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RenDezvous => R/F.com RenDezvous => Please pick our faire! => Topic started by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on August 28, 2011, 07:49:01 AM

Title: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on August 28, 2011, 07:49:01 AM
Molden and I have been chatting about this and would like to volunteer to host(ess) the 2012 Rendezvous @ Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, NC.  We enjoy a large faire, with fyne acts such as; the Tortuga Twins, Don Juan and Miguel, Cast in Bronze, Zilch the Tory Stellar, Hanlon-Lees Jousting Troup 3 man joust and they serve GUINNESS!  It runs the 2nd weekend in October till the weekend before Thanksgiving.  The first 2 weekends we usually enjoy warmer weather although I do not recommend our second weekend as it co-incides with a NASCAR race.  Opening weekend, the last 2 weekends in October and first weekend in November would be ideal.  Opening weekend our shire offers 2-1 which may assist some in the financial aspects.  In 2010 we had the most lovely Faire weather.

Our shire is 20 minutes from KOA campgrounds in Troutman.  Oh and our shire serves GUINNESS!!!  :)  We also have very nearby an authentic Irish Pub known as the Galway Hooker in Cornelius.  It was built about 9-10 years ago, all supplies were sent from Ireland!  http://www.galwayhookerpub.com/  It would be an ideal place for meet and greet as well as dinner afterwards on Saturday night.  They have over the years accomodated large numbers of Rennies (the owner is a friend of mine) and are such great sports to ensure we have an ample supply of libations, including Guinness!!!

The link to CRF is http://royalfaires.com/

Closest airport is Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, about 1/2 hour South of the Shire.  http://charlottedouglasintlairport.com/

Blessings,

Lady M

Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: LadyJessica on August 29, 2011, 03:45:43 PM
You mean I have to choose between going to my home faire and your faire?!?!  Oh choices, choices....hmmmmm...  ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: renfairephotog on August 31, 2011, 12:31:37 AM
Cool Cast in Bronze. What about hotels near by?
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: BLAKDUKE on August 31, 2011, 07:05:44 AM
count on our vote.......
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Pharmar Greybeard & Maria on September 01, 2011, 10:55:41 PM
and it's near I-85, I-77, I-40. It is also near Charlotte airport
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on September 03, 2011, 11:37:41 AM
My thanks to Lady Mikayla and Molden for throwing their hat into the ring and proposing Fairhaven of Carolina. It's true, it's all true, whatever she says, for who are we to disagree with such a lovely lady. Besides, the pirate Molden would ring my neck or even worse cut off my Guinness supply.

Fairhaven is a decent size fair, with excellent entertainment and perhaps one of the friendliest cast around. Between the professional, volunteer, playtrons, and just laughing at the mundanes, if you aren't entertained. we need to check for your pulse. The majority of our fair has tree covered lanes with permenant structures. Sun or shade you can always fine something. Excellent variety of vendors, good choice of "adult" beverages, and all your favorite faire foods await.

Easily accessible from Charlotte, Fairhaven (on the map look for Huntersville/Cornelius area north of Charlotte) is reachable from both I-77 and I-85. You may choose to stay in Charlotte, but the local organizers have experience and proven contacts with local hotels on I-77 just a 15 minute drive from Fairhaven. A discount deal at a hotel is a given. The Galway Hooker Pub (its a boat silly) is just off I-77 at the faire exit. The hotel will be at the same exit. All events from a Friday meet-n-greet through Sunday morning will be within that 15-20 minute circle of the faire. Even if you don't care for the event hotel, there are at least 3 or 4 more at the same exit. For those interested there are reduced rate group ticket sales. Opportunities abound!

Local support is a great mixture of pirates, rogues, ren mercs, wenchs, and R/F members. The regional chieftain (yours truly) of the Clan M'Crack is based at Fairhaven and three M'Crack clans consider CRF to be their home faire. Our annual tailgate on Pirate's Christmas weekend (two weeks before Thanksgiving, anyone and everyone is always welcome) hosts over 100 rennies each year. Its a great time! One year we all went to visit the king and our "parade" became a major event.

