Balloons Over Georgia, Cumming

To hear Daryl tell it, one love led to another: when his wife, Lynn, got him a hot air balloon ride for their 10th wedding anniversary, he was hooked for good. That was nearly two decades ago, but few things have changed since. The couple is still married, and Daryl still loves the freedom and adventure inherent in a good balloon ride. In fact, he turned the pursuit of that (literal) high into Balloons Over Georgia. Now, as the pilot of his own colorful balloon, he shares his passion for the skies with eager passengers. Before you schedule a flight, check out our rundown of what the trip might be like:

• Sunrise or sunset takeoffs: You can choose between either, but both rides are timed to maximize the picturesque views from the basket.
• See multiple landmarks at once: On clear days, flights provide unspoiled views of Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, the Atlanta skyline, and even the foothills of the Appalachians.
• Grab a sky-high view of wildlife: In addition to rubbing elbows (and wings) with birds ranging from red-tail hawks to blue herons, passengers frequently catch unguarded glimpses of deer going about their daily routines on the ground.
• Make it a special occasion: Although every ride with Balloons Over Georgia is memorable in its own right, the team is especially good at scheduling trips around romantic occasions including Valentine's Day and weddings.