Our vacation will take us close to CRF & we want to spend 1 day there. I'd like to pick the brains of a few veterans of CRF as to what to see, where & what to eat & where to shop. We will have 2 kids in tow so kid-friendly is what we're looking for. Any information is appreciated.
Hi Cowgrrl
WOW so many places to eat. My own children when they went loved the Pizza and sausage sandwiches, but that is my kids. As fo where to shop it really depends on what their interests are. I personally loved the dragon puppet shop as did my two boys. They both bought an unhached egg and both got two nice dragon statues to display. The reason I say un-hached is it's a little game the shoppe keepers play where you boy the egg and they roll it down this trough. At the end they smack the egg and tear it open to find a paper coupon telling you what you won. Of course the momre pricy eggs offer the better prizes. BTW my boys were age 9 (I have twins) when we took them the 1st time and they loved faire.
Quote from: cowgrrl on May 19, 2008, 11:38:16 AM
Our vacation will take us close to CRF & we want to spend 1 day there. I'd like to pick the brains of a few veterans of CRF as to what to see, where & what to eat & where to shop. We will have 2 kids in tow so kid-friendly is what we're looking for. Any information is appreciated.
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!
Without knowing the age of the kids and whether they be pirates, princesses, or knights, I'll do my best to get everything you should see.
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. If you have especially young ones or princesses, 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 for mum and dad -which you may need.
Breakfast firmly in hand, wander downhill a bit and to the right (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 ;) While the children are seated quietly with mum watching, dad can take a look see at the sword shop just off to the side of Mistress Charlotte's booth.
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 most children 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 have horse loving kids. 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. As you regroup after the potty break - depending on your time - you can say hi to Mother and Father goose. Every day should start with a goose hug. The Gooses are nested against the Steak on a Stake place across from the privies. It's a bit off the normal path, so it's a good regrouping spot. 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!
Depending on the age of your kiddles, they can pet, feed, or ride various animals in the petting zoo. Petting is free, and I believe for the really wee ones, there is a free or very cheap butterfly swing ride in this area as well. Once they are petted out, you can head up the hill - after washing their 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 - especially for young princesses and knights - or anyone that enjoys a good story. The wishing well is up ahead. Go ahead, Make A Wish.
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. Be aware of the ratings of the groups. We rate the more grown up ones PN for Pretty Naughty. Just past the pirate ship is a large food court and...at last...picnic tables. Send mum to buy food while dad watches the kids for a bit. 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 but can be a little scary for really little ones.
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. Not a show for wee ones, but 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, but may not be appropriate for the wee ones. 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, 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 dad, if you have yet to buy mum 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 (if you have very small princesses or sensitive knights, be wary. The last joust includes a kill), you better head that way, if you are not, you have time to catch some final shows of your favorites. 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. :)
What?!?! I wuvs my Faire. :-*
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Since it appears some of you might want a bit more info, here goes:
We have a boy & a girl, elementary school aged. They are regulars with us at Scarborough so they are definitely not faire virgins.
We'd like to see a bellydance show if possible.
Also, thanks so much for the heads-up on the later Joust. We took DD to the last Scarby joust of the day & it took hours of Hannah Montana to get her back to normal! We will definitely be going to an earlier joust!
Is there an actual show time for any bellydance shows? I don't know if there is, I always thought they just wander around on street cast so to speak. But then I don't get out that much, so I could be wrong, haha. About the only show I ever see with any regularity is Ded Bob. :-X
Quote from: cowgrrl on May 19, 2008, 06:06:50 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Since it appears some of you might want a bit more info, here goes:
We have a boy & a girl, elementary school aged. They are regulars with us at Scarborough so they are definitely not faire virgins.
We'd like to see a bellydance show if possible.
Also, thanks so much for the heads-up on the later Joust. We took DD to the last Scarby joust of the day & it took hours of Hannah Montana to get her back to normal! We will definitely be going to an earlier joust!
If there are belly dancers this year, and I don't know if there will be...there is one that usually sets up just above the Pan statue near closing time...other than that, mostly they just wander around. But with a lot of new entertainment, I've not got down all the stage shows for this year yet.
Since the kids are used to faire, I can also suggest Charming University (Prince Charming and his side-kick Lord Dashing - very funny), the Whirly-Jigs (music), Captain Jack and his Scallywags(music), Arsene Dupin, and Stick Horse in Pants (improv). There are also the old favorites, Iris & Rose and Ded Bob.
I think Tanda certainly covered it - all of it! MOST impressive. =)
And I also vote for the fudge - the pumpkin is my favorite!
And if your'e Scarby regulars, then the carillion and Iris and Rose are indeed the same that grace that fair faire shire.
