Besides being one of the more entertaining ways to race dastardly 19th-century villains around the world, hot air balloon rides make for delightful first dates, anniversaries, birthdays, and Administrative Assistant's Days. Today's Groupon gets you a scenic hot air balloon ride followed by a round of celebratory champagne and either breakfast or hors d'oeuvres through Hot Air Expeditions for $99 (a $175 value). Each Groupon covers one person, and baskets hold 6, 8, 10, or 12 people.

Hot Air's scenic scenery and food-like food has earned it a Fodor's pick for ballooning in Phoenix. The experienced aeronauts will take riders on a scenic flight over the breathtaking landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. The scenery is so breathtaking that the stilled balloonist will offer of-age passengers a flute of breath-catching champagne immediately upon landing, along with a commemorative flight certificate. Each balloon experience will be made even sweeter with either a sunrise breakfast of quiche Lorraine with chocolate-filled croissants, cheeses, and fresh fruits, or sunset hors d'oeuvres of barbecue duck pizza-rounds with mini quiche, miniature lemon tartlets, and chocolate truffles. All food is prepared by renowned Phoenix chef Vincent Guerithault.

Make an unforgettable date with a special flying friend and gaze down at the earthbound as they eat their earthbound gruel, tie their earthbound shoelaces, make their earthbound photocopies, and search in vain for legal loopholes around gravity. Call ahead to reserve a flight time. Morning flights last approximately an hour, and sunset flights last approximately 45 minutes.

Not valid on the following dates: November 25–28 or December 18–January 1. You must reserve and redeem your hot air balloon ride by January 31st.

Reviews

Fodor's calls Hot Air Expeditions "the best ballooning in Phoenix. Flights are long, the staff is charming, and the gourmet snacks, catered by the acclaimed Vincent restaurant, are out of this world." TripAdvisors give their experience 4.5 owl eyes:

• They did an excellent job - prompt start, good narrative while we were over the mountains, well organized when we landed, and very good champagne breakfast – DaveAZ7
• The skies were clear, photos were amazing and the view was second to none – kymbir