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Sip and Nibble at the Cedar Point Brew & BBQ 2017

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Ahhh…we went to the Cedar Point Brew and BBQ this weekend but I can still smell that amazing aroma! Cedar Point Brew and BBQ is back for the third year and it’s simply amazing! For only a couple more weekends (including Memorial Day) you can enjoy mouthwatering BBQ dishes and sample some of the best craft beer from around the country, all while enjoying some live entertainment too!

The 2017 Cedar Point Brew & BBQ takes place on the following weekends:
May 19 – May 21
May 26 – May 29
June 2 – 4
June 9 – June 11


Before you read any further, I want to be clear, this price of this event is WELL WORTH IT! Yes, even to a money saver like me. The food was delicious… like melt in your mouth delicious! On top of this, the amount of tickets you get to sample more than cover the price, in fact, I think that Cedar Point could get away with charging a little more.

TIP: To make your tickets last longer, I’d strongly recommend that you choose the sample sizes (which are quite large in size, if you ask me). If you really like your sampled dish, go back for a full portion.


Cedar Point Brew & BBQ starts at 2:00 pm each day mentioned above and runs until close. Keep in mind that food and beverage sales end a half hour before park close. While admission to Brew & BBQ is included with your park ticket or season pass, if you wish to try any of the food or beverage, you will need to purchase tickets.

THE COST:
Since you are a money saver, purchase your tickets online for a bit of a discount. Advanced online sales are $67 for Cedar Point + Brew and BBQ Admission. Tickets for Brew & BBQ are $20 when purchased in advance. If you purchase tickets at the park, they are $97 (Cedar Point + Brew and BBQ Admission Bundle), $30 (Brew and BBQ Only (park admission required)), or $25 (Brew and BBQ Only for passholders, resort guests and marina passholders).

 

WHAT YOU’LL GET:
With paid Cedar Point Brew and BBQ admission, each event ticket holder will get 15 tickets and a cute little souvenir sample mug. Each ticket is good for one 4 oz. sample of beer, food, or dessert. Three tickets will get you a full serving. If you aren’t a beer drinker, no worries, a 12 oz. fountain drinks is available for only ticket each.  Even better, season passholders, will receive a bonus ticket redeemable for a 12 oz. glass of the Brew Kettle beer.

2017 CEDAR POINT BREW AND BBQ MENU

So now for the important stuff, the menu! There are four styles of BBQ at the event, including Texas BBQ, Carolina BBQ, Kansas City BBQ, Memphis BBQ and Nashville Blue Plate BBQ. Be sure to give yourself more than enough time, as there is a lot to nibble. Want to see all that’s offered at each station? Here’s what you need to know.

Texas Barbecue Carnitas Nachos ~ so good you’ll want seconds!

TEXAS BBQ

This stations offered Texas Smoked Sliced Brisket on Texas Toast with BBQ Sauce and BBQ Carnita Nachos. Both were really good but the Carnitas Nachos were amazing! Since I love a little kick, I also opted for the pickled jalapenos on top. As I mentioned before, the sample size was a very generous sample.


CAROLINA BBQ

Pulled Pork or Chicken Sliders with a choice of three Carolina-style sauces: Vinegar, Mustard, or Smokey BBQ. I loved that you were able to choose it with or without coleslaw and even got to choose your own BBQ sauce. Since I couldn’t choose, I picked two different sauces for each half. This was delicious!

KANSAS CITY BBQ

Smokehouse Ribs are offered with both a dry rub and with BBQ sauce. I sampled both versions of the ribs and the meat literally fell off the bone while being very flavorful. This was a favorite in my group and more than one of us went back for seconds.

MEMPHIS BBQ

This area offers Pork Shoulder Sandwich with Smokey BBQ sauce and Smoked Sausage. The generous sample of Smoked Sausage cooked to perfection and the mini sandwich was so flavorful.  You can’t go wrong at this station.

NASHVILLE BLUE PLATE BBQ

This BBQ area is located inside Buckarro’s Burritos restaurant and there are a few choices including, sliced brisket, chopped pork, smoked sausage, mac n cheese, potato wedges and coleslaw. While everything was delicious, the smoked sausage so was full of flavor!  For one ticket each, you can sample the three meat or side dish options.

While there were a few dessert options at the Cedar Point Brew and BBQ with offering such as Pecan Tartlets and Banana Cream Pie, I had to skip it as I was too full with BBQ.

THE BREW

With over 100 offerings from both local and not-so-local breweries, you are sure find something you’ll love! In fact, there are even specialty brews made just for Cedar Point. My friends who came with me really liked the hard ciders and fell in love with the ginger beer. So much so that they looked it up in their grocery store as soon as they got home! If want to sip, I’d strongly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying something new!

