My wife and I will be in Colorado in June and are planning on visiting your faire. We are actively involved playtrons down here. In fact I work harder at faire than I do on my job.
We have never been to this faire before, so what do you recommend?
What should we look for?
Where are the good places to eat?
Anything else we need to know?
The first thing you want to do is come in the front gate. From there on you can't miss a thing. Say hi to Zoe and Mattrim.
Go up the hill and to the left to see Mistress Charlotte- THEN- go towards the middle to Italian Kitchen for the first of many visits for the absolute best food and service anywhere. Yes- the teri-chicken is addictive.
Do not miss the jousts- just beware of strange people with hamsters.
Scarby is awesome- glad to see you here!
OH avoid the Italian Kitchen there is this strange "Little" man who loves hamsters there. I think his name is Demetruis... but then again we all love him as he is the jester of the food court.
To be honest and to try and answer your question as it gets asked alot.
Expect temps from the mid 50's to the very low 100's but usually in the mid to high 90's. Colorado can and will on rare occasions get snow in June and July and that includes Larkspurshire but it is rare. Rain happens and can last 30 minutes to all day. When it rains all day it gets very cold and the site gets very muddy.
Larkspurshire sites on the edge of a mountain and is up hill all the way except when you get to the top then it's down hill for a short time then back up... kind of like a rollercoaster.
Wear comfy shoes as this faire is NOT paved and the gravel on hills can make a person slide and fall causing very painful scrapes.
Drink lots of liquid preferably not to much beer as the altitude and heat CAN and will get to you. So stay hydrated.
Get to the parking lot around 9 to get close parking. Getting there early also helps avoid traffic on I-25 that starts to get heavy at 10 on.
There are a few privacy restrooms in case you have someone in heavy garb such as farthingales to use.
Sunscreen is a MUST as the sun will burn you here.
Food prices are in the $3.00 to $5.00 range and most drinks $1.25 if I remember right but that may have changed.
So in a nut shell... Where good shoes, prepare for temps in the 50's to high 90's and drink lots of liquid.
OH and weapons are allowed if peace bound, just no firearms per the site.
As for food. I love the Baron of beef or as the girls say as we ask for no peppers or onions Naked Cows or I say Naked Barons. The Chicken Demetrius talked about does look yummy and may get sampled this year. The fresh roasted corn can be hit or miss as normal corn can be. Many rave on the Turkey Legs but personally I'm not a fan and see many half eatin in the trash. Fresh squeezed lemonade is available in the main food court which tastes OH so good on a hot Colorado day... not to mention it helps to keep you hydrated. Iced tea is also good as is NONE fresh squeezed lemonade. The French Fries are also yummy and go good with the baron.
Let us all know when you will be coming and look all of us up. Toki and I are playtrons and harder to find. Well just look for the noble dressed and you may find us.
We are coming in July, what do you all do as far as garb - does it not get a bit stuffy? We were in Arizona in Feb and the temps were around 70, quite comfortable. I don't really have Summer/Winter garb. But the 90's ?? :P
LOL funny you ask this.
I wear a Katherine Parr dress that has faux fur on the sleeves plus my chemice, corset, farthingale, underskirt and over skirt. While I do sweat, it actually helps. Like the Arabs, layers and then also drinking LOTS of liquid... once again not beer or wine or if you do, small amounts. There is shade, there is a spray mist inside and out. The one inside is by shade.
If you feel over heated, you sit and drink liquid or drink pickle juice... yes it helps.
So while my garb is quite elaberate and some would think hot, I manage just fine. OH and garb done in cotten is best as it breaths.
And yes the 90's but then again if your lucky it may rain a few minutes or an hour or cloud over. Afternoon showers in the Colorado Rockies can be common. While Larkspur is not in the high country, it does have some altitude.
If your a female, fans and parasols are great.
So the main key to how we coup... Lots and Lots and Lots of liquids
I guess we are just used to it and learning to dress and deal.
OH and Colorado is a dry heat and not overly humid to many. Being a Native it is far more humid than when I was in school. But over all the humiudy is not bad which helps.
