Here ye, here ye! Ren-fest is here!
Update: 3.6.20
What an incredible time we had roaming the village of Ren-Fest over the weekend! It was exactly as I had remembered it, only better! The village has expanded, the interactions even more real and the nostalgia was in full effect!
Some memorable moments of the day was the first feeling of walking into the village and feeling as if we traveled hundreds of years back in time. Although we didn’t have a turkey leg or take in the joust (the kids would have freaked at the sight of blood!), we got the chance to do a fun castle maze, meet a real mermaid, take in the washing wenches show (just as hilarious and gross as I had remembered) and throw tomatoes at a heckling villager.
The kids walked away with some souvenirs too! V, got herself a flower crown (my girl!) and R settled on a handmade wooden axe. A really great part of the experience was how into it even the attendees were! There were moments when we couldn’t tell if the people were a part of the big show or just there to follow along and play the part. One thing is for sure, we can’t wait to attend again next year. Until then Huzzah!
-Briana D. @brianadandrea
Huzzah! It’s that time of of year where we rejoice to yesteryear, eat turkey legs, (or ribbon curls and funnel cakes if you’re me), go mud slinging and shout from the rooftops cheering on your favorite jouster! That’s right people, the Renaissance Festival is back for it’s 28th year and it’s bigger and better than ever!
I can vividly remember my very first time taking a trip to the 16th century, thinking I never wanted to come back to reality. Upon entering the ironclad gates you are completely immersed in a time where technology, cell phones and things that really can often times distract us from what’s truly important are non-existent. I can still remember that feeling of placing my hand in a warm bucket filled with wax (what did I ever do with that thing?), to the smell of the fire and the hoots and hollers coming from the folks who are completely immersed in character roaming the village. From that year on…I want to say it was 1993, I was hooked. Every year I would make it a priority to gather up friends and family and head over to TY park, where it originated…to enjoy all that yesteryear had to offer. Those of you who have always attended, know what I mean when I say the mud show was always a fan fave, those crazy laundry ladies were guaranteed to be a hoot and we still can’t wrap our heads around how those glass blowers, do what they do!
Many moons later and the Ren-Fest has undergone a major upgrade! In space, (it’s now at Deerfield Beach’s Quiet Waters Park), in vendors; there’s something like several hundred merch tents to peruse and pubs to sample cider or ale. Make no mistake about it, the event is always fit for a king or queen! One year I really went for it and I volunteered as a “villager” and man that is an experience, I’ll never forget. A the time I was in High School, didn’t have to pay a ticket which was a bonus in and of itself and I was able to dress up in the garb, walk the grounds like one of the tribe and I’m still working on that accent milady. Another memorable moment was the year I partnered up with Comcast and I got to choose the most beautiful dress to really experience the day like a princess. I took everyone on a journey through the Kingdom of Kimmendale, got to sit where the royal court viewed the much anticipated joust and soak it all in.
Although I have taken the kids before, (note the pictures with his girlfriend and future wife). Little man was just 3 and his sister was like 3 weeks! This will be the first year I think my children will really get to enjoy it all! Now that my son is 7 and my daughter 4, they will get to experience the attractions and the rides and shows fit for a little prince and princess. I am most looking forward to giving axe throwing a try and hopefully the kids will take a chance on the largest rocking horse! Until then Huzzah and I’ll see you at the camp! For tickets and more information please visit ren-fest. The event runs through March 22nd and every weekend is a different theme. This is a sponsored post.
-Briana D. @brianadandrea
Our Journey Through the Human Brain
Buckle up and hang on tight as we take a journey through the human brain! The brain is quite the fascinating organ. It’s literally the command center of the human body and speaks to our central nervous system. Responsible for your best kept memories, your feelings, your emotions and the very function of our bodies.
My family and I were able to meander through the $2.5 million dollar exhibit, that is now a permanent fixture at The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. The space spans 2,500 square feet and is a journey through the inner workings of our brain and its funcitonalities. “The Journey Through the Human Brain,” starts at the molecular and cellular level and transitions into the makeup that is responsible for our hopes, fears and memories.
When you make your way inside the exhibit, you are greeted by an actual brain that was preserved and put out on display, which by the way was a favorite of mine! There are a number of interactive puzzles and technology stations, 30 to be exact…all leaving you completely immersed and fascinated by the inner workings of the human brain.
I enjoyed being able to see both the nerves that makeup the inside of the brain, as well. As for the children, they really got a kick out of putting together a puzzle that made up the entire brain, as well as a section where you could use your five senses to see, smell, hear and touch different items. From a touch screen display, that was essentially an in depth crash course to the human brain and even a fun lie detector test, there was no shortage of educational and interactive fun to be had.
One fascinating thing we learned was that a person’s brain isn’t fully developed until the age of 25, however 90 percent of a child’s brain is developed by the age of 5…definitely some food for thought.
“Presenting an exhibit of such depth and breadth has been an incredible challenge, but we have drawn upon the talents and expertise of some of our tops minds in the region and the world,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center President.
The exhibit is a project that was three years in the making for the science center and is the most advanced display of the brain in the country. With high-tech displays, immersive experiences and state of the art equipment, the exhibit is sure to be a fan favorite, with something for every member of the family.
