Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Planning the Day at Texas Renaissance Festival

If you know me, you know I plan ahead as much as possible. Especially for any convention-type event. I always want to maximize our fun and know what to expect. When you have 4 little ones in tow, you need the extra insight.
My kids are just as excited as I am about dressing as pirates and going to the Texas Renaissance Festival. So far, we have pieced together all but one costume. My oldest son is still in need of a shirt. I'm tweaking and adding as I need to. I'm putting all our costumes together by person and putting them into a centralized location. I want it to be easy to get dressed and head out.
In addition, I'm preparing a list of the things we know we need to do and try. I've had some great suggestions from the folks at TRF. So I checked the events listings and decided on what we would most definitely want to hit. I'm making a list.
First things first - Be there early enough to meet the King and Queen at the front gate when it opens at 9AM. The King and Queen are actually around there at 8:45 to mingle with us common folks. Then they have cannon fire!
I was told the joust was an awesome sight that we must witness. 
I know that we also wanted to see/try to School of Sword, the Executioners (a friend told me they were amazing and fun), Birds of Prey and Cast in Bronze. My husband wants to look for a wooden sword. His family went to a Renaissance Festival when he was a kid and his best memory was of getting a wooden sword. 
 
I look at rules for events. First thing I need to know - can I bring my stroller? Rather not have to carry the 11 month old around (she gets heavy). Good news! Yes, I can. And the paths are hard packed. Another main point to know are where do you park and what (if anything) do you pay. They have free general parking. I'm very happy about that. There are other options like handicapped, motor home, motorcycle, valet, and preferred parking as well. 


Then comes the budget. I know we will have to bring money for food. You can only bring in 1 unopened water bottle per person. I will be able to bring in baby foods for the baby too. Thankfully, they have the lowest and highest prices listed on their website. $2 - $12 and drinks start at $3. 

Foods to try: Turkey Legs, they have 2 new flavors this year:
  • Honey Baked Turkey Leg by Renaissance Catering Shoppes #11, #50, #408, #414
  • Bourbon Molasses Turkey Leg by Matt Basse at Sherwood Forest Foods, Shoppe #89
    And an empanada from La Fiesta area. 
We also had to decide if we wanted to stay overnight or attempt the drive home. It's a few hours away from where we live. So we will factor in whether my husband works the night before and if we have the energy to make the drive back and unload or if we want to get a hotel room. They do have camp grounds for those of you who have campers.


Another thing I'm hoping to do is to interview someone while there. One of the characters. And here is where I'd like YOUR input! What question would you include in your interview? Remember, we are talking pirates here! Leave me a comment below! 

26 comments:

  1. Planning will make things go better.

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  2. Oh! I love everything about this! Ask what they ate, drank & how they washed their clothes--if they DID wash them!

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  3. It looks like a great day. It seems you are having so much fun their in Texas.

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  4. Ahhh the ever present turkey legs! What a fun festival - this makes me miss Texas.

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    1. Where have you gone to? Did you ever go to the festival while you were here?

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  5. I've never been to a renaissance festival. Sounds like fun and my husband would love those turkey legs.

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  6. Angela Ricardo BetheaOctober 13, 2017 at 8:08 PM

    It seems like you are planning so well. and these turkey legs looks so mouth watering. It looks like you are having so much time there in Texas.

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    1. Thank you! We can't wait for the fun to begin tomorrow. And for all the good things we will see, eat and do!

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  7. Wow, looks like you had a great day there and the turkey legs are looks awesone too

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    1. We did have a fabulous day there! The turkey legs are truly delicious. Thanks!

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  8. It looks like you are having a blast there in Texas. Such a nice festival. Love to visit Texas too!!

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    1. It was a great day and we had a blast! Hope you can visit Texas one day soon. Weather is changing nicely here.

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  9. I haven't been to Texas yet but I heard of a few of their festivals that sounds amazing

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    1. I hope you get the chance to visit and enjoy some!

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  10. We've got Renaissance festivals here as well, but we've yet to go. Sounds like a blast!

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    1. I highly suggest going at least once! There really is something for everyone.

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  11. Why did you choose the pirate image?

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    1. Because the weekend we planned on going was the Pirate Adventure weekend. Each weekend is themed.

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  12. going to the Renaissance Fair hee in my home state, was one of the things I looked forward to most every summer. Ours runs for 3 season out of the year, But summer is the best time to go. It really is a ton of fun. They also offer a kid friendly day where they tame down it down alittle and offer more what kids think of the time period. It really can feel like stepping back in time

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    1. That is awesome! Kids go free on Sundays here. The app allows you to find the kid-friendly and geared shows that they will enjoy more. Sadly, my kids were too worn out from the heat and walking.

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