Travel Notes - Hot Air Ballooning in Oregon's Wine Country

On a recent late summer morning, you know the kind, where the sky is deep blue and cloudless and the air is still, I saw these glorious balloons hovering over the fields near my home. Sometimes they are high in the sky, at other times they float low enough so one can hear the swoosh of the burners and even wave to the passengers overhead.

Newberg is in the northwestern corner of Oregon and is in the heart of our famous wine country. It's a small town but is growing quickly as word of our fine wines and beyond beautiful natural beauty spreads. We have become a destination.
There couldn't be a more thrilling way to see our beautiful countryside than taking a ride in a hot air balloon with

Vista Balloon Adventures

We see Vista's balloons often during the summer months from April first through October. I recently saw one land in a field close to my house. I was driving home and saw a large shadow pass over my car, looked up, and there was a balloon coming in for a landing 50 yards away. That's the last time I left my camera at home .

Your balloon adventure begins one half hour before dawn when you will have the opportunity to watch or join in the inflation process. First, huge lengths of rainbow colored nylon are unrolled. Next, industrial fans blow life into the fabric, and, finally, propane jets are ignited and the balloons rise ten stories into the morning sky.

If you live close by there isn't a more exciting adventure you could have than taking a ride in one of Vista's magnificent balloons. This is a gift of a lifetime for family and friends and a perfect way to mark a special occasion like a birthday or wedding. If you are thinking about coming to the area for a vacation you will be overwhelmed by the variety of activities available. Mt. Hood and year around skiing are two hours to the east and the Oregon Coast is less than two hours west. And, of course, the wine tasting.

Even if a hot air balloon ride isn't in your immediate plans I know you will enjoy stopping by Vista's web site to see the wonderful excursions they can plan for you. And you will see more of the balloon photos that Vista so generously provided.

You can find accommodations here in our wine country that range from luxurious to casual. A new, luxury hotel, The Allison Inn & Spa, recently opened with 85 beautiful guest rooms that feature outside terraces and views of nearby vineyards. The in-house restaurant, Jory, is getting rave reviews and the Inn will arrange chauffeured wine tours to the wineries of your choice.

This photo shows a typical cabin you will find in most of Oregon's first rate state parks. You can find information about our parks at their website here.

Champoeg State Park is located on the Willamette River and has a good selection of cabins and yurts in addition to areas for RV and tent camping.

If you come to visit the area you can make a day trip to the north Oregon coast and try your hand at clamming, crabbing and fishing in addition to lovely walks on our beautiful beaches.

That's our little tour for today. I hope you've enjoyed your glimpse into life where I live. When you are planning your next vacation be sure to keep us in mind.