Carowinds Taste of the Season

Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a CRAZY year. Each time I think it is getting back to normal or leveling off it is as if I can hear the calendar scream “plot twist!!!”. No doubt the many mandates and guidelines have altered so many things. While I love the part about us being home more as a family, I miss going places for entertainment purposes. When you have five people in a house with two teens sharing a room, sometimes everyone needs a break… especially mom and dad!

My husband and I finally got one, and a much-needed one at that!

After all of the Thanksgiving festivities at my in-laws, we left the kids to stay with Grandma and went for a quick overnight in Charlotte. Ok, not just ANYwhere in Charlotte but… CAROWINDS!

For a few limited dates, Carowinds is open for their Taste of the Season event! Imagine walking through your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies with all the lights and Christmas music. Throw in the excitement of great roller coasters like Afterburner and Copperhead Strike and then top it off with AMAZING holiday food… you begin to understand what Taste of the Season is all about!

Need a little help picturing it? Take a minute and watch this short video.

Don’t worry. Everything is done with extreme caution. Cleanliness and social distancing is top priority for Carowinds staff to assure a safe visit. Masks are to be worn at all times in the park (except when eating or drinking). The rides are sanitized between every rider and the park as a whole is running with very limited occupants (which makes it great to be able to soak everything up without people bumping into you).

Speaking of food, we always love the food at Carowinds but Taste of the Season takes it to a whole new level! With 30 holiday-themed treats, there is something for everyone! Our favorites were the Carowinds Pull-apart Bread and Santa’s Southern Poutine! I have to be honest when my husband said he wanted the Poutine, I was a bit hesitant but went along with it anyway. It has sweet potato fries with ham, a small bit of gravy, and cheese curds. It sounds crazy but I am telling you it was DELICIOUS! You just have to try it to believe it. By the way, Carowinds, I think I need your recipe!

After leaving the park, we made the short trek just across the parking lot to the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds.

This 5 story hotel is absolutely beautiful and extremely fresh and clean! Amenities are plentiful with breakfast provided, a gym, a seasonal outdoor pool, and my favorite, an outdoor gas fire pit! What better way to top off a chilly night at Carowinds than by kicking your heels up next to a beautiful warm fire!

Did I mention that we were looking forward to just a little relaxation? When we got to our room it was the perfect setup for a wonderful stay. Instrumental music greeted us as soon as we opened our hotel room door. Our room featured a small living room area equipped with a comfy couch that also served as a pullout bed for larger families and a desk for the business traveler. It also featured two queen beds that were so comfortable. My husband is still talking about how well he slept on those mattresses. The pillows were extremely plush!

As we settled in for the night we found that our tv was a smart tv equipped not just with the standard channels but so many of the popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more to chose from. Whether looking for a great movie to watch or to catch up on your favorite series, this tv was perfect to do so!

I also really loved the design of the bathroom in the room. It was actually divided into two stand-alone rooms with fashionable pocket doors!

I know it’s December and things can get crazy but take time to make memories with those you love! Whether a quick getaway with your spouse or a fun-filled trip with your entire family, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Carowinds and the SpringHill Marriot. Make your reservations today as limited tickets are available.