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RenDezvous => R/F.com RenDezvous => Please pick our faire! => Topic started by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 20, 2011, 08:52:12 AM

Title: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 20, 2011, 08:52:12 AM
The faire is in a beautiful, shady venue.  It is small enough to be navigatable, but large enough that you won't see everything in 1 day and you can't wait to get back the next day.

The noble glade is where Queen Elizabeth's Court is located (though they travel the kingdom throughout the day).  This is a truly historically accurate court, something not a lot of other faires that we have attended have.

The village of Bristol has permanent structures.  Did I mention flushable privvies?  A lot!

More choices for food than I can begin to list here.

The entertainment is first rate.  The big names in juggling, comedy, musical acts, the joust, and I'm probably forgetting lots more.

The market place is filled with artisans.  Yes, people who spend the year making what they are selling, not stuff bought elsewhere to bring in and fill up a booth.  The workmanship is exquisite, and there are many, many one of a kind pieces.

Our Friends of Faire has a weekend guest membership of $5 - that's for both days.  And they provide a shady spot with benches to relax, as well as unlimited gatorade and water.  And entertainers stroll in and out and give an impromptu show, singing a couple of songs just for garden occupants.

On a practical level, Bristol in Kenosha, WI is served either from Milwaukee or Chicago airports, for those who would fly in.  This is a large tourist area, so there are many things to do besides visit the faire, if you want to come a few days early.  About 20 minutes from the 6 Flags Amusement Park.  Locally, there is a jelly belly factory tour.  It really isn't that good, but they give a great goody bag, and in their shop at the end of the tour, you can go nuts in jelly bean heaven.  If you are a shopaholic, Kenosha is surrounded by a multitude of outlet malls.  There is even a restaurant in Kenosha that is run by a rennie. 

And another reason for the Rendezvous at Bristol next year?  I am planning a huge M'Crack gathering in July at Bristol.  There are tons of hotels.  The M'Crack cruise directors are getting quotes for discount rates from different hotels.  I have things in place for a Meet & Greet at a wonderful bar that will have either a DJ or Karaoke.  The dinner on Saturday night is already set up.  In Tennessee, the M'Crack gathering and the Rendezvous were the same weekend, so all events were open to everyone, as they will be at Bristol - M'Cracks (so many of whom are members of this forum) and RF members.  So the groundwork is in place for a big gathering that we have the potential to turn into a huge gathering!   

P.S.  Did I mention flushable privies?    ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Grouser on August 20, 2011, 09:02:27 AM
Any idea what the camping options are there?

Edit: A quick Google search turns up Happy Acres Kampground a mere 13 miles (23 minutes) away, Chain O'Lakes State Park campground at 17 miles (35 minutes) away (alcohol prohibited, for those that care about such things) and the nearest KOA is Chicago NW at approximately 50 miles (about an hour and a half) away.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: LadyFae on August 20, 2011, 09:28:29 AM
I would absolutely LOVE to visit Bristol Faire! July would be a good time to visit, too! :D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 20, 2011, 08:08:21 PM
Sorry, I am not a camper, so I forgot to add that in.  The Cruise Directors have found a couple of campgrounds that are nearby.  I can't remember the names of most of them.  The only one I remember is the Bong campground.  Because Goodwin Anicet and wildthingjew, both forum members and friends of mine, have stayed there.

But if it is picked, campgrounds will surely be on the accommodations list.  Because there are some, I just am not familiar with them.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Hector on August 21, 2011, 09:07:31 PM
What a great suggestion Renee -- and not just because Bristol is about to become my home Faire again.  Its a great place and the artichokes are amazing. 
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: cowgrrl on August 28, 2011, 10:44:57 PM
Sounds lovely. Could you post the dates & times of Bristol?  I believe it's going on right one but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 29, 2011, 05:45:35 AM
Bristol usually runs from the first weekend after the Fourth of July (in 2012, it is the weekend of July 7-8) through the Labor Day weekend, including Monday.

We are looking at the third weekend, July 21-22, for the Rendezvous.  That is the weekend of the M'Crack invasion, so we would like the 2 to be at the same time, since many M'Cracks are forum members, plus, everything is already set up for the Friday night Meet & Greet and the Saturday night dinner.

Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Mairte on August 29, 2011, 03:25:18 PM
Besides everything Bristol has going for it, I hope it's there since it's within easy driving distance! :)
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: 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?

The PP is bugging me for details about each place so just passing along questions.  ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 29, 2011, 09:07:20 PM
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?

The PP is bugging me for details about each place so just passing along questions.  ;D

There is no camping at or right near the fairegrounds itself.  There are a couple of campgrounds within 20 minutes, but I don't camp and only know 2 people who do, one a MN visitor and the other from IL.  So I don't think there are any camping clans.

The hotels range from Pleasant Prairie/Kenosha, around 5 or 6 minutes away, to around 20 minutes away in Gurnee.  Kenosha has Country Inns & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta, Super 8, Radisson, and more.  Our cruise director has prepared the list and is working on some kind of group rates. Gurnee is where Great America is, so there are lots and lots of hotels.  Also, Racine, WI is about 12 miles north of the faire, again lots of hotels there.  I've never stayed there, but last year friends of ours stayed in a hotel there and said it was clean, fine, and inexpensive.

The Meet & Greet and dinner are both set up in Kenosha, probably less than 4 minutes from any of the Kenosha hotels.  As a matter of fact, if you stay in the main hotel area, you can walk to the Meet & Greet and not have to worry about drinking and driving.  Also, I  don't drink, so there will be a designated driver if someone feels they need one.  We want everyone to be safe.

Some of the acts that have been there are Barely Balanced, Tartanic, Shakespeare in a Suitcase, Hanlon Lee Jousting, the Falcon Show, the Spirit of the Stallion (airs above the ground), Christophe the Insulter, Ded Bob, Clan Tinker, Dick & Guido, the Swordsmen, The Dread Crew of Oddwood, Moonie the Magnificent, the Mud Show, Gyspy Geoff, juggler.  There's more, just can't remember all of them.  Musical shows:  Craig of Farrington, Dan the Bard, Bounding Main, Rambling Sailors, Jock Stewart, 3 Pints Gone, Dylan Robertson, Tinker Maclea, Ogham, Kenny Kline, Guerilla Gypsy Band, again, I can't remember them all.  Not every act is there every weekend, but there is enough to keep you going for 2 days and not see everything.

Weather.  That's funny.  It can be anything!  I've worn noble garb in July and not broken a sweat, and also been so hot I've walked around with a wet dish towel around my neck.  This is where the best kept secret of Bristol comes in:  Friends of Faire.  You can get a weekend pass for $5. Yes, that is for both days.  And all the free Gatorade and water that you want, plus private privvies (port a potties) that are so clean, that I can use them and not worry about my immune system from my kidney transplant.  They also have iced water that you can wet your towel in to keep you cool when it's hot.  Can get up to around 100 degrees, but can also be in the 70's.

The grounds have heavy shade, it's like a real village with permanent buildings, trees, gardens, and lanes.  There are some stages that are in the sun, and I won't lie, it can be hot, but all of them have a netting on top and this year they have put up some patio umbrellas, which has helped a lot.  There are a couple of places in Bristol no matter how hot it is, there is a nice breeze.

Steve and I took a ride Sunday afternoon, took a break from faire, because I was feeling unwell.  There are tons of factory outlets in the area, too, so if anyone comes in early and wants to shop, they can have a field day.

Here is the faire's website:  http://www.renfair.com/bristol/

You can see the stage schedules for each week to get an idea of the shows and the many stages there are.


If you or anyone else have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  If I don't know the answer, then I'll find out.  I will see the cruise director this coming weekend, so I'll ask her to find out more about the camping.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 31, 2011, 05:56:40 AM
Absolutely wonderful update!!!

The third Saturday at Bristol has typically been the Friends of Faire Feast, so it is most likely that it will take place again the weekend of the proposed Rendezvous.

For the $5 membership - that's for the weekend, don't forget - on the Saturday, you can either bring a dish to share, or else pay $5 (in addition to the weekend memberhsip fee) and join in the feast.  And what a feast it is!!  The food starts coming our at around 11 a.m. and goes all day until around 5 or 5:30 p.m.

For the last feast, they prepared and served over 500 lbs. of meat - steak, burgers, ribs, chicken, sausages, you name it. Plus people bring varieties of salads, desserts, grilled veggies.  Honestly, you can eat all day and never leave the garden!  We usually can only go to the Sunday feast in August, because of Steve working on Saturday, but people drop in and out all day and graze.

So, besides the great faire, this is a wonderful event to attend.  And I am pretty sure that it will again take place the third weekend on Saturday, July 21st.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Once Debauched on August 31, 2011, 08:14:20 AM
Lady Renee,  How long was the drive for you down here to St Louis?  Mapquest is showing about 6 hours+, but I don't always trust the mapping sites. 

I was originally hoping I'd not have the kiddo this weekend, but since looking at their website I'd feel guilty if I didn't bring her.  Guess I'd have to cover her ears when we go see Christophe!  lol
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 31, 2011, 08:47:25 PM
Quote from: Once Debauched on August 31, 2011, 08:14:20 AM
Lady Renee,  How long was the drive for you down here to St Louis?  Mapquest is showing about 6 hours+, but I don't always trust the mapping sites. 