We live in Iowa, so any decrease in humidity is great - you have not lived until you're in 95 degrees and 98% humidity. And you think the pigs smell :)
Reminds me of when I lived in Massachusetts. Ugh! Thank god for dry heat!
I went and worked Colorado two years ago. I don't pretend to know it anywhere near as well as those who live there. But the ran was nothing like its been at scarby. The bakery is better than the one at scarby. I highly suggest watching the washing women (they make me giggle). And if you want food after faire is closed there is an amazing sushi place in Castle Rock (just north of larkspur) I beleive it was called Mt. Fugi. EVERYTHING is uphill but the exit. WEAR COMPFY SHOES.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on May 12, 2009, 01:05:48 PM
'OH don't miss the Italian Kitchen there is this wonderful man who loves hamsters there. I think his name is Demetruis... we all love him as he is the jester of the food court.'
So in a nut shell... Wear good shoes, prepare for temps in the 50's to high 90's and drink lots of liquid [like beer]
"In a nut shell" yes- this is where you will find many playtrons.
Lady de Laney is correct, the chicken at Italian is the finest in all the land and the service there makes one feel like royalty- particularly for those who are royalty.
And for those who come from the great land of Iowa... well, you will surely enjoy the chicken more than is humanly possible. You will desire greatly a meat-a-ball sandwhich, which is large and wonderful. Demetrius? Ah, I have heard of him...
Our faire also has a plethora of talent when it comes to the crafters, so don't forget to check out the arts as well as the entertainment.
Quote from: Demetrius on May 13, 2009, 10:20:04 AM
Quote from: Lady de Laney on May 12, 2009, 01:05:48 PM
'OH don't miss the Italian Kitchen there is this wonderful man who loves hamsters there. I think his name is Demetruis... we all love him as he is the jester of the food court.'
So in a nut shell... Wear good shoes, prepare for temps in the 50's to high 90's and drink lots of liquid [like beer]
"In a nut shell" yes- this is where you will find many playtrons.
Lady de Laney is correct, the chicken at Italian is the finest in all the land and the service there makes one feel like royalty- particularly for those who are royalty.
And for those who come from the great land of Iowa... well, you will surely enjoy the chicken more than is humanly possible. You will desire greatly a meat-a-ball sandwhich, which is large and wonderful. Demetrius? Ah, I have heard of him...
Our faire also has a plethora of talent when it comes to the crafters, so don't forget to check out the arts as well as the entertainment.
AH i see Demetrius is up to his old tricks of putting hamsters in peoples mouths YUK the fur.
The reason the chicken is so good is in reality, Demetrius is using hamster killed from the joust
Dang there we go again adding Hamsters to the conversation. I swear Demetriuos has thing about making us all talk about hamsters.
Thanks for the good info.
We plan to be there June 13-14.
Sounds like I need to add shaving cream and razors to my suitcase to take care of the hamster problem. Just hate getting hair in my food.
AH Opening weekend. Toki and I will both be there most likey on Saturday. Zoe and Demetrius aka Hamster man work there.
Hope to see you there. Stop and say hi, Coloradoans don't bite... to hard that is :)
I know Francisco Paula the Portuguese Pirate will be there as well.
Just remember Wendy's get a coupon for buy one get one free, helps so much.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on May 13, 2009, 01:44:55 PM
AH Opening weekend. Toki and I will both be there most likely on Saturday. Zoe and Demetrius aka Hamster man work there.
I can assure you the chicken is, in fact, chicken- for I am a member of PETHA- people for the ethical treatment of hamsters always! I believe "hamster man" is a title more appropriate for Hey Aren't You... also see Zoe, owner of more than forty hamsters at last count.
Sir Garath- just to clarify- the buy one get one has nothing to do with hamsters...
Ronald the Bald- you are in luck, we do sell hats. Just so you know- the grill would singe off any hair, though as you can see is not necessary. Hmmm... now we are discussing hair...
Looking forward to meeting you in hamster, er, person.
Don't forget everyone- June 14Th is Flag Day!
