Photo Recap @IGotSprung #IGotSprung @SWARM_EventAgency @GrillinNChillinBBQ #GrillinNChillin

In South Florida, seasons are just dates on a calendar so it’s hard to know when one season ends and another begins. Sobesavvy’s South Florida Correspondent Erika LJ spent the weekend in the dynamic Wynwood neighborhood of Miami attending two premiere festivals.

One of the best ways to know when spring arrives is because you know the Sprung Spring Beer tasting festival returns http://www.igotsprung.com/. Held in Wynwood this festival featured over 300 craft beers from local, national and international breweries. We Enjoyed live music, food and challenge games all day. We also learned from Miami’s top chefs in their Kitchen Lab with food and beer pairing demonstrations. The weather was warm and humid and the beer was ice cold. People came for fun and they all let loose and partied.

ElJ rested up and attended the the 3rd annual Chillin and Grillin BBQ Festival. http://www.wynwoodbbqfest.com/ This festival showcased a myriad of BBQ styles. Memphis, Texas, or Kansas City barbecue to Brazilian Churrasco and the well-known Argentine Parrillada style to name a few. Everyone has their favorite BBQ and this was the only place to be this past Sunday. The pit masters had a friendly competition and this event is also so family friendly they had a family fun zone with a bounce house , stilt walkers and rock climbing wall ! Those more adventurous tried their hand at mechanical bull riding ! A fun time was had by all.

Photo Recap of #CarowindsBBB #FamilyFun #Food #Beer #BBQ #LiveMusic in #CLT @Carowinds

Summer Days are for Beers and BBQ..throw in a live band and you have a fun foodie celebration! Beginning July 29, Carowinds fires up the grill for its Second Annual FOOD AND BEER FESTIVAL: BANDS, BREWS & BBQs !

It will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 29 through August 14 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and is included with park admission. On Sunday, SobeSavvy.com joined other foodies at this festival known for its good food, good beer, good music and good times! 

As soon as we arrived at Carowinds, we just followed the smell of barbecue to food booths near Harmony Hall. I was happy to see such a variety of smoked meats paired with Chow Chow to choose from ! Park goers got to sample everything from beef brisket (my personal favorite! So tender and flavorful) to turkey wings to duck, and top it off with one of many variations of sauces ranging from sweet to tangy to mustard and downright vinegar. We tried a blueberry chipotle that was amazing!

To purchase beer or food for Bands, Brews and BBQs, guests bought tokens from a token booth inside the park located near Harmony Hall. Guests 21 years of age or older were able to choose from an amazing selection of craft beers from several Carolina breweries. Nothing goes better with barbecue than a nice, cold brew! And for dessert? Some good ol’ homemade banana pudding!  We sat down and chowed down while listening to local bands play on the patio just outside of Harmony Hall.  And inside the air conditioned Harmony Hall , we got to see more entertainment: The Lunch with the Peanuts Gang! If you haven’t seen Snoopy and Charlie Brown get down, this is your chance.

“We’re so pleased to bring back Bands, Brews and BBQs for another year at the park,” says Kris Suita, Carowinds executive chef. “We’ve brought together three favorites under one roof- food, brew and music. Mix that with world-class rides and attractions, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fun.”  

Where to Stay for Carowinds ” Bands, Brews and Bbq “   

If you are looking for comfortable accomodations that are suitable for families and conveniently close to Carowinds , I recommend Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ballantyne.  

It’s a full suite property just 10 miles from Carowinds ! My family of 3 stayed in a King One Bedroom Suite , which had a sleeper sofa couch in the living area with its own TV, a full kitchen as well as a great privacy factor between the living space and bedroom area. Read my prior full review of this hotel and why we love it so much here and be sure to follow this wonderful hotel on Facebook .

To find out more about Bands, Brews & BBQs, see a complete band line-up for the event, or to purchase Carowinds tickets, visit www.carowinds.com.Also check out social media to see what guests are sharing using hashtag #CarowindsBBB
Before the summer ends make sure to take your family or plan a visit with friends to Carowinds. This festival is one not to be missed and enjoyable for all. 

Here are some of my foodie pictures along with family fun moments made at Bands, Brews and BBQ!


https://www.instagram.com/p/BIidXeZjU8h/


Look who we ran into.. fellow Lifestyle/Food/Mommy Blogger @BeingReese

#Miami says #Cheers, Celebrating #CraftBeers at #IGotSprung @IGotSprung ~Recap #SobeSavvy

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SPRING SEASONAL BEER FESTIVAL HAS SPRUNG!

On Saturday, March 7, 2015 , Four thousand beer fans “got sprung” on unlimited samplings of New Belgium, Founder’s, SweetWater, Green Flash, Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn Brewery, Kona, Magic Hat, Shiner, Shipyard, Harpoon, Blue Moon and many others showcased their spring and summer ales.

There was also a complete lineup of Florida beers from Schnebly, Cigar City, Tequesta Brewing and Florida Beer, along with local breweries such as Hialeah Brewing, Funky Buddha, Wynwood Brewing, and M.I.A.
Beer enthusiasts was also be treated to a selection not available in South Florida, and in keeping with tradition, the homebrew section showcased brews created by locals who are passionate about their beer.

Sprung! known for taking a playful approach to beer tasting, also brought back the Orange Pride Games Arena & Bar — a dedicated game section, which includes the ever-popular Human Bowling, Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Beer Pong, and Mega Twister. The Bougainvillea’s Music Stage featured live music, and The Gold Coast Beverage Distributor Culinary Experience paired beer with the talents of Chef Jorgie Ramos from Barley, who was recently named Florida Food 50 by the Miami Herald; Chef Jimmy Carey from Jimmy’z Kitchen, Chef Andy Gilbert from Seven Dials and Chef Tina Chawla from Bollywood Masala. The VIP Tent was hosted by Pincho Factory, winners of this year’s SOBEWFF’s Burger Bash.

Peacock Park, located at 2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, became an oasis for beer lovers enjoying the Craft Beer Lifestyle. Sprung is definitely a fun way to celebrate Spring and Beer Culture!
Enjoy this picture slideshow from the festivities ..Cheers!

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