Busch Gardens Howl o Scream 2019

My favorite time of year is here! Both my husband and I are obsessed with everything Halloween. This will be our 9th Halloween in Tampa and as always, we are excited for Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream to kick off the season on Friday night! Be sure to follow along with my instagram stories as I will be sharing live videos and photos all night instagram.com/irun4wine.  Howl-o-Scream will take place on 22 select nights, from September 20-November 2. Ahead of our visit, I wanted to share what you can expect at the 2019 Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream, ticket options and all the upgrades to enhance your experience.

But first - let's talk about Death Water Bayou. Five years ago we had a destination wedding in New Orleans. Gabe proposed to me in 2013, which happened to be the inaugural year for Death Water Bayou, a haunted house based in the swamps of New Orleans, haunted by the Voodoo Queen. All throughout the house were nods to the Big Easy. I did what any Halloween obsessed blogger who was about to get married in NOLA would would naturally do - pitched them for a Haunted House engagement shoot. You can check out the Halloween Engagement Shoot here. It was one of the coolest photo shoots I have done and will always be grateful that Busch Gardens gave us those memories. I am excited to say that Death Water Bayou is returning this year.

DEATH WATER BAYOU: WRATH OF THE QUEEN
VOODOO MAGIC HAS RETURNED THE QUEEN TO HER SWAMP - DESCEND INTO THE SWAMPS IF YOU DARE...
Just when you thought she was gone for good, the Queen of the Shadows has been lifted from the dead by Voodoo’s dark magic and is seeking revenge upon the living. Armed with her devilish devotees, all who dare to enter the swamp are subject to curses around every corner.

THE RESIDENCE
NOT ALL IS THAT IT APPEARS TO BE - DISCOVER THE DOMESTIC DEMONS WITHIN THIS SUBURBAN HOME
Enter the pristine home of the picture perfect suburban Clark Family, but beware of unseen horrors – once you’re invited in, you may never make your way out. Don’t let yourself become the next sacrifice in their sinister devotion.

INSOMNIA - PATIENTS' REVENGE
PATIENTS AND DOCTORS CLASH - EVERY DOOR IN THIS HAUNTED ASYLUM LEADS TO YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE
Years of cruel treatments at this sleep institute have warped the minds of the tortured and imprisoned patients. Now rising against the demented doctors, the inmates have taken over the ward to seek sick revenge to torture their evil caretakers.

MOTEL HELL: INFESTATION
ESCAPE FROM THE TORMENTED MOTEL - THE EXTERMINATOR HAS TURNED HIS NOXIOUS ATTACKS ON YOU
Hordes of oozing, wriggling insects have infested Motel Shellburn and the exterminator is determined to extinguish all signs of life, including the guests. Every room in this motel from hell brings new skin-crawling horrors as you try to escape his noxious attacks and check out alive.

THE BLACK SPOT: BLOODSHED
ESCAPE FROM SAW TOOTH SILAS’S MURDEROUS HIDEAWAY - AN INFAMOUS PIRATE HAS YOU MARKED FOR DEATH AND HE HAS YOU RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS YOU
Dare to enter the underbelly of Captain Saw-Tooth Silas’ pirate ship. Try not to fall victim to what this macabre labyrinth has in store for you, the trick lies within the dimly lit corners of this mysterious hideaway- holding the secret to escape… or demise.

SIMON'S SLAUGHTER HOUSE
TRY TO MAKE IT THROUGH SIMON'S HORROR-FILLED HOUSE - STEPPING INTO SIMON’S HOUSE LEADS TO A GRUESOME GAME OF SLAUGHTER
Watch where you step in Simon’s house, as every twisted turn corrals you from one sickening scene to the next. Don’t get caged in or you might be the next one up on Simon’s butcher block.

TICKETS AND UPGRADES
One thing I will suggest, if you are going to Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream, invest in one of the front of the line upgrades. This will allow you to get the most of your experience, able to enjoy all the houses and rides you want. You can select from a variety of different options - everything from one time haunted houses to unlimited front of the line for the entire season. Plus this year, Busch Gardens is offering an unlimited admission ticket giving you access for all 22 nights! This is huge if you are looking to go more than once this year. Details and pricing are below!

HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 SINGLE-NIGHT TICKET starting at $39.99
Brave 1 visit to Howl-O-Scream 2019, select nights Sept. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Buy your tickets now and lock in your price.

HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 UNLIMITED ADMISSION TICKET $79.99
Valid for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Howl-O-Scream 2019 for one consecutive weekend (Thursday – Sunday) Scream your way through all 22 nights of Howl-O-Scream, select dates Sept. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 WILD & WICKED WEEKEND TICKET $109.99
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream Wild and Wicked Weekend Tickets
Enjoy a weekend full of visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during the day and Howl-O-Scream at night, weekends Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 2019.

FRONT OF LINE FEAR PASS starting at $35
Skip the Lines with Front Line Fear during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Why wait! Get front-of-the-line access to 6 haunted houses of your choice.

FRONT LINE FEAR EXTREME starting at $45
Skip the Lines with Front Line Fear Extreme during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy front-of-the-line access at 6 haunted houses and 7 major thrill rides of your choice.

ALL HOWL-O-SCREAM FRONT LINE FEAR UPGRADE starting at $149.99
Why wait! Get front-of-the-line access to all haunted houses and thrill rides of your choice for all 22 nights. Howl-O-Scream admission is required but not included.

SCARE ZONES
There are 9 scare zones this year at Howl-O-Scream. Included in the scare zone is First Fear, all of the horrors of the last 20 years of Busch Gardens.

FIRST FEAR: The horrors of Howl-O-Scream’s haunted past are the first frights to greet you, rising from the dead and bringing 20 years of fear back to life.
LITTLE NIGHTMARES: Take a creepy walk down memory lane to the bygone era of papier-mâché masks and homemade costumes sure to stir up the nightmares of your childhood.
CARPE NOCTEM: The eerie quiet of this gothic Romanian cemetery is shattered by the triumphant screams of vampires and the sobbing moans of their victims. Climb into a coffin but your photo may be all that comes out.
CAMP DOA: Rising from the murky swamp waters, murderous mutants have taken over a seemingly peaceful campground. Campers are snatched from their idyllic dreams to become ghostly stars of living nightmares.
HELL ON WHEELS: In a post-apocalypse world, the surly survivors will stop at nothing for food and supplies, destroying all who stand in their way. Can you run the gauntlet of a murderous crazed biker gang to make it out alive?
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS: Honoring the souls and spirits of those who have gone before us, guests can dance the night away in this festive zone; featuring face painters, traditional tastes of Mexico, spectacle of performers, and a one-of-a-kind photo with an icon of La Catrina.
MANIAC MIDWAY: Go backstage at “scariest show on earth” with Sparky and his terrifying carnie-crew as they take over Pantopia and make the midway their own stage of torture creating a frenzy of fear.
DEADLY TOYS: You can run but you cannot hide as giant toys spring to life in a murderous rampage with you in their sights. Childhood memories will be destroyed when these toys turn a play date into a slay date.
MEAT MARKET: Howl-O-Scream’s most fear-inducing zone places you in the center of a nauseating assault by cannibal creatures gorging on their monster menu of human hors d'oeuvres.

FOOD, DRINKS, AND HAPPY HOUR!
As much as I love Halloween, I am a big baby. I am petrified of clowns and I cannot go to any haunting event without having liquid courage. There are tons of bars within Howl-o-Scream and below is where you can find cocktails, beers, wine, shot girls, and more. Be sure to visit Serengeti Overlook Pub between 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. for pre-event / Happy Hour drink specials!
Carnibar in Pantopia
Dragon Fire Grill Entrance
Serengeti Overlook Pub
Stanleyville
Meat Market Bar
Nairobi Walkway

FRIGHT FEAST starting at $29.99
Devour monstrous main courses and desserts at this delicious dinner. Then, be the first to brave the dark with a half-hour of early access to the haunted houses and front-of-the-line privileges until 8:30 p.m.

