The balloon ascends for a fight. (The Herald/ Joe Karl)

Built by Aerophile S.A., a world-leader of gas tethered balloons, the concept for the Pigeon Forge attraction was the idea of Aerophile founder Jérôme Giacomoni and his North American manager Todd Jolley. Giacomoni was impressed with the Pigeon Forge location. The plan began two and a half years ago to build the attraction, and took six months to build.

“The view is just magic, Giacomoni said. “It is a nice way to have your first view of the mountains. In one single gaze, the entire breathtaking view can be seen from exceptional heights including a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves.

“Todd was the guy behind the story,” Giacomoni said of his Aerophile manager. “He pushed me to come and visit.”

Aerophile founder Jérôme Giacomoni (The Herald/ Joe Karl)

Jolley, a Lawrence County, Tenn. resident, was excited to have the attraction so close to his own home. Of the potential it offers for visitors to Pigeon Forge, he saw romance making it a destination.

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