Helpful Tips for Attending TRF

[cincivulcan]

I am going to TRF for the first time this fall and was wondering if there are any helpful hints on attending. I'm sure the festival is much different from Ohio. People have warned me about scorpions and fire ants for example What should I expect when I go there? Are there any touristy faux pas? Also, I have a free day upon arriving in Texas, are there any suggestions of things to see, do, or eat while in the Houston area?
Thanks

[cincivulcan]

Also, is there something I should see, do, or eat while at the fair?

[LadyStitch]

As for touristy thing, where are you flying into.  Texas has a lot of history, and touristy stuff, just depends on where you are in the state. 

[DonaCatalina]

TRF is a whole different fair depending on what weekend you go. It can be 100 degrees on opening and 30 degrees at closing. If you told us which weekend you were considering, or what kind of weather you preferred, then I'm sure we could give you tons of advice.

[cincivulcan]

I'm flying into Houston (IAH) and staying about 30 min from the fair and Houston itself (right in between) I'm attending 1000 Dreams weekend. Ohio renfest weather varies from in the 90s towards the beginning of the season and gets down towards the 60s towards the end of the season.

[Blue66669]

OHAI! You won't have any problems with scorpions out there, but ants, YES, but only if you're camping. TRF is a very large and "modern" faire. We have pest control that takes care of those things, so worry not. 1001 Dreams weekend usually proves itself to be in the 80s/90s, just check the weather before you come. You'll want to look at it for "Plantersville, TX", and that should tell you all you need to know.

Houston is chock full of things to do and see, so it just depends on your taste in food and fun.

If you need anything, feel free to message me

[cincivulcan]

Thanks guys

[DonaCatalina]

As far as food at fair, the Polish sampler is a good choice as well as the Greek gyros. You should locate the Prince of Wales pub after you are inside. There is where you are likely to run into some forum members. 80/90 doesn't sound very hot, but 100% humidity is what really kicks your bratwurst. Remind yourseldf to drink plenty of water along with other beverages of your choice.

[cincivulcan]

Wow really?! I thought Texas would be more arid than Ohio. Thats something to take into consideration... my garb options are getting slimmer by the second!!   Everyone keeps talking about a certain ale there... is there something in particular that is good? Also... I'm thinking about braving the aligator... is it worth it?!

[LadyStitch]

Our clan likes to look for deal on quality and quantity.  It's like 9-12 bucks but the Polish sampler can feed two people very well, compared to 5-6 for just one item. The same goes for the Greek sandwich vs the Greek platter.  Great food and reasonable price for the amount.
I do recomend hitting either the pirate aution or the drabbit drawing.  If you have kids, go to the drabbit.  If you like showy sharp things, go to the pirate.  We typically tell people to go to sound and fury, ded bob, and arsene.  Last year my DH decided that he loves Clan Tinker.  If you like adult humor, I say go to Iris and Rose over by the polish area.
I recomend looking at a scedule online before you go, so you can map out what shows you want to see. This way you can see the shows you want, and still see the shops.  Also pick a meet up spot.  This faire is HUGE!  If one of your group gets lost, having a central meeting place is a good thing.  Our clan's is the Sea devil.
There are ALOT of shops at the faire, and depending on how many shows you see, you may not see all of them, so plan accordingly.  I swear one Saturday, all I did was escort newbies from  shop to shop, and didn't get to see shows.  Another year newbies only wanted to see shows that I had seen before, and I had a hard time getting to see my friends, and see shops, so plan for it.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

53 acres and more shops than you can shake a stick at! 

[Mead Swilling Lech]

If you're a true carnivore, you'll bypass all the sissy-food recommendations above and go straight for the Prime Rib Trencher at POW Pub.

Seriously though, I haven't really ever had anything "bad" at TRF.  To be fair I usually don't have to eat a whole lot after a trencher, but in the afternoon there's always room for a scotch egg, or gyro!

If you're a drinker, please please please, follow the above advice about staying hydrated.  The humidity will zap it right out of you, and you will feel horrid if you stick to booze.  Houston might as well be on the beach as humid as it is.  Spoken from experience, I promise.

[cincivulcan]

You guys are fantastic!

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

If you're a true carnivore, you'll bypass all the sissy-food recommendations above and go straight for the Prime Rib Trencher at POW Pub.

Seriously though, I haven't really ever had anything "bad" at TRF.  To be fair I usually don't have to eat a whole lot after a trencher, but in the afternoon there's always room for a scotch egg, or gyro!

If you're a drinker, please please please, follow the above advice about staying hydrated.  The humidity will zap it right out of you, and you will feel horrid if you stick to booze.  Houston might as well be on the beach as humid as it is.  Spoken from experience, I promise.

Comes from being only 40-50 feet above sea level and the only thing between us and the coast are a few stray cattle...

[LadyStitch]

The place is humid, but I'm not talking Seatle/London/Scottland damp (IE moisture saps into EVERYTHING).  Just keep in mind, that if it should get cold, the humidity will make it feel like it is even colder than it really is. 

My clan monarch is a follower of the mead at the Sea Devil.  To the point he has a bottle carrier he hangs around his neck, sticks a long straw in it, and just walks around faire drinking it like that.  This is also the reason why he "fell asleep" at the Sea Devil 2 years ago. This is also the year he says he got 'bad' Etufe. But we say it 'might' have had something to do with the 4 bottle of mead he drank in one afternoon.   
Anyway, for every tankard of beer, make sure you drink at least 1 of water. Your body will thank you for it.