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South => Oklahoma Renaissance Festival - Muskogee => Topic started by: Lady Renee Buchanan on January 08, 2012, 04:25:20 PM

Title: Visitors from the North
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on January 08, 2012, 04:25:20 PM
Four of us are hoping to visit this faire over Memorial Day weekend.  Not written in stone yet, but we're in the tentative planning stages to see if finances will allow.  It's a 12 hour drive, so that weekend would be our best bet.  I have some questions on behalf of the group, and I told them that I know just the right people who would know the answers!   ;D

First, what is the weather typically like during that weekend?  I know things change from year to year, but the overall pattern.  Will we need cloaks, will it be so blasted hot that we will want to dress cool and light?  

We are trying to do this on a limited budget.  Our hotel range is in the $50 to $60 per night.  Is that feasible?  Or will we end up in the Roach Motel?  Looked on the faire's website, in their guidebook.  It listed La Quinta as the sponsored hotel.  Even with the discount, it costs over $100 per night per room, too much for our pocketbooks (or should I say, pouches).  Looked on kayak.com & there are chains in the $45 to $60 price range, but again, are they clean and in a safe area?  Camping is NOT an option for us, though.

Saw that there are 2 day passes, do they do a 3 day pass for Memorial weekend?  Do you know how far in advance you have to buy advance tickets?  Is there a cutoff where after a certain date, you can only buy tickets at the faire?  And if you buy them in advance, can you pick up at will call when you get there?  Are the lines horrendous (we went to one faire, which shall remain nameless, where we stood in line for almost an hour at the will call, we thought it was horrendous that we had to wait for so long).  Since we have a couple of older gentlemen, what is the age for the Senior tickets, if we have to buy a 2 day pass and then an additional ticket?

On closing weekend, are the lanes so packed you sort of have to jostle along with the crowd?  Or can you pretty freely move about.  I'm talking mostly of 1 to 2 hour waits to buy food, and sometimes vendors selling out.  Also, what is the privie situation?  Not to go into detail, but since my kidney transplant, I'm really not supposed to use port a privies. Are there flushies?   If I do need to leave faire to use a flushie (like back at the hotel or a gas station), is it a far drive?

Our group are musical act nuts.  We've seen countless jousts, mud shows, washing well wenches, pirate comedy shows, and while we enjoy them, we really love the different musicians.  Can you regular attendees recommend some acts/shows that we definitely shouldn't miss while we're there?

I looked over the guidebook, map, and pictures, and your faire looks beautiful.  We are really hoping we can visit.  It's a great way to spend winter evenings, planning a new faire to visit.  Thank you, I appreciate all of your input.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Merlin the Elder on January 19, 2012, 06:17:38 AM
First, the important thing....there are flushies available. Weather: expect anything moderately cool and windy to hotter than hell. I am basing that on my many visits to Oklahoma, not necessarily faire. Last year, we went in mid-May, and it was the most pleasant weekend of faire, temperature-wise, that we had all year, at any faire.

Castleton is a very nice faire. There are a couple of areas where the lanes seem to squeeze down, but then home for us is Scarborough, which is very open, with few exceptions.

I've heard (though do not know for fact) that Circa Paleo is playing there that weekend. If so, they are a "must see." They're an extremely talented group.

We've only made the one trip so far. One thing I noticed different from other faires, is that people were frequently coming up to us to take our picture.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on January 19, 2012, 08:21:28 PM
I do season passes so can't help with info on the ticket questions.  On the faire's link email Karen or phone, is one source potential on that info.

I've not seen any long lines at the gate after opening gun.  

As for experience of the privies, the facilities inside the castle have been an acceptable choice /option to both genders but, keep in mind that most Okies have no problem doing business behind a bush or cactus.    8)

Most of the musicians rotate around between various stages.  Each stage has entertainment schedule times posted.