FRIGHT FEAST & BEVERAGE PACKAGE starting at $49.99
Enjoy all the exclusive benefits of Fright Feast mentioned above, plus the choice of any three beverages throughout the night including beer, wine, cocktails, soda and water.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest #thrillsontap

This weekend I checked out Busch Gardens Bier Fest in Tampa Bay. The annual beer festival will take place on weekends through September 8th and will give attendees the opportunity to explore over 40 craft beers from around the world! This includes 20+ Florida Craft Breweries and the beers will change throughout the festival.

Tampa has an incredible craft beer scene so this festival makes perfect sense! Along with 40+ beers, there are multiple food tents and  live entertainment. My in-laws were in town so we brought them along and had a great afternoon trying out multiple brews and bites.

I was excited to see my favorite beer, Abita Strawberry there! This beer used to be seasonal and was just made available year-round. If you go to the festival, give this beer a try. You'll thank me later.

BIER FEST BREWS

FLORIDA BREWERIES
3 Daughters Brewing, Barrel of Monks Brewing, Big Storm Brewing Co., Big Top Brewing Co., Brew Hub, Central 28 Beer Co., Cigar City Cider & Mead, Coppertail Brewing Co., Crooked Thumb Brewery, Dunedin House of Beer, Escape Brewing Co., Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Fort Myers Brewing Co., Green Bench Brewing Co., J Wakefield Brewing, MIA Beer Co., Orange Blossom Brewing Co., Pierced Ciderworks, Sailfish Brewing Co., Tampa Bay Brewing Co., Two Henrys Brewing Co., Veza Sur Brewing Co., Walking Tree Brewery

Grand Mimosa, CiderBoys

DOMESTIC BREWERIES
21st Amendment Brewery, Abita Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, Boston Beer Co., CiderBoys, Dogfish Head Brewery, Goose Island Beer Co., Lagunitas Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Sea Dog Brewing Co., Short’s Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing, Terrapin Beer Co., The Bruery

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES
Hofbrauhaus, Paulaner Brewery, Peroni, Samuel Smith Brewery, Stella, Wittekerke

BIER FEST BITES

BEST BITES
We tried the Reuben Croquettes and the Deep Fried Cheese Curds. Both were exceptional and I would order them again. We paired them up with the Sweet & Hot Mustard and the Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard.

• Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites
• Reuben Croquettes
• Deep Fried Cheese Curds
• Dipping Sauces: Basil Parmesan Mayo, Sweet & Hot Mustard, Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard

Deep Fried Cheese Curds and Reuben Croquettes

SIP 'N SLIDERS
The two sliders we tried were the Schnitzelwich Slider and the Bratwurst Slider. I preferred the  Bratwurst Slider with the Pretzel Roll, it was perfect with the braised red cabbage.

• Bison Slider: Grilled Bison Slider on a Pretzel Roll with Provolone Cheese, Bacon & Onion Marmalade
• Schnitzelwich Slider: Schnitzel on a Pretzel Roll with Swiss Cheese & Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard
• Bratwurst Slider: Split Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with Braised Red Cabbage & Horseradish Mustard
• Flourless Chocolate Torte: Served with Guinness-Infused Whipped Cream

Bratwurst Slider

MELTED MUNCHIES
The groups favorite bite of the day was the Impossible Burger Slider. We didn't tell my in-laws that it was a veggie burger and they raved about it being one of the best burgers they've had. I agree. If I am going to return to the festival this year, I would buy a full sized version of one of these sandwiches. I hope Busch Gardens puts it on their menu permanently. We also tried the Short Rib & Brie Melt. It was good, just wish there was a little more short rib on the sandwich we got!

