Travel East Texas ~ Commerce, Texas

 

    Commerce, Texas is probably best known for being the home of Texas A & M at Commerce University's campus.  That is not all Commerce has to offer a visitor.  While there are great adventures that await visitors on campus, such as rock wall climbing or high adventure ropes course be sure to meander downtown to explore the shops and dining options that the city has to offer.

sometimes you run into friends. 

    Start your visit at Mugs, with a great cup of coffee.   They happen to serve coffee from the same roaster we get our coffee, so it it 100% approved by The Oaks.  Addison Coffee roasters does such an amazing job with their coffee, that we are always happy to see it served locally.  Mugs has a great atmosphere in their shop, if you are wanting to meet up with friends, get some work done, or just hang out.  Their location and tasty beverages will sure to keep you company.  They even have  a cute, fresh cut flower bouquet area set up for people wanting to freshen up their homes with flowers.

    As you make your way around the shops, be sure to check out The Shop. This adorably curated shop, has over twenty different vendors selling their goods in one place.  You can be sure to find a gift for everyone on your list, from here.  The owner of the space also has her items on display and for sale as well, which makes The Shop a perfect stop for exploring new items for your house or a gift.  

   

 Need something a little sweet along your journey be sure to stop in the sweet shop, Too Good Treats.  They offer gourmet popcorn, candy, ice cream and more.  This might be the perfect place to hit up after you eat lunch at Laredos.  A little bit of Tex-Mex then on to dessert.  

    As you continue your way around downtown, walking off lunch and dessert there are several cute antique shops to check out and see what hidden gems you can discover.  You never know if the perfect item is waiting for you in the next shop you visit.

    For a little bit of night life entertainment there are a couple of options for you to try.  Our favorite now, is Cork and Brew.  Craft beer options, or a wide variety of wine to choose from.  They offer small bites to eat and even have a giant pretzel that is worth the visit.  Don't forget about bingo.  Come play a few games will enjoying your favorite beverage.  

    If you want a little more variety in your drinks be sure to check out either The Spot or Little Bit Country.  Both have a night life to offer any visitor you just have to decide what you are looking to do and how you want to be entertained. 

    If you are looking for more family entertainment, you can always check out The Northeast Texas Children's museum.  The children's museum is hours of fun geared towards children age 3-8 years of age.  Their admission is reasonably priced and fun for kids to learn and explore.  

    Commerce is a great place to visit and discover, with family and friends, there is something to do there for everyone.  So if you are in town for Parents weekend, checking out your Alma mater or just visiting for the day.  Be sure to explore a little more and find your new favorite activity in Commerce.  

Scarborough Renaissance Fair

     

    We are taking a little detour this week and checking out the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas.  The festival runs April - May on the weekends and is fun for the whole family.  No need to wear a costume but if you have one please feel free to wear one.  We personally love to dress up and participate in that small way when visiting the faire.  

    Tickets for faire entry can be purchased at the gate or on-line from their website. Be sure to bring a mix of cash and credit cards, some vendors take only cash but many more are moving towards credit cards as well.  Plus it's always nice to have a few dollar bills for tipping the entertainers and food vendors at the end of a show or purchase.  

    Enter the realm of mid-century England, where there are knights, ladies and pirates abound.  Explore the artisans who have created hand made items for your purchase.  Watch a show about a juggler, a falconer, or a pincushion.  The Renaissance festival is never short on entertainment.  

    One of the best parts about the faire is to see all the costume and just people watch.  It's worth the price of admission to see the creativity and detail people take into creating a costume that fits the desired character they want to display.  Wood sprites, lords and ladies, pirates, and commoners.  Over the years the period costumes have changed to add in more mythological creatures, different fantasy genres, and more as people create costumes that are no longer just medieval in time frame.  

    If people watching is not enough entertainment you can enjoy a sword fight.  There is always a part of the faire where someone is attacking someone else with a sword.  Do not worry no one is harmed in this sword play.   There are foam swords for the kids to try, plastic swords with leather armor and of course, metal swords and armor carried by the actors and used to "play" out a scene for your entrainment.  So pick your poison and enjoy a round or two with your friends and family.  Take out some of your frustration on them in the form of sword play.  

    After you have taken your frustration out on your family or friends, pull up a bench and watch a show.  There are many to choose from and it's a come and go type of participation.  You can come in late and catch up to the display or plan your arrival and watch the show from the start.  Be sure to tip your artist before leaving, it's how they make their money.  You can plan your day based on what show you want to see or just wander around and find someone to enjoy.  

    As you wander be sure to stop in to the artesian booths to find something to take home.  There is something for everyone at the faire.  Add a part to your costume or buy a whole new one.  Hats, jewelry and armor of all kinds.  Leather, metal and cloth to cover or uncover a person as they desire.  There are toys to purchase as well, such as swords, bows and arrows and juggling sticks.  Add to your ladies hair style by purchasing a crown of flowers or having one of the hair braiding booths create a hair style for you.  Face painting and henna art are available as well.  There is something for everyone at the faire.  

   

If you are not interested in bringing home items to keep, there is always the food to enjoy while at the faire.  Turkey legs are still probably the number one seller at the faire, be sure to stop by and grab one.  You can almost travel the world just by food; gyros, crepes and fried items are available.  I really feel like that the faire has come a long way in offering a better variety of food to patrons who might not want to eat meat or have allergies.  There is something for everyone to enjoy, including fresh fruit and sweet roasted nuts.  

    You can't forget the drinks.  Most vendors offer some type of bottled drink, but there are also booths that will sell beer, wine and mead.  Save your bottles from water or fruit juice to refill from water fountains stationed around the park.  Since the faire is during months that can be hot, be sure to stay hydrated and move around to shaded areas.  First aid is available on site, but no one wants to have to use their services, for dehydration or heat exhaustion if they don't have to.  

    You can't forget the games.  Try your hand at archery, "jousting," ax or dagger throwing, and there are plenty of games for kids.  As well as rides, such as swings, rock climbing, pony, camel, or elephant rides, and more.  The entertainment goes one depending upon what you want to experience.  The atmosphere is truly like a festival every weekend in a mid-century village.  

    We hope that you will take a trip to Waxahachie and explore the Scarborough faire with your friends and family.  It is well worth the trip and such a fun adventure, that you do not want to miss.  Check out their website for more information on themed weekends so that you can find your favorite.  Plus they offer special food , and drink experiences as well, for advanced purchase.  Just one more way to enjoy the faire and gather memories that will last a life time.