See Some Of The Most Exciting New Foods Coming To The NC State Fair
It’s almost fair time. I was born and raised in Charlotte but went to school in Raleigh (Go Pack always!) and consider it my second home. My fall consists of…
It's almost fair time. I was born and raised in Charlotte but went to school in Raleigh (Go Pack always!) and consider it my second home. My fall consists of weekend after weekend of making the drive to Raleigh so it's been a few years since I have visited the fair. I was already considering paying a visit this fall, but I might be even more convinced now. My main reason? To check out the new foods at the NC State Fair!
One of the most exciting parts of the NC State Fair is food. I'll personally never forget the year the Krispy Kreme Burger was announced, or my best friend actually consuming it and the insane amount of calories it contained. I tend to be a "safer" fair food eater opting for the classics like kettle corn, grilled corn, or a funnel cake. But I'm always curious about the new options and sometimes will give them a try. And the new foods coming to the 2023 NC State Fair were just announced! So what's new on the menu this year? Glad you asked! Here are a few of the most enticing new fair foods coming to the NC State Fair!
Boozie Cupcakes & Flavor Shooters
This is something I actually was known for making and brining to work for birthdays. It's been a while since I've made them but they are delicious! And I'm sure a professional bakery like Boozie Bakes who will be offering them up at the fair can make them even better than myself. Flavors include: French Vanilla Bliss, You Had Me at Chocolate, Strawberry Daiquiri, Everything is Better with Tequila Margarita, Turn Down for What Funfetti, Indulgent Cookies and Cream, Candied Maple Bacon, Cotton Candy Fantasy & Deep-Fried Wine-infused. I'll take one of each!
Bacon Mac & Cheese Sundae
No description was given of this one just a photo but my bacon and cheese-loving heart is in desperate need of this.
Deep Fried Gimbap: Korean Sushi Roll
Nothing says the fair like the most random assortment of deep-fried offerings. I thought I had heard it all, but a deep-fried Korean sushi roll is a new one. I don't think I'll be giving this a try either. It is Korean BBQ rolled in seaweed and rice then deep fried on a stick! Ok, maybe it doesn't sound that bad.
Ostrich Smashburger
Willing to give Ostrich a try? This is for you truly adventurous eaters out there. I didn't know Ostrich burgers were a thing or that the birds were raised in North Carolina. You learn something new every day. The Ostrich Smashburger is a double-pattied 100% NC-raised ostrich burgers, cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce on a brioche bun.
Brisket & Waffles On a Stick
Fair food is just better on a stick. And easier to eat. I was hesitant about chicken and waffles thinking that was an odd combination. But after trying it I get it. And I'd certainly be down to try Brisket & Waffles- especially on a stick. It's shredded smoked brisket and waffle mix deep-fried and served with your choice of sauces.
Dill Pickle Donut
Another one that loses me but is exactly what I expect from fair foods. A dill pickle donut. I'm not sure who came up with this combination or who asked for it, but it's described as "dillicious". Of course, it is. It's a hand-cut yeast-raised donut “frosted” with whipped dill pickle cream cheese, topped with thick crinkle-cut dill pickle chips, and sprinkled with dill.
The Morning-After Stuffed Leg
With a name like this, it had to be included. And I'm not going to lie it actually sounds pretty good! The Morning-After leg is a giant turkey leg stuffed with cheese, eggs and potato tots drizzled with lime crema, your favorite fruit jam or smoked turkey breakfast gravy. There is also a morning-after roll that looks equally as delicious!
See the full line up of new fair foods here! I may have just convinced myself to make the drive to Raleigh to attend the fair.
North Carolina State Fair One Of The Top 10 In The Country
Fall means fair season, especially in the south. And with the NC State Fair just wrapping up I thought it was interesting that it was named one of the Top 10 fairs in the country. This is according to a list by Vacations Made Easy. There are several staples you know you're going to get at any and every fair. Free live music, some form of competitions, carnival rides, and deep-fried and other crazy food concoctions. The one food item that always stands out in my memory is the Krispy Kreme Burger.
I've been to the NC State Fair many times thanks to living in Raleigh for several years. And while I didn't make it there this time I did see the lights and rides from the air as a flight I was on landed at RDU. That was an awesome sight to see! I also have memories of every year during the fair hearing the fireworks show go off right at 1opm each night. All to say, we do have a good one on our hands in Raleigh! But when there are contenders on the stage such as Texas and NY it's even more impressive that we ranked so high!
Below you'll find Vacations Made Easy's rankings of the Top Fairs and learn a little about what makes them unique. Some highlights include a butter cow, football game, and celebrity milking competition!
1. Kentucky State Fair
Where: Lexington
When: The fair runs for 11 days in August yearly
What: Horses (of course!), A list musical acts, Parade of Champions, gourmet chef demonstrations.
2. The Great New York State Fair
Where: Syracuse
When: Late August/Early September
What: The oldest state fair averages over 1 million visitors yearly, a NY wine and cheese seminar, rides, music, and celebrity milking competition.
3. State Fair of Texas
Where: Dallas
When: October
What: Texas/Oklahoma football game, crazy foods, rides, music, livestock competitions
4. Iowa State Fair
Where: Des Moines
When: August
What: Life-sized butter cow, agricultural and industrial expositions, "Food on a stick", talent search
5. Minnesota State Fair
Where: St. Paul
When: Late August through Labor Day
What: Live theater arts, River Raft Ride, Butterfly House, laser lights shows, shopping
6. Alaska State Fair
Where: Palmer
When: Mid-August through Labor Day
What: record-setting giant vegetables, flower gardens, concerts, and Alaskan & Alaska Native culture
7. Washington State Fair
Where: Puyallup
When: September, Spring Fair in April
What: Dinosaur Expedition, hobby hall, photo competitions, floral exhibits
8. Ohio State Fair
Where: Columbus
When: July/August
What: More than 50 rides, hypnotists, magicians, educational displays, sporting competitions, fine arts show, exotic animals petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, helicopter rides.
9. Oregon State Fair
Where: Salem
When: August through Labor Day
What: Garden and floral exhibits, farmers’ market, monster trucks, rides, games, music
10. North Carolina State Fair
Where: Raleigh
When: October
What: Nightly fireworks, Folk Festival, livestock, agriculture, homegrown music, field of dreams
11-20
11. The Big E (West Springfield, MA)
12. Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, IN)
13. Missouri State Fair (Sedalia, MO)
14. California State Fair (Sacramento, CA)
15. Illinois State Fair (Springfield, IL)
16. Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis, WI)
17. Colorado State Fair (Pueblo, CO)
18. Georgia State Fair (Hampton, GA)
19. Arizona State Fair (Phoenix, AZ)
20. Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma City, OK)
