Thoughts of a Granola Girlie . . . 

At the Colorado Renaissance Festival, attendees can truly delight in an impressive array of healthy food options that cater to a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. Guests will find themselves enjoying food that includes grilled red and lean meats, and a variety of vegetable side dishes, all of which offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to the more traditional festival foods; which of course are also offered at the Festival.

This Renaissance Festival is no where near the largest in America, that title goes to the Texas Renaissance Festival and the best reviewed is the Ohio Renaissance Festival according to USA Today. However, many festival goers at the Colorado location have nothing but positive words to say about their experience at the event. I myself am one of them but the Colorado Ren Fair is the only Medieval Festival I have attended. Several YouTubers have attended Renaissance Festivals around the United States, the Colorado Renaissance Festival ranks amongst many of their top 5 lists.

Emphasizing the importance of mindful eating, the Renaissance festival allows visitors the opportunity to indulge while making conscious choices that align with their personal health goals. That is if you are looking for a healthier choice. 

Navigating the grounds of the festival is simple, thanks to Medieval greeters near the front entrance handing out maps of the event. In addition to a map this handout also includes a list of the food vendors, what options they are serving, and a list of the free stages spread around the area! A map can also be accessed online, on the Colorado Renaissance Festival website. 

Once through the gates, straight ahead is Friar Tuck's Bakery. A building dedicated to all things sweet and fluffy. But don't worry we can still indulge in a sweet treat! Remember it is all about calories in, calories out and striving to live a healthy and balanced life. Friar Tuck's Bakery offers several herbal teas, gourmet coffees, chai tea, juices, gluten-free goods and a variety of breads. What's caught my eye on the menu in particular are the apple dumplings, I will be going to this year's Colorado Renaissance Festival and I'll be on the hunt for these because they sound interesting. Of course indulge in which ever treat you like, just be mindful while eating. Just left of Friar Tuck's Bakery is Royal Nuts. A small, quaint hut selling cinnamon roasted nuts, almonds, pecans, and cashews. If I were to personally choose one of these options, it would be the pecans. Simply due to the higher fat content in the cashews and if I bring home extra, I'd like to share with others (my mom is allergic to almonds). But nuts are a wonderful source of healthy fats, plant protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. 



Nearest to Royal Nuts is the King's Pantry. Where festival goers can enjoy a multitude of fried goods, these items should be enjoyed in moderation but never sworn off completely. To the lower left of King's Pantry is Joust Kitchens, serving up baked potatoes, corn on the cob, chicken wraps, and bread bowls filled with either soup or salad. On the upper left is Royal Delights, a place to stop for a sweet treat; chocolate covered strawberries, caramel apples, fudge, truffles, caramel grizzles, and sea salt caramels. 

Near the Mermaid's Waterwheel is the Queen's Pantry, an extremely lively area of the festival. Filled with plenty of seating for both relaxing and dinning. The Queen's Pantry offers various selections of food faire: Artichokes, Red Beans, Rice & Sausage, Scotch Eggs, Gyros, Focaccia Sandwiches, Sir Arnold Palmers and Fruit Smoothies! 

Next to the Queen's Pantry is Canterbury Kitchens, where festival goers can enjoy an array of protein options! BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Turkey Legs, Chicken Teriyaki Croissants, Der Banger Cheddar Bratwursts, Sausage of a Stick ,Smashed Potatoes and Husk Corn. The last food booth with a variety of protein options is the Knight's Kitchen, located on the far right of the festival (Birds Eye view) near the Quintain and Celestial Stage. The Quintain is a medieval jousting target, catapulting the rider towards the target on a zip-line. There are so many wonderful foods and activities to enjoy at the Colorado Renaissance Festival, it would be impossible to document them all in this one blog post. So please check out the YouTube Channel, Colorado Health Coach, to enjoy more health related content about the Colorado Renaissance Festival!

Throughout the festival there are three water fountains available to the public. The first is called the Fountain of Youth, nestled in the center of the festival, surrounded by various food concession stalls, rides, and performance stages: King's Pantry, the International Food Court, Castle Rose Stage, Pirate's Pub, and the DaVinci Ride. Another is just a few hundred yards ahead and slightly to the right, near the ATM, the King's Swing and the Privies. The last of the three water fountains is on the far left of the festival, looking from a Birds Eye view. This fountain is next to the Royal Flush Privies and the Children's Realm.

This commitment to wellness beautifully resonates with the philosophy of Colorado Health Coach, where intuitive eating and transformative habit change are central to achieving lasting health and wellness, making each dining experience and adventure enjoyable and beneficial for all!

Source(s):

Colorado Renaissance Festival Food and Drink

https://coloradorenaissance.com/dining/

Colorado Renaissance Festival Map

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/festival-map-colorado-renaissance-festival--244390717270875390/