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New to Michigan

Started by cincivulcan, February 22, 2013, 03:10:46 PM

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cincivulcan

My family and I take a vacation to a renfest each year. This year, I'm trying to talk my dad into going to Michigan over Maryland. Has anyone been to both fests and preferred one over the other?? Also, what is the best town to stay in? I've looked at Flint and another "f" town that was close to Holly (can't remember the name now) Any local food suggestions or things to do??
Thanks!
-T-

Wickedvox

Welcome T! I've never been to Maryland's RF, but ours is a great faire. We have entertaining acts (they just brought back Zoltan the Adequate 2 years ago and he's hysterical), lots of shopping, theme weekends, and welcoming patrons. Probably the town you looked at was Fenton. I'm not sure if you're camping or staying in a hotel, but that whole area is low-lying, so it can get kind of swampy and humid--keep that in mind when choosing a camp site if that's your thing. It can also get buggy if camping, but not at the RF site itself. Fenton is a cute little town, Grand Blanc is too; they're both kind of...quaint. Not so urban. Here's a link to an accomodations thread from a couple years ago: lhttp://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php/topic,15218.0.html Double check the info because it's not current. Flidais is our Michigan moderator, so if you see her in chat, she's the one to ask.

Of course you have to see Tartanic--that's a given. But we've had a couple of new acts the past couple years. Stone Clover is a great musical act--they're a new favorite of mine. The Bawdy Boys. The staples--Washing Well Wenches, Ded Bob, the mud show, the joust. Flight of the Raptor is a *phenomenal* show with birds of prey. Ugh! All this reminiscing is making me miss Ren! Hope to see you there!
"Not all those who wander are lost..."

cincivulcan

Thanks Wickedvox!! Fenton was the place so I will look into Grand Blanc!! We are staying in a hotel and I'm a big fan of Tartanic. We saw them in Texas a couple years back. Any weekend looking extra awesome this year??

StareNorthSteve

I am a veteran of Ohio Ren Fest and was new to Michigan just 2 years ago. In short...awesome! ORF is a bigger property but, the village in Michigan is just packed with character...both in the architecture of the village and the people. Entertainment is great, the variety of shops is great...and the food and drink is geared for a good time.

I would recommend the Holiday In Express in Grand Blanc...it's just up the road...maybe 5 minutes away.

Ale-ing Archer
Loveland Castleteer
Head-Balancer of Ale

Wickedvox

They haven't announced the theme weekends, but usually there's a Royal Pet Festival which is fun because there's a pet/owner costume contest; Highland weekend has the caper tossing, kilt contest, etc; Pirate weekend--standard pirate-ness; Wonders of the World highlights belly dancing, food, etc; Sweet Endings has cupcakes, chocolate, vow renewal (but I think that's every weekend). Almost every weekend has wine tasting. Pretty much you can't go wrong, but it depends what theme you identify with most: Pirates, Scottish/Irish, etc.
"Not all those who wander are lost..."

max and kate

You can't go wrong either way, the grounds, entertainment, shows and shopping is great at both, lots of food choices too. Our home faire is Michigan, we have been to Maryland and will return some day. you will have a Great time with either of these faire's. 
Brethren of the Great Lakes
Outlanders
Castleteers
Irish Penny Brigade
M'Cracks

cincivulcan

Thanks everyone!! I hope I can talk my family into going :D

max and kate

Brethren of the Great Lakes
Outlanders
Castleteers
Irish Penny Brigade
M'Cracks

Village Idiots - Kevin

The Village Idiots perform at both every year. The Maryland faire is INCRECIBLE, but the Michigan faire is quite nice. Lots of entertainment that aren't at the Maryland faire (Washing Well Wenches, Ded Bob, Christophe the Insultor, Stone Clover, Bawdy Boys to name a few), plus obviously the Village Idiots (cheap plug). The festival is quite large, and the cast is great.
Kevin Starnes
Artistic Director
The Village Idiots
http://www.rennieidiots.com

Wickedvox

You guys are making me want to go to the Maryland faire!   :o
"Not all those who wander are lost..."