• Short Rib & Brie Melt: Short Rib, Brie & Caramelized Onions served on a Toasted Roll with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• ImpossibleTM Burger Melt: Impossible Burger on Texas Toast with Provolone & Red Onion Jam
• Griddled Cheesecake Melt: Sweet Cream Cheese Filling on Pound Cake, Grilled & served with Guava Sauce

Impossible Burger Patty Melt

PUB GRUB

• Fried Chicken Wings tossed in your choice of Spicy Mango Sauce, Blood Orange Sesame Glaze, or Korean BBQ sauce
• Sweet Potato Fries served with Toasted Marshmallow Dipping Sauce
• Deep Fried Pretzel Sticks with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce

TACOS ON TAP

• Shrimp Taco: Beer-Battered Shrimp, Flour Tortilla, Shredded Cabbage, Queso Fresco & Sweet Ginger Pickled Onions on a Flour Tortilla
• Smoked Brisket Taco: Smoked Brisket, Corn Tortilla, Citrus Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese & Crispy Jalapeno Strips on a Corn Tortilla
• Jerk Chicken Taco: Grilled Jerk Chicken, Flour Tortilla, Shredded Cabbage, Smoked Pineapple Salsa & Queso Fresco on a Flour Tortilla
• Portobello Mushroom Taco: Portobello Mushrooms Sautéed with Peppers, Onions & Corn served on a Corn Tortilla with Shredded Cabbage & Pico De Gallo

FLOATS

• Adult Root Beer Float with a shot of your choice
• Hard Coffee Float: Pabst Blue Ribbon Hard Coffee served over Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Rosé Float: Astoria Sparkling Rosé Moscato served over Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Maduro Float: Cigar City Brewing Maduro Brown Ale served over Vanilla & Chocolate Swirled Soft Serve Ice Cream

FOOD & BEVERAGE SAMPLER PACKAGES
One of the things I really appreciate about Busch Gardens festivals is that you can purchase a tasting lanyard. This is great if you're going with a group of people as you can evenly split the cost, and won't be sticker shocked at the end of the day. Our group of Four split two 10 packs and it was more than enough for us. There are multiple samplers in a variety of price points. The way it works, each food and drink sample equals one hole punch. If you want a full sized beer (or wine), you can use two hole punches. Pass Members save 15% off samplers and have the access to purchase an exclusive 12 item sampler.
5-ITEM SAMPLER: $29.99 ($25.49 w/ Pass Member discount)
10-ITEM SAMPLER: $49.99 ($42.99 w/ Pass Member discount)
12-ITEM PASS MEMBER EXCLUSIVE SAMPLER: $49.99 (must be an annual pass member to purchase this lanyard)

You can check out more details and hours of the festival on buschgardens.com 

Thank you to Busch Gardens for providing us with two tickets and tasting samplers. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

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Busch Gardens Howl O Scream 2018 Review

It is no secret that I am obsessed with Halloween. I have been this way since a small child and it is my favorite time of year. Halloween kicks off the holiday season and is full of fun, scare, treats and surprises. Residing in Tampa has it's perks....Busch Gardens hosts Howl-O-Scream every year, where on select nights in September and October they turn the park into a land of horror.

When we moved to Tampa in 2010, we started attending Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. There has only been one year over the past eight where we missed attending (2014, wedding, honeymoon and crazy busy). We even had an engagement shoot at one off the Haunted Houses, Death Water Bayou! 

I was very excited when Busch Gardens invited me and Gabe back to check out this years Howl-O-Scream during their VIP party. I've been on the road non-stop over the past month and we had an off-weekend with no plans. Perfect timing! My equally Halloween obsessed friend Corey also went and we had a great time checking out the houses and riding rides.

I can say with 100% certainty that this years Howl-O-Scream was our favorite. On the way home, Gabe and I chatted about how Busch Gardens raised the bar on expectations with their annual event. There were multiple scare zones this year including Meat Market, Maniac Midway, Camp DOA, Deadly Tots, Hell on Wheels and Dia de los Muertos. Busch Gardens did great with elevating the guest experience and all three were way more than someone jumping out with a chain saw to scare you.

If you found yourself in odd numbers, your single rider guest was from another world as Monsters rode the rides with guests. This happened to Corey with a Clown. I would have said NO. She's braver than me. As much as I love Halloween, I HATE Clowns. There were quite a few of those in attendance. All around, we were super impressed with 2018 Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. Except the addition of clowns everywhere.