Zoë may not be there on opening weekend. She may be ousted by her alter-ego: the sweeter, less French, less lost, Elizabeth Covington.
But Zoë will be there at some point, getting lost all over again...in the meantime she will be hanging out with some hamsters to keep her company in the trunk of the car. Er, ship.
OH No not another ZANY, Crazy Frog... zee French are so shall we say stupide, plein d'esprit, perdus dans leur propre monde, et pourtant très belle,
Yeah, what she said !! :P
Come on the French have brought us such great things....french fries, french toast, French Kiss :P
And ME, of course! ;)
"I told 'em we already got one..."
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on May 12, 2009, 11:15:48 AM
My wife and I will be in Colorado in June and are planning on visiting your faire. We are actively involved playtrons down here. In fact I work harder at faire than I do on my job.
We have never been to this faire before, so what do you recommend?
What should we look for?
Where are the good places to eat?
Anything else we need to know?
OH, you had to ask...
Well, Let me tell you!
Get there nice and early for a good parking spot! And if you come later, make sure you know where the shuttle stop is..you'll need it for the end of the day!
So, Opening at 10:00, you are of course the first in line because you got there early. Wave to the King and Queen as you pass into the lovely village of Larkspurshire. The streets are lined with people greeting you. Wave and say hi, but keep moving or you will be trampled. You may consider dancing with the fairies before you get too far up the road. Once you've had you fill of fairies, walk straight past the giant purple Pan statue(a good meeting point if lost) to the bakery. There are lovely breakfast items here, including hot coffee which you may need.
Breakfast firmly in hand, wander downhill a bit and to the left (everyone else is going the other way, up and to the right of the gate, you will avoid the crowd) to get your face painted by our own Mistress Charlotte. This is good for Pirates, Princesses, and Knights of all ages. Get it done while the faces are still mostly clean ;) You can take a look see at the sword shop just off to the side of Mistress Charlotte's booth as well.
You've eaten, the caffeine is kicking in, and you are beautiful. What to do? Attend a joust of course! Depending on how long you lingered over breakfast and choosing face paint, you probably still have some time before the first joust, but that's alright, you have a lot to see on the way. The first joust is the family friendly as it is the least violent. It's a tournament of skill, so they don't actually tilt at each other. But the horses are amazing and are often walked in the arena beforehand, so it's good to get there a little early if you are a horse loving person. The joust starts at 11:30.
Getting to the joust is part of the fun. After leaving the face paint booth, you will see that you are surrounded by many splendid shops. Fairy wings, nuts, pottery, and souvenirs. The nuts make a good snack for during the joust (There is a lot of food, but remember, you are walking around at altitude in heat, you need food and water...a lot of both) especially if you didn't have protein for breakfast. There is also the Da Vinci ride with flying machines modeled after his own sketches. Fun for the wee ones...also great photos. Just up ahead are privies, and it may be time for a potty break before you sit down for joust.
Once you are ready, head towards the Globe Stage. Remember where this is. Most of the shows here are family friendly and there is food nearby! There is usually a 10:45 show on this stage, and so can be a good time to catch it, depending on how fast you move. Just past the Globe is the spinster sitting under a tree. If you have ever wondered how sweaters are made from sheep, she's the one to ask. She also marks where a misting tent is for those hot days. As you wander on, you'll see the Maze and the Giant Rocking Horse. Things to come back to after the joust.
In the not-so-far distance, you hear bells. They are playing....."Carol of the Bells" Oops, you are late! You should have a seat for joust by now! Hurry! Pick a side, good or evil. Good is on your left, evil is on your right. The bells you hear is the carillon, a magnificent instrument. He plays before every joust. (In years past, "Carol of the Bells" has been his second to last song, and the cheerleaders cue to get in position ;))
And...Joust.
After joust, the options open up. And everything is uphill from joust, so decide carefully. There is a Children's Realm (petting zoo) on one side and up the hill are many fun shops. On the other side there is the Fortune Stage which has either an hypnotist or vaudeville act on it. Both acts are the same group of people and are family friendly. The vaudeville act has dogs! They usually start just after joust, so you can trundle on over. There is also food and drink near that stage, including my favorite, the beef stew in a bread bowl. These shows run several times a day, so you can catch them later if you want to pet animals and get to shopping instead. I prefer to catch their last show of the day as it puts you behind the bulk of the crowd when leaving the Festival. So, let's go pet a goat instead!
