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Explore With Cassie

Lifestyle & travel blog finding the unusual out of the ordinary.

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  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders

    June 16, 2025 /

    Photos, video, story by Cassie Hepler My first experience at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona was overwhelming and awesome! Sponsored by Subaru, I had no idea what I was getting into expect for camping in the woods at the Flagstaff Extreme campgrounds where I previously climbed around in the trees like an Ewok. With over 400 vendors and created by a woman, it’s “educating and inspiring through overland and adventure travel events” which means you will learn literally every camping thing, gadget, gear, RVs, trucks, off-roading and more at this massive moving outdoor convention. After this Overland Expo West 2025, it shifts across the USA to the Pacific Northwest…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Cruise Along the Pacific Beach on 17 Mile Drive in Monterey, California

    April 19, 2018

    Elvis is Alive at Wild West Town Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood

    August 11, 2023

    Hondo Rodeo Fest Debuts in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona

    January 27, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

    June 9, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I was forced to visit Tucson, Arizona for a few nights at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa! Oh, no… A truly stunning resort on the inside, the Westin Paloma as locals call it, is a great place to settle in for a relaxing visit to Southern Arizona. With an inclusive resort shuttle, you can even explore some more without driving which means more tequila – or mezcal – tastings with their over 70 bottles available. Each room is nicely anchored at a cool 65 degrees and my room had a great balcony space overlooking the mountains and the pools. It’s also…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Outdoor Adventure Comes To Pennsylvania

    October 30, 2023

    Elvis is Alive at Wild West Town Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood

    August 11, 2023

    Relax at the Low Key Westin Hotels & Resorts in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

    February 3, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Sabores de Tucson Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture, Community and Culinary Flavors

    June 2, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Don’t sleep on the Sabores de Tucson festival! Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, it’s a wonderful celebration of culinary heritage, community, and culture that was made possible this year by partners Visit Tucson and hosts The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Every dollar supports essential arts programs (that are now getting funding cut) across Arizona from mariachi education and arts therapy to creative aging and youth arts access which fosters connection, healing, and cultural pride. Sabores honors each region of the powerful culinary traditions of Mexico that shape Southern Arizona. It’s truly…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Relax in the Small Town of Wilsonville, Just South of Portland, Oregon

    April 10, 2024

    Interview with Author Irene Levy Baker of 100 Things to do in Philadelphia Before You Die

    November 23, 2016

    Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona

    March 10, 2025
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Explore Maui, Hawaii from Aston Maui Hill Resort in Kihei on a Budget

    May 26, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Getting to Maui, Hawaii for this vacation was like pulling teeth! Originally I had booked The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali through my Marriott affiliate deals which was a steal… but it was over my birthday on September 7 and we all know what happened then – the tragic Lahaina fires. Immediately I canceled everything once it happened that August and had to fight with The Westin to get refunded, but eventually it happened. My heart broke for this beautiful island and its amazing community of people. So once the new year rolled around in January, my friend offered to book her…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Enjoy a Desert Oasis and Waterfall at Revamped Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona

    December 9, 2024

    The Power of Beauty and the Art of Conversation with Curator Archie Broady

    May 15, 2024

    DoubleTree by Hilton Celebrates Opening 500th Hotel in Times Square West, NYC

    June 19, 2017
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Put A Fish Called Avalon Restaurant on your Miami Beach, Florida Bucket List

    May 19, 2025 /

    Where to Eat in South Beach Miami Photos, story by Jeni Paradiso Clad in casual elegance, my friend and I sauntered down the famed Ocean Drive in South Beach Miami, to reach the modernized art deco hotel, The Avalon, ready to dine in their attached restaurant, A Fish Called Avalon. If you’re driving, valet parking is included for up to three hours according to the website. Fortunately for me, Miami, Florida is now home via a former Philly gal so it was an easy walk down the street. Shown to our table along their oceanside terrace, we were greeted with the smooth guitar sounds of live music as it drowned…

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    Jennifer Ferrell

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    Saint Benjamin Brewery Offers Craft Beer with a Side of History

    December 19, 2017

    Paris, je t’aime! An American Reminisces on Her Love Affair with France

    March 15, 2021

    Get Your First Walk Free with On-Demand Dog Walking App Wag!