On the budget for shelter.  Suggestions:  The price range would likely fit things within reasonably near driving locations;  Western Hills State Park (they have cabins and this is the off season so you could negotiate off season rates.  They did have lower rates for off season but haven't checked recently.   Greenleaf State Park has some cabins made by German POW during WWII but they've been updated and really nice stone materials.  A good feel but not the Ritz.  Closest, SEQUOYAH STATE PARK, has some cabins and I think some trailer houses they rent for the night.  INDIAN LODGE, on Ft. Gibson Lake, north of Muskogee;  a friend owns it, located on Ft. Gibson Lake.  He might make you a good season rate in that budget, especially if you get two that are connected.  They have a little kitchen in the middle and fridge.  Clean but again, not the Ritz.   There is a DAYS INN  at   Jct.  Hwy 69 & Hwy 51 to the north of OKRF and not a long drive with only about 3 stop lights between you and the faire.  No long lines getting in to park other than, just before opening cannon.

Weather:  Boy Scout Motto is "BE PREPARED" so  . . . . be prepared.  ;D

Will be nice to meet and greet me fellow forum visitors.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Rani Zemirah on January 20, 2012, 01:46:22 AM
Oops... guess I should have looked here before posting in the other thread!  I did include some info there that wasn't covered here, though...

As for music, the only thing I know is that if Ezra & Dilly are there this year then they are a wonderfully funny musical act.  The Gypsy belly dancers are good friends of ours, and they have a fun show, as well.  I'm not sure about any of the other acts, since we didn't have much chance last year to sit and enjoy any others. 
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on January 20, 2012, 10:00:31 AM
Here is a link to INDIAN LODGE for any who may be interested.  http://indianlodge.net/ (http://indianlodge.net/)

If interested, reserve early.  May is a popular fishing month for tournaments.  I've told the owner today (a lawyer friend ) that he may get some calls asking for group discounts for reservations that are multiple unit guests.  His name is Scott and his wife's name ( often answers the phone ) is Debbie.  Phone numbers and pics available at that link.  This would put you about 20 minutes from the castle of Muskogee and maybe three stop lights between you and the faire.

Usual prices there are:  Single double bed: 52.00
Two double beds: 62.00 (72.00 with kitchenette)
Two queen beds: 65.00 (75.00 with kitchenette)
King size bed: 62.00 (72.00 with kitchenette)

Two double beds & living room: 90.00
Two double beds, living room & kitchenette: 100.00
Four double beds & kitchenette: 140.00
Four double beds, two living rooms & kitchenette: 195.00

Roll-aways can be rented for $10.00 per person.

Pets are accepted with a daily charge of $25.00 per pet but they can't be left alone in the cabins.

The cabins offer a covered car port next to the cabin if that matters ( like motorcycle riders for example ).

Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on February 18, 2012, 12:17:31 AM
On your question about the line to get in . . . this is a reasonable example of the experience, any time other than opening cannon.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnqJTkvzKm0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnqJTkvzKm0)
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Rani Zemirah on February 18, 2012, 05:15:30 AM
Getting up to the gate is entertainment in itself... because there are cast members there to greet you and interact before you ever even get to the ticket booth, so it can take a little while to get in, but only because you're already having fun, and you don't want to rush through it! 
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on February 24, 2012, 09:19:17 PM
Yesterday I was approved for time off the Friday before and the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend.  Our visit is ON!!!!!!!

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on February 24, 2012, 09:58:48 PM
(http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af8/wolfnyghteyes/ouain/DSCN5078.jpg) (http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af8/wolfnyghteyes/ouain/DSCN5072.jpg)

       Good news and good weather makes Archer ready for some renfaire. Bring on the joust.  (Photo credit to forum member Coch)
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: The Rabbi on February 24, 2012, 10:22:07 PM
By all means if Ezra & Dilly are there do not miss them nothing like Ghost Chickens In The Sky and should you get a chance to chat with them ask about Elephants and breaking water.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on February 25, 2012, 01:59:34 AM
(http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af8/wolfnyghteyes/ouain/100_3212-1.jpg)

     Yes, looking forward to that.  A good spot for watching the parade with a little shade,  is the maypole dance area. 
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Coch on February 26, 2012, 12:25:06 AM
Lady Renee it will be a pleasure to have you at our faire.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on February 26, 2012, 10:04:06 AM
Thank you!

