Renaissance Island (Second Life)

Since I'm a former history teacher, I decided to investigate Renaissance Island.  Upon arrival, I noticed half-timbered houses and gardens.  A more thorough exploration revealed a replica of the Globe Theater, a jousting ring, a fortified castle, a mill, a church, themed cottages, and replicas of famous artwork. The audience appears to be history buffs looking for an immersive environment.

Billboards outside of the Globe Theater advertise upcoming performances.  There are also a lot of posters advertising upcoming events near the Town Hall.

Among the interactive features I experienced were plucking a chicken, firing a cannon, archery practice, dancing around a maypole, and kneading bread. 

Visiting with a companion or small group would allow you to engage in a Renaissance dance in the great hall or a jousting contest.

While there was a lot of attention to detail in the architecture and furnishings inside of the churches, halls, and cottages, the area felt more commercial than educational in a few places.  I didn't encounter any rules of engagement or statements of purpose in this sim, in contrast to Roma and Rocca Sorrentina which both do a fantastic job of establishing rules of etiquette.  I didn't encounter any helpful people, just a griefer on a bike who cut my initial trip short.

Information was largely delivered via note cards and detailed builds, but theatrical performances and public jousts appear to play a large role in this sim as well.

As far as freebies go, I encountered gender neutral peasant rags, a couple of nice Renaissance dresses, and jousting gear.