It is an absolutely beautiful morning with highs promised to be in the mid-70's. I need to get out of the house, get my Vitamin D rays, and go for a ride. Since we had never been to the Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace, and it's only about 12 miles east of where we live, we head out to see what we have been missing. Today is the first day of eight weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. including President's Day. The last day of the Festival is on the 30th of March.

As we head east, we notice carloads of people going in the same direction. Keep in mind, the Festival is located out in the desert on about 30 acres of - well - um - desert. Much to our surprise, as we pulled off of the main road and headed through the entrance, there were TONS of cars in the parking lots. Highway 60 was policed heavily, signs posted to slow the traffic down, and everything very organized.

As we entered the site, I was amazed to see the primeval buildings, costumes and regalia. Those working at the Festival were delightful, and many of those who attend the Festival regularly, were donned in period costumes.

There was lots of good food - turkey legs, pizza, cinnamon almonds, ice cream and more. There were jewelry and pottery shops, shoe shops for those special period boots and costume shops for those having their photos taken, caricatures, etc. Palm reading, horoscope, tarot cards and more.

There were at least 12 Stages or Theatres with entertainment going continually. We sat down and watched the Wyldmen at the Mud Stage. There are photos on the Real Estate Show. It was a riot. The two "stars" did an act in slow motion, and eventually ended up in the mud. Very funny. The little ones were invited to sit in front if they wanted to with the explanation that there would be mud flying. The kids who were okay (and their parents were okay with it) all sat close to the mud pit. They did get splattered as warned.

The tree that I show in the video was some guy on stilts, and he was able to move around very well. As we were coming up to the tree, I had no idea it was live until he started to talk and to move.

There is so much to do here in our Phoenix Valley. For those of you visiting or living in or around Mesa or Phoenix, it's well worth the trip. There are lots of things to do for young and old. As for me and my hubby? Two hours was just perfect. Lots of fun.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog