Turkey leg...check. Jousting...check. Mead...check. Where else does it laughably feel normal to see a minotaur chatting it up with a wizard and an elf? A very cute elf I might add. The Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance theme park in the nation, teleporting people back hundreds of years since 1974.

Only a few hours away from Austin, the festival is near Plantersville, TX.

I'm by no means a Ren Fest vet, this past weekend was actually my first time going, but it was a major trip. My first order of business was obviously scoring a turkey leg and some honey mead. Easily found, and delicious, our group forged on and toured around the festival grounds. Swing rides, an elephant, drench-a-wench, and a bottle of honey mead later I figured out my favorite aspect of Ren Fest. Well ok, other than the Celtic band covering Led Zeppelin... the best part for me was the people watching! Seriously, it was some of the best people watching I've ever experienced. It was like being transported back hundreds of years, and there was so much to see. Witches, wizards, elves, jesters, kings and queens, and not to mention some scantily clad eye candy (and yes, some not so eye-candyish costumes, but still awesome). There were plenty of people dressed up, but I'd say half of the festival population wasn't, so pick your poison. Don't forget to bring some cash too because there is plenty of garb, festival gear, a few rides, and delectable food you can buy. You can also rent a costume!

I would definitely recommend checking out Ren Fest, it was a truly unique experience. It's only open for one more weekend this season, which happens to be this weekend, November 25th, 26th, and 27th with a Celtic Christmas theme. Tickets are around $25 at the door for adults, but you can get them online in advance for a little cheaper, around $20 I think. There are also packages available for families and groups, check it out online: www.texrenfest.com.