Free Rides in Giant Inflatable Select 55 Beer Balloon

By Marisa Cutaia, Fri., May 13 2011 at 12:19 PM

Categories: Happening

​Sure, the commercials are catchy... partiers exercising off their beer before they've finished slugging it down. But Select 55 is betting that's not enough to win your loyalty, especially from a low-cal beer.

To get your attention, a 168-foot hot air Select Bottle is floating over Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. That's the size of the Statue of Liberty or the ego of "The Situation."

"It's serene up here, and that's a word I would never use to describe the Hard Rock," says Boca Raton resident Tana Velen while hanging precariously from the bottle, 50 feet up.

The 15-story bottle of beer floats over the sprawling off-white compound this weekend as part of a nationwide tour of 55 cities. But a balloon, really?

Hey, baby, nice ride.

​"Anheuser-Busch did a full release last year of the lightest beer in the world," Budweiser rep Dan Vint said. "And what's lighter than hot air?"

This bottle is more than just hot air; it has been traveling the U.S. of A. for three months. If you are brave enough to try it, tethered rides are available. The balloon is weighted to solid ground by an SUV and a sedan.

"We brought this idea to the Hard Rock to celebrate their seventh anniversary, and they jumped at it," he said. "Wherever people are out having fun, that's where we are."

Sure, because what makes sense after losing your money and getting hammered? A balloon ride!

Tethered rides are available for ages 21 and up tonight and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the main parking lot, winds permitting. Visit facebook.com/Select55 for tour schedule.

What Not To Do in Key West

The swaying palms and cawing gulls sound serene in the background. Islands can be so romantic and Florida boasts some of the best beaches in the world. When planning your trip to Key West, remember, do NOT go to the Conch Republic expecting to lounge in the sand and frolic in the waves.

Reason 1: The Sand
Key West has some of the roughest, sharpest, rockiest sand in the state. It will cut a toe off if you aren’t careful. Bring some sandals you intend to wear right to the shore line if you are brave enough to go barefoot.

Reason 2: The Coast Line
The coast of Key West includes some of the best diving you will find with very close reefs and oodles of ship wrecks to explore. Snorkeling and diving boats leave regularly and are the best way to visit the marine life surrounding the island.

Reason 3: The Culture on Land
There is so much to see and do on the 7.4 square miles of land. Visit the silly t-shirt shops, take a trip on the Conch Trolley and by all means visit the nightly Ghost Tour to learn the history of the strange island. Duval Street is an entertainment destination day or night. Then, just before sunset, head west to Mallory Square and take part in the festival of the sunset. Wire walkers, fire breathers, artisans and chefs all come out to entertain locals and tourists. With so much to do on dry land, you won’t want to miss a minute of it.

Reason 4: The Inhabitants
Should you ignore this blog and make your way to a stretch of sand for an afternoon of sun-soaked fun, you may find your perfect beach spot is currently occupied by one of the many drifters that call Key West home. Due to the mild weather and laid-back lifestyle that comes with the island, it has become a Mecca to those who are between homes, looking for a change, or just yearn for somewhere warm. Although the man outside the ice cream shop just outside of Mallory Square will tell you a hysterical dirty joke for $1. Another man residing outside a church on Duval holds a sign, “I won’t lie, I need a beer.” You have to love the honesty that’s only acceptable this far south.

All in all, there are so many beautiful pools and fun attractions, why bother with the beach in Key West. If you are looking for a sun and sand destination, aim north for Siesta Key, you won’t be sorry.