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!! :)
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.
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.
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 weekend is the best, of course. :)
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.
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. :)
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!!
Magnolia has some newer hotels and its only 5-7 mins away from TRF. I highly recommend staying there if you're not camping!
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.
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.)
That's great info, captfletcher. Thanks so much!
Quote from: captfletcher on May 16, 2008, 12:35:21 PM
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.)
Quote from: SandrineDeLaTombe on May 14, 2008, 09:13:23 AM
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.
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.
Maybe I'm just biased, but pirate weekend is always the best. Oktoberfest and Celtic Christmas are usually pretty good too.
Quote from: Taffy Saltwater on May 21, 2008, 08:59:45 PM
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.
Celtic Christmas was underwhelming for us participants as well. Weather was brutal & nasty.
One sample year of crappy weather is bad statistics. I for one am willing to give the Celtic Christmas another chance.
-Mark
Yes, I agree. I like the cooler weather much better than the heat. If it isn't as wet this next Celtic Christmas weekend, it should be quite nice.
Quote from: PyroMaster on May 24, 2008, 11:00:15 PM
One sample year of crappy weather is bad statistics. I for one am willing to give the Celtic Christmas another chance.
-Mark
I enjoyed Friday of Celtic Christmas for most of the day.
We're going to make it an annual family gathering.
But then I have garb suitable for cold weather.
We didn't get frozen out until the sun set.
The cooler part was very nice.
I could have done without hearing the sleet hitting my tent though. Friday was a very nice day but we didn't even go in on Saturday due to the rain and stuff but we did go in on Sunday (in mundanes to save wear on the rengear).
I agree with everyone else, I am definitely going to give it another shot. One bad weekend weather-wise won't mess up faire for me. Trying to predict the weather on one weekend based on the previous year just does not work in Texas.
*it's like trying to predict which weekend I'll be drinking rum... no wait, I can predict that already*
Quote from: Tessa on May 26, 2008, 01:23:31 AM
Yes, I agree. I like the cooler weather much better than the heat. If it isn't as wet this next Celtic Christmas weekend, it should be quite nice.
Quote from: PyroMaster on May 24, 2008, 11:00:15 PM
One sample year of crappy weather is bad statistics. I for one am willing to give the Celtic Christmas another chance.
-Mark
Trying to second-guess the weather in Texas is a crapshoot, at best. I just watch several weather sites closely, get a consensus W.A.G., and prep garb accordingly. It helps to have a backup plan, though!
Yeah, like the weather people know what's going to happen... Even my grandfather's gimp knee couldn't predict the weather right more than half the time.
*ahem*
Barbarian Weekend
*cough cough ahem*
;D
Celtic Christmas was my favorite weekend. Course that's when I played my favorite character. This year, since I'm not on cast, I get to play whomever I want so I'm not sure what weekend I will like the best.
And Mali is right. Barbarian weekend is ths shiznit.
I was wondering when barbarian weekend would be mentioned as a favorite!!
I am sad-that our graceful, free spirited. red headed beauty will no longer be perfrorming with the King's Men. She will be missed very much as Jingles the Clown. Her fae and barbarian characters were also delidghtful. Chianti is a veteran actress and I would like to know what capacity she will be performing in this fall at TRF. What new character (s) should we look for?
Quote from: Chianti on May 31, 2008, 08:44:40 PM
Celtic Christmas was my favorite weekend. Course that's when I played my favorite character. This year, since I'm not on cast, I get to play whomever I want so I'm not sure what weekend I will like the best.
And Mali is right. Barbarian weekend is ths shiznit.
Quote from: Sir Martin on June 02, 2008, 01:15:26 AM
I am sad-that our graceful, free spirited. red headed beauty will no longer be perfrorming with the King's Men. She will be missed very much as Jingles the Clown. Her fae and barbarian characters were also delidghtful. Chianti is a veteran actress and I would like to know what capacity she will be performing in this fall at TRF. What new character (s) should we look for?
Oh wow! Thank you so much! I'm blushing!!
I will be coming out in whatever character calls to me that day. You'll probably see Chianti the wench, Dewdrop the fairie, Jingles, and who knows whatelse. I may not be there every weekend, but I'll try to get out there most weekends.
I go every weekend, but Halloween and Pirate weekend are my favs. ;D
I always look forward to seeing you, Chianti! Good to know your characters will still be there! Just not the same TRF without you!
PSSST! I got my TRF tickets yesterday! I will be there!
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on June 26, 2008, 04:58:26 PM
I always look forward to seeing you, Chianti! Good to know your characters will still be there! Just not the same TRF without you!
PSSST! I got my TRF tickets yesterday! I will be there!
