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Midwest => Bristol Renaissance Faire => Topic started by: Hector_ on August 23, 2015, 12:59:43 PM

Title: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Hector_ on August 23, 2015, 12:59:43 PM
Good day,
I may be visiting Aug 29 as a newbie to Bristol (by no means a faire virgin, Texas Renaissance Festival is my home). Are there any campgrounds where Rennie's gather after close of gates?  Is there a time and tavern for meet and greet inside the gates?  What are the must see shows this year?
Thanks!!
-Lord Hector
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 24, 2015, 06:21:14 AM
Hector, we'll be going to Bristol for the first time a week after you... I'll let you know what we find.  ::)  ???  :o  8)  ;D
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 24, 2015, 08:43:09 PM
We drive there and back the same day and have never camped.  I have never heard of anyone getting together in a campground after hours, since there are no close campgrounds.

Must see shows include Moonie, and then at 6 p.m. Moonie and Friends, which is all improv, and probably the funniest show at the faire. The drum jam is fun, and all of the musical shows are outstanding.  Do not miss the New Minstrel Revue 5 p.m. show.  Barely Balanced does amazing acrobatics.  If you are into history, the Noble Glade and the Queen's Court are very detail oriented and a glimpse into court life.  Adam Crack and the Fire Whip Show is great.
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Hector_ on August 27, 2015, 08:19:41 PM
Thank you both for your replies!  Can't wait for ... ?opening cannon? This Saturday!!
Merlin, I will see you at TRF!

Does Bristol have a brewery? Good Mead?
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 30, 2015, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: Hector_ on August 27, 2015, 08:19:41 PM
... Merlin, I will see you at TRF! ...

If you do, Hector, it will likely be from hallucinogens. TRF isn't on our schedule.
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 31, 2015, 12:48:03 AM
Hector, you got baptism by fire today!  Bristol reached capacity of 24,000 by 1:30 this afternoon.  Both the paid parking and the free parking (a very long hike) were completely full, and they closed the gates at 1:30 for a little over an hour.  The cars were backed up on the Interstate trying to get to the exit, which was a safety hazard, so they closed the gates for a while to disperse the traffic.

For the first time ever, we had to park even with the kiosk where you pay to park at the very entrance.  We got a late start today and got there at 1130.  We were at the Friends of Faire Garden for the feast, so the lines for food were really long, as well as the privies.  I hope you enjoyed yourself today.

P.S.  Merlin, heard it might be the same way next weekend, closing weekend, so be sure to get there early.  Faire opens at 10, and they open the gates around 8, I think.  You don't have to go that early, but I'd be there by 9:30 to get a decent parking space and see the opening gate show.
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 31, 2015, 05:46:44 AM
the paid parking gate opens at 9, at least all the times we have gone.  We usually get in line outside the gate around 8:30 or so - people meander around.  I have never been when the crowd has been that big.
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: RefMom3 on August 31, 2015, 11:46:12 AM
I had gone on Saturday, and the threat of rain may have caused some to wait until Sunday. I think once last year, they had to close the gates, too. For closing weekend, I have a hotel room in Waukegan, on the Illinois side of the border. It promises to be a phenomenal weekend ;)
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 31, 2015, 02:12:30 PM
Can I safely assume there is handicap parking available?
Title: Re: Nearby after faire campgrounds??
Post by: Sir Ironhead on August 31, 2015, 04:06:38 PM
You mean at the faire I assume?  Yes there is right up by the entrance.