin Lake Beach.
-Visit the IDA Cason Callaway memorial chapel.
-Walk the Azalea garden to enjoy the nature's best form in autumn.
Check out about the pricing and tickets here
Callaway gardens
Phone: 800-852-3810
Happy winter!
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