Learn to make friends with time...

Your inner vagabond Coffeehouse & Lounge at Pennsic War

Your Inner Vagabond Coffeehouse & Lounge appears each year for the two-week duration of Pennsic War in early August. Located at Coopers' Lake Campground in Slippery Rock, PA, Pennsic is the largest single event gathering of the Society for Creative Anachronism , a group dedicated to the study and recreation of medieval and early Renaissance life, arts, crafts, sciences and warfare.

The history of the coffeehouse dates back at least to the 16th century, and our goal is to provide our patrons with an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere where they can relax on comfortable cushions, partake of a glass of tea or Turkish coffee, order a nargile (water-pipe) filled with fragrant tobacco, and east delectable sweets, all while enjoying the company of friends, reading, playing one of the period games on hand, like tavla (backgammon), chess, mancala or cards, or simply watching the world pass by.

In addition to such personal pursuits, our pavilion serves as an open venue and gathering-place for the talented performers of the SCA. It is an environment in which Middle Eastern dancers, musicians, drummers and, indeed, anyone who wishes can freely perform and add to the atmosphere of the Lounge. The Lounge also offers a space for small classes or groups to meet, and a backdrop for artisans, such as henna artists and portraitists, to practice their trade. Our "invisible musicians" will always be on hand to provide a backdrop of traditional music from throughout the Arab world to help you pass your leisure time, and storytelling, dancing and all social activities are encouraged should you wish to share your knowledge with our guests.

A wide variety of exotic drinks and tantalizing sweets of an Eastern flavor are on the menu in our harem-style Lounge, filled with our sumptuous cushions and pillows (which are, of course available for purchase). Our beautifully attired and hardworking staff will be on hand to serve you from our extensive menu, including Turkish-style coffees and a selection of delicious Eastern teas and chai, the New World beverage 'chocolate', and for our European guests, rich brewed coffee with cream and sugar. For cool refreshment, julabs, sodas and other iced and frozen concoctions are on offer. Made from any of our selection of two dozen sweet fruit syrups, we offer many variations of this style of beverage, which has been enjoyed since ancient Egypt . And, should our guests require sustenance, an array of Middle Eastern and Indian pastries, halvas and puddings are available to accompany our delicious drinks and provide unique tastes unavailable elsewhere.

There is no other public space like Your Inner Vagabond Coffeehouse & Lounge at Pennsic War, or indeed the modern world; a place specifically designed to recreate an authentic period lounging experience of centuries past. We open our tent walls to everyone who would like a little taste of the harem life of the East. Please be our guests this year again, and soak up the ambience, alone or with friends, throughout the day from Midday until 2 AM (or later) in true medieval Middle Eastern style.

We look forward to serving you, and until then, remain your devoted hosts,

Your Inner Vagabond

Ece (AJ) & Aziz (Andrew)