Our Annual Trip in the Time Machine
As you know, we love to trot the globe and see new places. But did you know that sometimes we stay right here in Michigan and still find fun things to do? For instance, every fall we don medieval garb and head to Holly for our annual trip in the time machine. Join us as we share one helluva huzzah at the Michigan Renaissance Festival.
The Big Kick Off
After making our way past “Ye Olde Porta-Potties” we entered the festival just after they opened at 10am and received a copy of the day’s itinerary and a cartoonish map. To our great delight, bag pipe band Tartanic would be kicking off our day with a half hour show. If you’ve never started your day with pipe music, let me tell you, it’s better than a strong cup of coffee, a sharp stick in the eye, or a combination of the two.
Momma Judi and I have been following Tartanic since the early 00’s, when they were just starting out and didn’t have a regular stage. They were especially enjoyable because they didn’t take themselves too seriously, doing numbers like “Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes, and doing a slow motion run to “Chariots of Fire”. More than 20 years later, they’re still bringing the fun.
Tasty Morsels and Libations
Travelling back in time can make you VERY hungry and thirsty. The good news is, there are lots of options to meet the need. At the fair, you can find everything from turkey legs, the appeal of which I don’t really get, to chicken gyros, which I get nearly every year. To wet your whistle, you can grab a tasty craft beer at one of their many pubs or an ice cold cider, which I had for the very first time this year.
And word to the wise…if you order a giant pickle, they will require you to receive it in a rather compromising fashion. So if you embarrass easily, you might want to make another choice.
Costumes, anyone?
If you go to the fair earlier in the day, you’ll see that most folks arrive in costume.
Keep in mind, they are completely optional and actually they don’t even have to be from the medieval period what so ever.
Get Yo’ Shop On
Perusing the artisan goods at the shops is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite things to do and a lot of the wares are pretty reasonably prices so you could “Treat Yo’ Self” should you feel moved.
Know Before You Go
Here are some things we think will help you enjoy taking this trip back in time:
- The festival runs every weekend from mid-August to the first week in October
- Tickets are $23.95 for adults and $14.95 for children
- Parking is still free (hallelujah!)
- You can buy most things with a card and they have ATMs on site, should you need cash
- The festival is VERY popular, so we suggest going when they open at 10am or around dinner time, when other folks may head out since they’re open until 7pm
Oh and ANOTHER fun thing…we sell discount tickets EVERY year. So if you’re into saving money (and really WHO ISN’T), contact us so we can get them to you.
That’s a wrap!
Thanks for joining us on this adventure back in time! If you’re a fan of free stuff, consider subscribing to us for free. You’ll get first looks at all our new content, specially curated content from around the web, and secret, insider deals that are saved just for our subscribers. And keep up with us in real time on Instagram at The__Travel__Oracle. Happy travels, everyone!
