Every winter brings a crowd of Henry VIII wannabes and shrews more shrewish than Shakespeare's Kate. It must be the performers in the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. You can travel back in time starting in early February, with the festival continuing for eight weeks at a 30-acre village wholly decked out in the Renaissance look. And the 600 perfectly costumed, in-character performers surely aid the illusion. Actors, jugglers, clowns, acrobats, musicians and singers can be found in every corner of the village.
Knights joust three times a day in the tournament arena.
Children can try medieval pursuits, such as archery and ax throwing, or ride ponies and camels. Booths all around feature crafts that were common in medieval times. Food includes humongous roasted turkey drumsticks as well as steak on a stake, apple dumplings, Italian ices and other treats. Check advertisements for retailers selling discounted tickets. Signs will point you to the festival grounds from U.S. Highway 60.