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South => Texas Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: Chandler on October 07, 2008, 11:06:39 PM

Title: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 07, 2008, 11:06:39 PM
I've been going to TRF for a long time, probably not as long as a lot of you on here :), but I'm no rookie.  With that said, I'm curious to hear what some of you guys and gals recommend as 'must do's' while you're at TRF.  This year I'd love to try some new things, eat some different food, see some different shows, etc while at TRF, and I'm sure there are a lot of people around here that feel the same way.

Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: JackGonzo, MD on October 07, 2008, 11:13:42 PM
Come but stuff garb, mugs, pouches, hats, bracers and the like from me at Excalibur Leather....

shameless self promotion...im doin it right...

Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Macintyre on October 07, 2008, 11:42:56 PM
the gyros in greek town are really good if you haven't had them before.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Lord Duelist on October 08, 2008, 02:01:50 AM
What made TRF the experience it was for me personally last year (as close to a "must see/do" list as I can make), in approximately the order of importance:

The Other Brothers
Iris & Rose
Sound & Fury
Royal Fireworks (caveat to the newbies: the FM 1774 traffic at the end of the day can be a bear.)
Arsenne
Ded Bob
Drench-a-Wench (primarily from the first time when I was visiting with a friend and her 12-year-old son who managed to soak the wench three times in the span of about 5 minutes... actually got a response of "could the next person who dunks me be one of the older guys, it's embarrassing to get dunked by a kid" or something along those lines. the only show I really got to see that day was Ded Bob)

Hopefully I haven't named an act that won't be there this year (and if I have I'd like to know which one). I've been a bit out of the loop since the point in time where it became obvious finances wouldn't allow me to make Scarby (about May or so).
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Macintyre on October 08, 2008, 02:12:41 AM
go to www.texrenfest.com for a list of shows times and places. 
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Spanish_Peacock on October 08, 2008, 02:29:16 AM
1. Go to Voyagers Dream, you might find yourself the proud owner of some reprehensible new vice. Maybe a drum or a book & DVD on how to play the Great Highland Bagpipe. Or a Didgeredoo, Tibetan prayer bowl or incense or clothing or jewelry.
Voyagers Dream is my favorite shop and it's chock full of good karma!

2. Find the Pirat...I mean "yachting enthusiasts" and find out when & where they're having the end of the day pub sing.
Go there.
It's the nearest thing to the groove the Sea Devil had back in the day.
Who knows, maybe it's back there this year?

3. Listen to Istampita play, old skool medieval music. EJ Jones will be playing with them during November.


/Hey you kids, get off my lawn
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Lord Duelist on October 08, 2008, 02:52:19 AM
Quote from: Macintyre on October 08, 2008, 02:12:41 AM
go to www.texrenfest.com for a list of shows times and places. 

1. Experience tells me I can't rely on the information there to be accurate. (2007 Thanksgiving Friday, when I had the whole day planned out and one or two of the shows I had planned to see changed their times.)

2. I cannot use the Flash plugin on this PC. While it is not impossible to get the information out of a Flash movie the way the TRF "web"master did it (at least last year), it is a bit tedious.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: MollyGrue on October 08, 2008, 07:44:00 AM
I don't know how exciting this would be for someone else, but I loved the crystal mining. I'm thinking of the place that you pay a certain amount and then go into a dig up your own gems. I, however would not recommend the labyrinth/maze thing, if you're anything like me. My man and I tried it a couple of years ago and it drove me up the wall that I couldn't find the way out. On top of that, he kept teasing me by splitting off when I wasn't paying attention. It also bothered me that we were in there with six year old kids who were finding the bell five seconds after they entered the maze. I hated it!

Oh, and I really love the archery place where you buy the fake arrows and shoot at hay. I'd like to try the place where you ride camels and elephants, this year. 
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: valt on October 08, 2008, 07:50:33 AM
Oddly enough I had no trouble with the maze.  (I wonder if being 6'8 had anything to do with it...)

I agree with all of the show's Lord Duelist listed, pretty much my favorites.  I have also acquired a liking for the bread bowls the past couple years, and I hear the Scottish Eggs are excellent.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Aiacha on October 08, 2008, 07:54:46 AM
Valt, the Scotch Eggs are the best!  I've had them other places, and these are definately better.  Since we're talking about shows ans schedules, does anyone know where there might be a printable schedule of everything, instead of just the stage by stage layout on the site?
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Not to slight anybody, but here's a few of my favorites.

