Four Winds Renaissance Faire
Whitehouse, Texas

When: weekends from early March - late April

Where: Whitehouse, near the city of Tyler.

For eight weekends each year the sands of time turn back to the 17th century in the Smith County town of Whitehouse. Following is a sample of the medieval merriment that awaits festival attendees:

Attractions: Twice daily, gallant knights in shining armor test their mettle on the battlefield in a full combat joust, as exotic belly dancers, fire swallowers and masters of illusion cast a spell over the mesmerized crowds gathered around seven stages offering over 40 performances each day. Traveling troubadours weave their way past jesters and jugglers as the succulent aroma of turkey legs and steak on a stake tempt passersby into the Royal Feast Hall and Tavern.

Children's Activities: Junior Jack Sparrows will find a treasure trove of fun as they maneuver through the Pirate Maze and climb aboard the Crow's Nest Ride, while little Lancelots can test their skill at the Joust A'Bout Ride and the Archery Range before being knighted by the Green Knight. Kids will make a new friend at the Petting Zoo before stopping by the Fairy Wishing Well to make a wish to return to the faire next year.
Shopping: The sound of a blacksmith's hammer rings out on the faire grounds as festival attendees browse through the wares for sale at over 50 vendor booths. At one stall, a musician plucks out a tune on the strings of a mandolin, the melody drawing music lovers to the array of period instruments set out for sale, while rays of sunlight dance on the silver surface of a chain mail bracelet at another booth.

Weddings: The Grove Wedding Garden offers a serene sanctuary in which Renaissance romantics can pledge their troth. A number of wedding packages are available, ranging from the most financially friendly, which provides room for 25 guests and no amenities, to an elaborate expression of love which allows 100 guests to witness a ceremony complete with music, a Musketeer sword arch, finger foods and a wedding and groom's cake served at the reception and recognition of the newlyweds at the Royal Joust.

Accommodations: The faire's campgrounds provide many of the comforts of home, including men's and women's showerhouses and restrooms for those parking their RV or pitching a tent for their stay.
A number of tried and true chain hotels can be found in the nearby city of Tyler, including Comfort Suites at South Broadway Mall (303 East Rieck Road), Holiday Inn Select (5701 South Broadway), Best Western Southpark Inn and Suites (120 Rieck Road) and La Quinta Inn (1601 West Southwest Loop), which are all within a 10-mile radius from Whitehouse.

The self-proclaimed "Rose Capital of the World" also offers several intimate inns, including the Rosevine Inn Bed and Breakfast, a five-guestroom retreat enclosed behind a nostalgic white picket fence that keeps the 21st century at bay. Renaissance fair romantics can also continue their love affair with the past at the Castle on the Lake Bed and Breakfast, which offers a red brick facade complete with a turret, which is reflected on the surface of a serene nine-acre lake.

For more information:

• visit www.fourwindsfaire.com