It’s gaudy; it’s corny; it’s loud; it’s colorful; and most of all, it’s so much fun…
You’ll hear some of the worst fake British accents in the history of the world. You’ll arrive in your car and park among many other modern vehicles. You’ll see people in flowing skirts or pirate attire mingling with people in jeans and t-shirts. And yet, for a while, you may well believe you’ve been transported to some other place and some other time.
It’s the Georgia Renaissance Festival, and it’s near Peachtree City, Georgia from April 15, 2007 through June 3rd, 2007!
Where else, these days, can one be accosted by kissing wenches? Serenaded by strolling minstrels? Mystified and edified by jugglers, sword-swallowers, and jousters? Entranced and enticed by belly-dancers? Insulted by a dead, skeletal, puppet named Ded Bob?
Last year, I got distracted peering into shops and ran right into an 11-foot-tall dragon. You don’t do THAT everyday. He was extremely polite, too.
Oh yes, and you can eat. It’s the Renaissance, nobody ever even heard of cholesterol and fat was in. Giant turkey legs..deep fried ice cream..and a dish of very doubtful authenticity, deep fried chocolate bars. Yes, I am telling the truth. Deep fried chocolate bars. If that’s not to your taste, try the beef stew in bread bowls, or test out the theory I heard from a performer last year: “You can get anything you want to eat at Renfest, on a stick.”
There’s music all day, everywhere. In the tavern, sit, drink, sing along to bawdy Irish drinking songs..for a while, you can be a “Wild Rover,” yourself, lifting a hearty pint in the pub with your friends. Wandering the grounds, come upon stages where other performers over musical entertainment, or follow the strolling minstrels around and enjoy their songs.
For adults, alcohol is available, in the form of beer, wine, and ale. There’s also mead. It’s not easy to find this honey-flavored alcoholic drink anymore, but it flows at Renfest. Watch out, it’s more powerful than you might think. Of course, for children and those who don’t wish for alcohol, there are plenty of anachronistic soft drinks and bottle water available.
There are revelers decked out in full Renaissance gear and people in shorts and t-shirts. Joyful anachronism abounds everywhere you look.
Bring money. The shops overflow with stuff you will want. Crystals, wings, horns, jewelry, perfume, artwork, leather goods, flowers..bring as much money as you can afford to spend, and no more. You’re going to want stuff, I promise! You’ll find delicate handblown glass, scented leather roses,and every kind of sparkly and colorful adornment you could wish for.
For kids big and small, there are games and rides and a Haunted House, Ren-style. You can ride a pirate ship, climb a wall, navagate a maze, or try your hand at archery.
Nature lovers are not forgotten. Don’t miss the beautiful Parrots of the Caribbean, and be sure to notice the beautiful flowers and vines that pop up in many unexpected corners.
And, of course, for you extreme sports enthusiasts..there’s the jousting! Choose your champion and see if you can cheer him on to victory!
Adult tickets are $16.95, youth tickets for ages 6-12 are $8.50. Discount offers abound. The official website can provide more information about where to find them.
Come..shop..eat..drink..sing..the Rennaisance Festival is guaranteed fun for men, women, and children of all ages! and remember, whether you are in costume or not, wear comfortable shoes!
Note: The Renaissance Festival is not easy to find. Visit the website for directions, or use Mapquest.
