The Wicked Balloons Journal
Ballooning stories, history & how-tos
Everything about hot air ballooning — from the very first flight in 1783 to planning your own sunrise ride over New England.
How Balloon-Ride Gift Certificates Work
Wondering how a hot air balloon gift certificate works? Here's how buying, booking, and flying actually happens, from purchase to sunrise liftoff.
Sunrise Over the Berkshires by Balloon
Discover why a sunrise Berkshires hot air balloon ride over Massachusetts hill country is one of New England's most memorable mornings.
Solar Balloons and the Future of Flight
How a solar hot air balloon flies on sunlight alone, and why the idea is inspiring research from backyard flyers to planetary…
Ballooning Over Massachusetts: Where to Fly
A pilot's guide to hot air balloon rides in Massachusetts, from the best regions and seasons to fly to what a sunrise…
Ballooning in Literature: From Verne to Poe
Explore how hot air balloons in literature shaped classic tales from Jules Verne's daring voyages to Poe's famous balloon hoax.
Tethered vs. Free-Flight Balloons for Events
Planning a festival or brand activation? Learn how tethered hot air balloon events compare to free flight so you pick the right…
Balloon Inspections and Maintenance, Explained
A behind-the-scenes look at hot air balloon maintenance: annual inspections, preflight checks, envelope fabric life, and what keeps every flight airworthy.
The Champagne Toast: A 240-Year-Old Ballooning Tradition
Discover why the hot air balloon champagne toast dates back to 1783, and what to expect when you raise a glass after…
Anatomy of a Balloon: Envelope, Basket and Burner
Explore the parts of a hot air balloon, envelope, basket and burner, and how these three simple pieces work together to fly.
Ed Yost and the Birth of the Modern Hot Air Balloon
Who invented the modern hot air balloon? Meet Ed Yost, the Nebraska engineer whose 1960 flight created the design every balloon still…