A royal guide to must-try eats at the Maryland Renaissance Festival

Step back in time to the year 1537 at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, where the reign of King Henry VIII and his wives unfolds with each passing season. With over 200 performers, 10 stages and a 3,000-seat jousting arena, the festival offers continuous period-themed entertainment every weekend through Oct. 20. Among the 42 food emporiums, you’ll find a feast fit for royalty. From savory delights to sweet treats, here are the must-try snacks that will have your taste buds jousting for joy.

Fried macaroni and cheese on a stick

Five golden nuggets of fried macaroni and cheese, skewered for easy munching, are a gooey delight and festival favorite. Whether you opt for the mild cheddar version or the spicy pepper jack, this snack will leave you satisfied enough to continue your Renaissance quests. It’s perfect for sharing with your fellow peasants.

Stuffed spuds

Lords and ladies, prepare for a meal hearty enough to fuel your knightly endeavors. These baked potatoes come royally stuffed with ham, cheddar, broccoli, bacon and sour cream. A perfect meal for those who need to fortify themselves for a day of merriment and mischief in the village, these spuds will keep you going strong from dawn till dusk.

Smoked turkey leg

Aye, nothing says “Renaissance Festival” quite like a massive smoked turkey leg. Sink your teeth into it and you’ll feel like a true warrior of the past. The smoky scent wafts through the air as soon as you enter the festival, and holding one in your hand will make you feel as though you’re ready for battle — or at least a hearty feast in Revel Grove.

Warm cookies and milk

For those with a sweet tooth, this treat is truly a treasure. A cone of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies paired with a cup of cold milk is the perfect snack for both young squires and seasoned festival-goers. Dipping a warm cookie into the milk is pure wizardry, just like a journey back to childhood when cookies and milk reigned supreme for my annual visit.

Croissant sundae

Savor this decadent dessert fit for a queen. A flaky croissant stuffed with ice cream and crowned with hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry, this indulgence is best enjoyed while watching one of the many festival performances. It’s piled so high with so many layers of deliciousness that you’ll want to sit, savor and bask in the glory of this sweet creation. (Just be sure to grab a few napkins first.)

Oysters, clams and steamed shrimp

For those with a taste for the sea, the festival’s centrally located seafood stand offers a bounty of raw oysters, clams and shrimp. Whether you’re downing raw oysters like a pirate or enjoying steamed shellfish that might’ve confused even the best Renaissance chefs, this feast pairs perfectly with a flagon of mead. Don’t let the anachronistic cherry lime slush distract you from the salty splendor.

Pickles and pretzels

Hark! The barrel-bearing vendors approach with a timeless duo: pickles and pretzels. A crunchy, sour pickle or a soft, salty pretzel is just the snack to enjoy while wandering through the village. The simplicity of this affordable treat — $2 for pickles and $3 for pretzels — ensures that you can keep one hand free to browse the wares at more than 140 artisan shops or cheer on the jousters.

Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, food fanatic, blogger and “Eater-in-Chief” of @EatMoreBeMore, which he started nine years ago with two goals — eating his way through the city and shining a positive light on the Baltimore-area restaurant and hospitality scene.