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Sure, we all enjoy our modern conveniences, but sometimes it’s fun to be swept back to a simpler era. If you like to imagine life when men were dashing knights and women were lovely queens and princesses, consider dropping in on a Renaissance Faire during your travels. Here are a few good bets scattered around the country.
Colorado Renaissance Festival in Castle Rock, CO The Colorado Renaissance Festival is held each weekend from June 14 through August 3. If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire before, you’ll be amazed at all the people in brightly colored costumes walking around and interacting with each other in the language–or at least the accent–of the day. Along with the standard Renaissance Festival fare, you’ll want to pay attention to themed weekends. On 6/21 and 6/22, for instance, the theme is Royal Ale Festival and Military Appreciation Weekend. Free ales and lagers are available for sampling, and military personnel receive buy one get one free tickets. The children of people with a military ID also get in for free. The entertainment at the Colorado Renaissance Festival is amusing and sometimes even awe-inspiring. It includes jousting between dashing knights, musical programs, comedians, and even a stage hypnotist. King Richard’s Faire in Carver, MA King Richard’s Faire is located in Carver, MA, an easy drive from both Boston and Providence. It runs on weekends from August 30 through October 15. Here you’ll find many booths where artisans sell sculptures, clothing, pottery, walking staffs, jewelry, and even carved wooden dragons. The exotic Royal Zoo at the festival offers a wide selection of big cats including tigers, jaguars, and leopards. Another fun diversion is the Gaming Glen where you and the younger members of your party can try your luck in games designed to test your skill. Don’t worry if all the sightseeing is making you hungry. Vendors are available to sell such delicacies as turkey legs, steak on a stake, strawberry shortcake, clam chowder, and meat pie. Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, KS The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is held weekends August 30 through October 13. The fairgrounds are a short drive from Kansas City. 2008 will be the Kansas City Renaissance Festival’s thirtieth year, making it one of the longest running Renaissance Faires in the country. In terms of entertainment offerings, the KC Ren Fest provides more than 500 costumed ladies and gentlemen (and fairies, sprites, elves, etc.), artisans (162 shops), entertainment ranging from wholesome to downright naughty, psychic readings, and even a petting zoo. If you get hungry, there’s plenty to eat. Start with the smoked turkey leg, get your veggies from a hearty serving of roasted corn on the cob, and round out the whole thing with a glass of ale and chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick. Camelot Days, TY Park in Hollywood, Florida November 15 and 16th (10am to 5:30 pm) are Camelot Days at TY Park, located near Greater Fort Lauderdale. Camelot Days do not last as long as many other Renaissance Festivals, but they provide a beautiful array of performers, artisans, and fine food. If you have any fantasy or history lovers on your holiday gift list this year, Camelot Days are a great time to shop for them. But don’t spend all your time (or money) in one place. Wander over and watch the breathtaking living chess game. And if you’re lucky, you may even see the royal court parade by. Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco, CA Okay, so this isn’t technically a renaissance fair. It’s still a beautiful reimagining of the past into which imaginative tourists can immerse themselves. The Dickens Christmas Fair is open on weekends from November 28 to December 21. It’s a great place to do your last minute Christmas shopping, with booths focusing on the arts, clothing for adults and children, jewely and accessories, pottery and glass, leather, pewter, and even a few toys. Activities include psychic readings for the grownups and the Children’s Painting Garden where children can make ornaments for their Christmas trees. Of course, children are also welcome to go whisper their deepest wishes in the ear of a very friendly Father Christmas. And don’t worry about feeling peckish while you’re taking in all this history. Food ranges from a low-key paper plate of fish and chips to a unique dining experience at Shangri La indian Cuisine. © 2008, TheTravel Advocate |
