1-Tank Adventure: Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — There is something enigmatically romantic about hot-air balloons.

Rather than slicing, or gliding or even sailing through the sky, hot-air balloons are held majestically buoyant in the air at the whims of the breeze. Translucent, brightly colored billowing envelopes that both glow with flames that send them soaring skyward and at the same time catch the sunlight and shadows that chase them across the vaguely familiar landscapes below have an almost otherworldly ability to slow time.

The Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival multiplies the effect with each vessel that slowly rises above earthbound limits of humankind. With 75 planned ascensions and five mass balloon launches, there are plenty of opportunities to be among the soaring laureates in the clouds, even for those who prefer to maintain a literal tether to the ground.

On the other hand, there are plenty of good reasons to keep your feet on the ground at a festival dedicated to the art of floating aloft. In this case, attendees may find the grass is greenest under the soles of their own comfortable shoes.

For one, there is no better place to enjoy the picturesque perfection of a mass balloon watch than from a picnic blanket. For those in sturdy wicker baskets, the live music on the ground will fade away as altitude is gained until only the roars of propane burners break the silence.

While enjoying a glass of champagne might be a traditional way to mark the occasion of dreamily defying gravity, those in the mood for a refill (or two) are best served by remaining at the same elevation above sea level as the beer and wine tent on the festival grounds fully stocked with offerings from Sloop Brewing Company and Millbrook Vineyards.

If there weren't enough reasons to keep your eyes on the sky and your toes in the grass, tempting culinary treats from Cousins Maine Lobster, Donuts for Days, Farmers & Chefs Restaurant and Kingsbridge Social Club will have you putting off departure plans — by lighter than air flight or any other mode of travel.

IF YOU GO:

• The 30th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival will take place from Sept. 3 through Sept. 5.
• Tickets, hot-air balloon rides or helicopter rides can be reserved at BalloonFestHV.com
• The festival grounds are located at Tymor Park in Union Vale.
• Consider sticking around for the evening hot-air balloon illumination with lantern-esque moon glows.
• The event is kid-friendly with family activities and even a children's bubble zone.
• Bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets

SEE ALSO:

• 1-Tank Adventure: Bear Mountain State Park
• 1-Tank Adventure: St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
• 1-Tank Adventure: Stone Barns Center For Food And Agriculture
• 1-Tank Adventure: Building Memories At Legoland
• 1-Tank Adventure: Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
• 1-Tank Adventure: 'See For Miles' At This Hudson Valley Overlook
• 1-Tank Adventure: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• 1-Tank Adventure: The Wild Center