Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the Faire. All opinions expressed are our own.
August 4-5 was the official opening weekend for The New York Renaissance Faire. An event that has been held in the Hudson Valley for years. The RNYM Family attended in 2014 (the kids were 1 and 4) and it was fun but their current ages (5 and 8) made it THAT MUCH MORE FUN. Faire warning (ha ha ha) this post is long- we loved it and there’s so much to share. In fact, Sofija went with us and her teen daughters, and that’s a SEPERATE post we had so much to say. So ANYWAY, enjoy our experience.
I was really a bit nervous that the kids wouldn’t be into it. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! They were excited to go, excited to dress the part, and even more so to explore as much of the event as their little feet could find. We spent a solid 6 hours there and MIGHT have been able to stay for more if we didn’t have to get home.
There is so much to do there: shopping, eating, watching the different displays and events, games, Olde time photos, and also some rides ( geared toward the littler people). In addition to the entrance fee the games and rides cost money, so we gave each kiddo a set amount to spend during the day. This helped to keep costs down. Nana and I treated the kids to Olde Time Photos, Camel Rides, and Ice Cream (of course).
The shops are full of artisans, the streets full of revilers and the atmosphere one of pure celebration. BUT, my focus has to be more on the PEOPLE. The people at the Faire made it the most amazing day. Shop keepers encourage the kids to touch and play, and were so complimentary of the children. Cast (for lack of a better word) were completely engaging and fun for both children and adults. Passerby were all happy and having fun.
Highlights according to the kids:
Getting to practice Archery.
Being sent on a special mission by the face painter to find the Queen and deliver a message.
Which resulted in a private audience with Her Majesty.
Which resulted in being invited back at 3 and 15 to be KNIGHTED.
Winning at the Ducky Game.
Meeting Gypsies and being given a magic marble.
Riding a CAMEL
The flag maze.
Checking out the dungeon.
Trying on Leather Armor.
Apprehending a thief.
Experiencing poetry and literature with royalty ((E) was quite smitten with the Sweedish Princess <3
Highlights for Mom:
Healthy food can be found and is good. Nana and I enjoyed a veggie quesadilla that was yum.
Adorable little FREE photo area with several thrones to use ;O)
Water can be found throughout.
There are shady places to sit and take a load off, have water, reapply sunscreen and rest (well I rested anyway).
Olde Time Photos (come on you love them too)
Cooling Station is available.
THE KIDS SMILED ALL DAY and frankly- SO DID I.
(A) and (E) are already planning their trip next year- already know how much money they need to save for the souvenirs that they would like to purchase, and know which area we didn’t get to that they would like to check out again. They are even planning what they will wear. OH YEAH- dress up, it adds to the fun- but dress for heat too, it gets hot walking around and you are going to want comfortable sneakers. <3
OFFICIAL FAIRE INFORMATION
WEEKENDS INCLUDING LABOR DAY
August 4th through September 30th 2018
Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day Monday
10:00 am to 7:00 pm – Open Rain or Shine
600 Route 17A – Sterling Forest – Tuxedo, NY 10987
40 Minutes from Manhattan; in the heart of the Hudson Valley
11 miles south of The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Discount Tickets available online: WWW.RENFAIR.COM/NY/Tickets
• Group Rates available for 15 or more by calling 845-351-5171 x2154
General Parking Free! – Preferred Parking $10.00 per vehicle
Transportation: GET ON THE BUS! Ride like a KING or QUEEN! On event days,
DIRECT round-trip bus transportation is available from Port Authority in
NYC directly to the Faire! Visit: www.shortlinebus.com
600 Rt. 17 A ⧫ Tuxedo, NY 10987 ⧫ (845) 351-5171 ⧫ (845) 351-2073 FAX ⧫
www.renfair.com/ny