I will also second the importance of staying hydrated at the higher elevation! (Suncreen too - you'll burn quicker up here! I learned that one the hard way)
But don't forget that it can be freezeeing cold on the day of faire. if it rains all day, it will be cold. if it rains half the day it may be cold. if it rains just a little, it may be nice. if no rain HOT as Hot can be.
Be prepared for ALL weather
Don't forget the torture museum by puke and snot! tis a building where the air is in fact cooled
Don't forget to pay a visit to our own Mistress Charlotte for some face paint!
And dont forget the garland cart right next to her for the coolest and prettiest garlands around if I do say so myself!
And don't forget to buy some Fryed Ice Cream!
(I'm super excited to see Charming University!)
Charming Uni-varsity with Dashing? ???
C.U.D ? :o
....
Platt think it should be Dashing Uni-varisty with Charming.. :)
DUC :D
Oooooo... DUCK! YAY DUCKYS!!!! ;D
ALSO I'm excited to see Hey Nunnie Nunnie, AND I found out they were working on the Globe Stage, so I get to watch them... all day long :D
Hey Nunnie Nunnie's here this year? They haven't been here before have they? I remember I saw them at NYRF in 2006 and I liked them a lot. That will be fun!
WOW. Very well done Tanda. I really dont have much to add...but Steak on a Stake is probably the best food you're going to find. If, of course you are of the carnivorous persuasion :D And I agree with Mattrim...though, a torture museum may be a teensy bit scary for the little'uns, it is the only building that is air conditioned aside from First Aid....and may be a good break from the sun.
I third the "stay hydrated and sunscreened" notion. Im not sure we can stress that enough. People that do other faires come here thinking that its no big deal...forget the sunscreen...and pay dearly for it later. Im a native of Colorado and a 14 year veteran of this faire...and there have been times I have forgotten and ended up with blistered cleavage....not fun.
We cant wait to see you and entertain you. Its a shame really that you cant come for both days, because really if you want to see it all and take it all in....with two little ones in tow I would take both days. Owell :D
Quote from: pirate_zoe on May 23, 2008, 11:57:47 PM
Hey Nunnie Nunnie's here this year? They haven't been here before have they? I remember I saw them at NYRF in 2006 and I liked them a lot. That will be fun!
Yeah I think they are new to Colorado, but yeah I've seen some clips on youtube of them, and they were very funny :)
Quote from: Lady Remi on May 24, 2008, 12:31:50 AM
I third the "stay hydrated and sunscreened" notion. Im not sure we can stress that enough. People that do other faires come here thinking that its no big deal...forget the sunscreen...and pay dearly for it later. Im a native of Colorado and a 14 year veteran of this faire...and there have been times I have forgotten and ended up with blistered cleavage....not fun.
Additional to that is the fact that a lot of people seem to forget we're at altitude, and that really does affect both your sun exposure and your dehydration factor. Both happen WAY faster when you're at 6000 feet, or however high we are in Larkspur.
Well, it looks like we are going to come for 2 days. Will the web-site post any kind of schedule? I'd like to pre-plan our day & not having a schedule makes it a bit difficult.
We will definitely check out Charming University, Mother Goose & the Stick Horse show.
Very sad about the lack of bellydancers. :(
The website usually just posts what the theme for the weekend is. I think there is a schedule of shows in the program though, maybe.
Yes, unfortunately the website doesn't list the show times. However, they do not change week to week - except special events which depend on the weekend. This means that once they are set - and we get our maps - we just might be able to post this information....assuming I remember to do so ;)
Quote from: Lady Remi on May 24, 2008, 12:31:50 AM
WOW. Very well done Tanda. I really don't have much to add...but Steak on a Stake is probably the best food you're going to find.
Steak on a stake is good, but...
Lady Delaney is right- nothing beats the pizza at Italian kitchen! Plus, you
have to get to see me!
And Demetrius, where might you be at faire?
Italian Kitchen of course. :) I must admit I'm really looking forward to getting some pizza this weekend. I don't think I've ever found a better piece of pizza anywhere, and I am totally serious about that. (Though the gas station at the bottom of the hill does give you guys a run for your money!)
Still no official times for events....Hopefully those programs will be done by Saturday. :D
As a note, and without giving too much away, there is now fighting at the first joust as well. It's still mostly kid friendly.
Quote from: pirate_zoe on June 09, 2008, 10:28:42 AM
Italian Kitchen of course. :) I must admit I'm really looking forward to getting some pizza this weekend. I don't think I've ever found a better piece of pizza anywhere, and I am totally serious about that. (Though the gas station at the bottom of the hill does give you guys a run for your money!)