Acts: Ded Bob (especially in an election year), Arsene, Tartanic, The Sound and The Fury, and Cast in Bronze.

Games/Rides: The Maze (set aside 20 minutes for this one), The Kings Swings, Paintball Muskets (so you can say "Hi!" "Ahoy! to me), Drench a Wench, and Tomato Torment. Want a Kiss Card? Try the Star Throw.

Food: Crack Kettle Corn, Stuffed Bell Peppers at the Polish section, the Burger at the German Section, Turkey Legs in Sherwood Forest, Scotch Eggs by the entrance, and the Gyro at the Greek Agora. Don't forget the Baklava while you're there. Oh, and fresh Gingerbread and a Cappuccino at the coffee shop!

Molly, I ran the Maze 2 years ago, and those 6 year olds get to the bell so fast because they go under the walls.  ;D I also ran the archery range in Sherwood Forest last year, and those are real bows and arrows that will poke real holes in things. :o

Randal
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 08:54:33 AM
TRF MUST SEE:  4:00 Auction at The Pirates Cove. It is without a doubt the BEST SHOW at the faire.  :) 

((For those of you keeping score, that is a blatant plug)).

Iris & Rose
Cast In Bronze

I highly recommend The Kings Feast if you have about 4 hours to kill :)  All the beer, wine, or tea you can drink with a four course meal and a floorshow.

Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: *Teach* on October 08, 2008, 09:42:25 AM
IRIS AND ROSE TRAIN WRECK SHOW 5:30 @ sea devil
Ded Bob (if you haven't before, if you can quote it, don't bother)
Other brothers
The Pirates are back in the Sea Devil, that'll be a treat as well
Cast in Bronze

Any other shows I see are because I wandered by and just got interested lol

*watching me drink rum isn't exactly a show... but you're welcome to join in there as well lol*
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: LadyElizabeth on October 08, 2008, 09:54:52 AM
Food: Empanada's in the spanish section rock!  Love the bread bowls too.

Silliness: Go play with the fairies by the gardens (especially if you dress as a fairy!!)

Shows: Shunyata Bellydancing are AMAZING! Sound and Fury are hilarious and bawdy! Arsene is awesome entertainer!

The best end of the day thing is Iris and Rose at the Sea Devil tavern and then if you're drunk by the end, go see Christoph the Insulter OR stay for Tartanic who plays right there in front of the tavern and people dance and have fun, and then go see the fireworks which rock!!
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PyroMaster on October 08, 2008, 10:47:06 AM
The Royal Fireworks (of course!)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 10:56:07 AM
Quote from: PyroMaster on October 08, 2008, 10:47:06 AM
The Royal Fireworks (of course!)

For those of you keeping score.  THAT was a blatant plug.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Anna Iram on October 08, 2008, 11:05:55 AM
Batter fried Sausage on a stick and a Bloody Mary. Best breakfast ever!
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: *Teach* on October 08, 2008, 11:34:43 AM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 10:56:07 AM
Quote from: PyroMaster on October 08, 2008, 10:47:06 AM
The Royal Fireworks (of course!)

For those of you keeping score.  THAT was a blatant plug.
They have decent fireworks now?
Does that mean they got rid of that guy who was in charge of the charges?
What was his name... pyrosomething...

(just kidding, I left that off my list by accident. The TRF fireworks show is amazing)

*Pyro, I expect rum for the extra plug there...*
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Lady Ann of Draycott on October 08, 2008, 11:43:35 AM
The Bilge Pumps

The POW after the parade  ;)

The Fireworks

oh, and can't forget Moresca's!  ;D

Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: HollyAtFairyEffects on October 08, 2008, 01:56:06 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Want a Kiss Card? Try the Star Throw.


Lol.  I HATE the Kiss Cards!  The silly teenage boys never read the fine print: "This Card Entitles the Bearer to One Free Kiss from any willing man woman or beast."  So, I usually direct them to the camel rides.  B/c the camels are much more willing than I am to kiss some strange teenage boy!

And I agree with Lady Ann.  The Bilge Pumps are highly entertaining.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: MollyGrue on October 08, 2008, 02:03:34 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Molly, I ran the Maze 2 years ago, and those 6 year olds get to the bell so fast because they go under the walls.  ;D I also ran the archery range in Sherwood Forest last year, and those are real bows and arrows that will poke real holes in things. :o

Randal

Those little brats! I knew they had to be cheating, lol.