I was originally hoping I'd not have the kiddo this weekend, but since looking at their website I'd feel guilty if I didn't bring her.  Guess I'd have to cover her ears when we go see Christophe!  lol

We live in Galena, IL.  It took 5 1/2 hours to get to the parking lot of the St. Louis faire.  However, we live 3 hours west (and a little southwest) of Bristol.  We go a different way than you would, so that time isn't accurate for you.

To get my son to school in Carbondale, IL, from Galena, it took 8 1/2 hours.  It was quicker for him to go into Chicago and catch the train or ride down with friends rather than for us to drive him.  Because there are probably more direct routes from St. Louis to the Chicago area.  Kenosha, the city where Bristol is held, is about an hour or so north of Chicago.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Once Debauched on August 31, 2011, 09:46:44 PM
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 31, 2011, 08:47:25 PM
Quote from: Once Debauched on August 31, 2011, 08:14:20 AM
Lady Renee,  How long was the drive for you down here to St Louis?  Mapquest is showing about 6 hours+, but I don't always trust the mapping sites. 

I was originally hoping I'd not have the kiddo this weekend, but since looking at their website I'd feel guilty if I didn't bring her.  Guess I'd have to cover her ears when we go see Christophe!  lol

We live in Galena, IL.  It took 5 1/2 hours to get to the parking lot of the St. Louis faire.  However, we live 3 hours west (and a little southwest) of Bristol.  We go a different way than you would, so that time isn't accurate for you.

To get my son to school in Carbondale, IL, from Galena, it took 8 1/2 hours.  It was quicker for him to go into Chicago and catch the train or ride down with friends rather than for us to drive him.  Because there are probably more direct routes from St. Louis to the Chicago area.  Kenosha, the city where Bristol is held, is about an hour or so north of Chicago.

I'm already trying to plot things out in case Bristol is chosen.  lol  The BFF and I will attend faire, most likely with the kidlette in tow, while the non-faire friendly boyfriend visits one of his oldest friends in Chicago.

Everybody wins! 
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on September 06, 2011, 05:58:27 AM
More news!

Yesterday on the last day of Bristol, I met with the owner of the faire to discuss July 20-21, 2012, which is the M'Crack Family Gathering.  I also told her that there is a possibility that the Rendezvous could also be held there, if it is picked.

She has heard of the forum, and was very thrilled for the M'Cracks to visit, and also the possible Rendezvous.  They are very excited to have the group come, whether it be 30 people or 100 people, and she has advised me that Bristol will play it's part to ensure a wonderful time.  She already suggested a possible pub for the group to congregate, and we discussed other things that will be very welcoming to the group.

So come to see us, everyone!  Here's hoping to the Rendezvous in 2012!   ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: wildthingjew on September 06, 2011, 08:21:19 PM
Quote from: Grouser on August 20, 2011, 09:02:27 AM
Any idea what the camping options are there?

Edit: A quick Google search turns up Happy Acres Kampground a mere 13 miles (23 minutes) away, Chain O'Lakes State Park campground at 17 miles (35 minutes) away (alcohol prohibited, for those that care about such things) and the nearest KOA is Chicago NW at approximately 50 miles (about an hour and a half) away.

my midget and i stay at bong, which if you are from out of state need sticker which is 35 and site i believe is 14, which we stay in our car so not sure what it is for a site with electric, about 14 miles away, now we have started stayin in a small hotel 4 exits down the road from bristol which if you pay cash for 2 people is 40 in one the older section of the hotel or 45 if charged or 5 dollars for each extra person, or 50 cash for the new section, which i have never stay in but have friends that stay in the new section for the 2 beds.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on September 15, 2011, 05:54:01 AM
I touched base with my Cruise Director, and she confirmed that the 2 closest camp grounds are Happy Acres and Bong, both which have already been mentioned here.

I can go into greater details, if requested, but Happy Acres has sites with no electricity, sites with 2 different types of electricity.  I am doing this from memory, the notes are upstairs, the computer is down, but I think that's what it says.  They also have cabins.

As mentioned before, there are no camping clans that I know of.  I asked around at Bristol, since we live 3 hours away, I don't have the local knowledge that others living in the area do, and everyone local I spoke with confirmed that there aren't any clans per say.  Although sometimes groups of friends go for the weekend and camp in a group, but there's nothing organized.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Capt Spleen on October 11, 2011, 06:33:29 PM
Hotels, Motels, and Campgrounds per the Bristol faire website:

http://www.renfair.com/bristol/information/hotels.asp
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 11, 2011, 07:51:20 PM
Quote from: Capt Spleen on October 11, 2011, 06:33:29 PM
Hotels, Motels, and Campgrounds per the Bristol faire website:

http://www.renfair.com/bristol/information/hotels.asp

Thank you so much, Cpat. Spleen, for posting this.  Let's hope the RenDezvous happens at Bristol, and many people can use this!     ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Capt Spleen on October 12, 2011, 12:43:31 PM
Seven stages, 10 pubs, and 2 lakes..... Check out the Bristol Faire site map........

http://www.renfair.com/bristol/thefaire/map.asp
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Ms Trish on October 12, 2011, 02:55:34 PM
I know I'm looking forward to checking out Bristol some day...
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Spicer on October 14, 2011, 06:07:47 PM
Ms Trish,

The third weekend is usually the weekend the royal guard and wives go as well.  It has also been the weekend of the costume contests for the last 2 years.