Our group is getting together within the next week or so to look at the accommodation options.  The cabins do sound inviting, so we plan to look at everything and then decide.  Can't wait!!!     ;D
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on February 26, 2012, 03:34:16 PM
If we can be of assistance, let us know Lady Renee Buchanan.   :) 

Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on March 08, 2012, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: Archer on January 20, 2012, 10:00:31 AM
Here is a link to INDIAN LODGE for any who may be interested.  http://indianlodge.net/ (http://indianlodge.net/)

If interested, reserve early.  May is a popular fishing month for tournaments.  I've told the owner today (a lawyer friend ) that he may get some calls asking for group discounts for reservations that are multiple unit guests.  His name is Scott and his wife's name ( often answers the phone ) is Debbie.  Phone numbers and pics available at that link.  This would put you about 20 minutes from the castle of Muskogee and maybe three stop lights between you and the faire.

Usual prices there are:  Single double bed: 52.00
Two double beds: 62.00 (72.00 with kitchenette)
Two queen beds: 65.00 (75.00 with kitchenette)
King size bed: 62.00 (72.00 with kitchenette)

Two double beds & living room: 90.00
Two double beds, living room & kitchenette: 100.00
Four double beds & kitchenette: 140.00
Four double beds, two living rooms & kitchenette: 195.00

Roll-aways can be rented for $10.00 per person.

Pets are accepted with a daily charge of $25.00 per pet but they can't be left alone in the cabins.

The cabins offer a covered car port next to the cabin if that matters ( like motorcycle riders for example ).

Archer, we are rethinking our lodging options, and find that Indian Lodge is very interesting.  However, our friend tried to call today to the phone number in the listing, and there was a message that they don't open until April 1st, and there was no place to leave a message.  How can we get in touch with Scott?  We would like to get our accommodations wrapped up before too long, since it's the Memorial Day weekend.  Thanks for any help you can give us.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Captain Teague on March 08, 2012, 07:53:48 PM
Hmm....I went to that link and got a message that their site had expired March 1.

Found another listing for it, is it the same number?

http://www.ehow.com/list_7260285_motels-near-wagoner_-ok.html (http://www.ehow.com/list_7260285_motels-near-wagoner_-ok.html)
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on March 08, 2012, 08:32:05 PM
Quote from: Captain Teague on March 08, 2012, 07:53:48 PM
Hmm....I went to that link and got a message that their site had expired March 1.

Found another listing for it, is it the same number?

http://www.ehow.com/list_7260285_motels-near-wagoner_-ok.html (http://www.ehow.com/list_7260285_motels-near-wagoner_-ok.html)

Yes, that would be it,  good Captain. 
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on April 24, 2012, 09:03:26 PM
We've given up on Indian Lodge.  We left about 4 messages plus a couple of emails, and no phone calls were ever returned.

So we are back to affordable hotels.  Has anyone stayed at the Days Inn, Knights Inn, Motel 6, Super 8 or others in the budget range ($50-60 a night)?

The Comfort Inn does look very nice, but it's $95 per room per night, and we need 2 rooms. 

Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Archer on April 25, 2012, 07:13:41 PM
Sorry to hear that.   I understand there may be some illness in the family that is preventing phone reply.

No info on local lodge facilities but there are some places quite near the intersection of the Shawnee by-pass and Hwy 60 which are quite near (just south) of the castle of Muskogee.
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on May 01, 2012, 08:00:38 PM
Hotel rooms are booked!  Decided on the Knight's Inn.  Sounds decent & has a fridge & microwave in the room.  Great price, too.  Memorial Day Weekend, here we come!
Title: Re: Visitors from the North
Post by: Coch on May 01, 2012, 10:55:29 PM
Huzzah, please be sure we meet.