Question of the Day - 08 December 2009

Congratulations on finding -- and trying -- some of the cooler "hidden gems" in town. Look out for the upcoming 2010 MRB for more discounts on attractions you may not have tried yet (see below).

As to hot air ballooning, yes, there are options in Las Vegas, as we first covered in this feature back in February, 2006. The lay of the land hasn't changed too much since then although prices have, inevitably, increased some.

Stepping back in time, it's not so long ago that there used to be upward of a half-dozen companies in the Las Vegas Valley offering balloon rides, but retirements, relocations, and escalating fuel costs have whittled down the number of companies significantly. Of the two operators who've been consistently recommended to us, only one offers rides year-round, while the other generally operates only on the weekend during the winter and early spring months.

Although the second company we were referred to offers ballooning 365 days of the year, weather permitting, the best season is September through May, before it gets too hot or too windy and when sunrise occurs a little later in the morning (evening flights are potentially hazardous as the winds tend to pick up as the day goes on, so sunrise is the safest, coolest, and calmest time of the day to fly).

As far as routes are concerned, there was a time when balloons would take off from the parking lot of the Sahara and fly right over the Strip, but that was before the whole area became so built-up and prior to 9/11. Now, unfortunately, various safety concerns and regulations prevent any tours from operating over the Strip itself, although you still get great views of the city from the west, where they mainly fly nowadays. Of course, since a balloon is at the mercy of where the wind blows it, there aren't any fixed "routes," per se, although in general they operate in the southwest or northwest quadrants of the Valley, offering views of both the Strip and the mountains.

• Memory Makers: The owner of this company has lived in Las Vegas for a half-century and been flying for 30, so you know you're in experienced hands. Ballooning is his passion rather than his primary business, so he only generally offers rides on the weekends, although he'll make an exception for weddings and other special occasions. Rides depart from locations either to the southwest or northwest, depending on wind direction, and take off at sunrise Saturday and Sunday. The duration varies from 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter, again depending on the weather. The trip is followed by a champagne reception once you come back to earth, so count on the whole experience running two to three hours. Price is $200 per person with a maximum of four per trip, or $225 for a private couples hire. Call as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment. Contact via phone at 702/682-5778 for further information or to book a trip, or visit the website.

• Adventure Balloons: Established in 1979 in Lancaster, California, this company is now based in Las Vegas and offers ballooning for special occasions, weddings, or "just because ..." and can cater to large groups. They fly "365 days as long as Mother Nature is being cooperative and we have availability," but also make the point that June-August are very hot months to fly, so September through May is recommended. Rates are as follows: June through August (and holidays) $230 per person for a 45- to 60-minute flight; September through May, $200 per person; $500 private flight for two.

  They have two sizes of balloon, which accommodate up to six or eight passengers, plus pilot, respectively. In addition to the flight, the price also includes a "cake and champagne celebration" afterwards, plus a personalized flight certificate, and souvenir balloon shirt and pin. Visit their Web site at smilerides.com for further information or call 702/247-6905. Office hours are noon-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

  Note: Effective Sept. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2010 all Adventure Balloon hot air balloon flight fees will be donated to Sproul Ranch Inc.'s "Deaf Kids' Kamp", a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in the name of the passenger purchasing the flight. An IRS write-off receipt will be attached to the "Pre-paid Flight Packet of Information" when a reservation is made.

• Cloud Nine: A third option, if you're short on time or don't want to fork over three figures, could be the new Cloud Nine Balloon Ride. Located on the Strip, opposite Mandalay Bay, it's the world's largest tethered helium balloon and takes passengers up to 500-feet above the ground with a view of up to 30 miles of the Strip and surrounding mountains. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. through Thur., 10 a.m.-midnight on Fri. and Sat. Adult tickets start at $24.99, but here's a hint: LVA members, look out for a coupon in the 2010 MRB...