There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing the skies of the North Georgia Mountains filled with colorful hot air balloons ascending, signaling the start of their race to the Atlantic. This year the 41st Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race promises to be one of the top events in 2014 around Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia!
The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long distance hot air balloon race takes place June 5-7, 2014 from the starting point of nearby Helen, Georgia. The race begins with the rise of 30 brightly colored and uniquely decorated hot air balloons as they move toward their final destination along I-95 (landing at any point between Maine and Miami). Six to ten of the balloons will be competing in this year’s long distance race. We think the best part of the race is watching as the balloons rise over the mountains in the early morning sunlight and float overhead, while you enjoy a cup of coffee on the back porch of our Georgia bed and breakfast.
The Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race is becoming one of the most prestigious ballooning events in the world, with competitors arriving from the UK and other European countries, as well as from across the US. To celebrate the event, may we suggest booking a champagne balloon flight during your stay at Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa? Locally headquartered, world renowned balloon builder and race competitor Head Balloons is booking one hour champagne balloon flights that will carry you along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and across the nearby valleys.  This lifetime memory is available for $300 per person and can accommodate up to four people in one balloon basket. Champagne flights can be scheduled for sunrise and sunset, as well as other hours during the day. Book now by calling Head Balloons, 706-878-0442 for the best selection of flight availability. The flight includes a champagne toast and the unforgettable sights you’ll see as you drift over the Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys and by Yonah Mountain.
In addition to champagne balloon flights, there will be other opportunities to participate in this unique event. During the three day festival there will be twenty five hot air balloons in Helen, with many offering tethered rides and the opportunity to help inflate the balloons, weather permitting.  And don’t forget your smart phone or camera, because the sight of dozens of balloons being inflated in an open field is an incredible backdrop for a selfie!
Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa is the most romantic bed & breakfast destination in the Northeast Georgia Mountains and makes the perfect base for taking in this June 5-7, 2014 event. Reserve your room early, and be sure to ask about the features of our beautiful new guest suite that will be completed in early May.  Choose a package of spa treatments at our onsite, newly refurbished spa…ready for you when you return from your balloon flight. Relax with a massage, slip into our fresh, organic spa products and sink into total paradise here in the mountains. Follow up on the deck with a wonderful glass of wine from your favorite local winery while you take in the view from our mountain top. Surprise that special someone in your life with the complete package this spring…Romance and the beauty of the 41st Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race.