Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park is what one might call “a diamond in the rough”. Driving through, you will see a run-down plaza, one gas station (Tuxedo Gulf), and a deli that is now closed. It's fairly expensive to live here, catering to the upper-middle-class, who wish to be secluded in luxurious privacy while being surrounded by woods and three lakes: Tuxedo Lake, Wee Wah Lake, and Little Wee Wah Lake. The Orange Top Diner (192 NY 17, 5 Stars), and Take A Break (another Japanese food and sushi place, which is reputed to be Orange County's “best”.

However, people usually visit Tuxedo Park for one reason, and one reason only: the special magic that one can only experience at the NY Renaissance Faire. Here, you will be whisked away into the magical world of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and his love, Maid Marian. You can watch Robin ask Marian to marry and seal the deal with a kiss on the appropriately named “kissing bridge”. You can watch jousters fight each other right in front of your eyes as they race their horses towards their opponent. You can see someone put their life in another's hands as several sharp knives are thrown in their direction---and live to tell the tale! You can ride a camel, eat boar, see valiant swordfights, get your face painted with Henna, treat your kids to all kinds unforgettable adventures, and more! There's also an amazing Birds Of Prey Show. The Jousting Finale is amazing as well. Of course, there's always lots of vendors selling unique items that you won't find anywhere else---such as garments of the day (which you can rent as well).

The one downside to the Ren Faire is the price of food. The water is $3 (which I find utterly ridiculous) and by the end of the day, you're pretty thirsty---so I highly recommend bringing a 2 liter water jug with ice that you preserve overnight before going in the morning. The food is pretty pricey as well ($4 for a plate of fries isn't bad, I suppose (when they're good) but...$3 for a pickle? (C'mon! That's just silly.)

Here's a couple of tips to help you better enjoy your time here: Eat ahead, but get 1 special, unique thing to eat at the Faire, something that you might not be able to have elsewhere, which will make the moment even more memorable. Also, there is a sprinkler with very gentle downfalls of droplets that will cool you off (and your kids): don't be shy, adults get wet just as much as the kids do, and LOVE it: especially on a hot day (hey, I did)! Another thing is: Bring hats and wear light colored clothing. Also, be prepared for the bees...they like to hover around sweet-tasting food if you're in one place for too long. (Don't be afraid of them though: if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone; it's the rule of thumb when it comes to animals in general that don't wish to interact with humans on a daily basis.) Also, make sure to get there as early as possible so that you can find a good parking space (there's at least 2 lots that I know of that cost $5) and then you won't miss the opening show that is actually the opening of the doors to the festival as well. It's definitely not something to be missed!

Aside from that, the Renaissance Faire has the four ingredients I think that makes a great festival: 1) Excellent entertainment 2) Awesome food 3) A unique theme to the festivities that makes it extra-special, and therefore extra-memorable for years to come and 4) wonderful staff that really care about their patrons and know what they're doing. It really shows, as a lot of the people who work there are actors, and some know this as their only job (so, here's another tip, remember to tip the performers, because they're working for us---and boy do they work hard)! The entire atmosphere of the place is fantastic, and your kids will have a blast! Even more magical than that is that you will find yourself having a blast as well, perhaps remembering what it's like to be a kid again, forget your worries, and simply enjoy the festivities and celebrations of the day!

Remember: Adults love coming here just as much (if not perhaps sometimes more) than the kids! Going to the Ren Faire for the first time today was truly an unforgettable experience that will stay with me for years to come. I definitely plan on getting there next year!

The Ren Faire is located at 600 17A in Sterling Forest Park of the hamlet Tuxedo Park in Tuxedo (Orange County) NY.