- Architecture, Arizona, Culture, Day Trips, Dessert, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Travel
Stay and Play on North Mountain with Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Photo, story by Cassie Hepler (unless noted otherwise) Just 10 minutes from my house in North Phoenix sits Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, nestled back onto North Mountain and tucked away where no one would know just how massive this place truly is… 450 acres of desert! Now that I’m dealing with an elderly cat, I have to constantly think about giving her medication every 8-10 hours and with this staycation it was easy to swing home, dose her and leave again (even if she left me a how she feels about me being gone present on the door mat). Built in 1982, the Spanish Mediterranean architecture is flanked by…
- Animals, Arizona, Culture, Day Trips, Education, Explore with Cassie, Fitness, Health, Latest News, Nature, Travel
Cool Down at Pine Haven Cottage in Show Low, Arizona
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Time to bust out the sweaters and get your leaf peeping on this fall! Or if it’s one of earth’s now brutal summers, escape to a cooler climate up in Northern Arizona for a much needed getaway and nature reset. Much to my Colorado guests surprise and delight, if you drive three hours north of Phoenix you will pop out into a land full of trees, grass and cooler White Mountain air. Pro tip: wait to fill up your gas tank if you can it’s $1 cheaper than in the valley. This feels-like-home cabin in Show Low, Arizona sits in a half acre tucked back…
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Outstanding CRUjiente Tacos May Be the Best in Arcadia, Arizona
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Sometimes as a journalist, you just follow your nose for news. And other times, you get by with a little help from your friends like Christina Barrueta from WriteonRubee.com, the original foodie and real deal officiano about everything food, chef and drink related in Arizona. I was traveling at the time when she invited me to a media dinner featuring Mezcal Carreno, the champagne of agave, but later connected me with the impressive duo who are hustling hard all over the valley. (Hint: If you haven’t tried their mezcal yet, go to a tasting they have them for free all the time!) So we connected…
- California, Day Trips, Dessert, Drink, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Fitness, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Suburbs
Concord, California Offers Country Cool Coastal Vibes in Small City Setting
Story, photos/video by Cassie Hepler All I knew about Concord, California before this visit through the tourism board was that is was a San Francisco suburb style city in Northern California. But Concord has its own pulse and rhythm that is relaxing and refreshing. There seems to be that unhurried city pace the country offers but somehow still maintaining a city full of activities for those inclined. Arriving straight from the Goddess Ganja Getaway in Pescadero, CA, I was feeling a bit crunchy. I didn’t wash my hair for a couple days as it was super cool in the mornings and didn’t pack enough layers to keep my core solidly warm…
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Xolo Tacos in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania Dishes Out Delicious Mexican Food
Double-duty welcome! Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I had a hankering recently for something with a bit of spice and sizzle. I found my hanker-worthy sizzler of a dinner with a platter of fajitas at Xolo Tacos, billed as a Taqueria and Tequila Bar in beautiful Bryn Mawr, PA. Did I mention it was my birthday dinner? I’m one of those birthday- and anniversary-specific divas, who believes in maximizing celebratory antics. And if the day falls on a Friday or a Monday, I’m in heaven, anticipating a three day- and night-long event. I know someone who refers to her special day as “Birthday Month.” Girlfriend’s got me beat. Naturally, I…
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From Taco Truck to Brick and Mortar Restaurant, Revolution Taco is Livin’ the Dream
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Before Revolution Taco had a brick and mortar store at 2015 Walnut St., they were a wee little food truck. But that food truck was serving foie gras and lobster, unlike any others. Celebrating a one year anniversary in January 2017, owners Carolyn Nguyen and Michael Sultan are adding to their self described “gringo taco” menu with some tasty treats and fan favorites. One year ago this week, two of the city’s well-known food trucks Nguyen and Sultan opened their first brick and mortar in the Rittenhouse neighborhood. Revolution Taco joined their growing food empire, that today includes 33rd Street Hospitality Catering, The Mill’s Cafe, Say Cheese…
- Comedy, Dessert, Drink, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Music, Restaurants, Style, Suburbs
Sing Along and “Howl at the Moon” with Dueling Pianos at The Vault
Story by Jill Beckel / Photos by Cassie Hepler Do you love music, dancing, great cocktails and good grub? Then The Vault is where you should spend your next Saturday night! Located at Valley Forge Casino, The Vault is the area’s newest hot spot for live entertainment featuring Dueling Pianos every Saturday night from 8pm – 2am! Howl at the Moon (a national chain of music-oriented party bars that currently operates in nearly 20 locations throughout the U.S., including one here in Philadelphia) jump-started this weekly event with their opening night at The Vault on Saturday, January 14. With two pianos onstage, two singers kept the party going all night long with a high…