For newcomers, the Michigan Renaissance Festival is certainly something to behold. Still, many a family and hapless loner in southeast Michigan look annually forward to the days when the weather begins to cool, at least enough to break out the fur pelts, leather vests, tights and accoutrements for a trip back in time at 'Hollygrove.' To be sure, you can expect to find lots of festival goers dressed in period costumes and engaging in theatrics that'll either rev up your spirit or make you cower because they're so cheesy. Regardless of your take on Hollygrove's inhabitants, the festival is a great place to go for artesian wares -- anything from homemade honey and candles to jewelry, glassware, and clothing is readily available -- as well as the requisite food and drink. Enjoy a hearty Guinness, tasty soup in a bread bowl or a roasted turkey drumstick that's fit for a king, a squire, or a merry man, before heading off to take in a little jousting or a skills demonstration. Again this year, weekend themes range from romance to Highland games, depending on when you choose to go. -- Brian C. Louwers (Photo: Courtesy of the Michigan Renaissance Festival)