Once you are petted out, you can head up the hill - after washing your hands. Up this hill are numerous shops. There are baubles, leather goods, clothing, drums - a fun one, and I believe a henna shop. You will need to walk it more than once as you can't see both sides at once. In the middle of the lane there is the King's Catapult (giant trampolines) and Camel rides - or llama rides for the wee ones. After the camels, you'll see the chapel to the downhill side and the Greyhounds to the uphill. There is usually a hound out to pet, so check it out. Just past the chapel, the fairies have usually set up a storytelling tent of sorts. Check out times for these stories for anyone that enjoys a good story. The wishing well is up ahead. Go ahead, Make A Wish. (That's a joke, proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation)
Moving onward, you'll see a pirate ship. Just sitting there.... It's a store! Buy some booty. Just down from the store is the Pirate's Pub. There is a stage here and some of the groups are family friendly, but in general, not the place for the young'uns. So, a great place for the rest of us! Just past the pirate ship is a large food court and...at last...picnic tables. This food court has many many choices and extends across a stage and down to the bakery - more coffee? These tables are a good place to plop down for the 1pm parade. It goes right by here and includes an Elephant! Don't get in the way of the Elephant! Wave back to the people in the parade.
By this time, you probably have a few stage shows you want to see before second joust. Go see them. The second joust of the day is a fully armored joust and they do actually tilt at each other. Not bloody, and certainly more exciting than the first.
After second joust, time to see the other half of the Festival. Yes, you've only seen half! Go back up the other side of the hill you went up after the first joust, see the other shops. Go past the food court, after getting an ice cold soda from the pop stand in the middle, just behind the royal pavilion. If you walked slowly, the queen may be back in the pavilion. Go say hi! The court is great fun to talk to. Behind the royalty lies the King's Swing. The whole family can ride this together. It's magnificent! Wandering by the shops behind the swing is shady and usually quiet. If you follow this path up the hill, you will reach the Puke and Snot pirate ship stage. Just before it, there is a climbing wall perfect for aspiring knights and pirates. After that climb, you'll need more to drink. Fortunately, there are drink booths next to P&S. Head down the hill on the other side to find some of the quaintest shops in the shire. Candles, art, clothing.
There is another stage here. The Washing Well Wenches. This is a great show. Just behind the stage are three fabulous shops. Chain mail, swords, and the most beautiful clothes. Peruse these, then head over to the gypsy camp.
There should be a pickle man here. Buy a pickle. Buy three, they're yummy and good for you! This loop includes such wonders as the elephant rides, archery, and the Celestial stage. This is generally a good stage for family shows - including Charming University with Charming and Dashing *le sigh, le heartbeat, le sigh*, and there is a funnel cake shop just behind it. Mmmm...funnel cake. This is also a good place for buying things..or getting hair braided. There's a bread shop, more wax shop, a flower shop, and Mister, if you have yet to buy your Missus a flower from the wandering flower people, you are a slacker and can redeem yourself here. There's also a good soap shop in this loop.
As you finish this loop, you will head downhill and see birds of prey next to shoulder dragons. Both good booths. Who doesn't love owls? You will now see the entrance/exit. If you are going to the last joust, you better head that way, if you are not, you have time to catch some final shows of your favorites - including the show to end shows at the Pirate Pub. And a final drink and some pre-dinner. Or maybe you remember seeing that chocolate shop next to the joust field. You should absolutely take home some fudge for dessert. The peanut butter fudge is to die for.
So, that's what you should see, eat, and shop. I hope this helps. ;D
What?!?! I wuvs my Faire. :-*
WOW Tanda... that5 was detail. Do your fingers hurt after typing it? I know mine would be.
That was a detailed report. I will have to read it a few times as I don't think I got it all the first time through.
