Never in my life have I had an experience quite like last night. Theodora and I had the incredible opportunity to be whisked away by a black car for an evening adventure with Hershey’s who was celebrating the launch of their new aerated chocolate, Air Delight Chocolates.

Our first destination was the 30th Street Heliport. I have run past the heliport many times but never been inside the gates.

While they didn’t know it at the time, Hershey’s was giving me the opportunity to check off two items from my bucket list: helicopter and hot air balloon rides.

I was so excited I could barely take a normal picture; while Theodora was scared sick. We were each other’s date for the evening but my sole purpose was to give her the confidence to enjoy the trip.

It was everything I hoped it would be and more. While the ride was quite noisy it was very relaxing and the views were unbelievable. We were lower than a plane, so you could make out the sights perfectly but we were high enough to be able to see for miles and miles!

Once we climbed in and buckled up we were off! I think she almost killed me when I requested the front row seat for us. Oh well, it resulted in amazing views!

Theodora and I spent the next 20 minutes in awe taking hundreds of pictures and just gasping.

Clearly Theodora and I both love our Jack Roger sandals and bright toenail polish; perfect for this summer adventure!

From our view, Newark Airport looked more like a toy airport with little planes than a bustling international airport.

In case you ever wondered where all the cabs hung out, we spotted them!

Within twenty minutes we reached a huge field in rural New Jersey where the New Jersey Hot Air Balloon festival is taking place.

There was a golf cart awaiting our arrival, ready to take us to the hot air balloon! The Hershey team was super friendly and very excited to see us and hear that our first ride had been smooth and breath taking.

Upon arriving, we found out that the hot air balloon would remain tethered to the ground during our adventure but we’d still be able to go up over 100 feet and see what it feels like to ride in a hot air balloon.

It’s hot but incredible!

While in the air, we had the opportunity to sample the new chocolate.

Hershey Air Delights comes in two forms, bar and kiss. My favorite was the kiss form as it allows you to enjoy the flavor in a perfect package. These were lighter in flavor and texture due to the aeration but equally delicious! Hershey Kiss have been my favorite form of candy over the past few years as they are portion controlled and diet friendly. You can have 11 for 200 calories which is a large amount of chocolate, if you ask me. I don’t know that I could eat that many without a stomach ache!

After the samples we had some fun with Stan the Man, our pilot for the evening and also a member of the US Hot Air Balloon Team!

Within minutes, our adventure was over and we were being transported back to Manhattan! The ride back was a whole new experience due to the night sky and skyline.

Thank you again Hershey’s for a once in a lifetime adventure! I will always remember it anytime I see a Hershey’s chocolate candy- especially Air Delight!

Question: If you could take a hot air balloon ride anywhere, where would it be?