Travel
- Architecture, Art, Beach, Culture, Day Trips, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Latest News, Mexico, Nature, Travel
Explore Chacchoben Ruins and Blue Lagoon in Costa Maya, Mexico
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler When I was planning which cruise to take with Princess Cruises, I was obsessed with the 10 day cruise from Galveston, Texas because it included the Cayman Islands and Belize. As part of the press trip package, we were limited to 7 days so I chose the one that included Costa Maya which borders Belize and shares the same reef territory, great for snorkeling and diving. Costa Maya is also free from high rise chain hotels leaving its lagoons, archaeological gems and coastline free from clutter. And the 7 day cruise still stopped to see Roatan, Honduras so most bucket list items were checked off.…
-
Why You Should Go Hiking
Image source: Pexels When it comes to fitness you might be asking yourself whether or not walking is worth it. Firstly, walking is absolutely worth it if you are trying to become fitter and healthier, but hiking takes walking to another elevated level. Hiking is one of those activities where you can rest, relax and exercise all at the same time. You’re resting away from your home or office, you are relaxing because you are in nature, and you’re exercising because the movement that you are doing will help to tone and keep your muscles fit. When it comes to exercise, if you don’t want to join a gym, you…
- Beach, Casino, Dessert, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Travel
Cruising from Galveston, Texas with Princess Cruises
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler We had been discussing this press trip for well over a year, deep into the peak of the pandemic where cruise ships were still requiring masks and proof of vaccine before boarding. I am unvaxxed (and DGAF if you are or not, your body your choice) and thought it odd to not just test everyone before boarding as well as the staff on board at each port. To me that seemed like the best way to screen folks – and still does to be honest. So when they lifted all the restrictions, I was ready and raring to go – especially with this very oddly…
-
Interior Vehicle Design Ideas to Make Your Car Have a Vibe
Pexels – CCO Licence When most of us think of interior design, we usually think of our homes or apartments. But what about our cars? We spend a huge amount of time in our cars whether it’s commuting to and from work or going on exciting road trips. So why not make our cars a comfortable and stylish space? Here are some tips for interior design for your car that will make spending time in there even more enjoyable. Can the clutter Before you start thinking about decorating your car, make sure it’s clean and clutter-free like the new cars at Edmunds are. This will give you a good starting…
-
Invest in Your Art Gallery to Enjoy Your Home Haven Even More
Story by Kat Fleischman, submitted photos by Jacopo Fuschi This 2023, what better than to give your home a makeover and feel like you are ALWAYS visiting a luxury destination? We have all been forced to live and work in the same space and as home prices continue skyrocketing, let’s rethink how we use our finances and collective work/live spaces post-pandemic. The below is a global guide, with pieces from all over the world, that help you take a spacious home and turn it into an efficient and comforting oasis. Whether you hang pieces of art to make it look like a “home gallery”, or have kids running around making…
- Architecture, Beach, Dessert, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Events, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Travel
Escape to a Slice of Heaven in Catalina Island, California
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted), I’ve officially dubbed Santa Catalina Island California’s mini Hawaii, minus the natives and hefty price tag. It has that same laid back, relaxing yet magical vibe. Situated 22 miles southwest from Los Angeles, CA, it feels like another world away as it is only accessible by boat. Our transportation choice was the Catalina Express, which offers three ports to choose from: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Long Beach was closest for me driving in the day before from Phoenix but others are just as well. With up to 30 departures a day, it’s a no brainer to take this vessel…
- Arizona, Culture, Day Trips, Dessert, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fitness, Food, Health, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Travel
Polish Your Soul and Your Plate in Sedona, Arizona
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler When you receive a last minute press trip invite to Sedona, Arizona on 11/11, you go. Those in alignment numbers represent a powerful opportunity to connect with your inner self and begin some kick ass spiritual growth. It also signifies that a period of change is about to start within you. And literally earlier that week, the shift was already in motion. So I delved into the energy vortex abyss that is the high vibe of Sedona for a magical weekend! But first we had to swing by the brand new Cove Mesa Vineyard in Cornville, AZ to enjoy a wine tasting and meet the…
-
Cool Down Inside Pristine Kartchner Caverns in Benson, AZ
Story by Cassie Hepler, photos & video submitted by AZ State Park Super hard to pronounce but worth the drive South, Kartchner Caverns was a very memorable highlight of exploring Cochise County in Southern Arizona. So much so that it has been on my mind through the sale of my condo, purchase of a house and finally getting settled again in North Phoenix, AZ! The attention to the ecological preservation was amazing to me coming from Pennsylvania where people just jump into caves with no real care for the ecosystem at all. I also recall a family vacation to Arkansas where my brother was allowed to climb all over the…
- Arizona, Culture, Drink, Education, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Travel
Women Putting Arizona Wines on the Map
Story by Cassie Hepler & Arizona Office of Tourism, Submitted Photos Before I was a twinkle in my mother’s eye, she lived in Arizona back in the 70’s being an adventurous hippy with her little yellow VW bug and working at a grocery store in the meat department. She started out in Yuma, AZ before there was any sort of land development then worked her way over to Prescott, AZ. And one of her dreams was to open a vineyard in Arizona. Fate had other plans as she met my father in Pennsylvania who wisked her back East and my brother and I were born. But funny how I ended…
- Animals, Arizona, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Nature, Style, Travel
Round Up Your Squad, Ride Horses and Chill at Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, Arizona
Story, video and photos by Cassie Hepler With newfound horseback riding skills giving me courage from sister ranch White Stallion, I ventured all the way down by the Mexican border to Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, Arizona, about an hour and a half southwest of Tucson. And when I say by the Mexican border, I mean almost on it. You can see the wall from the ranch through the high desert grassland. Surrounded by about 120,000 acres of the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, Rancho de la Osa is the most historic ranch in Arizona. You can ride the same trails as U.S. presidents and famous figures like Pancho Villa…