Corey riding a ride with a Clown

We were able to check out nearly the entire park with the a Front Line Fear Pass. This pass allowed us to go to the front of every ride and haunted house. We never waited in line for anything we did, which allowed us to visit all 6 Haunted Houses, watch our favorite - the "naughty nurse" Fiends show and ride 4 roller coasters in less than 4 hours. If you are going to Howl-O-Scream, trust me and purchase the add-on. They start at $35 and include 20% off at the gift shops.

Insomnia - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa

Insomnia

One of the new Howl-O-Scream haunted houses in 2018 was Insomnia. We found ourselves in a haunted asylum, where doctors keep their patients awake forever through twisted treatments. Each door was a new nightmare, and there was a scene with counting sheep that I will never forget. 

Simon's Slaughterhouse - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa

Simons Slaughterhouse 

Another new house for 2018 was Simon's Slaughterhouse which takes place inside of a Meat Market full of cannibals. The house smells like meat and if there was any place that could turn me Vegan, it was here. This house is intended for 17+ and I am thankful to be writing this on a Monday night, where we have Meatless Monday's in our house.

The Black Spot - Photo from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Black Spot
You can't be in Tampa without a Pirate themed Haunted House. It's only natural! When Saw Tooth Silas, an infamous pirate, decides that one should no longer exist, he marks them for death. Victims are then sent to The Black Spot, where they meet their horrifying end.

Death Water Bayou - Photo from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

With the Voodoo Queen at our Engagement shoot

Death Water Bayou
This house will always be my favorite. When Death Water Bayou was announced in 2013, staged in a New Orleans Swamp - I knew we had to get Halloween themed engagement pics done there. We love everything about Halloween and were having a destination wedding in NOLA. I was so happy Busch Gardens allowed us to have our shoot there so this house will always mean a ton to me. I was thrilled to hear Death Water Bayou was making a return in 2018. The house starts off by introducing you to the Voodoo Queen and throughout the house, many New Orleans staples turn into dark magic.

Unearthed - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Unearthed
Another crowd favorite returned this year - Unearthed. In "Unearthed" you go through an excavation in the park leads which leads to the discovery of an old house and a sinister force. The force does not want you to exit and you have to navigate your way through with a flashlight.

Motel Hell - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Motel Hell
Motel Hell was the last house we visited of the night. It's a haunted house based in a vacant hotel full of paranormal presence from its former owners. Every turn had a new horror.

Howl-O-Scream 2018 will run from September 21st through October 28th. Click here for more information and follow hashtag #NoWhereToHide to live through other peoples experiences!

Busch Gardens Tampa provided me with two VIP tickets to experience Howl-O-Scream. I was not required to write a post and this review was at my own discretion. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival Review 2018

Food, Wine, Concerts, exciting rides and animals can only mean one thing. Busch Garden's Food and Wine Festival is back! On the weekends through April 29,you can take advantage to see some of the biggest acts in musical entertainment while enjoying delicious food, craft brews, a large selection of wine and cocktails!

The best part about it, your admission covers concerts and this is a valid event with any annual pass, fun card or daily admission. A few weeks ago, Gabe and I had the opportunity to check out this years Food and Wine Festival. Busch Garden's festival gets better year after year. I was very impressed with this years selection of food and drink. They had quite a few options for dietary restrictions which was great to see. We had a fantastic time and hope to get back again this year.

I strongly suggest getting one of the food samplers if you go. You can use these to select any food or drink at the festival. It's much easier than pulling out a credit card or cash at each food cabin and you have a choice between a variety of levels. If there is a concert you want to sea, one of the VIP Concert Seating options is the way to go!
5 item sampler: $29.99
10 item sampler: $39.99
12 item sampler: $59.99
VIP Concert Seating level 1 + 5 item sampler: $44.99
VIP Concert Seating level 2 + 5 item sampler: $34.99

