Blue Ridge Junction - New For Carowinds 2019 Season

Image Credit to Isabella Showalter

On Thursday I had the chance to attend the media preview for the newest addition to the Cedar Fair park known as Carowinds. This year the park brought back a classic area from when the park opened, Blue Ridge Junction, along with some new adventures. These include the Mountain Gliders, a panning for gold activity, Blue Ridge Country Kitchen dining experience, and the return of Blue (Originally Smurf) Icecream. And we can't forget the double launch coaster known as Copperhead Strike (shown above). 

Let's break it down, shall we?

Here I am walking down the red carpet (what!?!) 

It was awesome

Copperhead Strike

            As previously mentioned, Copperhead Strike is a double launch coaster, and it happens to be the first and only in North and South Carolina. The first one [launch] goes from 0-42 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds, and the second 35-50 in 2 seconds. With five inversions and a duration of two minutes 24 seconds, this is a good roller coaster for those that are taking their first just into the intense ride pool. There is a lot of transition between positive and negative Gs, and airtime. My personal favorite part is when after the quick show in the barn, and the first launch, you go straight up into a loop. Then, you slow so that it feels like you are almost going to stop, until you make it over and pick up speed again. However, while the coaster itself could seem intimidating, the cue line is more one of a kids coaster or dark ride. There are props, motion activated noises, and things to look at/do. In general, a roller coaster (such as Fury 325, also at Carowinds), just has the cue line with a sun cover/umbrellas. The added detail here creates a more friendly vibe. A step up from a family coaster without being too exclusive, thrilling and packed with surprises.

The first loop coming from the launch.
Image credit to Isabella Showalter. 

Mountain Gliders

The classic control your own glider ride. The ability to move your panel back and forth brings a fun interactive twist to what may otherwise get dull to younger audiences. My younger sister (3) enjoys this ride every time we experience it.

Me riding it for the first time.

 Note: Photo was taken before the ride was in motion. Please do not take out any lose articles when the ride is in motion!!

Blue Ridge Country Kitchen
What do I say? The food was great.

This image (left) shows part of the buffet where we got our food. I can imagine that the restaurant when it is open to the public, will look something like this, or along the theming. The event on Thursday took place in Harmony Hall.
Image credit to Isabella Showalter.

The dessert was whoopie pies. Shown here are a classic vanilla pie, bottom, and on top a chocolate and banana whoopie pie. Both where very good and had lots of flavor, however, I would recommend the chocolate banana. It was more unique than the bottom, which reminded me more of an everyday Little Debbie than say a themed restaurant dessert.
Image credit to Isabella Showalter.



To the right is a plate of food, all from the event. You see a (left to right; top to bottom) sweet potato biscuit, rib, chicken lollipop, deviled eggs, pulled chicken pizza, salad, and a sausage. All was very good, but I highly recommend the rib and pizza. Image credit to Isabella Showalter.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Image credit (plate of food) to Carrie Showalter.                                                          
And Other Random Photos And Stuff

 One of my nametags.. (AHH!!)

The crazy cool twists and turns of
Copperhead Strike.

The ride train going through my favorite part...

The last three images all taken by Isabella Showalter.

In Conclusion...

In conclusion, I would say that the new area does a good job of including the whole family while not bring your classic merry-go-round. The balance of thrill and chill is equal, as the Mountain Gliders and Copperhead Strike balance each other out. Also, the Blue Ridge Country Kitchen has a variety of food that many ages will find good. While I didn't personally experience the panning for gold, I predict that it would just go along with my summary. So, go out to Carowinds and explore the new, but brought back, Blue Ridge Junction!!

The sticker on my back reads:

 I've been launched twice! 

Copperhead Strike 

#StrikerSquad