I’ve attended many events at Cedar Point, but the Brew and BBQ has to be one of my favorites! I think it is well worth the additional cost. When you take into consideration that both the BBQ and brew samples are very generous, I think you definitely get your money’s worth. Keep in mind that this festival runs only on weekends through June 11, 2017, and includes Memorial Day (May 29) so don’t delay on getting your tickets.

Disclosure: As an official Cedar Point Blogger, I received complimentary tickets to this events to share about it with my readers. Of course, all opinions are my own… as they always are.




6 Reasons to Visit Cedar Point in 2017

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6 REASONS TO VISIT CEDAR POINT IN 2017

Of course, Cedar Point is known for their amazing roller coasters and thrill rides but Cedar Point is so much more than than! In fact, if you are only going for the rides, you are missing out! From barbeques to water slides, there is just so much to see and do this 2017 season.  Thinking about making a trip? Here are six exciting reasons to visit Cedar Point in 2017.

 

BREW AND BBQ

The third annual Brew and BBQ will be held each weekend at Cedar Point from May 19 – June 11 (includes Memorial Day). With over 100 brews to tasts and four styles of BBQ it may be hard to choose your favorites. The fun begins at 2pm each event day through park closing. Keep in mind that the last call is 45 minutes beforehand.

Admission Prices:

$97 – Cedar Point + Brew and BBQ Admission Bundle
$30 – Brew and BBQ Only (park admission required)
$25 – Brew and BBQ Only (Passholders, Resort Guests and Marina Passholders)

Keep in mind that it’s cheaper to buy your tickets online!

CEDAR POINT SHORES

Cedar Point Shores is new for the 2017 season and opens Memorial Day weekend! This 18 acre water park has four completely new water attractions, including the all new, six-story Point Plummet. This slide is a near-vertical free fall after the floor drops out from underneath your feet. Cedar Point Shores is open Memorial Day Weekend through early September.

 

CEDAR POINT NIGHTS

Coming back this year is Cedar Point Nights! Each night from July 14 – August 13, 2017, guests can experience Cedar Point Nights right on the Cedar Point Beach. My family went to Cedar Point nights last year and loved it (read Cedar Point Nights post)! This fun event offers live music, fire pits, games and so much more. Think of it as a fabulous Beach Party. This year there will be dinner options including grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Of course you won’t want to miss the fireworks finale at park closing. Watching it from the beach is one of the best locations!

LAST BLAST OF SUMMER

When summer begins to wide down and the kids are about to head back to school, there is still time to have FUN at Cedar Point! Each weekend, August 21 through September 4th, you’ll have the opportunity to tempt your tastebuds with an array of delicious food from food trucks at the Cedar Point Last Blast of Summer. Come nibble and taste while these food trucks compete for first place.

cedar point halloweekends

HALLOWEEKENDS

It’s so much fun to visit Cedar Point in the summer, but Halloweekends in the fall are amazing! In fact, it may be my favorite time to visit since the cooler weather makes it perfect for a hoodie. Halloweekends starts mid-September, and there are things to do for everyone in the family. Cedar Point offers plenty of family-friendly fun during the day with parades, games and Peanuts character meet and greets, but also offers some more scary events once the sun goes down (don’t worry, kids can still stay after dark). On top of the rides, Cedar Point offers  haunted houses and spooky trail walks for those who dare. If you don’t want to venture into the scary parts, simply keep an eye on the map. It clearly lays out which areas may be a little scary for the little ones.

OVERNIGHT STAYS

There is just so much to see and do at Cedar Point that you may just want to plan for a couple of days! Cedar Point offers a few places to extend your stay and we’ve stayed at a few! On top of a comfy room, staying overnight in a Cedar Point hotel or cabin offers a few perks such as early entry into the park, free parking, shuttle service inside the park and deals on admission! Check out our Cedar Point resort reviews below:

With so much to see and do at Cedar Point, it’s time to plan your next trip. Whether it’s an all-day trip to the park or just a day on the Cedar Point beach, you are sure to make memories to last a lifetime.




The Covered Bridges of Washington County (Marietta, Ohio)

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There is a sweet nostalgia surrounding America’s covered bridges. While many of these charming structures have been lost to modern upgrades, there are still some around for us to enjoy. Best of all, Washington County, has nine!

Nestled in the southeast corner of Ohio, Washington County’s southern and eastern boundary is along the Ohio River. Washington County once had over 50 covered bridges scattered through it, but floods and weather have taken many away. While only three can still carry traffic, you can still visit them during your next trip to Marietta, Ohio. In fact, it makes a great day trip!