FOOD CABINS

ARTISAN EATS

Duck Fat Truffle Fries

Pupusas with Curdito & Grilled Shrimp
Smoked Trout, Watermelon Radish Charred Herbs Vinaigrette (GF)
Duck Fat Truffle Fries with Parmesan Truffle Aioli (GF)
Wine: Fleur De Mer, Rose
Beer: Founders Brewing Co., All Day IPA 4.7% ABV, IBU 42

COOKING WITH COKE PAVILION

Orange Fanta Whoopie Pie

Orange Fanta Whoopie Pie (VEG)
Pulled Pork Slider with Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce
Baked Brie with Strawberry Fanta Coulis (VEG)
Wine: William Hill Estate Winery, Pinot Noir
Beer: Pair O' Dice Brewing Co., Lucky Lucy Strawberry Blonde 5.5% ABV, IBU 15

COKE FUSION

Minute Maid Apple Glazed Pork Belly

Boiled Peanut Hummus with Coke® Drizzle (V)
Minute Maid Apple Glazed Pork Belly with Kimchee Slaw
Coke® Infused Chocolate Cupcake Topped with Pop Rocks (VEG)
Wine: Michael David Winery, Freakshow Red Blend
Beer: Tampa Bay Brewing Co., Reef Donkey APA 5.5% ABV, IBU 36

FIELD HOUSE EATERY

Grilled Lamb Chops

Char Sui Duck Steam Bun
Habanero-Infused Baklava with Fresh Pomegranate (V)
Grilled Lamb Chops with Tabouleh & Tzatziki (GF)
Wine: Josh Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon Craftsman 14
Beer: Motorworks Brewing, Intellectual Property Ale IPA 6.9% ABV, IBU 85
Frozen Cocktails: Mojito, Red Sangria

GOURMET LODGE

Beef Brisket on Spiced Corn Waffle

Mango Shrimp Ceviche with Sweet and Spicy Marinade (GF)
Beef Brisket on a Spiced Corn Waffle with Amberbock BBQ Sauce
Griddled Cheese Cake Sandwich with Raspberry Drizzle (VEG)
Wine: Trapiche, Oak Cask Malbec
Beer: New Belgium, Fat Tire Belgium White Ale 5.2% ABV IBU

SAVORY TAVERN

Fried Frog Legs - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Guava Empanada (VEG)
Shrimp Po Boy
Fried Frog Legs with Bacon Corn Fritters & Cajun Remoulade
Wine: Pacific Rim, Riesling "J"
Beer: Motorworks Brewing, Pulp Friction Grapefruit IPA 6.3% ABV, IBU 85

CHEF'S PLANTATION

Gochujang Ribs - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Short Rib & Brie Grilled Cheese on House-Made Brioche
Salmon Cake with Lemon Aioli
Gochujang Ribs in Korean BBQ Sauce
Wine: Lobetia, Rose
Beer Funky Buddha Brewery, Pineapple Beach Blonde 5% ABV, 20 IBU

COAST-TO-COAST COOKERY

Cauliflower Cake

Cauliflower Cake with Sriracha Aioli (V)
Pan-Seared Steak with Chimichurri & Roasted Poblano Hash (GF)
Flourless Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Sauce (VEG) Wine: SAVED, Red Blend
Beer: Swamp Head Brewery, Wild Night Honey Cream Ale 5% ABV, IBU 21
Frozen Cocktails: Blue Lemonade, Watermelon Frosé

SOUTHERN STATION

Bananas Foster Panna Cotta - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Venison Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Fresh English Peas, and Blackberry Demi-Glace
Bison Slider on a Poppy Seed Roll with Bacon and Sriracha Ketchup
Bananas Foster Panna Cotta with Caramel Popcorn
Wine: Alexander Valley, Merlot
Beer: Founders Brewing Co., Solid Gold Lager 4.4% ABV, IBU 20
Frozen Cocktails: Blue Lemonade, Watermelon Frosé

COMFORT KITCHEN

Tostones Rellenos - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Tostones Rellenos de Pollo Fried Plantain Cups filled with Stewed Chicken
Cabernet Wine-Filled Chocolate Truffles (GF, V, VEG)
Bacon Mac & Cheese
Wine: Terrazas de los Andes, Malbec
Beer: 3 Daughters Brewing, Beach Blonde Ale 5% ABV, IBU 24

