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The old expression "Everything is bigger in Texas" is usually trotted out to describe steaks, ranches, and trucks in the Lone Star state, but I had no idea it applied to renaissance festivals as well. But apparently it does, as the Texas Renaissance Festival is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world, drawing legions of historic reenactors every fall to the tiny town of Todd Mission, Texas, an hour's drive from Houston. This year marks the festival's 35th anniversary, and it's celebrating in full Texas style with themed weekends from October through December. Beer fans won't want to miss the Oktoberfest Celebration on October 10-11, 2009, which features a trip to Bavaria and the Black Forest to sample traditional German beer, bratwurst, and polka. The ruffians of the high seas come out on October 24-25 for the Pirate Adventure, when the Pride of Bedlam invades the shire and stakes out the Sea Devil Tavern for their swashbuckling shenanigans. And the Highland Fling on November 14 and 15 will bring out the Scotsman or Scotswoman in every visitor, as the Queen of Scotland oversees a weekend of Scotch ale, Scotch eggs, and plenty of bagpipe music. So check your inhibitions at the gate and enter a Renaissance world of fantasy and history. It's a side of Texas you've never seen before. The Texas Renaissance Festival is less than 45 minutes away from the element Houston Vintage Park.

[image via Texas Tripper]

Earth Day is April 22, 2009, and element is getting into the spirit with special offers at two of its most exciting properties. element Lexington, in Massachusetts, and element Las Vegas Summerlin (pictured), in Nevada, invite guests to book a special Earth Day Package and enjoy all the good feelings that come with making the world a better place - along with all the comforts and conveniences of these first class destinations. The Earth Day offer is good for weekend stays through May 31, 2009 and includes several green perks that represent a gentler way to interact with the planet. With every stay, guests will receive a complimentary seed packet to nourish and flourish throughout the year, as well as complimentary daily balanced breakfast options at Rise. But more importantly, 5% of room revenue will be donated to Sustainable Travel International, a Starwood partner and leader in the fight against global climate change. So whether you're looking for a classic mix of Vegas excitement and desert adventure or the culture and charm of New England, you can rest assured that your weekend getaway will have a positive impact on the great blue planet we call home.

"You can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed," Winston Churchill told Yousuf Karsh, after the young Armenian photographer captured the British prime minister in all of his glory in 1941. The prized portrait hangs beside dozens of the photographer's other celebrated works at the Museum of Fine Arts, in Boston. Karsh 100: A Biography In Images commemorates the 100th anniversary of the late photographer's birth, and includes a long string of iconic images.

Audrey Hepburn glances gracefully over her shoulder, hair pulled back in a simple pony tail, long neck encased in a regal high collar. Pablo Picasso looks intense beside one of his nudes, and Ernest Hemingway embodies the classic invincibility in a fisherman's sweater. Karsh's photos capture the essence of his subjects marvelously. With closed eyes and parted lips, actress Anita Ekberg radiates sexuality, while with one wide open eye of Jacques Cousteau gleams with a thirst for adventure and promise for the world beyond. This not to be missed photography show runs through January 19, 2009.

Just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Boston, element Lexington offers the perfect way to recharge after a full day in one of the nation's greatest art museums. While you're celebrating the birth of Yousuf Karsh, celebrate your own birthday with element's "Pay Rates Equal to Your Birth Year!" promotion.