Yay! Looking forward to seeing you again!
last year was my first time and we went 1000 dreams and Halloween. I am going back for both of those weekends but Halloween was for sure my fav!
tossing in my 2 pence...
First off, hallo to a fellow DFW'r!
I think the choice kind of comes down to what things interest you.
1001 Dreams and Pirate are nice because women's costuming is fairly easy to find if you want to dress up, and the lighter clothes are great for the warmer weather. Pirate is also a bit more ribald vibewise, if that suits your tastes.
AHE is a great weekend for socializing in camp.
After that, things start to get a little cooler and more relaxed.
You get to hang out with all the ppl you met the weeks prior and hopefully catch up on things you missed the first time thru.
And yes, you will probably miss plenty the first weekend.
Regardless, you'll dig it, no doubt.
Be well!
Wow, no love for Highland Fling (Zardoz' birthday) Weekend? :(
It's in mid November, so it's sometimes cooler, (I wore a coat once) and of course there are kilts...
There is a NEW hotel in Navasota...not sure of the name but it is fairly big....Easier to get to than Magnolia most evenings... Less stopped traffic! Anyway Book Early! Cat
I agree it is easier to get to TRF from Navasota! I stayed there when I motelled it!
Any weekend at TRF is a good one! I recommend going with the theme too! Fun that way! my Evil Twin sister loves Pirate weekend the best.She is biased!
Has anyone noticed that this thread is 3 years old? Just curious (o:
Holy crap. is it a glitch, or a zombie?
Nothing ever really dies here. Just goes to sleep from time to time.
Like your map, KP... you going to post it again? :D
I can - No one ever sent me any additional info to add to it so its still the same. The link should still be good too. I have to go look it up (o:
Ok - Found it
(http://kiltedcowboy.com/net-pics/trf_camp.jpg)
Thank you! Newbies will be sure to stop in and have a look.... ;)
I'm usually camped up there around the 16-18, H-K area
Quote from: Mouse on July 17, 2011, 08:49:13 PM
I'm usually camped up there around the 16-18, H-K area
Takin over the whole area are ya (o:
I believe last year I camped 19:
...and yes..Clan Mouse..or at least there should be.
If you stay in a hotel/motel I would suggest you make some friends that will be camping and hang out with them for 2-3 hours after closing or just walk the campgrounds. The traffic getting out of the fest is crazy, last year it took me 2 hours to get out of the parking lot, I'll be camping from now on.
Quote from: Mouse on July 17, 2011, 09:27:44 PM
I believe last year I camped 19:
...and yes..Clan Mouse..or at least there should be.
Clan Vermin? ;D
CAMP! Since the faire inside the fence went PG and almost castless, it's not the same. Camping with good friends is still my greatest enjoyment. Also, go when it's cool to cold. Nothing is more irritating than planning a great weekend in your best garb only to arrive and find it 1 million degrees with 1000% humidity.
Quote from: BobSmith on July 28, 2011, 07:57:34 AM
CAMP! Since the faire inside the fence went PG and almost castless, it's not the same. Camping with good friends is still my greatest enjoyment. Also, go when it's cool to cold. Nothing is more irritating than planning a great weekend in your best garb only to arrive and find it 1 million degrees with 1000% humidity.
Yeah - I'd probably avoid that faire too. My body is just no good over about 180 degrees. Its starts to melt away (o:
Cold however, I avoid like the plague. That's why I live in the south. Nice and warm and humid. And not skin melty (o:
To the original poster on your first visit to TRF:
yes there are alot of fun eats and drinks
yes there is fun amongst the patrons and in campground
Please take the time to interact with the performance cast: The Kings and queens and their courts. The elves and fairies. The Barbarians and Transylvanians..... they work hard on their roles and are alot of fun in path interactions. Take the time to play with them!!! Drop by Hasselhof's school of swords. Go to Sholo's poetry and Shakepeare's chat. Dance with with Wine and alchemy in Sherwood...... Much fun to be had......
Be sure to stay for fireworks at end of day at the arena!
We look forward to your trip!
Well this will be my first time coming to both Texas and the Texas Ren faire! Can't wait to be there, I will be there on the weekend of Nov 12 and 13, hotel already book and my garb ready to go. ;D
Quote from: Jean Pierre Dewell on August 21, 2011, 10:49:07 PM
Well this will be my first time coming to both Texas and the Texas Ren faire! Can't wait to be there, I will be there on the weekend of Nov 12 and 13, hotel already book and my garb ready to go. ;D
Here is your early "Welcome To Texas". TRF is a good faire - I'm sure you'll have a blast. Don't forget to stop by the campground to wait out the traffic and hang out with some us forum folk (o: