The race is on! The 46th Annual Helen to Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race is here; we’re turning our eyes to the skies as competitors from all over the country head down to Helen, GA to fill the sky with color, in the quest to be number one.
Spanning over three days, the competitors and their balloons will begin their cross-country challenge at 7:00am on Thursday, May 30, racing at least 225 miles to any part of I-95. But the fun doesn’t end there! Visitors are encouraged to stick around for local balloon events at 7:30am and 6:30pm, such as assisting with balloon inflations or taking a 5-minute tethered ride in the balloons.
Local events will run on the following days, located in the launch field across from Cool River Tubing- our innkeepers will be happy to give you directions!
Thursday, May 30
• 7:00am Race Takeoff
• 7:30am Local Balloon Events
• 6:30pm Local Balloon Events
Friday, May 31
• 7:30am Local Balloon Events
• 6:30pm Local Balloon Events
Saturday, June 1
• 7:30am Local Balloon Events
• 6:30pm Local Balloon Events
• 7:30pm Tethered Ballon Rides
With several long-distance competitors and twenty local balloons, this is a must see event- if only for the colors alone! And there are very few places better to see it than from Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn. We boast an impressive proximity to the balloons, as they typically fly directly over our backyard- sometimes even getting close enough to have a conversation!
A colorful display for a fun-filled vacation, this event only lasts until someone crosses the finish line! So grab a phone and call our innkeepers at 706-878-5055, or click on over to Online Booking, and book your room today to have one of the best views of the oldest balloon race in the South.