Since the 1960s, Renaissance Fairs have become major annual events in the lives of a large number of Americans. These outdoor festivals generally focus on the re-enactment of life during the English Renaissance, usually imagined within an English town during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Since the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire was held in North Hollywood in 1963, fairs have spread across North America in epic proportions. Some of the most notable fairs include the New York Renaissance Faire (located in Tuxedo, New York), the Renaissance Faire of Southern California and the Carolina Renaissance Festival, which is held in North Carolina every October and November.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place over six weekends and incorporates a 10-stage theatre, a 20-acre circus, an arts and craft fair, a jousting tournament and a feast - all contained within a medieval-theme amusement park. Established in 1994, the Carolina Renaissance Festival actually began on only 6 acres of land. However, now spanning over 20 acres, the park is home to a range of cottages, castles and a variety of medieval games and rides. Visitors to the fair will also find over 100 food stalls, as well as an array of comedy shows and musical features.

As one of North America's largest Renaissance fairs, the Carolina Renaissance Festival is now one of the country's most interactive entertainment events; after all, it has over 500 costumed participants and characters commandeering the festival village. Furthermore, the festival is just a 20 minute drive away from Charlotte, the state capital - so you can escape the madness of the fair if it ever becomes too much.

If you're planning to visit the Carolina Renaissance Festival, spending some quality time in Charlotte is extremely worthwhile. Charlotte is home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Charlotte Museum of History, the Mint Museums and the Children's Theatre of Charlotte - one of the top youth theatres in the country. What's more, you can also visit the top tourist attraction in North Carolina, Concord Mills, which features a large range of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment events. Tourists will find an array of top hotels in Charlotte; so if you're looking for accommodation in the city when you're enjoying the delights of the Carolina Renaissance Festival, you won't be short of options.