LIGHT FARE CANTEEN

Antipasti - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Antipasti of Roasted Tomatoes, Artesian Meats, Cheeses & Olives (GF)
Mushroom Vol-Au-Vent Medley of Mushrooms in a Flakey Pastry (VEG)
Lobster Tart with Leeks & Swiss Cheese
Wine: Rutherford Ranch, Sauvignon Blanc
Beer: Rekorderlig, Strawberry-Lime Cider 4.5% ABV

TASTY TAQUERIA

Short Rib Taco - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Duck Taco with Sweet Chili Sauce, Slow Roasted, Asian Sweet Chili Sauce on a Corn Tortilla
Short Rib Taco Tender Beef with a BBQ Demi Glaze & Onion Straws on a Corn Tortilla (GF)
Portobello Mushroom Taco Balsamic Vinegar Roasted Portobello Mushrooms Paired with Corn on a Corn Tortilla (GF, V, VEG)
Wine: J. Lohr, Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon
Beer: Goose Island Beer Co., Goose Island IPA 5.9% ABV, 55 IBU
Frozen Cocktails: Mojito, Red Sangria

GARDEN GATE CAFÉ

Tuna Poke - Photo Rights: Busch Gardens

Truffle Seafood Mac & Cheese, Shrimp, Scallops, & Cod in a Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce Scented with White Truffle
Tuna Poke, Hawaiian Seasoned Tuna
Wine: Murphy Goode, Sauvignon Blanc
Beer: Brew Bus Brewing, You're My Boy Blueberry Wheat 6% ABV, IBU 12

CONCERTS:

Here is the lineup of concerts at the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival. You can purchase a VIP seating upgrade (as mentioned above), which will get you prime seats and 5 treats from the festival. There is literally something for everyone at this years festival! There are quite a few concerts from this years festival I would love to see.
March 3rd: Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain 5:30pm
March 4th: Group Niche 6pm
March 10th: The Fray 7pm
March 11th: Southern Uprising - Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band 3pm
March 17th: Olga Tanon 7pm
March 18th: Goo Goo Dolls 6pm
March 24th: Better than Ezra & Tonic 5:30pm
March 25th: Michael Bolton 6pm
March 31st: Boyz II Men 7pm
April 1st: Natalie Grant 6pm
April 7th: Hank Williams Jr 7pm
April 8th: TLC 6pm
April 14th: Bret Michaels 7pm
April 15th: Kool & The Gang and The Commodores 5:30pm
April 21st: The All-American Rejects 7pm
April 22nd: Cole Swindell 6pm
April 28th: Flo Rida 7pm
April 29th: Kaleo & Bleachers 5:30pm

Special thanks to Busch Gardens for hosting us at the VIP media preview. I was not required to write a post, as always all opinions are my own. 

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Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival

This weekend kicked off the third annual Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival in Tampa Bay. The festival will take place on Saturdays & Sundays March 4th through April 30th and feature 13 food cabins, 65+ fine wines and 70+ craft beers.

Along with delicious food, wine and beer, Busch Gardens offers live concerts at 7 p.m. This is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. Some of the live acts include DNCE, Hunter Hayes, The Band Perry, Goo Goo Dolls and Lynard Skynard. Click here for the full concert listing.

We ran into many fellow bloggers and media folks at the VIP festival. As always, we were happy to spend time with our friends and neighbors Heather & Bobby. This was their first visit to Busch Gardens an we are now working on a date to come back and experience more of the festival!

This is a perfect time to take advantage of the Busch Gardens Fun Pass - where you pay for a day ($102.99) and get to come back for the rest of 2017 for free (including Adventure Island). This allows access to the following special events: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Real Music Series, Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights and Christmas Town™, plus Adventure Island's Island Nights.

As I mentioned above, there are 13 themed food cabins with a variety of different small plates for purchase.