I hope to spend some time watching shows. Rarely get to do that here. With pike arches for weddings (13 so far this year), parade, moving a harp, and guarding the queen I don't have time for much else. I haven't watched a parade at any faire for years as I end up marching in faires I visit too, so watching should be fun.
I only get to see the final joust here (when the queen wants to go) as I am busy during the others. You have the same knights as we do. My wife gets to carry out the deceased after the final joust.
If you see us there don't be shy about greeting us, we aren't. Here are some pics that should help.
http://www.pbase.com/paul42/image/111370869
http://www.pbase.com/paul42/image/111932125
Wow Tanda, That's a lot of stuff to do and a lot of walking. Here is the easier method.
Go in front gates
Turn left and head straight to Pirates Pub.
Get a drink and sit down and listen to the groups doing bawdy songs.
Look around and see all parents with their kids and wonder if they realize that this is a PUB.
Get up and wander to the Privies - easier to go downhill full and the back up empty.
Repeat steps 3-6
Occasionally get up to get food. Steak on a stake and cheesy bread - ultimate combo
Listen to songs get bawdier
watch as patrons jump at the big loud noise at 630 (closing cannon)
eventually go home.
See much easier and less walking. ;D ;D
Grammercy - I have my day planned now! :D
Oh and don't forget for the pyro in everyone Wilsome is on the globe stage at 5:30 i believe. Watch fireballs be blown, watch him do fireballs off his light hand, watch him light the fluid in his mouth first than blows his fireball.
Now looking at the entertainment page we have several new shows coming to our little shir so even the regulars have something new to look at.
Oh at the pirates pub watch for the press gangs
After a bit-o-time at the pub, I, too, can blow fireballs ;D
But out which end? ;D
Where is a Wendys I can get a coupon at in Colorado Springs or south of there? We are driving up Friday night and need to make a quick stop. Two for one sounds like a good deal.
Ronald if they still have them when you come up there is one on Garden of the Gods road you will want to go west on it and about a mile or so down the road wendy's should be on the left. Blushing would know better than me. But also if they don't have any left grab something with the wendy's logo on it, straw napkin anything. Last year the coupons ran out and they would except that stuff instead and remember the coupon is only good for ONE buy one get one free if you need 4 tickets need to grab 2 coupons.
Hope this helps
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on May 14, 2009, 03:53:58 PM
Where is a Wendys I can get a coupon at in Colorado Springs or south of there? We are driving up Friday night and need to make a quick stop. Two for one sounds like a good deal.
There are also Wendy's locations by the intersection of academy and galley (Near the citadel mall((If you go to this one you should stop by the giant toy store nearby and say hello! ;))). There is one on powers and stetson hills. There is also one by nevada and ramona I think too. Those are all I can remember in the springs (I don't eat there too often).
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on May 14, 2009, 03:53:58 PM
Where is a Wendys I can get a coupon at in Colorado Springs or south of there? We are driving up Friday night and need to make a quick stop. Two for one sounds like a good deal.
I'll try to remember to pick up some coupons when they appear and will keep some for you ... if you're driving through the Springs I should be able to meet you Friday eve - I'm just off I-25.
There is also a Wendy's at the north end of the Springs right off the highway. Just take 1-25 to the North Academy exit #150 and go South (if you go North you enter the Air Force Academy) and the Wendys is about a block at the first light.
After you check out all the Wendy's you should come see us at faire! ;)
Quote from: Demetrius on May 15, 2009, 10:00:40 AM
After you check out all the Wendy's you should come see us at faire! ;)
You talking about the fast food places or the ones on colfax? ;D
Quote from: Sir Garath on May 15, 2009, 10:39:13 AM
Quote from: Demetrius on May 15, 2009, 10:00:40 AM
After you check out all the Wendy's you should come see us at faire! ;)
You talking about the fast food places or the ones on colfax? ;D
I forgot about that- there are Wendy's and Taco Bells and Burger Kings on Colfax...
(hey, this is a family faire... :))
Oh and on top of every other thing that you have been told TURN LEFT first... there will be a gaggle of garland girls at the point when the hill seems endless!
