2026 Ellis County Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

If you’re planning a day at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, one thing a lot of people don’t realize is you can actually rent costumes right on-site. The festival has official costume rental options available near the front of the village, with full outfits you can wear for the day and return before you leave. It’s one of the easiest ways to fully lean into the experience without buying everything yourself. Availability, styles, and pricing can vary, so arriving earlier in the day gives you better selection. Once you’re dressed, it completely changes how you experience the festival. You blend into the village, interact more with performers, and it feels less like watching and more like being part of it. Comfortable shoes still matter though because you’ll be walking a lot. For where to stay, The Stoneleigh in Dallas makes a great base if you don’t want to stay in Waxahachie. It’s about a 30 minute drive depending on traffic and gives you a completely different vibe after a full day outside. The hotel is a historic Art Deco property in Uptown Dallas, known for its updated interiors, pool, and walkable location near restaurants and nightlife. Helpful tip: this works especially well if you want to turn your festival visit into a full weekend. Spend the day at Scarborough, then come back to Dallas for dinner, drinks, and a more elevated stay. #springtravel

Exploring Ellis County, Texas, for wildflower magic and mellow family vibes! 🌸🌅 This area blooms with bluebonnets each spring, and nothing beats a sunset stroll on these nature trails. Top Spots to Visit Meadow View Nature Area 1901 Laneview Dr, Ennis, TX 75119 Open year round, 09:00–17:00 Hands down the best spot to see endless bluebonnets. My tip: Bring a picnic for lunch, and let your kids roam free—the meadow is safe and open. Snap your flower pics with the lake backdrop for epic nature-vision vibes! Bluebonnet West Trail 1901 Laneview Dr, Ennis, TX 75119 This trail twists through wildflower fields and wetlands, perfect for nature walks. Go during daylight for sunny grassland and wildflowers galore. The clouds and lake make for Insta-worthy shots, especially at sunset. Sunset at Bardwell Lake Not far from Meadow View. After a flower-filled afternoon, head over to Bardwell Lake for sunset—ideal for reflection, chill vibes, and family photos. Insider Tips Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Pack snacks and drinks; there aren’t many stores nearby. Wear comfy shoes—it can get muddy in the wetlands. How to Get Around Driving is easiest—parking is free around Meadow View. Don’t forget to check trip.com for deals on nearby hotels. Food For lunch, try nearby local diners in Ennis for Southern comfort classics. BBQ and pie are musts! #BluebonnetTrail #TexasWildflowers #FamilyTravel #NatureVision #tripdotcom

Before you head to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, know this is not a quick pop-in attraction. It’s a full-day outdoor experience with shows, shopping, food, and a large village-style layout, so plan several hours if you want to actually enjoy it. Many people stay most of the day. Wear comfortable shoes first and foremost. The grounds are large, mostly outdoor pathways, and you’ll do a lot more walking than expected. Texas spring weather can also swing from cool mornings to hot afternoons, so dressing in layers helps. Costumes are welcome but absolutely not required. Bring a budget for food, drinks, games, and artisan vendors. Admission gets you in, but many extras inside are separate purchases. Food is a big part of the experience with turkey legs, pastries, pub drinks, and themed eats throughout the grounds. Arrive early for easier parking and shorter entry lines. Parking is included with admission, and the busiest times are often later in the day. Buying tickets online in advance is smart, especially on popular themed weekends. Families should know there are kid-friendly shows, games, and activities, while adults may enjoy pubs, tastings, and live entertainment. It works well for friend groups, couples, and multi-generational outings. The festival runs rain or shine, so check weather before leaving. Same-day re-entry is allowed with a hand stamp. 📍Location: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167 Hours: Saturdays, Sundays & Memorial Day Monday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (seasonal spring dates) #springtravel

Step Into a Real-Life Fantasy World Near Dallas If you’ve never been to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, think of it as a full village-sized experience where costumed performers, jousting knights, live music, artisan shops, themed weekends, and giant turkey legs all come together. This long-running Texas festival recreates a 16th-century English village and is one of the most popular spring day trips in North Texas. What can you do there? Watch full-combat jousts, catch performances across 20+ stages, browse 200+ artisan shoppes, play games, and explore themed weekends like Celtic Weekend or Barbarian Weekend. Food options officially include turkey legs, Scottish eggs, shepherd’s pie, pastries, fruit, food-on-a-stick, pubs, and a full-service restaurant called the Rose & Crown Inn. Adults 21+ can also book separate beer and wine tasting events. #springtravel

Make a full day of Scarborough Renaissance Festival because there is more to do than most people expect. Plan to arrive early for parking and cooler weather, then spend the morning exploring artisan shops, live music stages, comedy acts, and roaming performers before lines build. Midday is great for grabbing a famous turkey leg, fries, or sweets and finding shade between shows. Save the afternoon for jousting, themed entertainment, and any rides or games. Comfortable shoes are a must since the grounds are large and mostly walked on foot. #springtravel

#springtravel Spend the day at Scarborough Renaissance Festival where everyone shows up in costume, fully in character, and ready to lean in. This spring festival transforms the grounds into a 16th-century village with themed shops, stage shows, roaming performers, games, and plenty of food options like giant turkey legs and sweets. It’s the kind of trip where half the fun is dressing up, people-watching, and laughing your way through sword fights, live music, and random encounters with royalty. Great for birthdays, group outings, or anyone who misses playtime.

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