I know there are many great faires out there, and I have been to three RenDezvous and enjoyed them all. Please do consider Carolina as your next host faire. If not this year, then next. If not as a RenDezvous site, then do come visit us on your own.

Fairhaven welcomes all, there are no strangers here, just family you haven't met yet.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: LadyJessica on September 12, 2011, 08:50:10 PM
Lady Stich had some good questions so I thought I'd ask them as well here...

Quote from: LadyStitch on August 29, 2011, 04:51:49 PM
Are there any camping clans for your faire?  I mean are there already Rennie groups that tend to camp near each other at any of the camp grounds?

what are some of your acts?

How are are hotels from the faire, roughly?

What is the typical weather for your faire? (I know this year EVERYONE is roasting, but on average for you?)

What are the grounds like?

For those that don't drink Guinness is there mead (not Chaucher) or cider?

And the only thing I'd really ask is to not do it the weekend of Oct 27th - 28th as that will be All Hallow's Eve weekend here at TRF and I know I won't be able to make it then...but that's just me asking.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: FireFaerie on September 14, 2011, 10:51:32 PM
The mead is Chaucer's, and they serve regular and raspberry. As for cider, I believe they have Woodchuck. It might be Hornsby's, but I'm 90% sure it's Woodchuck.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on September 15, 2011, 09:17:54 AM
Quote from: LadyJessica on September 12, 2011, 08:50:10 PM
Lady Stich had some good questions so I thought I'd ask them as well here...

Quote from: LadyStitch on August 29, 2011, 04:51:49 PM
Are there any camping clans for your faire?  I mean are there already Rennie groups that tend to camp near each other at any of the camp grounds?

what are some of your acts?

How are are hotels from the faire, roughly?

What is the typical weather for your faire? (I know this year EVERYONE is roasting, but on average for you?)

What are the grounds like?

For those that don't drink Guinness is there mead (not Chaucher) or cider?

And the only thing I'd really ask is to not do it the weekend of Oct 27th - 28th as that will be All Hallow's Eve weekend here at TRF and I know I won't be able to make it then...but that's just me asking.

Excellent questions and I will supply what information I have and I'm sure others will pick in just as FireFaerie did on the Mead.

We do not have camping on site. There is a KOA site just up the road that I know Master James of this board and the M'Cracks has used for several years. Hopefully he will add his insight into who is there and the quality of the establishment.

Our Acts are all great and several of the front liners have been with us several seasons. Always enjoy the Tortuga Twins (originals), Don Juan and Miguel, Hey Nunnie Nunnie, London Broil, Pirate Shantyman and the Bonnie Lass, Maidens IV, Lord marshall Laww, Dead Bob Sho, Barely Balanced, an excellent harpist Sarah Mullen, and Cast in Bronze. Not to mention what seems like many many more acts that you can see on the web site.

The grounds are easily accessible to both Interstate 77 and INterstate 85. More hotels on 77 which is no more than 10 miles from the site. All hotels are national chains. We were able to get a very respectable rate with Microtel last year and it even included a fridge in the room. A group rate will be offerred, just can't say where and how much.

Weather depends on when. In October we start with classic southern fall football weather. Comfortable warm, no cloaks needed. Toward the end of the run in November, getting close to Thanksgiving, in the mmornings the ladies prefer a cloak to beat the morning mist and chill, but once the sun arises the temperature climbs and all is comfortable once again.

Fairhaven is an established location, wide lanes, permenant vendor and stage buildings with some tents on the very back lane. Ground is for the most part level, dirt and grass with some gravel in front of the busy food areas. I would say at least 50% is under tree cover. Finding a shady spot to sit and listen is never a problem.

