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off after the stilt walkers! But somehow we do make it all the way down through Valley Meade to the wine pavilion where there is a bar that serves beer by the bottle that I think has the best selection in the village. My husband and I both have gorgeous wooden mugs from Master of Cups in nearby Stub Toe Lane which we need a beer and half to fill. Now with mugs in hand we can really start enjoying ourselves.

We wander through the shops in Mary Dale's Way (always stopping at Holy Cow Leathersmithe, maybe while one of our party climbs the castle wall) and then buy turkey legs which we munch on with period gusto while enjoying the spectacle at the Drench the Wench booth where they relish in bawdy humor that, fortunately, the kids don't yet understand. Next we refill our mugs at the Dragon in and our youngest nephew once again tries (and fails) to climb Jacob's Ladder. Oh, while we're here, let's visit the archery booth! I love target practice.

We watch an early joust (the King's Field can get brutally hot on a sunny day in the afternoon, especially if you're wearing brocade) and check out the beautiful clothing at the Wolfstone Kilt Company. My nephew may get his face decorated with henna, tribal style (did his mom say he has school pictures next week!) or perhaps my busty friend gets her corset hoisted breasts painted with eyes. Anything can goes at Renn Fest.

I must get to Moresca in Valley Meade before refilling the mug again so I can look at all the corsets unhampered but then we can refill at O'Shucks pub over oysters which are the perfect appetizer for a steak on a stake. We see a show or two and end the day at the White Hart Tavern where there is sure to be music and merriment.

Now keep in mind, this is my perfect day at the fair. Your's may involve a visit to the Museum of Unnatural History, a tour of Ye Old Printmaker's shop, and having your palm read. Alternatively you could have a massage at Her Majesty's Healers, watch some mud wrestling, and then going to the Royal Stage to catch up on all the courtly drama. There is so much to do and something that will surely interest everyone. I've never known anyone to have a bad day in Rebel Grove.

Did I mention that if it weren't for the Maryland Renaissance Festival I would never have met my husband? We met in Indiana when we were in college when we each recognized that the other was wearing items purchased from this particular festival. Can I give a stonger endorsement? Visit Rebel Grove, before it moves and changes. It's a magical place.

Learn more about this author, Megan Marquart.
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