Quote from: Adriana Rose on May 15, 2009, 11:28:05 PM
Oh and on top of every other thing that you have been told TURN LEFT first... there will be a gaggle of garland girls at the point when the hill seems endless!
Turn left is always good advice, and any faire or event. Most people turn right out of habit. so if you want to loose the crowd, go left and be first in line for everything. works at CRF... works at disney world......
works in reverse in europe.
So is it backwards in New Zealand?
Quote from: Zoë on May 16, 2009, 11:37:45 AM
So is it backwards in New Zealand?
up side down...
Did you know that Bats turn left when exiting a cave?
And that's your interesting fact for the day.
Quote from: Tanda on May 16, 2009, 11:51:00 PM
Did you know that Bats turn left when exiting a cave?
And that's your interesting fact for the day.
Unless they are flying upside down, in which case they make a right turn- except they never fly upside down, unless of course they are upside down while flying.
Hey, are you still coming out from Scarby? Go North, turn left at Larkspur.
How about court dances? I like participating in those.
Do you only turn left at your court dances? Or do you do them upsidedown? Do you dance with hamsters?
Sounds like a strange faire!
Quote from: Hey- Arent You? on May 16, 2009, 10:17:28 AM
Turn left is always good advice, and any faire or event. Most people turn right out of habit. so if you want to loose the crowd, go left and be first in line for everything. works at CRF... works at disney world......
works in reverse in europe.
I don't know about you... I always go LEFT as soon as I can once I enter Magic Kingdom, as Pirates of the Caribbean is to the left and it's always been the first ride I go on every time I go. And I go a LOT, being Floridian who keeps going back. I also try to make it the last ride at the end of every day too. I've been known to ride it 10 times in one day alone! (Takes about 2.5 hours if you do it between 10 pm and 1 am on those special late nights during Spring Break)
But I'm strange like that.
Quote from: pktaxwench on May 18, 2009, 10:56:14 PM
I don't know about you... I always go LEFT as soon as I can once I enter Magic Kingdom, as Pirates of the Caribbean is to the left and it's always been the first ride I go on every time I go. And I go a LOT, being Floridian who keeps going back. I also try to make it the last ride at the end of every day too. I've been known to ride it 10 times in one day alone! (Takes about 2.5 hours if you do it between 10 pm and 1 am on those special late nights during Spring Break)
But I'm strange like that.
I can't say it's always my first ride...I like to get in a Small World before the small children get there. I've an unhealthy fascination with that ride. However, I think my record was 5 in a row on PotC. 'Course, I haven't seen the remake. And it was really fun at the Halloween night. It's spiffy when it's dark inside and outside.
Now that I review all my favorite rides at Disney - PotC, Small World, Jungle Cruise, Captain Nemo (or whatever they call it now), Splash Mountain - I notice a theme. Damnnit. I need a beach. :-\
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on May 18, 2009, 10:23:15 PM
How about court dances? I like participating in those.
...you mean you play tennis?
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on May 14, 2009, 03:53:58 PM
Where is a Wendys I can get a coupon at in Colorado Springs or south of there? We are driving up Friday night and need to make a quick stop. Two for one sounds like a good deal.
I'm soooo jealous!! I wanna go! :'( Say hi to my boys for me!! and to the wifey! I met her the last weekend of Scarby.
I am sure she will say Hi! to your boys. She has carried them off the field enough that I think she should know them.
I haven't actually met you, but have seen you often. If you manage to be there while we are come say Hi!
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on June 08, 2009, 11:54:04 PM
I am sure she will say Hi! to your boys. She has carried them off the field enough that I think she should know them.
I haven't actually met you, but have seen you often. If you manage to be there while we are come say Hi!
I will try! I'm hoping to get up there the weekend of the 4th of July and then again on the 1st and 2nd of August for closing weekend (Bryan if you see this DON'T tell the rest :P)
I was wondering what route you and your wife were taking to get to Colorado. If you pass close by I might beg of you a favor.
Dang Tanda.....I think that is the biggest post ever!! LOL :D