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A Unique, Online Gift Guide for Last Minute Holiday Shoppers
Story by Explore, submitted photos/video The year of 2018 has been our best yet for Explore! While our publisher Cassie Hepler moved across the country to Phoenix, Arizona, it has helped expand the blog and gaining more traction and faithful followers every day. We have made some new partnerships and awesome blogger/influencer friends in the Valley of the Sun to California and beyond. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all who have helped us succeed in this crazy, exciting blogging world. From the East Coast to the West Coast, we looking forward to exploring more and outside the USA for 2019. In the meantime, as we…
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Three Time James Beard Award Winner Chef Sherry Yard Tantalizes Tastebuds with Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Located right next to the new, pimped out iPic Theaters in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tanzy restaurant also had a makeover recently. Award-winning Chef Sherry Yard, Chief Operating Officer for iPic® Theaters and Tuck Hospitality Group, is proud to introduce the new Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale. Presenting a new menu featuring garden-fresh ingredients and handmade dishes inspired by bold flavors and delicate techniques, Tanzy’s offerings are complemented by Executive Bartender/Corporate Sommelier Adam Seger’s innovative beverage program. Tanzy’s artisanal Italian concept remains the prominent backbone of the restaurant’s new menu, which features time-tested classics alongside original new dishes, all of which are handmade under Yard’s direction by Tanzy’s Corporate…
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Speed Boat Adventures offers Adrenaline with Unique San Diego, CA Views
Story, photos/video by Cassie Hepler Sure you’ve seen all of San Diego, CA by foot and views every single other person has seen and photographed relentlessly. But what about rolling up in the water right next to some stinky sea lions and cruising underneath the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier? Now that’s a unique experience at Speed Boat Adventures which also offers a side of adrenaline to boot! Speed Boat Adventures offers a 13-mile (20km) tour at various speeds around the San Diego Harbor available five times a day. We chose the sunset spot as we wanted those pink hues captured on film for forever. They ask you to arrive 20-30 minutes…
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Chill Out, Recharge with Ganja Goddess Getaway at Venture Retreat Center in Pescadero, CA
Story, photos/video by Cassie Hepler I’ve been writing essays about how marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes and beyond since high school (and also the ice caps melting, but that’s another story). So when I got an invite to check out the Goddess Ganja Getaway, I went for it. When people asked what is was, I would reply that I had no clue, and honestly, I didn’t. Not one to shy away from adventure, I boldly went where most East Coasters have not gone before. The website copy says the Original Ganja Goddess Getaway, “is an all-inclusive retreat filled with cannabis, camping, food and fun. It’s a retreat for women focusing…
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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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Relax and Enjoy Slow, Southern Style in Clarksville, Tennessee
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) Nashville, Tennessee gets all the fame. They also have that horrible reality show knock off of The Kardashians, The Cavallari’s which is like the Southern version of scripted, dramatic nonsense. But if you look about an hour Northwest of Nashville, there’s a slow, Southern style oasis that offers a much more relaxing experience. Rolling green hills, trees and nature abounds in this surprisingly funky little city full of hipsters and impressive growing gastronomy. It’s the perfect place to escape to – and yet close enough to Nashville to get your fix if you really need it. Small enough that it’s walkable, but…
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Meet the Inspiring Boss Babe Behind PNPK Wine Bar and Restaurant in Scottsdale, AZ
Story, videos/photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) Once upon a time there was a restaurant called Grape Bistro in North Scottsdale. And most people still remember that wine bar and were sad to see it close. Fast forward to present time and Grape was revamped and renamed like a Phoenix rising through the ashes into something even better thanks to owner Kellie Pruitt. PNPK opened in March 2018 and is named in honor of closeby Pinnacle Peak Mountain. Located on the Southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Pinnacle Peak at 23335 N. Scottsdale Road, the space is deceptively huge – 2,600 square feet and you can bring Fido too while you chill…
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Hike Point Lobos State Park in Monterey, California Where Land Meets Sea for Spectacular Views
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Park by the road. That’s the best advice I can give you and best of all, it’s free. Also, get there early or it won’t matter anyway as the park will be packed. Point Lobos State Park in Monterey, California is a scenic coastal area featuring a variety of sea animals and wildlife, hiking, diving and a whaling museum. Point Lobos has been named “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world” and “the crown jewel of the state park system.” It has diving unmatched on the California coast (check out the Point Lobos State Reserve website for maps and dive site videos), great hiking,…
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Escape to Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch Resort for Otherworldly Cuisine
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Tucked away in the lush forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley Ranch resort enjoys luxury and simplicity. And the attached California casual dining spot, Valley Kitchen, offers the luxury of simplicity. Plus the food doesn’t get any more local than this. The fun, vibrant restaurant embodies the unique values, spirit and tastes of the Carmel Valley Ranch experience. Think fields of lavender, fresh honey and even it’s own small batch winery. Inspiration comes easy with the breathtaking natural surroundings to the local gardens, orchards, pristine oceans and neighboring vineyards. Designed by Rodrigo Vargas Design at the resort’s social hub and heart, Valley Kitchen…
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Explore One of the Seven Wonders of the World with Grand Canyon Adventures
Story, photos/video by Cassie Hepler Serendipity is a funny word and an interesting experience when it happens to you. Looking for some more wisdom in my monkey mind, I stumbled upon BeCurrent meditation classes with the aerial meditation in green silk hammocks hanging from ceiling hooks. The first class is free (and got me hooked btw) and there is a table you congregate at afterwards to have some tea and chat if you feel like it. It was there that I met the mom of the owner of Grand Canyon Adventures and so starts the story of checking off another bucket list item. Since tours begin at the Flagstaff, AZ location…
