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Sheraton Wild Horse Pass 200.jpgDo those new airline checked-bag fees have you down? Do you find yourself cramming everything you can into an overstuffed carry-on just to avoid the hassle and extra expense of checking a proper suitcase? If so, you're going to love the "Love Your Luggage" package at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona. Go ahead and check a bag, because guests at this luxurious resort need only to show proof of a luggage charge to be reimbursed $25 per person, up to $50 per guest room. You might appreciate the extra luggage space, because the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass has it all. You'll want your lucky golf pants for a round on one of the resort's two championship golf courses. A swimsuit is essential for a dip in one of the sparkling swimming pools with waterfalls and a 111-foot water slide designed to resemble the nearby Casa Grande ruins. Western wear is always in fashion at the nearby 1880's Western Town, Rawhide, which is accessible from the resort by boat (pictured). And dinner at the signature restaurant Kai - which serves food grown right on the Gila River Indian Community - is a perfect occasion to flaunt some of your more stylish evening wear. Offered from $169, the package includes one night in a traditional guest room and is valid through December 31, 2008. To take advantage of the "Love Your Luggage" package, click here or call 602-225-0100 and mention the LUGGAGE promotional code while booking.

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violetscupcake.jpgCupcakes are even more coveted than frozen yogurt in Southern California right now, and there are gourmet bakeries vying for supremacy all over the region. In Pasadena, the battle comes down to two, both of which are in easy reach of the Westin Pasadena. In one corner, you've got Violet's Cakes. The shop is a favorite of Martha Stewart, who loves their "cherry pie" cupcake — filled with cherry pie filling, topped with vanilla buttercream and a chocolate-covered cherry. Other highlights include "french toast," "PB&J" and luscious red velvet. In the other corner is Dot's Cupcakes. The cupcakes at this sleek storefront are a bit more fancily decorated than Violet's, in flavors ranging from lemon drop and Boston cream pie to carrot cake and Kona coffee. Who's better? Hard to say, but Chowhounders sure love Violet's — and it's hard to ignore that Martha endorsement. I say you do a taste test of your own!

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The waterfalls have arrived in New York City, and they're a sight to behold. This summer the artist Olafur Eliasson is using the city's abundant water resources as a canvas for a project called The New York City Waterfalls, which involves the creation of four enormous waterfalls strategically positioned along the East River and New York Harbor. Powerful yet environmentally-advanced pumps unleash a torrent of water from more than 100 feet in the air, which crashes into the river and harbor in a spectacle of sight and sound. Visitors can enjoy great views of the waterfalls from both Brooklyn and Manhattan, but the best vantage point might be right in between the two. That's right, take a stroll across the pedestrian promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge and take in the falls and the city in all its artistry. The New York experience just doesn't get any better than that. The waterfalls are in operation from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through October 13. Starwood has hotels throughout the city, including the W New York - Union Square, the St. Regis New York, and the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.

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Every July, Minneapolis goes a little bit water crazy. Since 1940, the city has celebrated the "ten best days of summer" with a tribute to its lakes and rivers known as the Aquatennial, and this year's festival - to be held July 12-27 - promises to be one of the wildest ever. The festival kicks off in a sporting fashion with the Plaza Tennis Tournament and the Life Time Fitness Triathlon, which will draw some of the most talented athletes in the world. Things get progressively zanier from there, with the Land O' Lakes sandcastle-building competition, the Summer Sounds Gala, and a beach bash with music, food, and games. The most highly anticipated event of the festival, however, is the milk carton race in the waters off Thomas Beach in Lake Calhoun, in which contestants build boats out of milk cartons in the shape of dragons, pirate ships, and the like. The first ship to cross the finish line without sinking wins the hearts and minds of a beautiful city. As with most things in life, style counts for a lot, even if you have to abandon ship mid-voyage. Starwood has several Minneapolis properties, including the stylish W Minneapolis - the Foshay.

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Planet%20Hollywood%20Escalator%20200.jpgEverybody needs some Vegas time now and then, and if for you the time is now, you're in luck. The Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, a Sheraton Resort is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks. The Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino is one of the hottest new properties on the strip, with more than 2,500 unique, comfortable, and chic rooms and enough entertainment options to keep you smiling for weeks. Try your luck in the gorgeous three-acre casino, with its soaring 75-foot ceiling. Grab a drink at the aptly-named Heart Bar, located in the heart of the casino, and don't miss some of the hottest restaurants in Vegas as KOI, Spice Market Buffet, and the Strip House tempt your taste buds with mouthwatering morsels. The late night scene is off the charts at Privé, a hip mezzanine lounge that attracts some of city's most beautiful and interesting people. Of course, Vegas is just one of dozens of Starpicks destinations this week, so take a gander at the list and see where you find yourself.

