Hot Air Ballooning

The idea of hot air ballooning conjures up images of "Around the World in 80 Days," "The Wizard of Oz," even a soap opera wedding. Whatever the image, the experience is spectacular and exhilarating.

New York has ballooning companies that offer trips over the Adirondacks, Catskills, Long Island, Letchworth State Park and Chautauqua Lake. Most trips are scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon to ensure the calmest wind conditions and most dramatic light.