Yesterday we took a trip back in time...to the Renaissance! We went with my sister and her boyfriend to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire held annually at the Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is a fun fair with a Renaissance theme. Many visitors come to the fair in costume (costumes are optional, though).
We saw people of all ages in costumes, dressed up as medieval lords and ladies, gypsies and peasants, pirates, fairies and all sorts of fanciful beings and creatures. Being there really was like stepping into another place, another time. We were swept away by the fantasy and magical air created there. The people running the stalls, shops, staged productions, jousting tournaments, etc. were all very skilled in what they do--putting on a great show with period details. It was like being at Disney World (on a slightly smaller scale, of course) but instead of Mickey Mouse and Cinderella's Castle and all that BIG opulence and grand scale, there was an old world feel to all the buildings, like wandering the streets of an enchanted small town. Street performers went around bringing little skits to life, or breaking into song. A lot of laughs, a lot of comedy and good cheer.
A big highlight of the day was the jousting tournament where highly skilled horsemen (and one woman!) duelled to defend honor, chivalry, and country! It was a day full of impressions and excitement--so much to see, so much to do! And to get to the Faire we drove through some very scenic places in Lancaster. Fall is really happening here now with all the colors changing, the trees tinged red, ochre, gold, bronze and orange. And pumpkin displays everywhere!
Our time here in the States has been fantastic! It's been heaven to have this time with family and friends and have some fun. The days go by so fast though... Today and tomorrow are our last two real, full days here. Tomorrow being packing and last visits and goodbyes (oh, how I have a tough time with that last part, all the goodbyes!) Tuesday is our long day journeying back home to Norway. I may not get to share again here or visit everyone until we get back and the worst of the jet lag is over and we get a little back to normal. Hope this finds all of you having a wonderful weekend. See you in a few days, my friends! Happy Days! :o)
It looks like great fun - did you get to dress up too?
Safe journey back - and I hope you're bringing lots of happy memories with you!
Posted by: dottycookie | October 21, 2007 at 10:21 PM
WOW - this looks utterly goergeous!! What a fun day - jealous, jealous, jealous!!! =)
Posted by: Melly | October 21, 2007 at 11:42 PM
Hello Tracy! Feeling well enough now to catch up on your holiday posts, it seems that you're having a wonderful time! So happy for you, everything looks great. Beautiful places and gorgeous photos. thanks - have a safe journey
Kim x
Posted by: kim | October 21, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Sounds like the faire was a lot of fun! Have a safe trip home!
Posted by: Maureen | October 22, 2007 at 06:07 AM
Tracy, lucky you! I have long wanted to go to a Medieval Fair! I would love to dress up in the costumes and experience a little taste of what life was back then, even if only for a few moments! I know that the reality is quite far removed from what our fantasies of it are! I am so sorry that you time there has almost come to an end! It seems to have gone really quickly! I know the heartache of having to leave to come home all too well, but what needs must be done must be done! I hope that you have a safe journey home and perhaps next weekend we can catch up and have a nice long chat! Happy Trails! xxoo
Posted by: Marie | October 22, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Hi Tracy,
What wonderful memories have to take home with you. Have a safe journey and we'll talk soon.
Marie x
Posted by: Wild Rose | October 22, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Enjoy the rest of your trip! The faire sounds like it was wonderful!
Posted by: randi | October 22, 2007 at 03:06 PM
What an amazing journey you are one, the colour and costumes, wonderful.
Posted by: Maddy | October 22, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Oh I wish we could have gone together, no one would go with me this year! Loved your photos!
Posted by: sara | October 22, 2007 at 06:23 PM
Ohhhhhhh, I love this sort of thing. Great costumes and there was a joust as well. It must have been great fun Tracy! I can see that you're having a wonderful time. Enjoy!
Posted by: Yolanda Elizabet | October 22, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Hi Tracy.
I am so glad to see that you are having a happy time "over there".
The last photo with the pumpkins is just great :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | October 22, 2007 at 09:09 PM
So many wonderful, joyful photo’s. I can’t imagine your trip is almost over... Enjoy your days and have a safe trip ‘home’!!!
Posted by: nicolette | October 22, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Great to hear and see that you have been enjoying your trip. The Faire looks fantastic. Great photos as usual. Thanks for sharing, it looks so fascinating and fun.
Safe trip home. I hope the jet lag isn't to bad.
Posted by: Tatania | October 23, 2007 at 01:19 AM
I wished I was there! Your pictures tell a wonderful story.
I feel with you, saying good-bye is such a hard thing to do if you know you are going to be a continent away. Taking with you all those beautiful memories will help readjusting to your life. All the best! Hugs xxx
Posted by: M erisi's Vienna | October 23, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Welcome home.
With love from Charlie, Grethe,Helge
Posted by: Grethe | October 23, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Now that looks like an awesome time! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Posted by: Felicia | October 23, 2007 at 12:03 PM
How fabulous! We went to our local Ren Faire on the very same day! And the highlight for my oldest boys was the jousting tournament at the end of the day! My little one was afraid of some of the costumes though. Hope your stay here at home has been wonderful (looks like it certainly has)!
Posted by: beachy | October 23, 2007 at 05:05 PM
Looks like fun, Tracy! Have a safe trip home! ~ hugs, Lynda xo
Posted by: Lynda | October 23, 2007 at 08:45 PM
What wonderful costumes.
Posted by: cd&m | October 24, 2007 at 05:02 PM
What perfect diversion. I am happy to share these glimpses of your fun vacation. It looks so wonderful.
Posted by: Natalie | October 24, 2007 at 05:06 PM
Looks very much like the Renaissance Fair we go to in Sterling, NY. We love it and always have a great time.
Posted by: Deb | October 25, 2007 at 05:28 PM
Sorry - I didn't know you would be blogging while in the US (too much to do & see !!!) so I'm catching up with your posts ! - but what you know is out in the mail flying to you...
Take your time & rest a lot to fight this nasty jetlag and until next time, XOXO
Posted by: SierraMoon | October 25, 2007 at 11:52 PM
That faire looks like a dream. Your photos are beautiful, too. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: strikkelise | October 26, 2007 at 08:20 AM
So glad you had fun here in the states! That renaissance fair looks delightful! Cece
Posted by: Cece Marie | October 26, 2007 at 04:40 PM