15th Annual Rotary BB&T Fourth of July Balloon Rally, Lexington, VA

Let me guess: Your fourth of July usually includes some sort of family barbecue, a lot of red, white, and blue decorations, and maybe some fireworks. Sound about right? That's fun and all, but why not do something a bit different instead of your same routine celebrations? For example, as you have already guessed by the title of this blog entry, there's going to be a rally of hot air balloons in Lexington at the Virginia Military Institute's parade grounds. If you're a bit skittish about riding in a hot air balloon, don't panic. They provide tethered balloons so that you can have the experience without the hesitation. Although the hot air balloons are the main event, they are not the only attraction by far. There are also food vendors, face painting, an antique car display, and the ever popular “Eleanore's MarketPlace,” which sells used items that are in excellent condition. Besides the event itself, Lexington is a wonderful city to explore, and a bus shuttle will be provided for those who wish to scatter about and investigate. If you're not sure where to stay during your trip to Lexington, fear not. We have some wonderful bed and breakfasts in the area (we are the BBAV after all)! If you're a fan of Victorian elegance, try the 1868 Magnolia House Inn.  For a unique, environmentally-friendly stay, try the Applewood Inn and Llama Trekking.   [caption id="attachment_343" align="aligncenter" width="300"] © 2011 The Reasons to be Entertained[/caption] By Tara Stoll