Every kid dreams of their first trip to Disney World, and some adults too for that matter! It's a shame that Disney Parks are so far away for most, so time consuming, and so costly. Let's face it. Geek is chic nowadays for folks of all ages and it can be challenging to get your fandom fix, especially when it comes to funding fantasy for the whole family. What if I told you that in a park near you, hides another world where knights, queens, heroes, and villains reign supreme for a mere $20 a ticket?
Just a short drive away there's probably a renaissance faire about to kick festivities into high gear for the summer with jousts, maypole dances, first class entertainment, and fairy magic. You'd be a fool to miss out on the fun!
The finest food in the kingdom!
Renaissance faires boast delicious turkey legs fit for Henry VIII and treats to wow kiddies and parents alike. Faires offer chocolate covered bacon, funnel cake, and even Butterbeer for the wandering witch or wizard!
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| Carolina Renaissance Festival DavidsonNews.net |
Merchants and artisans galore!
Talented craftsmen and women from around the country gather at faires to showcase everything from blown glass to blacksmithing- even children's toys! My favorite is the marshmallow catapult found at the New York Renaissance Faire. It sure makes for an interesting drive home!
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Sterling Renaissance Faire starryskies.wordpress.com
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Entertainment for all!
Fire eaters, belly dancers, and bawdy songstresses- Oh my! There's something for everyone at renaissance festivals whether you enjoy acts of daring, acrobatics, or comedic magicians.
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Stephanie Veto for The Intelligencer
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Mirna L. Faulkner NYRF
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Costumes to die for!
Some people spend years collecting or hand crafting their costumes and those that are provided for the cast always add that extra wow factor! Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by your surroundings.
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| Cherry Bomb Photography |
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| Family Travel Files Ezine |
Action and adventure!
No renaissance faire is complete without knights hurtling lance first on horseback down the field of battle and buxom women exchanging blows! Jousts and living chess matches will be sure to thrill even the staunchest curmudgeons in your party.
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Minnesota Renaissance Festival Family Outings blogs.twincities.com
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Romance galore!
Heading to your local faire is the perfect way to celebrate your relationship! It's a fantastic first date or even a chance for long married couples to dress up together and rekindle that still burning flame in a thrilling immersive environment. Chivalry and romance are very much alive at the renaissance faire!
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NY Renaissance Faire renfair.com/ny
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History so close you can touch it!
For the history buff's in your family, a visit to the royal court is a must! Cinderella step aside, because at the faire, you'll get a chance to meet her royal majesty Queen Elizabeth I and the members of her retinue- all played by actors who are passionate about sharing their fascinating stories. This is the perfect way to get children interested in important historical figures.
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Kimberly D Stockton
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Fantasy for all!
Get swept up in the experience. After a day at faire, it can be hard to return the harshness of the real world but the fairies will always be waiting for your next visit! Your children will be enchanted by interactions with magical spirits and legendary heroes like Robin Hood. Adults will be transported to another era by wielding swords and enjoying flagons of mead in this enthralling environment. It's impossible not to fall in love with this irresistible escape and luckily it's easy for it to become a yearly outing!
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| Twin Cities Daily Planet |
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| Theta_sigma Bristol Renaissance Faire |
