Vermont's Stoweflake Resort Hosts 27TH Annual Hot-Air Balloon Festival, July 12-14, 2013

Festival Attendees Can Lift Off with 25 Balloons; Enjoy Kids Activities, Live Music & Beer Garden

One of New England's top resorts, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (www.stoweflakewww.stoweflake.com.com), celebrates the 27th anniversary of the Stoweflake Hot-Air Balloon Festival July 12-14, 2013.

Voted a Top Ten Event of Vermont, the three-day festival offers not only a great photo opportunity of more than 25 brilliant balloons amid the Green Mountains scenery, but also an array of exciting activities for attendees:

§ Take over the sky with 25 other balloonists - Attendees can lift up with the other 25+ balloonists with their own hot-air balloon ride priced at $275 per person, plus tax (advanced reservations are required.)

§ Stay down to earth - For the less adventurous, tethered rides are available for $10 per person (no reservations needed.)

§ Soak up the scenery, food and festivities - Guests enjoy the views from below with a children's corner featuring a variety of activities, live entertainment, delicious food and a beer and wine garden. The views of the morning launches are complimentary for all visitors; admission for the evening festival events is $10 and children 12 and under is admitted for free.

The event kicks off Friday, July 12, 2013 at 4 p.m. with festivities and a twilight balloon launch at 6:30 p.m. The event will continue with two launches on Sat., July 13th at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and a final launch on Sunday, July 14th at 6:30 a.m. Weather permitting. No pets or coolers allowed.

Room rates start at $259 per room, per night with a two night minimum stay. The rate includes free festival tickets. For more information and reservations, visit www.stwww.stoweflake.com/balloonoweflake.com/balloon or call 800-253-2232.

Musicians Jim Charonko and Jeff Nicholson will entertain guests this year, playing classic folk and rock music along with some of their original songs. Jim has been a local legend on the local music scene (and otherwise) for over 20 years. Jeff is also a local singer/songwriter and now has two independently released CD's of original material. They will begin playing at 5 p.m. both Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13. For more information, call 802.253.7355, ext. 5538.

About Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

The AAA four-diamond Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Stowe, VT, features 120 guest rooms and suites and 58 townhouses, the 50,000-square-foot Spa at Stoweflake, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Fodor's Travel as a Top Resort Spa in the U.S.; a nine-hole par three and 18-hole championship golf courses; and Charlie B's Pub & Restaurant