For some reason, I remembered the archery range using the same arrows we used in high school gym. You know, the phony dull tip plastic ones. I must just have the awkward nightmares of high school PE ingrained into my subconscious  :-\

 
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 08, 2008, 02:23:26 PM
These are some great recommendations.

If anyone sees me stumbling around Saturday, I'd love to say hi to you guys.  I'll look somewhat like my avatar, albeit bigger and without the wife who can't make it this trip.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Element of Air on October 08, 2008, 02:39:56 PM
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on October 08, 2008, 01:56:06 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Want a Kiss Card? Try the Star Throw.


Lol.  I HATE the Kiss Cards!  The silly teenage boys never read the fine print: "This Card Entitles the Bearer to One Free Kiss from any willing man woman or beast."  So, I usually direct them to the camel rides.  B/c the camels are much more willing than I am to kiss some strange teenage boy!

And I agree with Lady Ann.  The Bilge Pumps are highly entertaining.

Oooo I have to try that. I always freeze and don't know what to say when they come up to me and do that. Like a deer in headlights. Flattering but AAAKWAAARRRD!
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Randal on October 08, 2008, 03:30:11 PM
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on October 08, 2008, 01:56:06 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Want a Kiss Card? Try the Star Throw.


"This Card Entitles the Bearer to One Free Kiss from any willing man woman or beast." 


You had one in hand when you wrote that, didn't you? ;D

When they ask me where they can redeem one, I always send them to one of our own young ladies, who will usually make them play her game several times.  ;) That, or the llamas are quite cuddly.  :D

Randal
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: HollyAtFairyEffects on October 08, 2008, 08:59:41 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 03:30:11 PM
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on October 08, 2008, 01:56:06 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Want a Kiss Card? Try the Star Throw.


"This Card Entitles the Bearer to One Free Kiss from any willing man woman or beast." 


You had one in hand when you wrote that, didn't you? ;D


When they ask me where they can redeem one, I always send them to one of our own young ladies, who will usually make them play her game several times.  ;) That, or the llamas are quite cuddly.  :D

Randal


I admit it, I had to go look for the exact wording. I had one in my scrapbook from a couple of years ago :)  I scrapbook every year at faire. 

And many thanks for sending them to the llamas so I don't have to deal with them! :)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 08, 2008, 10:55:39 PM
Quote from: Macintyre on October 07, 2008, 11:42:56 PM
the gyros in greek town are really good if you haven't had them before.
I can vouch for that!  I used to be mainly a red beans & rice bread bowl guy, but the gyros are stealing some of my meal money :)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 08, 2008, 10:57:42 PM
Quote from: Randal on October 08, 2008, 08:00:44 AM
Don't forget the Baklava while you're there.

I never do! :)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 08, 2008, 11:00:47 PM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 08:54:33 AM
TRF MUST SEE:  4:00 Auction at The Pirates Cove. It is without a doubt the BEST SHOW at the faire.  :) 
My memory's a bit hazy, so forgive me if I'm wrong here, but is the Pirates Cove the store that had everything $11 last season, or is it the one across the way?
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: eloquentXI on October 08, 2008, 11:09:11 PM
Kiss cards? Element, you better clue me in on this cause I am unknowing of such things at TRF. I don't want to fall prey to something like this...

I might retort a bit more haughtily then most. "Ok, well...don't mind if I bend over then...*
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Element of Air on October 09, 2008, 12:04:22 AM
Quote from: eloquentXI on October 08, 2008, 11:09:11 PM
Kiss cards? Element, you better clue me in on this cause I am unknowing of such things at TRF. I don't want to fall prey to something like this...

I might retort a bit more haughtily then most. "Ok, well...don't mind if I bend over then...*
Ahahaha Ok will do.

It is a card that the Guttenburg Press creates for sale of 10 cents each I think and well you can give them to people and it says exactly that on them. "This Card Entitles the Bearer to One Free Kiss from any willing man woman or beast."

If you accept, you keep the card and have the choice to kiss that person how YOU please. (if you go for the cheek they might whip their face around really fast to where you kiss their lips) If you do not accept/ kiss them you do not get the card. if you accept, the card is yours, you can then go to someone YOU want to kiss and give it to them and see if they accept.