Lobster Tart from Light Fare Canteen

We tried a variety of the dishes served during the multi-weekend festival. My favorite without a doubt was the Tuna Poke Wakame Salad from Garden Gate Cafe.

Heather's favorite was the Bacon Mac & Cheese from Comfort Kitchen (who also has buffalo chicken that I must come back out and try!)

Bacon Mac & Cheese from Comfort Kitchen

I was very impressed with the Lamb Chops from Field House Eatery. The Tabouleh and Tzatziki were a perfect addition to this dish. 

You can also find Pan Seared Scallops and Black Lentil Salad at Field House Eatery.

The dessert offering at Field House Eatery was a Key Lime Berry Parfait Mousse with a Churro!

The Pulled Pork Slider with Cherry Coke BBQ from the Cooking with Coke Pavilion was another crowd favorite. This tent also features Baked Brie with Strawberry Fanta Syrup and a Coke-Infused Chocolate Pop Rocks Cupcake - both of which I will be back for.

Along with a sampling of dishes from the festival, we also tried multiple varieties of wine, craft beer, frozen sangria and a bourbon tasting.

I look forward to returning back sometime over the next few weeks and trying more dishes, especially the Korean-style ribs and brown sugar-rubbed pork belly from Chef's Plantation & the sweet chili duck taco from Tasty Taqueria

Check out the menu's below!

GOURMET LODGE
Explore the exotic flavors of Gourmet Lodge, featuring a new mango shrimp ceviche, and smoked beef brisket on a spiced corn waffle. Our 2016 guest-voted favorite, the griddled cheese cake sandwich, will also be returning.

SAVORY TAVERN
Tempt taste buds with the rich flavors of Savory Tavern, including coconut shrimp cigars, cabernet wine-filled chocolate truffles, and a goat cheese polenta cake topped with olives and tomatoes.

CHEF'S PLANTATION
Hearty flavors await your palate at Chef’s Plantation with pan-seared salmon, Korean-style ribs and brown sugar-rubbed pork belly.

COAST TO COAST COOKERY
Classic Latin cuisine and a delectable dessert favorite come together at Coast to Coast Cookery, featuring Chimichurri hangar steak, all-new vegetable arepas and a flourless chocolate torte.

FIELD HOUSE EATERY
The Field House Eatery is the Festival’s biggest location, offering pan-seared diver scallops and lamb chops with tabouleh and tzatziki sauce, plus a new-for-2017 key lime berry parfait mousse.

SOUTHERN STATION
Southern Station tantalizes taste buds with all-new venison meatloaf and bananas foster panna cotta, along with a returning favorite, the bison slider.

COMFORT KITCHEN
The Comfort Kitchen fuses classics like our famous bacon mac & cheese and buffalo chicken mac & cheese with contemporary elegant eats like lobster ravioli in a delicious tomato sauce.

LIGHT FARE CANTEEN
Freshen up your palate at Light Fare Canteen with the all-new lobster tart with spring asparagus. Then, fill up on returning favorites like smoked chicken quinoa and a perfect cheese plate to accompany a glass of wine.

TASTY TAQUERIA
The all-new cabin puts a twist on the classic taqueria with a BBQ short rib taco, Portobello mushroom taco and the sweet chili duck taco.

GARDEN GATE CAFÉ
Garden Gate Café brings back two favorites with tuna poke, and a pheasant sausage flatbread topped with filet de pomodoro.

ARTISAN EATS
Treat yourself to unique flavors crafted to treat your appetite, including shrimp and grits and a toy box tomato salad.

COOKING WITH COKE PAVILION
Savor the flavor at the new Cooking with Coke® Pavillion where Coca-Cola® inspired creations come to life, including pulled pork sliders with Coca-Cola® Cherry BBQ sauce, baked brie with Fanta® Strawberry syrup and a Coca-Cola® infused pop rock cupcake.

COKE FUSION
Indulgent guilty pleasures come to life at the all-new Coke Fusion Presented By Coca-Cola®. Enjoy delicious ice cream floats, jerk chicken empanada with Coca-Cola® inspired dipping sauces and chili pepper southwest cheddar soup.

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