Yesterday was Carowinds big announcement on what is in store for the 2016 season. The removal of Thunder Road makes way for a waterpark expansion, Carolina Harbor, featuring new wave pools, slides, interactive kid areas, and a variety of new amenities.

Chef Kris Siuta dazzled the crowd with a coastal menu fitting with the theme.

The menu included the following:

– Pimento cheese with assorted jellies
– Watermelon and heirloom tomato salad
– House smoked chicken summer squash tortellini salad
– Shrimp deviled eggs
– Oyster roast with chow chow and cocktail sauce
– Barbecue pork with slider rolls
– Fried green tomato soufflé
– Calabash fried shrimp and remoulade
– Crab cakes

Gelato bar
Vanilla, Red Velvet, Birthday

Toppings: Bavarian nuts, sprinkles

Berry flambé
Peach flambé

Along with the amazing meal, lots of new announcements were made about the future plans of Carowinds.

Among the new dining locations announced for Carolina Harbor include a Harbor House restaurant and Schooners.

The Harbor House restaurant brings the ocean to your table, serving fresh seafood and BBQ from the mastermind of Executive Chef Kris Siuta. In addition to being able to dine inside with air conditioning, the restaurant will feature two 2,400-square foot outdoor seating patios.

Schooners is a new a full-service bar that will serve beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Conveniently located near the new wave pool, Surf Club Harbor.

You did not expect the waterpark to get all of the excitement, did you? Carowinds will also add a full service Starbucks to the front of the amusement park. The new 3,000 square foot Starbucks will offer indoor seating for 100 guests.

All photos ©Carowinds

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