During my recent travel to Marietta, Ohio, I was able to visit two of these gorgeous covered bridges during a sunrise photo session. They were charming and made me earn for the peaceful and simple time of yesteryear.  I was amazed how well these covered bridges have held up over the years and was impressed how well they’ve been taken care of.

If you are looking to enjoy the scenery of Washington County, be sure to check out the Covered Bridge Tour created by The Washington County Convention and Visitor Bureau. This tour can be taken by your own car so you can take as much time as you want. You’ll see a lot as you take in the serene hills and beautiful landscape. This is a perfect opportunity to take time away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy the piece and quiet of the country.


Need a place to stay in Marietta, Ohio? Check out my Lafayette Hotel review!




A Historical Stay at The Lafayette Hotel in Marietta, Ohio

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Disclosure: I received a free stay at The Lafayette Hotel as part of a press trip in Marietta. All opinions are my own.


Last month, I spent a few days discovering the quaint and charming town of Marietta, Ohio.  This riverboat town was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory and has blossomed into an amazing town filled with great food, historical buildings and eclectic shops. I learn so much about Marietta, Ohio and I can’t wait to introduce her to you!

While in Marietta, Ohio, I stayed in the historic and some say haunted, Lafayette Hotel. This beautiful hotel is nestled right along the Ohio River and is located in the heart of downtown Marietta. Walk right out the front doors and the best of Marietta will be right at your fingertips. With tons of specialty shops and restaurants within walking distance, you won’t even need your car.


The Lafayette Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city and is rich in history. The hotel was orginially called The Bellvue and was built in 1892. Unfortunately, the Bellvue was destroyed by fire in 1916.  For you history buffs, be sure to check out pictures of the fire in the Lafayette’s Gunroom Restaurant. In fact, there are historical pictures and antiques all over the hotel that I really enjoyed looking at.

The beautiful Lafayette Hotel was built by a Marietta businessmen and opened in 1918.  Over the years many renovations have taken places as well as an addition. The Hoag addition was added to the third floor of the hotel in the 1930s and in 2004 the rooms were brought back to the Victorian themes that you see today.

Before you start to explore the town, you can hop into one of the hotel’s two restaurants, Riverfront Bar & Grill or the Gun Room.  These restaurants offer both food and drink in a welcoming environment. Their menus are expansive and offer everything from appetizers to a full course dinner.  Best of all the Riverfront Bar & Grill overlooks the Ohio River and offers stunning views.

The Layfayette Hotel boasts 77 uniquely themed guest rooms that aren’t offered anywhere else in Marietta. On top of this, they offer many different types of rooms that are sure to fit one’s budget and style. From the King Parlor with balcony to the double twin rooms, each guest room is elegantly decorated in the Victorian theme. My room had a beautiful lamp, an intricate mirror, and an older syle desk that you’d find only in antique shops. All of these pieces really created such a great feel to this cozy and unique room.



My room had a nice size TV with cable and HBO as well as a highback chair. While my cozy room had Victorian furniture, the bed was amazingly comfortable! It was perfectly soft and cushy while still being firm and supportive. Really, I didn’t want to leave it each morning. Even the bathroom was decked out in vintage decor with  subway tiles on the wall and a black and white hexagonal mosaic floor.

On top of the room amenities, the Lafayette Hotel offers a free traditional breakfast on weekdays, free parking and guest privileges at the local YMCA.  This hotel is even pet friendly, so you can bring along your pooch (additional fee may apply)!

To make your overnight stay extra special, check out their package deals. Currently I’m seeing a Historical Weekend Retreat offer along with a Golf Package. Coming this summer they will be offering a Ghost Hunters and Midweek River Romp special.  These packages offer different amenities so be sure to check them all out.


If you’re looking for a place to stay in Marietta, Ohio, The Lafayette Hotel is it! Step inside and let The Lafayette Hotel take care of your every need!  After all they’ve been preparing for your visit for over 100 years!




8 Things You’ll LOVE About Castaway Bay ~ Sandusky, Ohio

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My family and I visited Castaway Bay recently and we had a blast! Located right outside the gates of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, Castaway Bay, is an easy drive from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. We’ve been visiting Castaway Bay for a few years and there are some things we simply LOVE about it! Here are eight things you’ll love about Castaway Bay too!

1 – It’s always 82 degrees –

Need a tropical getaway? Head to Castaway Bay! With the tropical theme and warm temperature, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in an island paradise. Best of all you’ll be able to get that island feel without spending the big bucks flying to the islands. Castaway Bay is the perfect thing to chase away those cold weather blues! There is truly something for everyone from a toddler area to zooming water slides for the more daring!

