Every month, many of our agents mail out Client Connections, to give you fresh ideas for activities and attractions to take advantage of here in our great state of Indiana. Oftentimes, those glossy mailings get misplaced before you get a chance to plan an outing. In this week’s blog, we are re-creating the latest installment of Client Connections, which highlights some special airborne entertainment. Special thanks to our friends at Indianapolis Monthly and Emmis Communications for curating this informative and unique content:
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Traveling the Hoosier State and beyond takes on an entirely new perspective from above. Here, choose your transport or perch to see things from a bird’s-eye view, all within a few hours of home. (In alphabetical order)
Bloomington Balloon Rides
Lift off at sunrise, sunset, or sometime in between to enjoy floating through the calm, quiet skies of Monroe County in a hot-air balloon. When you return to the ground, indulge in a post-flight champagne ceremony—and wrap up your experience with a tour of the balloon factory. Three-hour flight packages include group and private outings. Planning a special event? Book balloon tethers and treat your guests to a celebration nearly 75 feet in the air. Monroe County Airport, 972 S. Kirby Rd., Bloomington, 812-322-2214, bloomingtonballoonrides.com
Cardinal Wings Aviation
On this 26-mile ride, you’ll want to look down. Take a mid-air gaze at Louisville and surrounding locales from a first-class seat aboard one of the Robinson helicopters. Certified pilots call out key landmarks, such as Cardinal Stadium, Churchill Downs, the historic Water Tower, and the Lewis and Clark Bridge spanning the broad Ohio River. Daytime and sunset tours are available—be ready for plenty of photo ops. Flights require two passengers at $129 per person. Add a third traveler for an additional $75. 2900 Moran Ave., Louisville, 502-452-2115, cardinalwingsaviation.com
Classic Biplane Tours
An energizing, chilly wind on your face and whipping hair is what you first experience on a biplane ride, but when scenic views take hold, it’s a ride like no other. Return to the golden era of aviation in this two-seat, stacked-wing airplane similar to the aircraft used in World War I (think Snoopy and the Red Baron). Insider tip: Make sure your camera is on a neck or wrist strap. Choose one of three flights: Barnstormer Express, two passengers, $225; Barnstormer Deluxe, two passengers, $295; Barnstormer Max, two passengers, $385. 2700 Gast Blvd., Louisville, 502-836-5252, classicbiplanetours.com
eXplore Brown County
Experience Nashville from above on six different zipline tours— several are even available at night and in winter. Channel your favorite action character with the Super Hero Tour and fly through the air on your stomach. Make it a Zip Top Shot and add paintball guns to shoot hubcaps as you sail by. Not sure what ride to try? The Sneak Peek Tour is a one-hour trip designed with first-timers in mind and includes three zips ranging in length from 80 to 200 feet. Each is unique with sky bridges, assisted rappels, and varying speeds and heights. Tour prices start at $25. 2620 Valley Branch Rd., Nashville, 812-988-7750, explorebrowncounty.com
Lark Valley Ziplines
The canopy tour includes a climbing wall, free paddle boats to watch the riders above, and—of course—ziplines. An extra shot of adrenaline awaits on the three Mega Lines ranging from 1,600 to more than 2,500 feet, and reaching up to 50 feet in the air. Safety was paramount when designing this park, so all lines are platform-to-ground, ensuring that you aren’t left on a platform between lines. This Southern Indiana spot is open for walk-in guests on weekends; group reservations are also available during the week. Tours per person: Canopy: $50; Mega Zip: $65. 10400 U.S. 150, Shoals, 812-295-9000, larkvalleyziplines.com
Squire Boone Caverns Zipline Adventures
Rolling hills, deep ravines, and lush forests expand below as you fly through the sky over Indiana cave country. The popular canopy tour features six lines and a sky bridge reaching 70 feet high, while the thrilling long canopy tour measures 150 feet above the ground and includes two bridges and eight lines, one of which is a half-mile long. For a night flight, book a twilight tour and zip under thousands of lights. Both tours end in Squire Boone Village, where you can continue your exploration in the caverns or visit the Pioneer Village. Call or book online. Canopy Tour: $59; Long Canopy Tour: $79. 100 Squire Boone Rd., Mauckport, 812-732-1200, sbcza.com
X-Cell Aviation
Take control from the pilot seat. Intro Flight gift cards are perfect for the budding pilot who wants to take to the skies under the watchful eye of an experienced flight instructor. During your one-hour visit to the airport, you’ll learn about flight controls and gain insight into airplane aerodynamics. Using your newfound knowledge, the pilot guides you as you take off and soar 1,000 feet above Evansville. Flights: $70. Get a commemorative video of your adventure for an additional $30. 6101 Flightline Dr., Evansville, 812-781-8855, Facebook: xcellaviation
If you don’t receive Client Connections in your mailbox at home and would like to, reach out to an F.C. Tucker Emge agent and they can make sure you stay in the know. Contact us today if you need help finding a REALTOR® that is right for you. Let’s Talk!
