Visit the Past in Texas

Last weekend my husband and I made the trip to Plantersville, Texas with our friends to spend the day at the Texas Renaissance Festival. If you've never been, I highly recommend checking it out. It is running two more weekends this year but will open again next year in early October and run through Thanksgiving weekend. It is a fun way to spend a Saturday or Sunday relaxing and enjoying various performances, shops, and food. We have been to the festival before and watched the jousting. It is worth watching at least once, though we did not go back this year. Instead, we saw a belly dancing exhibition in the Greek section of the festival and caught two other shows - Arsene and Sound and Fury. Arsene is a comedic magic show. He does various magic tricks, juggles, all without talking. The show is hilarious, particularly his ability to interact with the audience without actually talking to them. This is a wonderful show to take the kids to see. Sound and Fury, however, is not. While absolutely hilarious, these guys mean it when they say "mature audiences only". The three actors have made up a Shakespearean style play full of dirty innuendos and not so subtle jokes. The show will have you rolling in the floor with laughter, but make sure to see this one on a weekend where you've left the kids at home!

Besides shows, there is plenty to do at the Renaissance Festival. There is an area with camels and elephants that you can pay to ride. Additionally, there is a booth called "Drench a Wench", which is essentially a dunking booth except the girl waiting to be dunked insults the thrower. There is also a plethora of shops ranging from costumes to jewelry to candles and the largest wind chimes I've ever seen. You can purchase items including chain mail (prominently displayed throughout the festival by women wearing little else), Renaissance garb to dress the part, fairy wings, and various headdresses. The jewelry varies greatly in style, but all of it is stunning. Even the chain mail shops get in on the jewelry and sell pieces made from the chain mail. Make sure to stop by the wind chime booth before you leave. The chimes not only make absolutely gorgeous noises, but some are so large you can stand inside of them!

Finally, I turn to the food. This is not your typical fair food. For main courses you will find your typical turkey legs and burgers, though at a much higher quality. Additionally, gyros, grilled chicken breasts, baked potatoes, and sausages are available. All the food is very high quality and we have yet to be disappointed. Make sure to save room for dessert, as just about everything seems to be dipped in chocolate and put on a stick. The typical strawberries and bananas are available, but the festival also has chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick. If chocolate is not your thing, try the apple dumplings. Served warm, these dumplings are absolutely delicious with the perfect amount of spices. Finally, to wash everything down there is a large assortment of bottled sodas, water, beer, and wine. Just make sure to take plenty of cash and expect to pay typical fair prices for your food!

The Renaissance Festival is an amazing experience for all your senses and is a wonderful way to pass the weekend. At dusk, a fireworks show lights up the sky providing a perfect end to your day. Camping is available onsite if you want to stay nearby, but Plantersville is only about an hour from both Houston and College Station. For more information, check out their website at www.texrenfest.com.