Travel: Renaissance Faire Crownsville Maryland

Autumn is a wonderful time for country fairs.  And in the mid-Atlantic region, where I live, the season kicks off in August with the Renaissance Faire held in Crownsville Maryland, which lasts through mid-October.

The organizers go to great lengths to make you feel that you are in a country village in 1540s England, and King Henry VIII (the one with the 6 wives) is coming to visit.  And so you wander down dusty paths past cottages where people are selling everything from pies to feathers, from pastries to magnificent court gowns.  You see people dressed up in 16^th century costume, and realize with a pang, how much better the average human form looks decked out in doublet and hose, or gown and headdress, than poured into a pair of jeans.  Along with the places selling food, clothes, leather items, swords and daggers, are the numerous places of entertainment.  You see jugglers, acrobats and actors from a variety of venues, all engaged in old-fashioned entertainment with audience participation.  Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Faire is the jousting.  It is really good.  Not only do these people dress up in 16^th century armor and wield a lance, but they actually do all that while riding on horseback.  My friend who rides told me that their riding was superb and that they were able to control the horse mainly by leaning forward or back in the saddle.

If you have not been and you are in the area next year between August and October, I suggest you go.  It is great for families, great for couples, and great for those who like to sample the past. 

For more information click here.

–Cynthia Haggard writes short stories, novels and poetry.  During the day, she is a medical writer and has recently opened her own business.  For more on her creative writing, go to spunstories.  For more about her medical writing services, go to clarifyingconcepts.  (c) 2008. All rights reserved.