2 – The Comfy Rooms –

Whether you are a small family or a large one, Castaway Bay has you covered. Castaway Bay has many rooms to pick from and we’ve stayed in a few different types. Last year we stayed in the large two-room Tarpon Suite and this year we opted for the Starfish Bayview. As a family of five, we had more than enough room and we loved our balcony with a view. This is first time I’ve ever seen a pull out chair (a twin pull out bed) and it was the perfect size for our oldest son. Since a mini fridge and microwave come in the room, be sure to bring along some snacks and drinks for after your time in the waterpark.

3- Club Castaway –

Castaway Bay keeps you busy both inside the waterpark and out! If your kids are looking for FUN, check out Club Castaway. From encounters with the Peanuts Gang such as Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang to dance parties, story times and movie nights, you are sure to have a blast! Best of all, it’s FREE! When checking in, be sure to check out the daily schedule of events so you won’t miss any. If arts and crafts is your thing be sure to check out the craft area where kids can color their own t-shirt, beach blanket and more! This year we chose to create a pillow case and the boys couldn’t wait to get it on their pillows once we got home. With prices as low as $5.00, it’s sure to fit into your budget.

4 – Restaurants On Site –

You won’t go hungry at Castaway Bay. Mango Mike’s breakfast buffet is delicious and features fresh fruit, freshly-baked pastries, scrambled eggs, cold cereals, hash browns, pancakes, french toast, biscuits and gravy along with many other breakfast favorites. This price is good and you won’t be hungry for quite a while!. Quaker Steak & Lube is also attached to the hotel and serves award winning ribs & burgers, plus offers chicken wings with 25 of their signature sauces. It is a large restuarant inside and features patio seating in the summer. Our food came out quickly and my little guys loved that their meals came in a cute race car box!

5 – FREE Board Games –

If you are looking for some fun in your room, head down to the front desk. You can choose from a large variety of board games such as Connect Four, Candy Land, Monopoly and more. These are FREE to use for Castaway Bay guests  but you will need to leave your ID. Keep in mind that selection is available on a first come, first serve basis.

6 – Crabbie’s Quarterdeck Arcade –

There’s something for everyone at Crabbie’s Quarterdeck Arcade. Inside you’ll find the latest in arcade in video games such as basketball, air hockey and ticket redemption games. To make it super easy for families, tickets earned are directly loaded onto the arcade cards and they are reloadable. Best of all, many games award tickets that can be redeemed for awesome prizes. The only problem you may have is that your kids will never want to leave!

7 – An Amazing Waterpark –

As soon as you walk into Castaway Bay Waterpark, you’ll be amazed. From the toddler area for your little ones to the water roller coaster for those that dare, there is truly something for everyone. This five-story enclosed waterpark features a vaulted wood ceiling in a natural setting of palm trees, huts, inland lagoons and plenty of wet and wild water adventure. The indoor/outdoor hot tub is a family favorite and we spend a lot of time in there. Safety is important at Castaway Bay so keep an eye out for the posted signs and life jacket requirements. Best of all there are plenty of lifeguards to help you keep an eye on your kids.

8 -FREE Castaway Bay Waterpark Day Passes –

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign your kids up for Castaway Bay’s FREE Birthday Club! After signing up, the birthday child will redeem their voucher for either a complimentary waterpark day pass, a birthday fun pack which includes a free food item, t-shirt or backpack and a pre-loaded arcade card (overnight guests only), or free admission for the birthday child when booking a birthday party package for 8 or more guests. In addition to this you’ll also receive a special savings from Castaway Bay and Cedar Point!

More fun tips when visiting Castaway Bay:

  • Want a cheap breakfast? Stop into Ebb and Eddy’s the night before where you can grab 1/2 priced donuts!
  • Take the family on a scavenger hunt! Clues are scattered all over Castaway Bay and will lead you to a treasure chest! This hunt starts at the front desk.
  • Take a few minutes to catch Big Mamma’s song and brief show at the pirate ship in the lobby.
  • Bring a plastic bag for your wet clothes if you are heading to the waterpark after checkout or grab the plastic laundry bag from your room.

I left Castaway Bay still wearing my flip flops in spite of the cold weather! I was missing the 82-degrees of the water park and definitely not wanting to let go of our fun and relaxing trip to Castaway Bay

Connect with Castaway Bay on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Thinking about staying overnight? Check out these Cedar Point reviews! Staying at a Cedar Point property has so many perks such as free parking, early entry, discounted tickets and more!

 




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  Hi my name is Rachel and am a stay-at-home mom to three boys here in northeast Ohio.  I've been "couponing" for over 5 years and it has completely … [Click To Find Out More...]