Pirate Zoe-
It's not just the gas station at the bottom of the hill- they are ALL giving us a run for LOTS of money!
Thank you for the support. I will now proceed to take full credit for the pizza, though it's the chicken I adore(n). I have until Saturday to enjoy having hair on my arms- usually I singe it off by the end of the first day.
Lady Delaney- Because I belong to a Union, and we are presently on strike, you will not be able to find me at faire. Alas, poor Demetrius. There will, however, be a scab employee taking over for me named Burt, or Barnacle Burt (for short).
He is a Liar of Ill Repute and much more dashing and charming than I, and his hair is perfect. He can give directions to the bakery as well as the best of them.
As for me, I will be attending a two month mud festival to be held in Italy with my Sister. They told us to bring balloons. Hopefully it won't rain. My passport allows me to visit the following Countries: Florida, Texas, Caleefornia, and Italy.
Texas is my favorite because I really love to attend the Dairy Queen, plus I actually have been there many times.
Just out of curiosity, what's the temp been at Faire the past few weekends? I'd like a feel for what to pack & what to tell the kids to leave at home.
Been in the upper 80's the first two weekends. I believe this past Sunday it was 91 for the better part of the day.
According to my weather thing it's supposed to be in the mid-70s (huzzah!) on Saturday and back into the 80s on Sunday. But you never know. Plan for summer, pack for winter.
I just saw the weather report and they are calling for the 90's this weekend! oi!
But that could change in a minute!
I think we're lucky to have not had any triple digit days, yet. It's early though. We usually get one or two in July.
Quote from: pirate_zoe on June 09, 2008, 10:28:42 AM
Italian Kitchen of course. :) I must admit I'm really looking forward to getting some pizza this weekend. I don't think I've ever found a better piece of pizza anywhere, and I am totally serious about that. (Though the gas station at the bottom of the hill does give you guys a run for your money!)
See I think ours wins in the crust department, cause its a bit thicker, and thusly more filling.
The gas station is amazing- but only if you like thin crusts.
I'm not too much of a fan of really thick dough-ey crusts, which is why I enjoy the pizza down at the gas station so much. Plus it's usually crunchy, which is another thing I like. Gooey pizza is no bueno, haha. I did have some Italian Kitchen pizza on Sunday though, it was yummy. :D
Larkspur Pizza rocks too!
they have alot of super yummy stuff and they arent bad priced tooo
I have to add to my day!
Newly opened in Larkspur, Pony Express Coffee shop. Stop there for breakfast. Decedent coffee, and what looked like hearty breakfasts. I may have to go to breakfast there one week.
Quote from: Tanda on July 09, 2008, 11:16:48 PM
I have to add to my day!
Newly opened in Larkspur, Pony Express Coffee shop. Stop there for breakfast. Decedent coffee, and what looked like hearty breakfasts. I may have to go to breakfast there one week.
I actually plan on going there saturday. So Ill let yall know. Im gonna have to ahve like 3 cups of coffee to even wake up, so Ill sample it all :)
I actually cracked up that the place was called The Pony Espresso (or Express-o, however it's spelled) because when I was a freshman in high school I was in a melodrama play of the same title. It was about a coffee shop in the wild west. I played the owner of the joint, the character's name was Dee Caff. The hero's name was Buck and the heroine's name was Star, figure that one out... ;) Good times.
But as for the actual coffee joint, I am thinking of stopping there this weekend to see how they are.
Well, I want to say that we had a great time at CRF. The first day was a little rough as we felt a bit off since we didn't know where anything was & we were struggling a bit with putting together any type of schedule for the day (Note to the owners: Please put a schedule on the website). Also, I lost both my parasol (red canvas with a dragon on it [waterproof]) & DDs (paper with a beach scene on it). Neither were expensive but I really loved my red parasol. If anyone happened to find 2 parasols behind the Globe Stage leaning against a picnic table (very long shot I know) we'd love to try & get them back.
I was pleased as punch to find Grichels there. I bought an awesome laptop case & a bookmark. I really hope we can either visit Bristol in a few years or they will come to one of the Faires in TX.
We loved Tribal Circus, Arsene, Charming & Dashing and Celtic Legacy. Charming & Dashing were so funny my sides hurt. I could not believe it was their first year performing that act.
Actually - I think that Grace O'Malley found those while we were eating lunch over there - I'll ask her if she did & what she did with them.
I just sent her an email. I'll let you know as soon as she answers me!
Talked to Grace...she did find those two parasols. They were turned in to Lost & Found , so if you get ahold of CRF, you should be able to get them back easily!
Thanks so much! I will call them & see.