Ever want to escape your everyday life? Ever want to visit a time you only ever read about in a boring history class with a droll and monotone voice- speaking teacher? Ever want to just forget "adulting" and just dress up, have fun, and be a kid again? The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim, PA does just that.

Never been to the PA Ren Faire before? Here are 5 of the many reasons you should visit and spend a day or even a weekend there:

1. You get to dress up. Oh, you're an adult and it's not "cool" to dress up for Halloween or themed occasions unless you look a bit scandalous? At the PA Ren Faire, you can dress as a pirate, a wench, royalty, witch and wizard, and so much more. You do not need to dress strictly to the Golden Age. I, personally, attend as a Romani gypsy-witch named Callista Vagare, whom I created (and personally believe she is a past life of mine. Ha!) for a short story that was published earlier this year. The great thing about the Ren Faire is that you can let yourself be creative. You can be anything. My first year there, I thought I was "too cool for school" and didn't want to dress in costume. Upon leaving the car, I immediately felt like the oddball out.

2. The little shops. There are so many shops and food stands and carts that sell homemade and handmade crafts and clothing. This year I treated myself to a handmade, fire-glazed ocarina - with the Triforce logo painted on top inspired by Link and Zelda. There are spiritual/holistic shops if you're into meditation, crystals, essential oils, and dreamcatchers like this gypsy-witch. Haha. There is really a shop for everyone. There are swords, bow and arrows, clothing, teas, trinkets, mugs, and more. The list goes on and on!

3. The shows. There is constant excitement at the PA Ren Faire. There are plenty of shows from comedic twists of Shakespearean shows, circus acts, hypnotism, to even a good joust at the end of the night. There are workers dressed in medieval costumes who never break character and will mingle with visitors throughout the faire. Some other shows they do consist of blacksmithing and glass-blowing. Again, there is something for everyone.

4. The food. Although they do serve more modern fare, such as cheesesteaks and chicken sandwiches, the PA Ren Faire's stands also sell pickles on a stick, fresh and organic honey, mutton, and other Golden Age-themed treats. The mutton is a personal favorite. It's the turkey leg you never get at Thanksgiving because your elders got to it first. It's delicious and affordable - and judging by its size, it's worth it.

5. The drinks. If any of the aforementioned did not appeal to you, don't worry this one will sure to get you to drive up to Manheim, PA. There is a winery at the PA Ren Faire. They make their own wine and sell delicious craft beers. There is a large stand where you may sample - or share in a full glass - of all of the wine. Also, scattered throughout the faire there are food stands that serve their craft beer and wine - don't worry there are non-alcoholic drinks too. At 5pm each day they are open, they have a Ren Faire Pub Crawl. You walk throughout the entire faire and receive a different craft beer at each stop. Might I add this part is all for only $10!

Unfortunately, the season is over now, but there are still other activities going on throughout the year such as a Celtic Festival and Poe Evermore - the latter of which is happening now until November 13th. Do not miss out next year, though. The PA Ren Faire has themed weekends from Oktoberfest, Halloween Nights, to Myths & Legends weekend. It is opened from the beginning of August until Halloween night. It may be a bit of a drive, but there are nearby campgrounds if you wanted to stay the night. It is definitely wworth the trip. If you attend, don't forget your costume because they offer discounts for costumes (amongst other discounts like for being a college student).

Check their site for more information: http://www.parenfaire.com/faire/themedweekends.php