Discover the Magic of the Winthrop Balloon Roundup
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Close your eyes and imagine a small, charming town nestled in Methow Valley in Washington. There are snow-capped mountains in the background and colorful hot air balloons are dotted across the sky. Welcome to Winthrop, where the annual Balloon Roundup takes place every year! This magical event celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of hot air balloons as they gracefully float through the sky against a white backdrop of snow.
I’ve always been fascinated by hot air balloons, especially after going up in one in Vermont, so when I heard about this winter wonderland of a balloon festival, I knew I had to visit to see for myself. To my surprise, there was so much more to Winthrop than the hot air balloons! Read on to discover what there is to do in Winthrop, Washington, and what the annual Winthrop Balloon Roundup is all about.
Where is Winthrop, Washington?
Located in Methow Valley, Winthrop is a charming town nestled in the heart of Northern Washington state. Surrounded by the stunning Cascade Mountains, this idyllic small town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and Western-inspired charm. To reach Winthrop from Seattle, follow Interstate 5 North for approximately 95 miles. Take exit 194 toward US-2 E/US-97 N, merging onto US-2 E. Continue on US-2 E for around 120 miles, passing through scenic landscapes and towns. Finally, take a right onto State Route 153, and after about 10 miles, you'll arrive in the welcoming town of Winthrop, where adventures and relaxation await.
This small town perfectly embodies the essence of the Old West, with its wooden boardwalks, rustic storefronts, and Western-themed architecture. Riverside Avenue is the main street in town and it is lined with charming shops, art galleries, and local eateries. One of my favorite shops I stumbled upon was Glassworks of Winthrop which showcases hand-blown glass made on-site by a local artisan. If you’re lucky, you can even watch him at work through the in-store window!
The Annual Winthrop Balloon Roundup
The Winthrop Balloon Roundup is an enchanting spectacle that brings together hot air balloon enthusiasts from all around the country. But it's not just about the visual spectacle - there's something almost magical about being amongst the balloons as they gently float through the air. The sound of the burners filling them with hot air, the soft whoosh as they ascend, and the collective gasps of the spectators create an atmosphere charged with excitement. It's a moment that truly captures the essence of adventure and inspires the wanderlust in all of us.
Each year in March, the town of Winthrop hosts the annual Balloon Roundup for three days over the weekend. The event itself is free to attend, but if you want to ride in a hot air balloon, you’ll need to buy your ticket well in advance. Some local balloon companies begin selling their tickets one year out, but most people purchase their tickets 6-9 months in advance. There are a handful of local hot air balloon companies that participate in the festival and tickets start at $375 per person. Because this magical event takes place in March, when there is still a chance for snow in the forecast, this 3-day event is weather dependent so it’s highly suggested that if you’re visiting from out of town you stay the entire weekend.
Last year when I attended, the balloons only went up on the first day and the first half of the second day due to rain and snow. But luckily, there were other fun events during the Balloon Roundup that we were able to enjoy such as the Balloon Glow and the Sip and Stroll. Unfortunately, I was making my way over to Winthrop from Seattle on the first day of the event so I wasn’t able to see this spectacular sight on a clear day, but I’m determined to attend again in the future!
The Hot Air Balloon Glow & Other Activities
One of the most anticipated events of the Winthrop Balloon Roundup is the hot air balloon glow. As dusk descends upon Winthrop, the town's charming downtown area transforms into a magical wonderland. The balloons are inflated right after sunset and tethered to the ground, illuminating the night sky with their vibrant glow. Stroll through the streets, hand in hand with loved ones, as you marvel at the mesmerizing glow of these giants. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, awe, and a sense of community.
Since this event takes place at nightfall, it’s best to arrive in town in the early afternoon so you can easily find parking. Spend the afternoon popping in and out of local shops and grab dinner at one of the many local restaurants, like Three Fingered Jacks Saloon, on Riverside Avenue. Many streets in downtown will be blocked off right before sunset so that the hot air balloons can be set up along the street. Last year when I attended this event was almost canceled due to snow but the snow held off just long enough for the balloons to inflate and light up the street for long enough to enjoy!
Another fun activity that we attended during last year’s Balloon Roundup with the Winthrop Sip and Stroll which took place on Friday, the first day of the festival. This event was $15 per person and tickets were limited. Each ticket got you a souvenir shot glass that you could take to participating stores downtown and exchange a ticket for a wine tasting. It was a fun way to kick off the weekend and explore the downtown area of Winthrop while sipping and shopping.
Taking Flight: Experiencing a Hot Air Balloon Ride
While witnessing the hot air balloons from the ground is awe-inspiring, why not take your experience to new heights? The Balloon Roundup offers visitors the opportunity to take flight on a hot air balloon. Drifting gently above Winthrop's picturesque landscapes, you'll feel a sense of serenity, and a bird's-eye view of the Cascade Mountains and the Methow Valley will leave you breathless. Riding in a hot air balloon is such a unique experience and it was nothing like I expected the first time I went up. The journey is smooth and slow from take-off to landing. All three days of the Winthrop Balloon Roundup have opportunities to ride into the sky daily from 7-8:30am and you’ll need to arrive at the set location no later than 6:45am. Each day there will be 6 or more hot air balloons that take off and scatter across the sky together - which makes for a sight to see whether you’re in the air or on the ground watching. Again, buying a ticket for a hot air balloon ride does not guarantee that you’ll go up that day. The material the balloons are made of cannot get wet so consider your experience even more special if you fly on a perfect day. Balloons lift off right behind the Winthrop Inn and if soaring into the sky is not your thing, this is where you’ll still want to be for the best views.
Where to Stay in Winthrop
Since the annual Winthrop Balloon Roundup is not only a photographer’s dream, but a really unique experience for the average person, hotel rooms do book up quite fast. I was a little late planning my trip to the festival last year and couldn’t find any open rooms in town so ended up booking a vacation home in Brewster which is about 30-minutes away from downtown Winthrop. This worked out well for us because we were a group of four and spent the entire day in Winthrop exploring most of the weekend. If you can book your hotel room early enough, I highly recommend staying in Winthrop itself just because it’s so much more convenient, especially if you plan on riding in a hot air balloon. Here are some great options in Winthrop:
Other Things to Do in Winthrop
Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Methow Valley, Winthrop is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The area boasts a wide array of activities for every season. In the warmer months, go white-water rafting or explore the miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through meadows, forests, and along crystal-clear rivers. In winter, Winthrop becomes a winter wonderland with ample opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding.
A visit to Winthrop isn't complete without indulging in the numerous dining options and flavorful craft beers. Local establishments like the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Jupiter, and Copper Glance Cafe offer delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Savor mouthwatering dishes while immersing yourself in the warm hospitality and charm of this western town.
What truly sets Winthrop apart is its sense of community and the warmth of its people. Locals are proud of their town's heritage and eager to share it with visitors. Don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a friendly local while browsing a boutique or enjoying a cup of coffee. The welcoming spirit of Winthrop will make you feel like a part of the community, even if just for a fleeting moment.
Winthrop, with its annual Balloon Roundup and charming small-town atmosphere, is a hidden gem in the heart of Northeastern Washington. The magical sight of hot air balloons soaring through the sky, the luminescent glow of the balloon glow, and the rich history and outdoor adventures in the Methow Valley make this destination a must-visit if you’re in the area or looking for a unique weekend getaway. Immerse yourself in the Western charm, experience the magic of the Winthrop Balloon Roundup, and create memories that will lift your spirits for years to come!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!