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Wearing my Travel Writer Hat on a Press Trip to San Antonio, Texas
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Perhaps you think I am just a model and an actress. Nope, I am much more than just a pretty face as beauty and brains can co-exist my friends! I have been a reporter (and dabbling in photography) since I was 16 years old, starting as an intern at a local hometown newspaper. Even at that age, travel has always been a passion of mine starting with a trip touring France and falling in love with Le Mont Saint Michel. I love documenting moments in time and sharing the beauty of the world with others. People ask me all the time where to vacation so…
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Eat and Drink Your Face Off in San Antonio, Texas While Exploring the City
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler When the tourism board for Visit San Antonio, Texas invites you on a press trip, you go. Especially when it’s a culinary tour and the itinerary includes eating, exploring (hey, that sounds familiar), sleeping, wining and dining at some of the best spots that this massive city has to offer (its the 7th largest city in the U.S. while Philly is 5th). The night before the scheduled 4 a.m. flight from Philly by Southwest (hint: never agree to early flights while having spotty reception in the Poconos the previous week), I was bouncing around from back to back events and packed at 8 p.m. the night…
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Three Philly Restaurants Compete in James Beard Foundation’s Mushroom Blended Burger Project
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler The James Beard Foundation is challenging restaurants and diners nationwide to reach for a better burger this summer – a blended burger – which adds at least 25 percent earth-friendly mushrooms into the patty. The Blended Burger Project kicked off on May 29 with more than 350 restaurants participating across 45 states, from fine dining to chain operators. “A ‘Blended Burger’ is a much more sustainable and plant-forward opportunity for chefs to menu the iconic burger,” said James Beard Foundation vice president Kris Moon. “We are excited to see so many restaurants of all types take part in the Blended Burger Project.” We came, we…
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Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Plantation Restaurant on Long Beach Island, N.J.
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Enjoy coasting your car along Long Beach Boulevard to Plantation Restaurant in Long Beach Island, N.J. Then enjoy your car being parked valet style as you head inside for a delightful dinner. One of the only truly upscale options in LBI, Plantation Restaurant is open year round for lunch and dinner with a festive and fabulous happy hour. Featuring an adventuresome contemporary American menu inspired by the flavors of the islands, Chef Jeff Alberti uses nature’s finest ingredients available with creative specials. Tastefully decorated in a South Seas ambience, enjoy a delightful meal that is both relaxed yet elegant. Plantation has an energetic full service…
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Lobster Clambake at Red Owl Tavern is Back in Seafood Summer Action
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Red Owl Tavern is back with a deal steal of the summer, the Instagram worthy and picturesque New England-style Lobster Clambakes for $39 but even less at $25 every Monday starting at 5 p.m. and running through Labor Day. Plus new seasonal cocktails and Brewer of the Month never hurt anyone either! Mom’s black speckled pots come brimming with mussels, clams, shrimp and potatoes, as well as corn on the cob and that succulent one pound steamed lobster. And don’t worry, if seafood is not your thing they have some of the best steak in the city to boot!“After last year’s success, we are excited to…
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Walk to the Beach at Daddy O’s Boutique Hotel in Long Beach Island, NJ
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler At the Jersey Shore, everyone knows the best sand-like-flour beaches are in LBI, N.J. Better known as Long Beach Island, the scene is serene and you are literally on an island, far away from real life. For those who don’t want another kitschy Jersey motel and don’t have access to a beach house, Daddy O Hotel in Long Beach Island offers a unique, chic escape with amenities all in one place. It all began in 2006 when the first Daddy O hotel opened its doors in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Two respected arbiters of taste, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal,…
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Ivan Kane’s Kiss Kiss Burlesque Nightclub is Back at Tropicana in Atlantic City
Famed nightlife innovator Ivan Kane is bringing burlesque back to Atlantic City! Kane launched his newest burlesque show at Ivan Kane’s Kiss Kiss Nightclub inside The Quarter at Tropicana boardwalk casino, yet again affirming Tropicana’s place as Atlantic City’s premiere nightlife destination. Burlesque lessons will be taught by the award-winning Kiss Kiss dancers every Saturday afternoon. “Every night at Kiss Kiss people walk up to me and ask when I’m going to do my burlesque show again. I hear it a hundred times a night. I’m excited to finally launch it at Tropicana,” said Kane, who introduced Atlantic City to burlesque at Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub. “Ivan’s new…
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Save on Lodging, Food in Bermuda with Celebrity Cruises
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler This Spring and Summer have been really heating up in my world! Since getting back from Breathless Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and catching the traveling bug again, I’ve been doing a lot more travel which alway makes my soul happy. I promised one of my besties to go on a cruise with her through Celebrity Cruises which were very nice… and old. Not so much the ship itself but the crowd. Our favorite couple at dinner asked us why we were on this ship with a bunch of old people and we immediately adopted them as our cruise parents. Celebrity is known for…
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DoubleTree by Hilton Celebrates Opening 500th Hotel in Times Square West, NYC
Photos by Deja Cromartie/Hilton, story by Explore NJ Start spreading the news! DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 14 market-leading brands, is celebrating the launch of their 500th hotel with the grand opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West, located in the heart of bustling Manhattan. “We are beyond thrilled to celebrate the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West,” said Michael George, President and CEO of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the management company for the hotel. “This event marks the 500th DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, and we are extremely proud to be a part of this incredible milestone.” The newly-built high-rise hotel officially…
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Eat All the Farm Fresh Food at White Dog Cafe in Haverford
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler What if we told you a supernatural story? Once upon a time there was a woman who broke her leg. A white dog lay on it for a week while it was healing and all of the sudden it was healed. This is the tale of why there are multiple locations all named White Dog Cafe, according to our excellent server for the evening, Sara with no H. Known for award-winning contemporary American Cuisine and friendly service with three neighborhood locations in Philadelphia and the Main Line, Judy Wicks, social activist and original founder, opened White Dog Cafe in January of 1983. Located in three…