The Art of “Glamping”
Ok. I have a confession. The last time my husband and I were out camping together was 14 years ago! We did an 8-mile canoe stretch up and down The Peace River (actually he was the one canoeing and I was taking pictures…ha!) We set up camp and passed out for 14 hours!! I kid you not. Therefore, we never got the full camping experience. It’s definitely been on our radar for some time now. With two kids ages six and three, it seemed like glamping would be the perfect fit! We’ve passed the Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo dozens of times when traveling out to the west coast of Florida and even drove through on our way back from our favorite place…Disney, way back when. We knew that one day, we would come back and man are we glad we did!
The property is set on 7,000 acres of beautiful Florida land, first acquired back in 1982. We were amazed at the fact that it was within driving distance of where we live! When you drive through the real life dude ranch, you’re transported back to a much simpler time. When cell phones and internet didn’t exist. A time when you could just enjoy each other’s company, without daily distractions.
There are several places you can “camp out” while visiting Westgate River Ranch…from rail car cabins, a motel like cabin or you can set up a tent or an RV, if you so desire. Then there are the teepees, which come with all of the comforts of your home including a full-size bathroom inside. We opted for the “glamp” tents. The perfect mix of camping and comfort. There are only about 15 or so, each boasting a comfy king size bed, two twin beds, a refrigerator, microwave and even air conditioning and lights. Each glamping tent comes with your own picnic table, a propane grill and front porch to enjoy your coffee, pastries and fruit delivered each morning! I’m sure you’re asking yourself…ok, but what about the bathrooms? Well, there’s an outhouse (which we were lucky to be the closest to), that comes with your own bathroom and key. I was pleasantly surprised by the bathroom, because I think they were recently updated. I was expecting a woodsy, bug infested place to hurry up and get cleaned off. Instead it was actually more of a respite! You entered the air-conditioned rooms with a card key and they came with an endless supply of towels, not to mention they were very clean, which to us, was the most important part. Our glamp site was situated right in front of a private airport, where we were able to catch a glimpse of some prop planes taking off! The kids went wild!
I would highly recommend renting a golf cart to get around the property as there’s a bunch to see and do. Having the freedom to whiz around, made the experience that much sweeter! We came on a Saturday so that we could specifically enjoy a hayride dinner and see the Rodeo! An old-fashioned tractor-pulled hayride took us through the back of the property and lush landscape, while a man sang classic country songs on his guitar. Breathtaking views of the wilderness spanned as far as the eye could see, where we encountered grazing bulls and cows and several birds. The ride was followed by a traditional cookout dinner, that was just what the doctor ordered. BBQ chicken and ribs, hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans and mac n’ cheese, followed by some good ole fashioned peach cobbler. It was the perfect dining experience to welcome us to the ranch. After a quick break, we got ready to watch the rodeo and man was it a sight to see! The kids loved seeing the bull riding competition and there were some pretty awesome horse stunts…the energy was palpable! Following the show, everyone made their way outside for a street party! The music blared, while we danced! People were sitting by the fire enjoying their beverage of choice, some decided to make their way into the saloon, while the kids could play a variety of activities. From mechanical bull riding, to bounce houses, bungee jumping, zip lining, rock climbing and mini golf. We made our way back to the campsites where we enjoyed s’mores by the fire. Did I mention each group gets their very own s’mores kit? I must say we had quite the incredible first day!
The next day was Sunday and we just hung out and made our own breakfast, lunch and dinner (of course followed by s’mores)! We ventured out to explore the resort that takes you back to the good old days. There was a little “town,” with a general store, a gym, a post office and a kid’s area. You could venture out to trap and skeet shoot, test your skills with bow and arrow shooting or visit the full-service marina and restaurant, where you can book an airboat ride or pontoon boat. We decided to make our way over to the little farm on property. The kids loved riding the ponies (especially our 3-year-old daughter) and petting all of the baby goats, that were simply walking by. I was absolutely fascinated by the peacocks who were showing off their feathers and we all loved seeing the sheep and pot bellied pigs that were quite vocal!
There are some wild horses and bulls they keep on property as well, which are a sight to see! We went over and were able to pet and feed the horses some apples…such an out of body experience for all of us. As for the bulls, you may want to steer clear of those, one of them got a little upset that we were even watching them and charged after us! Luckily, there was a fence to keep them away, but not going to lie, we were all a little shook! Now we just laugh and joke about that one time we got charged by a bull!
Monday morning we got up and made our way over to the marina for a “swamp buggy tour.” Our guide “Moby” took us through the swamps and marsh, where we spotted an alligator, making the trip worth it, especially for our 6-year-old son! The ride was bumpy and muddy and it gave us the opportunity to ride through the rugged wooded trail and head out into the wilderness with nothing visible for miles. It was quite the beautiful ride and well worth it!
That night, we ventured out to the restaurant called “The Smokehouse Grill,” located at the marina. There you can find a number of traditional dishes served in mini skillets, if you’re not in the mood to cook. Although a nice respite, in all honesty some of the best meals we had were simply sitting outside of our tent as a family enjoying some of our own home cooking, because after all that’s part of the experience, am I right?
All in all, I would highly recommend a trip to Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo, especially in the glamping tents! I loved being able to spend some quality time without distractions with my family. One lesson I learned from the trip is “It can wait..” Literally anything you have going on. It’s a perfect chance to shut down any anxiety or stress you have, because there’s nothing like being one with nature with the ones you love most.
-Briana D.
Purchase my cheat sheet list of things to bring on your next glamping or camping trip!
Glamping Cheat Sheet
Purchase my cheat sheet list of things to bring on your next glamping or camping trip!
$10.00
There’s even a recipe for an easy one skillet meal!