Thats my 2 cents worth. If there are more questions please ask and we'll answer as best we can.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on September 15, 2011, 09:19:32 AM
Quote from: FireFaerie on September 14, 2011, 10:51:32 PM
The mead is Chaucer's, and they serve regular and raspberry. As for cider, I believe they have Woodchuck. It might be Hornsby's, but I'm 90% sure it's Woodchuck.

I agree, I seem to remember Woodchuck on the board. Also, don't forget the Medieval Margarittas and of course the Mimosas!
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Merlin the Elder on September 15, 2011, 11:09:31 AM
A number of the acts are regulars at Scarby...quite familiar with them! If Carolina is chosen (my current favourite of the nominees), I will need to know the schedule for Cast in Bronze, as I will wish to be at the other end of the grounds. I know everyone else loves the act, but I just find it to be way too far out-of-place at Ren faires.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: LadyJessica on September 15, 2011, 08:15:39 PM
Happy to hear about the Woodchuck but ya'll really need to get some better mead up there than Chaucer's...  ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Molden on September 19, 2011, 11:10:25 AM
Well Said Hibernian!

A few fun comments -

- I'd na'er cause ye physical harm, nor cut off yer supply o' Guinness - but I would "tax" y' HEAVILY on th' Guiness (a healthy portion per yer portion). It's all 'bout profit Mate!  ;) ...an' maybe cut th' "confessional" or Braggin' as y' call it a bit shorter. :D

An ye 'ave it right on th' "mmornings" closer t' Thanksgiving - tis a little chilly t' start th' day around then! ;)

An LadyJessica, if'n ye time it well - thar be a bonny lass wot makes a LOVELY homemade mead an brings PLENTY fer samplin an' purchase.

B'sides...there are Molden huggs an' kisses at this Shire! ;) (it's been awhile Love!)
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: LadyJessica on September 19, 2011, 01:14:40 PM
And what be th' timin' for that me'dear?
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on September 23, 2011, 11:14:05 AM
Quote from: renfairephotog on August 31, 2011, 12:31:37 AM
Cool Cast in Bronze. What about hotels near by?

Microtel will be repeating as our host hotel for the 2011 invasion this upcoming November. Good, solid, clean and I have heard no complaints from anyone staying there the last two years. Our 2011 rate is roughly $44 per night for two adults. If you are going to put more people in a room then I think it climbs up to $49 per night. There are also plenty of places to eat (fast food to pub to sit down fancy) between the hotels and CRF.

All the hotels are anywhere from 5 to no more than 10 miles from the actual gates of CRF.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on September 30, 2011, 09:13:55 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on September 15, 2011, 11:09:31 AM
A number of the acts are regulars at Scarby...quite familiar with them! If Carolina is chosen (my current favourite of the nominees), I will need to know the schedule for Cast in Bronze, as I will wish to be at the other end of the grounds. I know everyone else loves the act, but I just find it to be way too far out-of-place at Ren faires.

Easily done as Cast in Bronze is on one end of the site leaving plenty of room, stages and beverages out of earshot.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lairde Guardn on October 10, 2011, 11:48:20 PM
The Microtel is very clean and caters to the Renn Faire crowd....we get excellent rates every year....and there are also a good half dozen other hotels/motels in the immediate area......

Plenty of fine restaurants, well known chains and fast food places within walking distance of the motels......

Very easy and short drive from the motels to the faire and return.....

Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on October 12, 2011, 11:39:38 AM
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on October 10, 2011, 11:48:20 PM
The Microtel is very clean and caters to the Renn Faire crowd....we get excellent rates every year....and there are also a good half dozen other hotels/motels in the immediate area......

Plenty of fine restaurants, well known chains and fast food places within walking distance of the motels......

Very easy and short drive from the motels to the faire and return.....

The Microtel is an easy 3 miles from The Galway Hooker Pub which serves as the Friday night Meet-n-Greet location. An excellent menu, good adult beverage selection, and usually has live music on Friday evenings.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on October 17, 2011, 12:19:45 PM
During this past weekend's visit to Fairhaven, while enjoying my first Guinness of the morning I had the opportunity to converse with Lady Mikayla regarding RenDezvous, dates and weather.