It is kinda fun when you know the people but it can also get really weird.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Macintyre on October 09, 2008, 03:52:30 AM
i find they make great pick up aids.  i should know, a girl picked me up last year with one haha  8)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 09, 2008, 08:07:19 AM
Quote from: Chandler on October 08, 2008, 11:00:47 PM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 08:54:33 AM
TRF MUST SEE:  4:00 Auction at The Pirates Cove. It is without a doubt the BEST SHOW at the faire.  :) 
My memory's a bit hazy, so forgive me if I'm wrong here, but is the Pirates Cove the store that had everything $11 last season, or is it the one across the way?

Close... That is where we hold the Auction each day.  That is called "Captain Reds $11.00 Shoppe" where everything inside is $11.00.  "The Pirates Cove" (where I work) is the one that looks like a big pirate ship across the way from that one, and also across the way from Castle K'Zar purveyer of what has been deemed "Jewelry Quality Leather".  ((Blue666669 will be found there))
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 09, 2008, 08:10:23 AM
Quote from: Element of Air on October 09, 2008, 12:04:22 AM
Quote from: eloquentXI on October 08, 2008, 11:09:11 PM
Kiss cards? Element, you better clue me in on this cause I am unknowing of such things at TRF. I don't want to fall prey to something like this...

I might retort a bit more haughtily then most. "Ok, well...don't mind if I bend over then...*
Ahahaha Ok will do.

It is a card that the Guttenburg Press creates for sale of 10 cents each I think and well you can give them to people and it says exactly that on them. "This Card Entitles the Bearer to One Free Kiss from any willing man woman or beast."

If you accept, you keep the card and have the choice to kiss that person how YOU please. (if you go for the cheek they might whip their face around really fast to where you kiss their lips) If you do not accept/ kiss them you do not get the card. if you accept, the card is yours, you can then go to someone YOU want to kiss and give it to them and see if they accept.

It is kinda fun when you know the people but it can also get really weird.

AMEN sister... I have has some rather "odd" looking women come and try to redeem them from me.  I simply tell them "Thank you for the flattery, but I must decline as my wife would not approve".  LOL... wife knows I'm a lech at faire and would expect nothing less just as I know she's a flirt. ((HELL, my wife has a picture of me in a rather intimate looking kiss with a very dear friend of ours from a couple years ago, taken by that friends at the time boyfriend who immediately ran over and showed it to my wife, LOL.))
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 09, 2008, 08:26:42 AM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 09, 2008, 08:07:19 AM
Quote from: Chandler on October 08, 2008, 11:00:47 PM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 08:54:33 AM
TRF MUST SEE:  4:00 Auction at The Pirates Cove. It is without a doubt the BEST SHOW at the faire.  :) 
My memory's a bit hazy, so forgive me if I'm wrong here, but is the Pirates Cove the store that had everything $11 last season, or is it the one across the way?

Close... That is where we hold the Auction each day.  That is called "Captain Reds $11.00 Shoppe" where everything inside is $11.00.  "The Pirates Cove" (where I work) is the one that looks like a big pirate ship across the way from that one, and also across the way from Castle K'Zar purveyer of what has been deemed "Jewelry Quality Leather".  ((Blue666669 will be found there))
Gotcha.  Is everything still $11 this year?  I love adding budget pieces to my collection :)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 09, 2008, 08:28:24 AM
Quote from: Chandler on October 09, 2008, 08:26:42 AM

Gotcha.  Is everything still $11 this year?  I love adding budget pieces to my collection :)
[/quote]

Umm.. That seems to be the case :)  'Tis true, you can add some nice "pretties" (although not quite functional) to your collection.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 09, 2008, 08:44:30 AM
So what kinda stuff do ya'll auction off? 

I'm definitely going to come check out the Cove also this year.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 09, 2008, 01:37:22 PM
Quote from: Chandler on October 09, 2008, 08:44:30 AM
So what kinda stuff do ya'll auction off? 

I'm definitely going to come check out the Cove also this year.

You'll have to come by and see for yourself.  Normally it's all kinds of swords and weapons and stuff, sometimes it's special items that are ONLY available through the auction.  I do not control the auction, I remain over at the ship to keep it on course while the Cap'n is over at the Auction. 
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Lady Ann of Draycott on October 09, 2008, 01:51:11 PM
Quote from: Chandler on October 09, 2008, 08:44:30 AM
So what kinda stuff do ya'll auction off? 

I'm definitely going to come check out the Cove also this year.

It is definately worth it...TRUST ME...you won't be disappointed.  ;)

Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: MacLaren on October 09, 2008, 01:56:52 PM
Considering I got a Scottish Claymore for $20 last year for wall decoration, that auction ROCKS!!
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Chandler on October 09, 2008, 03:39:11 PM
Awesome.  I'll definitely be there Saturday.

