Are You Going to Scarborough Faire?

Every year just below Dallas, you can if you choose, step back in time to the Court of King Henry the Eighth and His Queen, Anne. Scarborough Faire is a Renaissance Festival that runs for eight weekends between April and May. This place it a BLAST!

Going in period costume is encouraged, and many people spend their day wander the acres and acres of faire grounds wearing wonderful works of art. The court of Henry and Anne are all sumptuously dressed and work very hard to see that everyone is kept entertained by their antics.

The faire is clustered with faux Tudor buildings used as shops for a dizzying array of goods, from squashed fairy mugs to genuine hand forged battle axes. Over a dozen shops offer clothing, allowing you to build a costume on site. They also have costume rentals. The clothing varies from the exquisitely detailed and accurate (and expensive) to the fanciful, and never worn outside of a Frank Frazzetta poster. Ever wanted to buy a chain mail bikini? This is the place. Kilts, sporrans, bodices, garlands, armour, all are available. Jewelry, pottery, and books abound, along with whirligigs, and pet dragons to sit on your shoulder and nod to passersby.

There are also wonderful (and horribly expensive) eateries. I personally recommend the Crawdad ettouffe in a bread bowl, the Scotch Egg, and the Turkey Leg. Nothing makes you feel like a scruffy highlander than gnawing on a huge leg. Also, for those old enough, there are spirits including MEAD. Try a mug, milords, 'tis delicious, with a robust kick. Lady McArthur's sells the finest selection of Salsa and fiery condiments you'll ever put in your mouth. The Habanero Jelly is an experience!

For entertainment there are great acts. Do not miss Don Juan and Miguel, a comedy routine. Hey Nunnie Nunnie is another great staple, and what every you do, make sure you catch Cantiga. World Class musicians playing genuine medieval music; they are brilliant. And please, your first time, you have to watch the joust.

They like money there, so it can get pricey. $20 admission at the gate, discounts for early and online purchase. Water is $2.50, and I don't trust the fountains, so drink up before you get there to slow the hemorrhaging.

I tend to get in and out for about $60. That does not include tips. Still, I call it money well spent; because where else are you going to get your fill of men in kilts, and wenches with vast amounts of cleavage?