We have now completed our first two weekends and the weather have been marvelous. Clear blue skies (what else in Carolina), an occasional breeze and temperatures in the mid 70's. As I pulled into the driveway about 7:00pm the temperature was a very pleasant 70 degrees. Just right for sitting outside and enjoying an end of day pint or two. Its not hard to imagine everyone enjoying themselves all day in Fairhaven and then gathering that evening on the porch at the pub to share a few drinks and tell a few tales.

Lady Mikayla also pointed out the other advantage of going early at Fairhaven is our opening weekend special of two adults for one. In these times of troubled purses, a twofer deal can be a big help. Its not for me to say "when" should CRF be chosen as the "where", but it is something to consider.

If I were you, I'd come to Fairhaven now for a site visit, the gates are open, join us!
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: renfairephotog on October 17, 2011, 06:05:25 PM
hey got pics? show us the festival.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on October 18, 2011, 09:55:32 AM
Quote from: renfairephotog on October 17, 2011, 06:05:25 PM
hey got pics? show us the festival.

I'll work on that. In the meantime, anyone with access to Facebook, take a look at RenPix. Several collections of great pictures from this season already. I particularly like the monk and lady on the cover of one of the albums.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: renfairephotog on October 18, 2011, 10:25:51 PM
Nice pics. lovely faire.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/RenPix/119198111502353
FB photo viewer is wonky right now can't just click new photo.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on October 26, 2011, 02:03:38 PM
Lady Mikayla who is serving as lead on this proposal has suggested that were CRF chosen as the 2012 site, the beginning of our season would be a wise choice especially with opening weekend's traditional 2 for the price of 1 adult tickets.

Weather and the temperature is always a point of discussion, this year at CRF the first Saturday was clear, sunny and an official high of 73 degrees. The second Saturday was clear, sunny and an official high of 75 degrees. Excellent weather for garb of all types from everywhere!  ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on October 31, 2011, 07:26:29 PM
Thank-thee Hibernian for all of your most wondermous assistance!  Yes, RenPix does a fantastic job of capturing the essence that is the lovely shire of the Carolina Renaissance Festival.  I spoke with management this weekend.  They are very excited at the idea of possibly hosting us for 2012 Rendezvous!  They have assured me the first weekend of Faire shall be 2 for 1 again opening weekend 2012.  They did advise me that since 2012 is a leap year... it will move our Faire to start the very first weekend in October on the 6th and 7th which means the following Monday will be Columbus Day. This may be a travel day for some whose employers/schools observe the holiday!

Weather on that weekend is normally mid 70's, from chain maille to noble garb... comfy for all!  :)
 
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on October 31, 2011, 08:07:49 PM
People (at least I do) want to know what hotels are near the new faire they are visiting and how long does it take to get from point A to point B.

Our official hotel (in other words clean rooms and group rate) for this year again is Microtel at Exit 28. According to Google maps, its 10.1 miles and 19 minutes from CRF. Also at this exit is Econo Lodge & Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn.

On Rt 73 at Exit 25 we have another group of hotels basically 6.7 miles and 12 minutes to CRF. In this grouping you will find Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Courtyard, Candlewood Suites, Sleep Inn & Suites, Country Suites.

Our friends from Maryland had a Hilton account and stayed in a third grouping closer to Charlotte near UNCC. The University City Hilton is 12.7 miles and 20 minutes to CRF.

The official pub once again for 2011 is The Galway Hooker, from Lancers Pub in CRF to the Hooker you will have to travel 8.3 miles or 17 minutes between Guinness pints. If you call ahead when you leave Fairhaven, the pint will have settled properly by the time you reach The Hooker.

If you can't find a hotel to match one of your points plans, let me know and we'll probably find one closer into Charlotte.

Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Quiet One on November 01, 2011, 03:35:18 PM

I'll throw in my support for RenDezvous at CRF in 2012.  I've been making the trip down to CRF since 2006, a 10 hour drive for me.  It's a beautiful area just north of Charlotte.  There are many top name acts for your entertainment.  A wide variety of vendors to wander through and do some shopping.  The best part is the people I've met there are some of the best.  It has become a wonderful way to end my faire travel season each year.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on November 02, 2011, 05:14:35 PM
Thank-thee Quiet One!  If any of you are on the Book of Faces... add Kevin Hedgecock and take a look at his most wondermous photos of CRF from this season... going on now till the weekend before Thanksgiving.   ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on November 03, 2011, 05:38:27 PM
I received an e-mail from CRF management today.  They are fyne with us having a pop-up tent outside the entrance.  :) 
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on November 03, 2011, 08:03:52 PM
Quote from: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on November 03, 2011, 05:38:27 PM
I received an e-mail from CRF management today.  They are fyne with us having a pop-up tent outside the entrance.  :) 
Great, now we a very visible check in point to distribute group tickets, maps, schedules etc. Now all we need is a few more volunteers and oh yeah the RenDezvous.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: renfairephotog on November 04, 2011, 01:07:07 AM
good news about the tent.
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on November 04, 2011, 12:53:14 PM
When I spoke with Matt last weekend at Faire... he was pleased at the prospect of having us for opening weekend!  He also made sure I was aware of the "shift up" back to opening the first weekend in October as it did many years ago. 

Hibernian... I am quite confident an R/F Rendezvous at CRF will be enjoyed by those attending and renvied by those who do not... 

Now for the powers that be... what say ye??? 
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on November 07, 2011, 07:52:15 AM

An aerial view of the shire...


(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa228/phoenixinthewind24/CRF.jpg)
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on November 11, 2011, 01:15:59 AM
Quote from: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on November 04, 2011, 12:53:14 PM
When I spoke with Matt last weekend at Faire... he was pleased at the prospect of having us for opening weekend!  He also made sure I was aware of the "shift up" back to opening the first weekend in October as it did many years ago. 

Hibernian... I am quite confident an R/F Rendezvous at CRF will be enjoyed by those attending and renvied by those who do not... 

Now for the powers that be... what say ye??? 

A bright cheerful October day in Fairhaven! The heat of summer has passed but the November chill is still on the distant horizon. An ideal Carolina day to share with friends, an ideal time for a Rendezvous.

Yet this weekend, Lady Mikayla and I will be joined by over 100 friends in Fairhaven for our annual invasion, but we still have some time left before they arrive to answer any last questions. So please, if there is anything else one needs to know, please ask away!
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Tammy on November 13, 2011, 09:40:55 PM
I'm all for CRF hosting!! It's my favorite faire, of course y'all might consider me biased....it's my home faire! ;)
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard on November 17, 2011, 03:41:30 PM
I can say I was at CRF this past weekend for the invasion and it is without a doubt a great faire! lots of stuff for children to do and the shopping was fantastic,good shows and really good food.We stayed at Coutry Inn and Suites a very nice hotel and it was 6 miles from faire. There were places to eat within walking distance. Crossing my fingers for CRF!
Title: Re: Please pick Carolina Renaissance Festival for the 2012 Rendezvous
Post by: Hibernian on November 17, 2011, 03:50:13 PM
Quote from: LADY JOYCE ANN on November 17, 2011, 03:41:30 PM
I can say I was at CRF this past weekend for the invasion and it is without a doubt a great faire! lots of stuff for children to do and the shopping was fantastic,good shows and really good food.We stayed at Coutry Inn and Suites a very nice hotel and it was 6 miles from faire. There were places to eat within walking distance. Crossing my fingers for CRF!

Many thanks to Lady Joyce Ann for her compliments of CRF and for the reccommendation on another reliable hotel within a quick carriage ride. This past weekend was a great time with (depending on who you ask) between 120 and 180 friends visiting throughout the weekend. From what we learned this past weekend I'm sure CRF and Lady Mikayla's team can do a great job for all our friends from R/F!