Ever feel like you were born in the wrong century? Well, if you’re the type of woman who can effortlessly handle the 90-degree heat while cinched into corset, or the type of man who enjoys brandishing a sword in one hand and an oversized turkey leg in the other—Eminence, Kentucky is the place for you.
Just 13 miles outside of Shelbyville, The 9th Annual Kentucky Highlands Renaissance Festival is taking place every weekend from May 31 through July 6th— so you have two more weekends to get out there.
The Festival is structured like a small town, complete with over 45 vendors selling all the necessary accoutrements for your 1300s image—hair braiding, potion bottles, historically accurate garb, weapons, hats, feathers, jewels, henna tattoos, kilts, and, for some reason, raccoon tails seemed incredibly popular.
Food-wise, head to one of the small vendors to procure such delicacies as “steak on a stick,” the aforementioned giant turkey leg, or a bevy of fried options, including fried green tomatoes and funnel cake fries (totally worth it). For additional food, and some welcome shade and fans, explore Mikaela’s Inn for haggis and mash, burgers, gyros, chicken fingers—and a fully-stocked bar.
Entertainment is varied, with nine stages of continuous entertainment daily, including live combat jousting, period music, dancing, reenactment, fire juggling,
sword swallowing, acrobatics, and much more. Other activities include archery, hand-powered carnival rides, human chess, and axe (and knife, and stars) throwing.
But, be careful. While the Festival is family fun for all—if you’re caught having too much fun, you could end up in the stocks.
Tickets for the Kentucky Highlands Renaissance Festival are $15 for adults and $8 for children at the gate, while discount tickets ($10) can be purchased online at www.kyrenfaire.com. For up-to-date information about theme weekends and special entertainment, you call follow The Kentucky Renaissance Festival at their Facebook page.
