Why the Michigan Renaissance Festival Is Clay’s Perfect Weekend Escape

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is here, and it's the perfect way to spend a fall weekend day.

Real life has really started to set in right about now. School is back in, and instead of lazy summer days, we are all focused on new schedules and homework. That's why I think the Ren Fest is perfectly timed. Stepping into Holly Grove gives you a chance to set your normal routine aside. Knights, mermaids, trolls, and turkey legs are all waiting to help you escape.

The best part about the Ren Fest is that you decide how deep you go down the rabbit hole. You can (and should at least once) dress up in the attire of the time, but you don't have to. Just going and soaking in the sights is more than enough to ensure you have a great time.

There are so many things that I look forward to when it comes to the Ren Fest, but I'd be lying if I didn't put the food at the top of my list. One of my first stops is to grab a Scotch Egg, while my kids work their way over to get soup in a bread bowl. Of course no trip to the Ren Fest is complete without a PICKLE PICKLE PICKLE!

The food is just the start of the Ren Fest experience though, as there's something for pretty much everyone. We always make sure to walk around the grounds looking for new vendors or games to play.

I think the one thing that people don't realize is that there is a TON for kids to do while at the Ren Fest. One of the things my kids ask about every year is the tomato-throwing area near the back.

The concept is simple. . . you throw tomatoes at a couple of guys who are locked in stocks while they berate you! It's absolutely perfect for a kid to go and try to hit them while the parents sit back and laugh at the jokes.

The shows are always a great time, and if you're not careful, you might end up IN the show. That's what happened last time we went, and I guess I'm lucky to have left in one piece.

One of the main attractions, though, is always the Jousting Duels that happen multiple times a day.

Not only is it great action, but the knights make sure that the crowd is involved throughout the whole show. This is also a great chance for you to get a glimpse of the queen as she enters to watch the contest.

Something new this year is the Dragon's Tower located at the Jousting Arena. It's a great place to have a drink and watch the action.

After watching all the combat, you might want to get in on the action for yourself. Well, don't worry because it's not a long walk to throw some axes or shoot a few arrows.

There's also a new way for you to get in on the fun this year at the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

The Spy Academy is a new feature to the Ren Fest that will put you in the running to win some great daily prizes, and even the grand prize of a trip for two to the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Florida.

So make sure you get out and enjoy the Ren Fest this year. Even if you've never been, I guarantee you'll find something for you.

Oh yea, one more thing . . . the word "HUZZAH" can be used as a verb, noun, adjective, and pretty much any other way you'd like to slip it into conversation.