Pechanga’s bus transported us to a nearby winery, where we signed our waivers and then headed out, balloon in tow, to find an ideal spot to launch. Pechanga’s hot air balloon packages allow you to do just that. I’d argue that if there’s one experience better than sipping on wine under the California sun, it’s enjoying panoramic views of the region from high above. Pechanga’s Temecula location makes it a wine lover’s paradise, with more than 40 wineries in the surrounding area that offer public wine tasting. Sleeping in may very well be the best part of vacations, but we had a spectacular reason to wake up before the crack of dawn that Saturday morning: a hot air balloon above wine country. Exploring Wine Country by Hot Air Balloon If you’re staying at the resort or in the Temecula area, this is a great way to spend a night out. Having a few drinks and laughs while watching some talented comedians was the perfect way to finish the work week and kick off our vacation weekend. The Comedy Club at Pechanga hosts shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring a variety of comedy acts. You know it’s a vacation when you whip out the hotel room robes and branded glasses. Pechanga looks sleeker and more modern than ever before, with even more to see and do, so my visit came at the perfect time. If you haven’t been to Pechanga in the past few months, you have to see what they’ve done to the place! The resort recently debuted 568 new rooms, a new pool complex, two additional restaurants, and a spa and fitness center, and I made a point of enjoying all of these to the fullest during my stay. Our visit to Pechanga came right after a $300 million renovation and grand reopening. You could spend weeks without leaving the property and never grow bored. With a 515,000 square foot hotel, plus 188,000 square feet of gaming space, a convention center, a massive pool complex, a golf course, spa, and eleven restaurants, Pechanga is basically a city of its own. Upon arrival, my first impression was that Pechanga was far bigger and grander than I’d imagined. Yes, it’s a casino, and yes, it’s in a somewhat remote location, but the place exudes class, luxury, and fun. Or perhaps, I figured, it would remind me of one of the cheaper hotels in Las Vegas.

I have to admit: prior to checking Pechanga out for myself, I imagined just another nondescript casino in the middle of nowhere like the ones I’d made quick pitstops at on family road trips. Soaring high above Temecula, California with Pechanga

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