Busch Gardens Food and Wine 2015 offers two new countries for tasting.

It's been a long, cold winter, as winter is typically. So happy to report some pleasant news from Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia about the upcoming Food & Wine Festival to help you escape some of the winter blues temporarily with memories from the following photos, or inspiration for an upcoming trip.

Food and Wine festivals are a true delight to those who love to try new foods, and for those with appetites big or small (since these are sample sized portions, you decide how many you want to sample).  And if you have been to the park before, then you are aware of the hills and walking involved. So eating around the park is necessary fuel. Busch Gardens is rolling out their 3rd food and wine festival this May 22 and it will run through June 28 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

We attended last year and it was amazing and everything I hoped it would be. We plan on attending this year as well and will give a delicious report.

New this year for the Food & Wine fest are kiosks with delicious servings from New Orleans and Asia. Busch Gardens executive Chef Justin Watson is concocting up Cajun and creole dishes, Bahn mi and Thai Tea as some examples. Watson stated “We are pleased to offer these tastes of the world to our guests during this year’s Food and Wine Festival. Guests can sample culinary traditions spanning fourteen geographic regions representing Europe, the Americas and Asia.”

Besides the delicious food offerings, guests will enjoy themed decorations to the areas. Last year there was also ice sculpting and food art sculpting for guests to watch. The food at the festival is of high quality and they acquire locally as much as possible. There are plenty of vegetarian and even vegan and gluten free options. Each kiosk will also have dessert.

You can purchase cashless wristbands to make it easier, or put yourself on a budget. The wristband can be paid for with a set amount of cash or linked to a credit card.

Some delicious pictures of food from last year.

Here is the list of kiosks planned for this years festival.

·         

• ·         American Southwest
• ·         Canada
• ·         Caribbean
• ·         Coffee & Crêpes
• ·         Eastern Asia
• ·         France
• ·         Germany
• ·         Greece
• ·         Ireland
• ·         Italy
• ·         Scandinavia
• ·         Scotland
• ·         Spain
• ·         The French Quarter (Cajun & Creole)

If you don't really care much for food, but love someone who does (or like, we aren't judging) This is still a great time of year to visit. The park isn't as crowded as it will be in the summer (Saturdays however can be the busiest day of the week) and it is beautifully landscaped and full of music and life. 

If you enjoy boats, consider the "Wine on the Rhine" cruise. This is a longer Rhine River cruise (ride in the park for those who haven't been) but you will get cheese, fruit, crackers, chocolate and wine of course. You get to sip and savor with the sound of a Jazz band on board. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are about $20. (price isn't listed yet, but this was the cost last year)

Food & Wine is a great time to visit, new offerings, great weather and slightly smaller crowds. Season passes are the best value, but you can also get a Funcard from now until May 31st for $75. It gives unlimited admission through September 7th 2015.

Click here to read more about the funcard and new show for 2015