The Great Balloon Race
An early morning hot-air ballooning at beautiful Lake Storey followed by a traditional Mexican breakfast, and an afternoon enjoying a bottle of wine at the local winery with friends and family or even by yourself. This leaves you with time for a siesta during the hottest part of the day. Salud! What could be better?
Stop 1: Great Balloon Race
If you have never attended a hot-air balloon rally, the Great Balloon Race is the perfect size hot-air ballooning event to attend, with approximately 20 balloons. The race is held at Lake Storey, a picturesque location for a balloon rally. In addition to the favorite mass ascension on Saturday morning, the balloon glow on Friday and Saturday evenings, make sure to find out what the balloon games are all about. There are plenty of food vendors at the event or bring a picnic and enjoy the green tree-lined park while watching the balloons inflate and take off. During the balloon glow it is the perfect opportunity to talk with the pilots and crews.
Pro Tip: Ask the pilot or crew member for one of their trading cards.
Stop 2: Lake Storey Park
What a beautiful place to have a balloon rally! Green grass, trees, and water are three ingredients that make Lake Storey Park the perfect location for a hot-air balloon race. Lake Storey Park is not only the perfect location for a hot-air balloon rally it is the perfect location to enjoy being outdoors, whether you like hiking, biking, or swimming. You will also like the park for picnics or just watching the sunrise and sunset. Lake Storey Park is free.
Pro Tip: It is a dog friendly park, so bring your four legged pet with you.
Stop 3: Cielito’s Cafe
A large filling breakfast after attending a hot-air balloon race/rally is a tradition. Cielitos Cafe serves traditional Mexican cuisine as well as American cuisine. Try the huevos rancheros (ranch eggs) smothered in red chile. Traditionally it comes with rice and beans and either flour or corn tortillas, but if you are not a rice and beans fan you can order without the rice and beans.
Stop 4: Hidden Hills Vineyard & Winery
Sitting outside under the covered patio surrounded by trees and vines, enjoying a glass by yourself, or sharing a bottle with friends is the perfect way to relax after an early morning ballooning. If you are not sure what to try, try a flight of five wines, two red and three white wines. Savor every sip as you relax. There is no need to rush.
Pro Tip: Start with a flight of wines.
