The Year in Beaver 2018

So 2018 was a little different than I intended. I had to postpone a trip to Canada and a cruise till 2019, but I still got to travel quite a bit. But I did something I've been trying to do ever since I moved to NC, which is see more shows locally and visit more museums and local attractions.

Charlotte Skyline by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Almost a decade of living in NC in the books and I still love going into the city.

Carolina Aviation Museum 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Finally took a Sunday afternoon in the early part of the year and hit up the Carolina's Aviation Museum. I'd recommend it if you're in the area and have a couple hours to spare, it was fun.

Carolina Aviation Museum 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The museum's centerpiece is the 'Miracle on the Hudson' plan and exhibit.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

In March, due to a freak last minute snow storm on a day that I had plans to see a show in Asheville that evening, I was off work super early with nothing to do. I decided to slide up to Asheville early and tour The Biltmore Estate & Winery.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Biltmore 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The whole Estate was amazing, but I loved the Conservatory, even in cold weather the grounds were well done.

MGMT Tour 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

MGMT Tour 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

That night we went to see MGMT at the Thomas Wolfe Theater. It was a great show and I love Asheville.

Carowinds Season Pass Preview 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Carowinds Spring 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

2018 was not adult focused at my home park...and thats great! I L.O.V.E.D. the new additions and total refresh of the kid's section at Carowinds into Camp Snoopy. The theming is really good, the whole area looks amazing, and even though I didn't ride any of the new rides, I just enjoyed walking through at this point.

Carowinds Spring 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The new home of the Carousel is Carousel Park, and it absolutely fits the direction of where Carowinds is going.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Such a good job on a much needed refresh of the park's kids section.

Kings Dominion 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Later in spring I drove up to Kings Dominion for a new coaster credit. Even though it was down most of the day I finally got my credit, and it was really good.

Kings Dominion 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I know there's been discussion about this decision, but the new sign does look nice and very retro.

King’s Dominion 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I liked the transformation of Hurler into Twisted Timbers. They did some basic theming, but they did it well, and it looks fairly low maintenance.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Another RMC, now closer to home.

Cedar Point 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Speaking of RMC...Ohmagawd. This is absolutely my favorite ride. Ever. I love aggressive airtime. I love smooth coasters. This is both of those. It will take a lot to ever beat this out for my number 1 spot.

Cedar Point 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Cedar Point 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

My friend Isaac and I took his friend Blake to CP for the first time. I love CP, it's my happy place, but there were so many things, including Ocean Motion & the waterpark, that I'd never done till this trip. It was a calm, relaxing two days at the park.

King’s Island 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

King’s Island 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Next up on our trip was Kings Island. Mystic Timbers was amazing. I loved it and was surprised at how good it was.

King’s Island 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Cirque shows that Cedar Fair have been putting on are all really good. Glad I caught the new on at KI, but I missed the new one at Carowinds.

King’s Island 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The night time show at KI was surprisingly good, even with sappy music.

Great Carolina Fest 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The festivals and events that CF have been putting on at parks has come a long way. I go for the food and beer, and stay for a couple rides. They get my money, and I go away happy.

Janet State of the World Tour Raleigh 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Janet State of the World Tour Raleigh 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Janet State of the World Tour Raleigh 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Janet State of the World Tour Raleigh 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Janet State of the World Tour Raleigh 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Janet State of the World Tour Raleigh 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

At the beginning of the year, Janet Jackson announced she'd be extending her tour into 2018. I had tickets with a fellow buzzer to see her at Hersheypark for some Janet, Chocolate, and Coasters, my three favorite things, but had to cancel due to a last minute change at work. Thankfully we had gotten cheap tickets that we were able to sell, and I got the news just before I booked my flight. But I did get to see her in Raleigh...

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

...and in Charlotte a couple nights later, the Queen came to The Queen City.

The Carters OTR 2 Tour Columbia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Carters OTR 2 Tour Columbia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Carters OTR 2 Tour Columbia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Carters OTR 2 Tour Columbia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Carters OTR 2 Tour Columbia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

The Carters OTR 2 Tour Columbia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I made a last minute decision to get cheap seats and drive down to Columbia SC on a school night for the On The Run II Tour. I was not disappointed. Queen Bey and Jay gave an excellent show. And that stage was amazing.

Miguel Ascension Tour 2018 Charlotte by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Miguel Ascension Tour 2018 Charlotte by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Miguel Ascension Tour 2018 Charlotte by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

A friend posted on Instagram that he had an extra Miguel ticket for the Charlotte show so, even though once again I had to work in the morning, I took him up on the offer. Another great show, and another new venue.

Future Islands Charlotte 2018. by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Future Islands Charlotte 2018. by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

And for my final school night concert of the year, I went with another friend to Future Islands at The Fillmore in Charlotte.

Chromeo Head over Heels Tour Charlotte 2018. by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Chromeo Head over Heels Tour Charlotte 2018. by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Chromeo Head over Heels Tour Charlotte 2018. by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

And then the next nite I went back to see Chromeo on their first ever Carolina tour stop. They were great, the second best show I saw this year.

Six Flags over Georgia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Six Flags over Georgia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Six Flags over Georgia 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Headed to Atlanta for the weekend in October, got another new RMC credit, finally got to ride the Justice League dark ride, which was super fun, and had a fun weekend.

SCarowinds 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

SCarowinds had some new midway haunts this year. Honestly, the park does a good job at theming for SCarowinds, but it's so crowded anymore even early in the SCarowinds season, and it just doesn't seem to have the same uneasy feeling that it used to. Now it just feels far more manufactured in a lame way. But they're making a butt tonne of money, so...Yay for new coasters?

SCarowinds 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Overall, though, I think the park is doing much better with their entertainment options.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

My BFF and his family came to visit for the first time since i've been in NC (thats what happens when you start having kids). I took them to Tiger World, which is just around the corner from my house (less than a mile as the crow flies, and I hear these huge cats roaring often). They loved it.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

For the rest of the day we headed into the city and hit up World of Beer at the EpiCenter, Rock Bottom Brewing, NODA Brewing, and a few other places for some beers and foods.

Islands of Adventure 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Islands of Adventure 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Islands of Adventure 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Islands of Adventure 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Islands of Adventure 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Islands of Adventure 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

My niece got married in early December. They live near Orlando, so that meant I could go and ride coasters! I like the Universal Resort, but honestly, I don't feel the need to head back until they add a bunch more stuff. Thankfully, both days at the resort were very light attendance days. I finally ate at Mythos, and FINALLY got to see the water effect on Poseidon.

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Universal Studios Orlando 2018 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

They've added a lot of new things to both parks, and I enjoyed seeing all of the new stuff. Some things I'll never have to do again. But I really need a good Butterbeer recipe.

So 2018 is over and I had a lot of fun. I'm busy rescheduling my cruise and a smaller trip to Canada for the first part of the year, but right now 2019 will hopefully be all about a 2 week trip to Europe. Oh, and Copperhead Strike. And Dollywood. And...