Every year, the young and the young at heart gather together to celebrate the rebirth of their childhood fantasies — where they can be anything they want to be — at the Annual Texas Renaissance Festival. The stories of fairies and pirates, kings and queens, witches and wizards, all come to life in Pleasantville, Texas every weekend during October and November. Visitors are welcome to dress like anything they want, and know that they are not going to be judged by their appearance. It is this freedom to express oneself that makes the Texas Renaissance Festival a can’t-miss attraction to individuals and families from across the country.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is located in a wooded area about an hour northwest of Houston. Being out far beyond the city limits gives the festival a mythical feel that envelopes you with medieval excitement. Parking is bountiful but fair warning though, if you show up later in the afternoon, chances are you are in for a nice and long journey to the festival gates.
Upon buying your tickets, you are greeted by men that are dressed like a court of ushers from a kingdom. Shuffle past the entrance and you notice the festival extend off to many different areas much like a market place. Instead of produce, however, you get to purchase different types of items that people may have purchased 700 years ago. For an added old-timey touch, every festival worker greets you with “My Lord” or “My Lady” — language lost in this day and age.
You can’t call it a festival without the festival goodies, otherwise known as the food! The festival has a wide selection of foods from different cultures. Latin, Polish, Germanic, British, and American food vendors can be found all over the festival property. There are even Court Jesters that walk around selling pretzels that taste great. I, myself, stuck with the the good ol’ beer and German combo plate (both tasted amazing). The beer and cider are a must have for all you 21+ year old individuals. Coincidentally enough, I met a German man who sat in front of me and talked about how delicious his meal was. Authentic? Must be!
Walking along all the various stands and merchants, I took the liberty to mesh with the crowd and bought a orange/purple/yellow floral head piece and an orange gypsy skirt. It may not have been as lavish as the others around me, but it’s the effort that counts.
Continuing my journey across the festival premises, you can’t help but feel like you’ve been warped back in time. Each weekend the festival takes on a different theme. This past weekend during my visit, the festival theme was All Hollow’s Eve — an ode to the Halloween spirit.
If you are looking for something that brings the Fall season to life, the Renaissance Festival is the place to be. Be sure you make plans to go soon though! The festival ends Thanksgiving weekend when the theme is Christmas. Don’t miss out!
For more information about the Texas Renaissance Festival visit their site here!
PHOTOS
Speak Your Mind