Its beautiful grounds, has a nice bakery and lots of jewelry shopping.  The only thing is to be prepared for hot weather - and humid weather!  Friends of Faire has lots of water/gaterade to keep you going.

And, we typically go to the fest that weekend or earlier.  And we stay at the Country Inn and Suites!

You know me, that's my idea of camping!
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 14, 2011, 09:57:25 PM
Due to weather concerns - really so awful this past year in July, people dropped like flies, and other commitments, we are looking at changing the M'Crack Family Gathering to a weekend date in August.

If so, then the date that we would be able to host the RenDezvous would change to the same weekend.  I'm waiting on finalities and then will post if the date does change.

Hopefully, if it does change, this will allow even MORE folks to visit our beautiful shire.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Ms Trish on October 15, 2011, 10:08:32 AM
I know Labor Day isn't until September, but NOT Labor Day weekend, pretty pretty please! (If it's selected and all that, of course)
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 15, 2011, 05:14:22 PM
If Bristol is chosen for the RenDezvous, it will not be Labor Day weekend.

The new dates we have chosen are for August 25th and 26th, 2012.  The M'Crack Family Gathering - open to everyone, and everyone welcomed - will be held at that time, so it would be wonderful to have the RenDezvous at the same time.

The more, the merrier!

On the plus side as well, the weather should be better than the blistering heat of July, which means you can wear garb that you wouldn't dream of wearing a month before, because you would probably pass out from the heat then.

Please vote for Bristol for RenDezvous!    ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Capt Spleen on October 17, 2011, 11:41:31 AM
Just to clarify Renee, there is no voting this year........ but support is always welcome.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 17, 2011, 05:14:48 PM
Quote from: Capt Spleen on October 17, 2011, 11:41:31 AM
Just to clarify Renee, there is no voting this year........ but support is always welcome.

Yes, thank you, Capt Spleen, that is correct.  We don't vote, but any measure of support for Bristol may help to show the Mods how many people do want to visit Bristol and that we really, really, really would like the 2012 RenDezvous to be held at Bristol.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 26, 2011, 07:13:46 PM
In the past, we have been able to get tickets for between $7 to $10 through a local radio station. 

We will try to get these again this year for the group if they are offered and if Bristol is chosen for the RenDezvous.  Won't know until closer to the season, but if they aren't available, I have already discussed some kind of discount with Bristol's owner in our last meeting together.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady De Rue Rue on November 09, 2011, 11:08:48 AM
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 26, 2011, 07:13:46 PM
In the past, we have been able to get tickets for between $7 to $10 through a local radio station. 

We will try to get these again this year for the group if they are offered and if Bristol is chosen for the RenDezvous.  Won't know until closer to the season, but if they aren't available, I have already discussed some kind of discount with Bristol's owner in our last meeting together.

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to add on to the subject of the ticket prices at Bristol.  The weekend of Thanksgiving they usually have a special on tickets which is adult tickets are $10 a piece but, I am not sure what the kid ticket prices are.  Children under four years of age are free.

You may want to check their web site on Black Friday, November 25, 2011 to see what holiday specials they are running.

http://renfair.com/bristol/
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Blushing on November 09, 2011, 12:32:25 PM
Well, Bristol has been on my list of faires to visit for a rather long time.  And special anniversary years are always even more fun.  ;D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous - Ticket Update
Post by: Lady De Rue Rue on November 10, 2011, 03:31:03 PM
Good afternoon everyone.

FYI

Please know that on Friday, November 25, 2011 (black Friday) tickets go on sale for Bristol at discounted prices!   ;D

http://renfair.com/bristol/tickets/ticketprices.asp
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Capt Spleen on November 11, 2011, 05:33:11 PM
The animated map:

http://www.renfair.com/bristol/thefaire/mapImage-10.html

And the Mapquest Satellite map:

http://mapq.st/sTs4m9

zoom in and check out the landscape, lanes, lake, basin, joust arena.......
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on November 11, 2011, 05:34:38 PM
I love having friends who are can do all these amazin computer things!  Me - I am technologically challenged, so I just give hugs!   :D
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lord Clisto of York on November 11, 2011, 07:21:40 PM
Lookin good. Waiting to see what the prices are going to be.
Title: Re: Please pick Bristol for the next Rendezvous
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on November 12, 2011, 05:08:42 AM
I pick Bristol.