    October 27, 2017
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Supporting Small Businesses at Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona

    May 12, 2025 /

      Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I come from a family of entrepreneurs who owned small businesses. My grandfather Hepler owned his own carpentry company and my father started Hepler Geothermal heat pumps and air conditioning in central Pennsylvania before being green was considered cool. My brother now runs it and is slaying – without any advertising needed. My grandmother on one side was a nurse and the other was working for a bit as a paralegal, without the formal education. We’re natural born hustlers and even my niece when she was in elementary school started a side hustle selling slime! Pecan And Wine Festival So supporting small…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    CiderFest Brought Hardcore Fun to Woodford Mansion in Philly’s Fairmount Park

    December 30, 2023

    Cool Down at Pine Haven Cottage in Show Low, Arizona

    October 10, 2023

    Explore Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s Garden Paw-ty at Domaine Pterion Vineyard

    July 22, 2024
  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale

    May 5, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Family owned since 1927, Elvira’s has been a staple in Tubac, Arizona located 30 minutes south of Tucson which is a long hike for even the most eccentric foodie from Phoenix!  Now open in DC Ranch Scottsdale, Chef Ruben Monroy takes the lead as the grandson of the original founder, keeping this family-run fine dining establishment running like a smooth sailing ship. Master Sommelier Thomas Kaufman is in charge of the beverage program and even with some mocktails, we were impressed with the taste. Opened in January of 2025, it features signature dishes from the Tubac menu, including its iconic Chile en Nogada.…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Live Out Your Mermaid Fantasies in a Shipping Container Pool Studio

    July 15, 2024

    Like an Adventure? 7 Hidden Secrets of Bangkok, Thailand

    August 24, 2023

    Four Seasons Scottsdale Hosts The Lost Explorer Mezcal & Tequila Launch in Arizona

    April 7, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona

    April 28, 2025 /

    Story, videos and photos by Cassie Hepler You’ve heard of glimmers by now I hope? If not, they are those giddy moments in life that give you joy and happiness. Well, there’s also what I call bread crumbs from the universe that make sure you’re on the right path. And I followed mine all the way to Prescott, Arizona because of Red, White and Brew restaurant! They reached out via email with a holiday special and I noticed there was a location in Mesa, Arizona and one in downtown Prescott. I had been trying to plan a Northern Arizona snow angle story for months but the weather was not cooperating…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Sleep in a Glamping Dome at Tirrito Farm in WillCox, Arizona

    July 1, 2024

    Relax, Reconnect and Repeat at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Arizona

    December 30, 2019

    Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders

    June 16, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Prescott Pines Inn Gets Makeover, Adds Vino Prescott Wine Bar to Northern Arizona

    April 21, 2025 /

     Hotels in Prescott, Arizona Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Check out the new and improved Prescott Pines Inn! Nick and Sara Medina from Medina Hospitality purchased Prescott Pines Inn in February 2022, formerly a traditional B&B. After upgrades and updates on the 11 rooms and property, the duo has transitioned it from bed and breakfast to a hotel and Vino Prescott wine bar in July 2023. Now it’s all complete and a total pine tree experience with a peaceful stream flowing behind it! This was before the snowfall came and I had a couple of snow days so keep that in mind in the winter months. The 11…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Interior Vehicle Design Ideas to Make Your Car Have a Vibe

    March 1, 2023

    Top 10 Locations for Alfresco Dining in America

    June 24, 2024

    Horses ‘Rein’ at Annual Carriage Procession in Chester County, PA

    May 21, 2021
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Corduroy Lodge Offers Cabins, Airstreams and Motel in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona

    April 14, 2025 /

    Where to Stay in Pinetop-Lakeside Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I stumbled upon Corduroy Lodge years ago when I booked a random night in-between blogging adventures in Pinetop-Lakeside and honestly just loved the vibe! So I kept in touch and we kept hoping for snow but it didn’t seem like Northern Arizona wanted to this year so I just booked random dates. Well… I got what I wished for! But fortunately the tail end of the snow as my Honda Civic is not the best low-to-the-ground car for icy roads. I wish I could tell my younger self to buy something more rugged but I was thinking fast…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Mardi Gras is Not all Boobs and Beads in Lafayette, Louisiana

    February 5, 2020

    Hike Point Lobos State Park in Monterey, California Where Land Meets Sea for Spectacular Views

    August 31, 2018

    Round Up Your Squad, Ride Horses and Chill at Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, Arizona

    March 2, 2022
 Older Posts

Recent Posts

  • Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders
  • Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona
  • Sabores de Tucson Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture, Community and Culinary Flavors
  • Explore Maui, Hawaii from Aston Maui Hill Resort in Kihei on a Budget
  • Put A Fish Called Avalon Restaurant on your Miami Beach, Florida Bucket List

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