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Mile High Music in Denver

Wednesday July 2, 2008

Get into a serious groove at the Mile High Music Festival, in Denver July 19-20. The festival packs an incredible lineup into two days, from headliners Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer down the bill to Pinback, Andrew Bird and Leftover Salmon, and even lesser-known openers like Serena Ryder and State Radio. The festival also makes space for local bands, like The Photo Atlas (playing in the video here), who might otherwise never share the stage with some of these greats. The festival grounds are a 20-minute drive from the Sheraton Denver Hotel.

If the festival isn't enough music for you, don't worry, there's plenty more. Check out Hi-Dive, straight south on Broadway from the hotel, where up-and-coming bands cut their teeth (Vampire Weekend played here just before they broke, to all of a dozen people!) The eclectic D Note, in the northwest suburb of Arvada, is putting on a rockabilly show the night before the festival (July 18), which includes a swing dance lesson.

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You Can't Knock Knoxville's Food

Tuesday July 1, 2008

littons.jpgKnoxville knows how to take care of you. Not only does it boast the number one rated Four Points by Sheraton Cumberland House Hotel, but its dining scene is surprisingly rich for a city its size. And Southern hospitality is the order of the day now matter where you end up. And I recommend you manage to "end up" at Litton's Market & Bakery at least once while you're in town. Litton's stakes its reputation on excellent hamburgers, made in-house and grilled to order and served on a house-made bun. I recommend the Thunder Road, loaded with Pimento cheese, sauteed onions and a jalepeño. Make sure to save a little room for a slice of red velvet or caramel cake.

For something a little lighter, head to Market Square and snag a table at Oodles Uncorked, a swanky wine bar from the folks behind the popular Preservation Pub. The menu is Italian-influenced and vegetarian friendly, and goes well with the good-sized wine list. You might also try The Tomato Head, an unexpectedly gourmet pizza joint nearby. Just be ready to rock — the restaurant hosts live bands on Friday and Saturday nights.

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KC%20Fringe%20200.jpgKansas City has always had a vibrant cultural scene, but you'd be surprised at the sheer breadth of entertainment options on display at the KC Fringe. From July 21 - 27, 2008, some of the most talented local, regional, and national artists converge on venues throughout Kansas City to perform live theater, music, dance, poetry, storytelling, fashion, and much more. On the traditional side, Alan Tilson's Shakespeare in Love and War treats the audience to fifty Shakespeare monologues and three sonnets in a feast of classic English theater. Marionettes are the stars of a unique production of Sleeping Beauty by Berezovsky's Marionette Theater, whose skilled practitioners bring the dancing dolls to life. Fans of improv will get a kick out of Holy Cow! Improv Comedy Troupe, which spins tales of barnyard life in the Bovine Comedy. And those partial to dance numbers shouldn't miss Up In Arms/It Sure Is Risky by Four World's Dance, a collective of different artists dedicated to pushing the boundaries of movement and flow, a goal to which we can all aspire. Starwood has four Kansas City hotels, including the luxurious Westin Crown Center, Kansas City.

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Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.

You're invited to experience a celebration of wine and spirits in Beaver Creek, Colorado from August 7 through 9, 2008. The Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival will feature San Francisco-area celebrity chefs as well as the winners of the San Francisco International Wine Competition and World Spirits Competition. You can expect an exciting array of events, including tastings, food pairings, a wine auction, cooking classes and much more. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Rockies when you attend Walk & Wine, a guided hike from the Beaver Creek Hiking Center followed by a wine pairing luncheon. Or check out Fly Fish/Eat Fish, an event where you can fish the Eagle River with an experienced guide, plus taste over 40 award-winning wines, spirits and dishes from celebrity guest chefs at the festival's finale. To purchase tickets, visit here. After each day of wining and dining, return to comfortable and spacious accommodations when you stay at Sheraton Mountain Vista in Avon, Colorado.

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Blog%20%231--Maui%20Culinary%20Festival.jpgLucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on Florida.

The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival returns this weekend to Maui for its 27th year. During this four-day culinary extravaganza, you may discover some of the world's top gastronomic trends and enjoy an array of exciting gourmet events. This year's festival brings together top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for themed tastings, seminars and gala evening events. Cooking demonstrations, wine tasting seminars, winemaker dinners and a golf tournament are but a few of the highlights of this festival. The festival will be held through June 29, 2008, with tickets available here. After each day of culinary delight, unwind in spacious and inspired accommodations at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas or The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North.

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