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A Guide to Exploring the Ancient Monasteries of Meteora, Greece
Visiting some of the most spectacular places on Earth can make it seem like you’re not on Earth at all. Whether they’re shaped by seemingly otherworldly geology or showcase near-impossible architectural feats, some spots have to be seen up close to be believed. One such place is Meteora in Greece. Arguably one of the country’s worst kept secrets, you’ll no doubt already have been introduced to this Greek gem on travel sites and Instagram feeds. However, seeing this serene setting through your phone screen simply doesn’t do it justice. If the ancient monasteries of Meteora are already on your radar, or you’re looking for your next destination to add to…
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Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls by Road Trip
I love me a good road trip! It helps clear your head, offer you time to think, cry, fart and sing along to your favorite tunes with little to no distractions. According to the International Drivers Association, these are the top 10 waterfalls in the world. With waterfalls captivating travelers with their raw power and natural beauty, some of the world’s most stunning falls are accessible via road trips. From thunderous falls to gentle cascades, here’s the perfect guide that highlights some of these incredible waterfalls you can enjoy from behind the wheel around the world. 1. Niagara Falls, USA & Canada One of the most famous waterfalls globally, Niagara…
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Hey You Guys! Calling The Goonies Movie Buffs to Astoria, Oregon
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I’ve been wanting to visit the Goonies house since I first saw the movie! And it was always on my to do travel bucket list – that and the Oregon Coast as well. So when the press trip worked out well for exploring Wilsonville, Oregon who then connected me with the Cannon Beach tourism board, it was on like Donkey Kong. However in my confused travel state, I didn’t realize it until well after I had explored the small beach town above and tacked it on to the drive back toward the airport as suggested by the amazing staff at the tourism center.…
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The Power of Beauty and the Art of Conversation with Curator Archie Broady
By Irina Abraham I step over the threshold of Archie Broady’s house and I am in a different world. It’s an art gallery, a library, an artist salon… in fact, it is the inside of Archie’s mind. He presides over his small living room that feels more like a hall in a castle. The right wall is lined with books: everything from Pushkin to Shakespeare. An eclectic but tasteful selection of art objects occupies the rest of the walls and every corner. The table that dominates the room is a masterpiece: it is a salvaged window of a burnt-out church in Bali encased in glass. Archie dives straight into the…
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Portland, Oregon Chef Kyo Koo opens Asian-American Warsugai Restaurant
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler In the USA, there’s always gotta be a scapegoat. I’m not sure exactly why but I have a feeling capitalism has something to do with it – if you keep pointing fingers elsewhere, citizens won’t realize what the government is actually up to. During Covid, it was Portland, Oregon‘s turn apparently with all the bad news media portraying homelessness and druggies piled in the streets. Whatever media it was – owned by whatever corporation and their self-serving agenda – pushing that this was a lawless state with a bad rap. A growing amount of Gen Z is not believing the hype, and rightly…
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Explore Luxury Tributary Hotel & Fine Dining at ōkta Restaurant in McMinnville, Oregon
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Tributary Hotel is easily one of the most luxurious boutique hotels I’ve experienced so far in the United States… and that says a lot! The luxury accommodations with suites named after each area river debuted in McMinnville, Oregon in summer of 2022, the center of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and largest city in Yamhill County but still retains a small town feel. This was the next stop on my road trip West of Portland and arrived just in the nick of time to shoot, change and get ready for dinner. The full experience restaurant next door, ōkta, honors the region and each season, offering…
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The Complexities of Relationships, Money, Culture & Evolution
Dig into the complexities where love crosses with financial status, and you’ll uncover layers that many prefer to gloss over. Evolutionary psychology offers a lens through which we can view the nuances of dating and mating in the modern era, suggesting that our preferences are not just whims but are influenced by centuries of survival strategies. The Numbers Speak About Financial Dynamics in Relationships Gender and Mate Preferences: A study by the University of Texas noted that across 37 cultures, men placed higher value on youth and physical attractiveness, while women prioritized good financial prospects. This aligns with evolutionary theories but is being reshaped by cultural progress toward gender equality.…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Relax in the Small Town of Wilsonville, Just South of Portland, Oregon
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Never travel for business during Spring Break! That’s the first moral of this story as I always have to learn things the hard way… I booked a flight at the crack o’ dawn through Southwest so I could hit the ground running on a Monday morning to make the week last extra long. In theory, it’s a good idea during any other time of the year and you will fly through security at Phoenix Airport with time to spare. But this time was a Spring Break shit show at 5 a.m. with lines crawling down the hallway with the progression of a snail.…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Get Your Wild West on and go Golfing at Rancho de Los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler The first time I visited Wickenburg, Arizona was for an old Western town style photoshoot at Robson’s Ranch for local and out of town models. I had no clue what I was getting into at the time but was new to the desert and thought it would be a great way to meet some fresh faces and see new places. I has just bought my brand-new Honda whip at the time and remember being a little stressed about driving on long, windy rock roads… it seems that old West town for rent still exists although more rundown but it’s kind of rad concept.…
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Snake Guru Saving all the Creepy, Crawly Critters in Arizona
We recently met Nicholas Massimo, 36, from Phoenix, Arizona, who is a herpetologist and owner of Snake Guru, LLC. A herpetologist is an expert in biology of reptiles and amphibians and follow careers in teaching, research, conservation and zoo-keeping which is the end goal for the Snake Guru. What happens if you find a rattlesnake during your midnight munchies? Nick also offers 24/7 professional reptile relocation and removal services in Phoenix, Arizona and surrounding cities. Let’s deep dive into this interesting world of Arizona’s own Crocodile Dundee with a question and answer session below! Q: How did you get into being a “Snake Guru”? A: I have over 15 years…
