This year marks the 50th anniversary of the spectacular Adirondack Balloon Festival. Seeing the sky awash with color is beautiful, especially when the forests don their bright fall foliage hues. What started as a modest event in 1973, hoping to bring tourists to Warren County, is now a robust annual tradition that welcomes upwards of 100,000 visitors over the four-day event held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, NY.Â
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is unique for many reasons, but perhaps the most unusual is that the event remains completely free and is funded by money raised by volunteers. This not-for-profit model really adds to the celebration and witnessing the beauty of seeing hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take to the sky. Rides are offered independently of the festival, and they also host a craft fair and local food vendors.Â
This year, the Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place from September 21st through the 24th. This is already a popular time to visit the Adirondacks, and lodging properties in the area tend to fill up. One of the best places for a romantic Adirondack getaway is the luxurious Friends Lake Inn. We’ll be set back from the crowds of the Adirondack Balloon Festival goers, and you can make an entire weekend of relaxation and romance at our property. Check our fall availability and get your early reservation on the books today!
Check out the Adirondack Balloon Festival this Fall
Considered by many to be one of the area’s most spectacular sights of the year, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is the largest balloon event on the East Coast. Each year, hundreds of thousands are drawn to watch this exciting spectacle and to experience the fun festivities that take place during the event. As it’s the 50th anniversary, this year is bound to be one of the best yet!Â
Here are a few things to know about the Adirondack Balloon Festival before you go:
- The visitors all gather to watch as 100 or more colorful hot air balloons float into the sky, including several specially shaped balloons, against the backdrop of the beautiful Adirondack mountains.
- Below on the ground, there’s a craft fair, local food vendors, and often live music and entertainment.
- While the festival does not schedule or book rides, the pilot’s book rides independently. This is your opportunity if you have never been in a hot air balloon. Each pilot sets their own price and schedule, but the majority of the rides take place early morning or at dusk.
- One of the most awe-inspiring events at the Adirondack Balloon Festival is the “Moonglow” flight when dozens of brightly lit balloons head up in the dark sky.Â
- Entry is always free and open for all ages to enjoy. This year the event is held on September 21st-24th.Â
A hot air balloon ride is such a special way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or milestone. The Adirondacks are already one of the best places for romantic getaways; adding the Adirondack Balloon Festival to your itinerary will be an extra memorable vacation.Â
Join us for your Romantic Adirondack Getaway!
For those planning a romantic Adirondack getaway, fall is a relaxing and beautiful time to settle in with your sweetheart. With the addition of the Adirondack Balloon Festival to your itinerary—and possibly a hot air balloon ride over the stunning forests beginning to change from greens to gold—you’re bound to up the romance factor.Â
Since this is a top-rated event in the region, book your Adirondack lodging at our beautiful resort in Chestertown, NY, to avoid crowded areas. While we’re about 45 minutes from the festival grounds, it’s an incredibly scenic drive, and you can relax knowing you’ll have a place of quiet solitude awaiting your return. Our private guest rooms and suites are ideal for romantic getaways with amenities like comfortable beds, cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs, an on-site fine dining restaurant, and so much more.Â
There are many more things to do in the Adirondacks on your romantic getaway—some right here on our stunning property, including a maintained trail system and two restaurants for meals and drinks. Our welcoming and professional staff is available around the clock to offer recommendations and supply anything you may need during your stay. Join us this fall in the Adirondacks; book your room today!Â
