Things To Do In Bedford

High above a lush vineyard, the morning sky brims with creatures of flight: an eagle, a large bumblebee, a pigeon that forgot how to land. These were just some of the sights Airbus Balloon Rides' owner Andy Richardson imagined would greet his future down-gazing passengers. He first fell in love with the roar of a hot air balloon's flame just before entering the second grade, and that passion has driven his dreams ever since. Ten years after buying his first balloon at age 14, Andy now commands a fleet of rainbow-colored balloons that come in standard and specialty shapes. These colorful vessels set the elevated stage for individual flights and tethered rides helmed by Andy and his talented team. Flights lift off at sunrise, in the afternoon, and at sunset, when the low sun paints an orange-red glow over water, fields, and reindeer still stuck on rooftops.

Back on land, Airbus Balloon Rides also educates visitors on hot air balloon creation inside their balloon factory, which welcomes tours. At the end of each tour, the guides lead guests in a champagne or mimosa toast with accompanying hors d'oeuvres, celebrating their skyfaring adventures together.

When speaking about the 25th annual show in 2012, Tom Vriesman of the Indiana Design Center did not hesitate to say, “the Art & Antiques Show is the State of Indiana’s premiere show for the design community.” As proof of his words, booths brim with valuable pieces of home décor such as antique china, Oriental rugs, bronze sculptures, and freshly painted works of contemporary art, and live performances by painters and musicians lend a personal touch to a weekend of artistic elegance. In addition to enhancing each lucky buyer’s home, the sale of all these elegant keepsakes and artifacts goes to support the Methodist Health Foundation](http://www.methodisthealthfoundation.org/).

Science-fiction fans are eternally disappointed that society hasn't yet developed the technology that would allow them to strap on a jetpack and rocket to their destination. Though Indy Flight Academy & Watersports can't supply you with a futuristic vehicle for the daily commute, it does give extreme-sports enthusiasts the chance to blast off with its Flyboard water-powered jet packs.

The Flyboard—a water board with a pair of boots attached to it—is attached to long hose, which is in turn hooked up to the water jet exhaust of a jet ski. When the jet ski's driver hits the gas, the Flyboard and rider shoot up into the air atop high-powered streams of water. Riders can then fly around above the water or mimic a dolphin diving in and out.

It would be hard to place Freedom Kayak Adventures on a map, even if that map were drawn in waterproof ink. Although the business is headquartered in Indianapolis, its team rents out kayaks and standup paddleboards at Saxony Lake each summer. In addition, Freedom Kayak Adventures delivers kayak rentals throughout all of Indiana, including bodies of water such as Lake Monroe and Summit Lake. Once it arrives at the chosen destination, the team passes out safety gear and happily recommends scenic kayaking routes.

The squeak of athletic shoes. The swish of basketball nets. The resounding wallop of dodge balls connecting with their intended targets. These sounds are part of the regular soundtrack at Midwest Sports and Social Complex, where kids and adults alike work out their athletic affinities. Youth training sessions overseen by instructors Rhasim Ridley, a former Head Coach at Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, teach youngsters the fundamentals and advanced tactics of their chosen sport.

When the weather cooperates, staff members organize weekly outdoor competitive adult tournaments and three-on-three league games on two new, full-length basketball courts. Athletes can also join leagues for dodge ball games and street hockey, a worthy alternative to real hockey when ponds melt and hockey goals return to their underwater homes.

At JR Funnigans Jump N Play, parents who grow bored of the free WiFi aren't barred from entering the bounce house. The indoor playground welcomes jumpers of every age, including toddlers and their chaperones, to leap and climb freely on a collection of inflatables. Colorful slides—including a pair of 22-footers—send guests careening in total safety, and cushy, air-filled cars remind us of simpler times, times when vehicles were made entirely of airbags. When they aren't honing their acrobatics, kids can try to win tickets from classic arcade games such as skee-ball or divvy up made-to-order pizzas. The staff also hosts parties, during which groups can rent out a private room or the entire venue.