Time Travel at the Bristol Renaissance Faire
Take the Family on a Trip to Medieval Times
Jul 23, 2009
A visit to the Renaissance Faire is like entering a fairy tale complete with knights and ladies, a queen, swordsmen, rope walkers, musicians, jousting horsemen and of course, fairies. The Bristol Renaissance Faire is located on a wooded site in Bristol, Wisconsin, which is near Kenosha, and a short drive from Milwaukee or Chicago.
“Renaissance faires are beautiful places to go, both physically and emotionally. They’re safe, family-oriented, and based in a time when politeness was actually a desired quality,” said David Wooley, who plays Guido Crescendo of the Swordsmen, in a Renaissance Faire press release.
The Renaissance Faire is full of magic and fantasy, however, there is historical accuracy as well. Each new performer must complete 45 hours of classes in the Bristol Academy of Performing Arts prior to the start of the season. The setting is 1574 when Queen Elizabeth visited the British hamlet of Bristol.
In a nine-hour day, there are plenty of activities to keep families busy. Here are some of the highlights:
Watch Jousting Knights on Horses
A trip to the Renaissance Faire is not complete without attending a joust complete with horses and knights in full regalia. There are three jousts per day; attendees should arrive early for the joust to guarantee a good seat as they fill up quickly.
Kids Kingdom Includes Pirate Ship
At Kids Kingdom, children can check out the Broken Oar which has crashed, and watch the antics of the Privateers. Kids Kingdom includes a grassy area where kids can play dress-up, an oversized sandbox, and a huge pirate ship. There is storytelling and music geared especially for children. Robin Hood himself may even pay a visit.
Celtic Music and Live Action Stage Entertainment
There are 16 stages with live entertainment from comedy to Celtic music. Dirk and Guido, the Swordsmen, and other performers on the Chase Action Stage are exciting.
Merchants Include Artisans and Crafters with Medieval Clothes and More
Shoppers can delight at the Renaissance Faire with nearly 200 artisans and crafters offering unique items. There are medieval clothing shops, sword shops, leatherworks, potters and much more. A favorite shop is Sky Chair, where faire goers can take a relaxing break on the most comfortable hanging chairs and be tempted to take one home.
Food of the Middle Ages, Turkey Legs and Ale
The most noted food offerings at Renaissance Faire are the big turkey legs and garlic sautéed mushrooms, but there is an offering for every tastebud. Drinks include fresh-squeezed lemonade, ice tea, root beer floats, ales and wines.
Parade Offers Medieval Fashion Show
Catch a parade filled with Elizabethan characters in historically accurate costumes. Visitors who stay until the end can join the parade out to a drumming ceremony and then to the entrance.
Escape to Shakespearean Times at the Queen’s Court
Listen to the language of Shakespeare on a bench in the Nobles Glade. Visitors may find themselves surrounded by ladies and squires of the queen’s court who play games, gossip and socialize. Just wandering around the faire is entertaining in itself, but be certain to pick up a schedule at the entrance gate and choose a few highlights to catch.
Discount Tickets for Renaissance Faire
The Bristol Renaissance Faire is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, July 11 through Sep. 6, and on Labor Day, Sep. 7. Tickets purchased at the gate are $18.95 for adults and $9.50 for children age 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free. Advance ticket discounts are available online.
Travel to other Renaissance Faires
Planning a trip to New York or LA? Check out the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, California, which runs starts in April 2010; or the New York Renaissance Faire, in Tuxedo NY, which runs from Aug. 1 to Sept. 20.
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