Onto New Adventures...

As some have already heard, I recently got a position writing for Orlando Attractions Magazine. While I'd love to still update the BGTNation blog and write for OAM, it has been a little too much for me to take on along with school. From now on you can find my coverage of Busch Gardens Tampa on Orlando Attractions Magazine's website at http://attractionsmagazine.com/, by following me on Twitter @flthrillseeker, and on YouTube! 

Thanks for understanding and I hope you continue to follow me on my journeys through all the different outlets above. 

-Anthony Armenia (Owner of BGTNation)

Bands, Brew & BBQ 2012 Food & Beer Line-Up

Remember, Bands, Brew and BBQ kicks off for 2012 this Sunday with Lynyrd Skynyrd. For four weekends of rockin' bands, smokin' BBQ and dozens of craft beers. Performances also include Bret Michaels, 38 Special and REO Speedwagon! Each Sunday, Gwazi Field opens at at 4 p.m. and the shows begin at 5 p.m. Check out the food & beer menus below: 

Food Menus:

Kojak's House of Ribs

• Georgia Hot Smoked Sausage
• Ribs
• Chicken
• Pulled Pork 

Outback Steakhouse 

• The Outbacker Burger w/Cheese
• BabyBack Ribs
• Grilled Chicken on the Barbie
• Mac-A-Roo ‘N Cheese

Smokey Bones 

• Smoked Wings
• Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Grilled Chicken Salad
• Ribs 

Smokin' Busch Gardens BBQ 

• Smoked Sucklin Pig
• Amarillo Slow Smoked Chopped Beef Brisket
• Pork TomaHawk
• Grilled Chicken Skewers
• Loaded Tater Tots

Beer Vendors: 

• Anheuser Busch
• In Bev
• Michelob
• Kona Brewing Co.
• Widmer Brothers
• Redhook
• Gordon Biersch
• Southern Tier
• Victory
• Blue Point
• Magic Hat
• Cisco Brewing
• Capital Brewing
• Crown Imports
• Vermont Cider Co.
• Cold Storage
• US Beverage
• Florida Beer Co.
• Tampa Bay Brewing
• North American
• Europeans

Enjoy unlimited beer each day of the event for $30. Pass Members can enjoy two unlimited beer passes for $50. Wristbands are available for purchase at Gwazi Path on each day of the event. You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase beer at this event. To learn more about Bands, Brew & BBQ 2012 or buy VIP Tickets click here. 

First Giraffe Baby of 2012 Born on Busch Gardens' Serengeti Plain

Busch Gardens Tampa is celebrating Valentines Day a few weeks early this year with a new baby female reticulated giraffe on Monday, January 27, 2011 born to Cupid, a female giraffe on the Serengeti Plain. This is Jafari’s second calf, and Cupid’s fifth. She stood tall at 6 foot, 2 inches and weighed in at approximately 176 pounds. 

This new addition brings the park’s reticulated giraffe population to 19! Just one month ago on that day Tesa gave birth to Jafari's first calf which was also female. These births are apart of a successful long-term breeding program known as the SSP or Specials Survival Plan at Busch Gardens. 

Remeber, You can view these amazing animals from the Serengeti Express, the Skyride or on a Serengeti Safari, an open-truck tour during which you can hand-feed reticulated giraffes and get up-close with the other animals on the plain. To book a Serengeti Safari click here and stay tuned here for all the latest news on animal births at Busch Gardens Tampa.