Explore with Cassie
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Get Licked at Ritz-Carlton’s Aqimero ‘Yappy Hour’ Benefit During Dog Days of Summer
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Welcome to the dog days of summer. The Ritz-Carlton’s Aqimero Lounge hosted their inaugural Yappy Hour to benefit Hemlock Edge Rescue, a non-profit organization “dedicated to rescuing homeless, abandoned and abused animals”. As I made my way to the iconic hotel on one of the hottest days to date, I pondered the dog days of summer phrase. Its perception as we know it – one of listless and seemingly catatonic canines stilled by heat so sultry and oppressive – allowed me to feel at one with man’s best friend. I ascended the Ritz-Carlton’s steps, panting and tugging my dress loose from sticky skin as sweat rivulets collected…
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Hudson Valley Gains Hip, Hamptons Style Hotel The Time Nyack in Upstate New York
Story by Cassie Hepler, photos by The Time Nyack Housed in a historic former factory turned recording studio, The Time Nyack displays hip, modern art and history along with a side of urban energy in the picturesque small town of Nyack, NY in the Hudson Valley. The boutique property is owned and is the vision of development group WYINC, which specializes in developing upscale properties in urban destinations. The hotel is managed by The Dream Hotel Group – with its Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels brands. And since it’s literally a highway away from NJ, it makes perfect sense for Pennsylvanians or Jersey travelers (or even New…
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Mark and Donnie Wahlberg Bring Wahlburgers Franchise to Fishtown’s Piazza at Schmidt’s
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler You got the right stuff, baby. (Sorry, not sorry. This video had to be added so you, too, can have the ear worm while you read this story.) Meat, cheese, tater tots and booze is a great way to put a smile on anyone’s face and that’s the goal for the Wahlberg’s Wahlburgers growing empire (say that 10 times fast). Not only is Marky Mark still killing it and shredded for his movies, they also have Donnie still touring with New Kids on the Block… possibly coming soon to a venue near you in Philly too. Will Donnie make an appearance at Wahlburgers while in Philly with…
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Get Some Sweet Bay Views and Tasty Food, Brews at Tuckers Tavern in Long Beach Island, N.J.
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Beginning with a spirited restoration inspired by the best American taverns and English pubs, Tuckers Tavern is a fantastic gastropub located near the LBI Fantasy Island Amusement Park with bay views and its own parking lot. The menus feature creative beer-centric food and coastal beach favorites with an impressive happy hour: Sunday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar with food specials and $3 select drafts, PBR and wine, $4 well drinks and $5 select craft drafts. And let’s not forget about the freshly shucked oysters and oyster shooters. As any good tavern knows, live entertainment in the bar is key! Featuring local…
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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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Hot Time in the City at Laurel Hill Cemetery’s ‘Soulstice’ Fundraiser
Photos, story by Sharon Kozden I couldn’t be at Stonehenge in England for Summer Solstice 2017. I could, however, celebrate in Druidical-style, spending several hours during a perfect summer evening on Saturday, June 24 at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The fundraiser, labeled a “Soulstice,” was presented by their Young Friends group, the “Antemortem Society” and was staged in the cemetery’s oldest section, the Medallion Garden. Surrounded by headstones, vaults and crypts at sunset, the atmosphere became predictably and preternaturally mystical. I could not have chosen a better venue for my Stonehenge-desired experience. The Young Friends group certainly knows how to throw a party! Pathways were lined with miniature candles, luring party-goers to…