All that food talk really has me licking my chops.  So much food to try, so little time :)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PyroMaster on October 09, 2008, 04:50:56 PM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 10:56:07 AM
Quote from: PyroMaster on October 08, 2008, 10:47:06 AM
The Royal Fireworks (of course!)

For those of you keeping score.  THAT was a blatant plug.

  I am so ashamed. ::)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Reaper on October 09, 2008, 07:31:21 PM
Quote from: eloquentXI on October 08, 2008, 11:09:11 PM
Kiss cards? Element, you better clue me in on this cause I am unknowing of such things at TRF. I don't want to fall prey to something like this...

I might retort a bit more haughtily then most. "Ok, well...don't mind if I bend over then...*

Here's 2 different ones I have. Got some when I joined the IBRSC and Ren Mercs. But if you're having to resort to using these to get kisses from the ladies (or animals) you're doing something wrong..lol
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/Eubeenhadd/img001-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Macintyre on October 09, 2008, 07:41:24 PM
when are said auctions usually held?   i am intrueged
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: valt on October 09, 2008, 08:29:46 PM
Quote from: PurpleDragon on October 08, 2008, 08:54:33 AM
TRF MUST SEE:  4:00 Auction at The Pirates Cove. It is without a doubt the BEST SHOW at the faire.  :) 

((For those of you keeping score, that is a blatant plug)).

/ \
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Quote from: Macintyre on October 09, 2008, 07:41:24 PM
when are said auctions usually held?   i am intrueged

:)
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: Lord Duelist on October 09, 2008, 10:03:48 PM
Quote from: LadyElizabeth on October 08, 2008, 09:54:52 AM
Shows: Shunyata Bellydancing are AMAZING! Sound and Fury are hilarious and bawdy! Arsene is awesome entertainer!

Now I feel kind of bad... Shunyata Bellydancing was the one show I saw last year I actually left out of the list. They are a great act as well, I just didn't want my list to be a copy-and-paste of every show I saw in 2007.

The two shows I'm seeing this year that were not on my list last year are Christoph the Insulter and Gypsy Dance Theatre. The former, because curiosity has the better of me after reading another thread here, and I want to see who Kroger thought was too bawdy for their ORF sponsorship dollars (also, I missed him last year, as I had no idea how long his act would run and I didn't want to miss Sound and Fury down the row at the Odeon). The latter, because I missed them last year due to the schedule posted online being different from what actually wound up being the schedule at the faire (as I alluded to in a previous reply).

And to the previous poster who posted about this (too far back to quote), I can agree about Ded Bob being repetitive, at least during the same season.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: cowgrrl on October 09, 2008, 10:33:20 PM
Can anyone recommend a good place to get a salad?  Preferably one with a bit of meat or cheese on it.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: *Teach* on October 09, 2008, 10:49:13 PM
Back towards Sherwood, there is a place that sell wraps. They have a pretty good variety and a veggie wrap to boot.
Closest thing I know of to a salad out there. And... FYI... A cold wrap sammie is perfect food when it's a hot faire weekend.
I can't recall the name, but if you go towards the falconers stage and turn left towards Sherwood it is along that back wall (or was last year at least).

*wonder if there is such a thing as a rum sammie... research shall be commencing soon
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: cowgrrl on October 09, 2008, 10:51:13 PM
Quote from: x0x_teach_x0x on October 09, 2008, 10:49:13 PM
Back towards Sherwood, there is a place that sell wraps. They have a pretty good variety and a veggie wrap to boot.
Closest thing I know of to a salad out there. And... FYI... A cold wrap sammie is perfect food when it's a hot faire weekend.
I can't recall the name, but if you go towards the falconers stage and turn left towards Sherwood it is along that back wall (or was last year at least).

*wonder if there is such a thing as a rum sammie... research shall be commencing soon

The wraps may be an option.  I just have to be careful with white bread these days (gastric banding surgery).
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: SirRichardBear on October 09, 2008, 11:02:23 PM
Agora has veggie gyros which are pretty good.
Title: Re: Recommendations?
Post by: PurpleDragon on October 10, 2008, 08:48:05 AM
Quote from: Macintyre on October 09, 2008, 07:41:24 PM
when are said auctions usually held?   i am intrueged

Ummm... the 4:00 Pirate Auction is held at 4:00 like it always has been every day, of every weekend of faire. ;)