Never been to TRF...

[SandrineDeLaTombe]

But I really want to go this year. Can anyone recommend a good weekend to go?  Weather wise, special events, etc.?  I'm leaning toward the Pirate weekend, because, you know, aaarrrrgggghhh and all. I'd be coming down from DFW.  Are there any hotels close by?  Thanks all for any info!!

[Trillium]

Weather wise....I'd suggest closer to Halloween.  But, if you're coming from Dallas, you're used to the heat anyway! 
There are hotels but there is also on site camping.

[DonaCatalina]

We stay at the Best Western in Montgomery. That keeps us from flooding and frying.
We are definitely going for closing weekend, don't know about any others.

[Lady Ann of Draycott]

IMHO, the best weekend to go, not necessarily weather-wise, but when the most R/F people will be there is All Hallows Eve on October 25 & 26. 

Celtic Christmas, or closing weekend, is also a good weekend to go but the weather can be very unpredictable.  Last year, Friday was nice, but cold, Saturday it poured down rain all day and it was cold.  We went home early and didn't go back on Sunday although I heard it wasn't bad.

There are several hotels in the area and within a reasonable distance.  I've never stayed in any of them because we either drive up just for the day or if plan to go for the whole weekend we camp onsite.

Hope this helps! 

[pirate fred]

Pirate weekend is the best, of course.   

[Tipsy Gypsy]

I'm there almost every weekend. "Best" sort of depends on what you want....

Opening weekend, advance discount tickets are available for about half of gate price. Less risk of rain, better chances of warm, sunny weather earlier in the season. Of course, that sometimes translates to ""hotter'n hell", but this is Texas, so ya never really know! People seem more jazzed up early on, as compared to 7 weeks into the faire, too.

Later in the season tends to be cooler and more likely to rain, but again, you never really know for certain. If you're a bargain hunter, you have a better chance at finding deals.

For me, there's never really a bad weekend unless a hurricane's coming or it's cold/wet/sloppy/bone-chillin' miserable, like closing was last year. If that happens, a trip to Academy for silk thermals and electric socks is a life-saver!

There are a few inexpensive motels about 20 minutes away in Navasota, but reserve early (like, probably now); I'm sure they book up fast.

[Princess Amanda]

Ditto the others that Halloween and Pirate weekends are both fun.

Weather is such a significant factor in our enjoyment and of course no one is predicting rain this far out.  But we've often been too hot in the first couple of weekends.  I think last year a lot of the regs on this board were even commenting that they went in casual clothes instead of garb opening weekend.

Its easier to enjoy a little cool weather than hot, imho so we usually aim for later in the season.  If you do camp be mindful that the overnight lows will get much cooler than what is projected in the city toward the end of the season.  (Think 30's).  We invested in a tent heater and love it.  I cannot stress enough how fun the camping is.  The atmosphere among the regulars there is awesome.  We love to wander around and meet people at night.  We always bring extra food to share with people we meet and just love it.

Another consideration for us is closing "Celtic Christmas" weekend, my husband's definite favorite.  We often find good deals from the vendors and that factors into our Christmas shopping.  Plus, Thanksgiving weekend = one extra night for camping.  

[SandrineDeLaTombe]

I would definitely have to get a hotel, I wouldn't mind camping but couldn't talk my roommates into it. I'm leaning more towards the first weekend of November.  So, you recommend making hotel reservations way in advance?  Thanks for all the great info, everyone!!

[Advent]

Magnolia has some newer hotels and its only 5-7 mins away from TRF. I highly recommend staying there if you're not camping!

[dameoftherealm]

Some of the Hotels around Shenandoah offer shuttles. The list of hotels and deals will be ready in July that is what I was told when
I call. The hotels have know clue though about the shuttles for more information 8004583435 or TRFinfo@texrenfest.com.

[Just Randall]

As a resident of the area, let me throw in my 2 cents...

Magnolia PROPER now has 2 motels, both within 10 miles from faire site.
Lodging are also available in the Lake Conroe area, 20-30 miles from faire site, however those will be more resort oriented and wil cost a bit more. Lodgings are also available in Tomball, 20-30 miles, but I would not recommend them as they are in the direct path of all Houston traffic going to faire. As far as food, there are all the usual fast food subjects, as well as a few fine restaurants in town, in addition to two supermarkets.( I'll do a complete listing of all eateries in the area in a seperate post.)

[SandrineDeLaTombe]

That's great info, captfletcher.  Thanks so much!

As a resident of the area, let me throw in my 2 cents...

Magnolia PROPER now has 2 motels, both within 10 miles from faire site.
Lodging are also available in the Lake Conroe area, 20-30 miles from faire site, however those will be more resort oriented and wil cost a bit more. Lodgings are also available in Tomball, 20-30 miles, but I would not recommend them as they are in the direct path of all Houston traffic going to faire. As far as food, there are all the usual fast food subjects, as well as a few fine restaurants in town, in addition to two supermarkets.( I'll do a complete listing of all eateries in the area in a seperate post.)

[DonaCatalina]

I would definitely have to get a hotel, I wouldn't mind camping but couldn't talk my roommates into it. I'm leaning more towards the first weekend of November.  So, you recommend making hotel reservations way in advance?  Thanks for all the great info, everyone!!

Making reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially if you might go closing weekend. 45 days in advance is pretty safe.

[Taffy Saltwater]

Being flufftastic, I prefer cooler weather, so All Hallows Eve - this year I'll schlepp out Vampyre Huntress LaMorte de Draco.  And of course, Pirates Invasion because - you know - pirates.  I was underwhelmed by Celtic Christmas & don't plan to do it again.

[Rizban]

Maybe I'm just biased, but pirate weekend is always the best. Oktoberfest and Celtic Christmas are usually pretty good too.