Thurs-Sun, September 19-22, 2024 $1,625.00 (Double), $2,105.00 (Single)
This weekend, dozens, and dozens of hot air balloons float over the mountains at the Adirondack Balloon Festival! For over 40 years, hot air balloonists from across the United States and around the world have gathered in the Lake George Area to float high above the majestic Adirondack Mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This stunning festival features a wide variety of hot air balloons. You’ll see the typical rounded and colorful balloons as well as some balloons shaped in ways you would never expect. Come out and watch these vibrant balloons take to the sky in an array of colors and decorations. This afternoon, we’ll check into the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Queensbury NY for a fun-filled three-night stay! Upon arrival, receive a warm greeting and enjoy a refreshing welcome reception. Take some time to relax and freshen up before enjoying a planned dinner together. Our first morning after breakfast, we’ll meet our local Tour Guide for a tour of Lake Placid, nestled in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains and home to the 1980 Winter Olympics! Enjoy a guided tour of the Lake Placid area before we make our way to the Olympic Center. This site holds some of the greatest, most memorable moments in Winter Sports history. It was here that the United States Hockey team won its Miracle on Ice game against the Soviet Union. This Olympic Center is a world-class athletic facility and continues to host major international competitions. Then it’s on to the Olympic Jumping complex. Here you’ll see up close, the ramp that ski jumpers launch from before flying over the length of a football field. Take the glass-enclosed elevator to the observation deck of the K-120-meter jump. At the top you enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks as we stroll through the ski jumper’s preparation room. Then get a bird’s eye view of what the jumpers see as they start to accelerate towards the end of the ramp. Later we’ll return to the Lake George area and early evening we’ll venture to the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport to view the first of our two Balloon Launches where we’ll witness the flight of up to 80 hot air balloons. (The balloon launch is weather and wind conditions permitting). After the launch, we’ll enjoy a planned dinner at one of the area’s great restaurants! On Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of the historic Lake George area. Enjoy a 5.5-mile scenic drive to the summit of Prospect Mountain for a birds-eye view of the lake and a 100-mile view of the magnificent mountains beyond. Our guide will share stories of the early rich and famous who settled in the area as we travel along the shoreline of “Millionaire’s Row” and see some beautiful homes on the way to the charming community of Bolton Landing. Visit Coopers Cave Overlook, the site of the fictional hiding place of Hawkeye and his companions made famous in the James Fenimore Cooper novel The Last of the Mohicans, enjoying magnificent views of the Hudson River from the viewing platform. Mid-day, we’ll board the Lac du Saint Sacrement for a scenic luncheon cruise around Lake George. This afternoon, we’ll venture back to Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport to partake in the Adirondack Balloon Festival! Enjoy the Craft Fair, Live Entertainment, Food vendors, and the early evening Hot Air Balloon Launch to gaze at the spectacular flight of up to 100 hot air balloons. (The balloon launch is weather and wind conditions permitting). Tonight, we’ll gather for another delicious dinner. Sunday morning, we will enjoy breakfast before checking out and departing for Nettle Meadow Farm. Nettle Meadow Farm is the home to well over 130 farm sanctuary animals and the award-winning cheese company committed to the principles of natural ingredients, happy and healthy animals, and carefully hand-crafted artisan cheeses. Take a walk around the farm, meet their beloved animals, and visit the cheese shop! Later, depart for home, taking with us many wonderful stories of our adventure to the Adirondack Balloon Festival!
Includes: Motorcoach, Hotel 3 Breakfasts, Luncheon on Cruise, 3 dinners, Tours, Cruise, Hotel taxes; meal taxes and meal gratuities.