From April 9 through May 1, the 2016 Carowinds Taste of the Carolinas event takes place. Lets take a look at why the this is the must attend Carowinds event of the spring. Experience not only all the thrills of the park like Fury 325, AWESOME coaster, but take in this limited time event that offers guests exclusive menu offerings, live music/entertainment, and cooking demonstrations.

Lets take a look into what will be offered for the new season.

Celebrity chefs will once again be on hand to demonstrate their amazing talents and show guests how to make select dishes for themselves at home.

Take for example Chef Jeff from Flip My Food. He visited Carowinds Taste of the Carolinas event in 2015, and after riding Fury 325, put on some great food demonstrations. See the video highlights below.

Taste of the Carolinas Pricing

Just like last season, admission to the Taste of the Carolinas event is free with park admission. However, guests need to purchase tokens should they wish to try any of the food or beverage items.

Pricing for tokens is as follows:
– $4.00 (3 tokens)
– $8.00 (6 tokens)
– $12.00 (9 tokens)
– $16.00 (12 tokens)
– $20.00 (15 tokens)
– $24.00 (21 tokens = 3 extra tokens)

Taste of the Carolinas Menu

Ask any guest who has visited multiple Cedar Fair parks, including Carowinds, and you will quickly learn that Chef Kris Siuta is creating a fantastic food scene that is not to be missed. While all season you can try some amazing food options at Carowinds, the Taste of the Carolinas allows guests the opportunity to really try some unique and amazing dishes. Don’t believe us, check out some of the planned amazing options below.

Asheville/Mountain Region

– Neese Sausage, Fig and Goat Cheese Popover (3 tokens)
– Mushroom Ravioli with Wild Herb Butter (4 tokens)
– Pecan Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing (2 tokens)

Upstate South Carolina Region

– Jalapeno Pimento Cranberry Cheese Balls (2 tokens)
– Brunswick Stew (4 tokens)
– Windy Hill Apple Cobbler (3 tokens)

Low Country Region

– Tomato Pie (4 tokens)
– Seafood Gumbo (4 tokens)
– Chocolate Bourbon Pie (3 tokens)

South Carolina Barbecue Region

– Pulled Pork Spring Roll with Carolina Mustard Sauce (3 tokens)
– Barbecue Roasted Corn (4 tokens)
– Sweet Potato Popover (2 tokens)

Outer Banks Region

– Poached Seafood Salad (4 tokens)
– Fried Catfish with Calabash Hushpuppies (4 tokens)
– Outer Banks Honey Gelato (3 tokens)

Lexington Barbecue Region

– Beer Basted Pulled Pork Sliders (4 tokens)
– Barbecue Chicken Slider with Lexington Sauce (3 tokens)
– Barbecue Ribs (3 tokens)

Charleston Region

– Sweet Tea Glazed Chicken (3 tokens)
– Shrimp and Grits (4 tokens)
– Lady Baltimore Cake (2 tokens)

2016 Taste of the Carolinas Featured Brewers and Wineries

Carowinds will feature the following breweries and wineries this season.

Benford Brewing
RJ Rockers
Childress Vineyards

Beverages will be available throughout the stands. However, for guests looking for an exclusive tasting of beer and wine, you can purchase a $16 ticket for the Rose Room (located in the Carowinds Grove next to the North Main Gate). The schedule is as follows.

RJ Rockers
Dates: April 10 and April 24
Tasting Times: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Benford Brewing
Dates: April 17 and May 1
Tasting Times: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Childress Vineyards
Dates: April 9
Tasting Times: 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

There will also be a fine selection of recipes posted on the Carowinds website for you to try and home.

So who is going to Taste of the Carolinas?

Reference: Taste of the Carolinas (Imaginerding)

Photos/Video ©Carowinds

* If you liked this post, join other readers who have signed up to for our free Newsletter…because then you will never miss another update!