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Explore With Cassie

Lifestyle & travel blog finding the unusual out of the ordinary.

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  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    It’s the Cats Meow at the Phoenix Feline Fanciers in Mesa, Arizona

    August 24, 2026 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler When my friend mentioned going to a cat show with Phoenix Feline Fanciers, I was all in before she finished that sentence! This is Arizona‘s biggest cat show after all and they claim to see up to 35 beautiful cat breeds but we certainly saw way more than that – and even held some which was a savory treat for this childless cat lady. Dubbed family friendly and for all ages, there were some children but mostly just cat lovers, fanatics and all the merch Miss or Mister Kitty can ever dream of under one roof. I don’t know why dog shows get…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Sleep in a Glamping Dome at Tirrito Farm in WillCox, Arizona

    July 1, 2024

    What Are Some Easy Water Sports For Beginners?

    July 18, 2024

    Live Out Your Wild West Fantasies at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

    August 18, 2020
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Go Truffle Hunting, Foraging for Flowers & Shopping in Force with Italy Charme

    June 15, 2026 /

    Truffle Hunting in Italy Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Go truffle hunting in Italy! No pigs here at Agriturismo Ramusè but sweet dogs sniffing out the golden mushrooms, Cocker Spaniel mixes of the tan colored Electra and fuzzy Briciola. These pricey pups either come pre-trained at $3,000 to $7,000 Euro per dog or you can hire a Northern Italy truffle dog trainer for about $1,000 Euro a month. Paolo Ciccioli, owner of Agriturismo Ramusè and former truffle exporter to London, led us on a mountainside adventure in the drizzling rain where the black mushrooms were almost popping out of the ground because of the downpour. I thoroughly enjoyed…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Loews Hotel Philadelphia Sparks Red, White and Views at Fireworks Watch Party

    September 22, 2025

    Explore Nice, France in the Calmer Shoulder Season of October

    November 10, 2025

    Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

    June 9, 2025
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Escape to a Fairytale Fever Dreamscape at Il Falconiere in Cortona, Tuscany Italy

    June 1, 2026 /

    Luxury Wine Resort in Cortona Tuscany, Italy Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Behold the beauty of Il Falconiere Relais & Spa, an elegant 17th-century country residence on the hillsides of Cortona, Tuscany! This was truly a hidden countryside gem in Italy and welcome restful retreat of relaxation, nature and wellness, carefully crafted to be delightful fairytale couture by Silvia and Benedetto Baracchi. Cypress trees, umbrella pines, olive trees and vineyards as far as the eye can see are spotted with stone buildings with terracotta-colored walls while the healthiest, shiniest chickens and roosters roam the grounds. Flowers were blooming everywhere for spring which was intoxicating to the senses. Relais…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Tempting Tastes at 19 Bella Tapas Restaurant in Skippack Village, PA

    July 5, 2018

    Century Grand Phoenix Transports Guests into Locomotive Luxury Era

    August 31, 2020
    Inn at Palm Springs

    Inn at Palm Springs, California is an Oasis in Coachella Valley

    November 1, 2020
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Explore 24 Hours in the Beautiful French Provençal Town of Lourmarin, France

    December 22, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler After our amazing experience in Cotignac, France, our press trip group was whisked away by our amazing driver Sophie to experience the charming small town of Lourmarin, France. It is located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France. The people who live there are called Lourmarinois, which is très (very) difficult to pronounce. Part of the Luberon region, it is composed of three mountain ranges: Lesser Luberon, Greater Luberon and Eastern Luberon. There’s a whole lot of Lou’s happening here and it can be very confusing – especially when you’re not driving and following maps. Just try to…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Interview with Author Irene Levy Baker of 100 Things to do in Philadelphia Before You Die

    November 23, 2016

    Three Time James Beard Award Winner Chef Sherry Yard Tantalizes Tastebuds with Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona

    November 28, 2018

    Indulge Your Wood Cabin Dreams at The Owl Roost in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

    September 16, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    International Pet Travel Challenges, Tips & Tricks from a Digital Nomad

    August 25, 2025 /

    The Challenges of International Pet Travel: Lessons I’ve Learned Photos, story and video by Lauren Anders Brown As a digital nomad, traveling the globe has always been my passion. So why wouldn’t I want to share the thrill of travel with my best friend Paddington, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? For years, Pads and I globe trotted across multiple continents.  Together, we took more than 75 flights: from the United States to the United Kingdom to Europe, and Bermuda. I remember our first international trip was especially difficult. I didn’t know what I was doing and had no one to help guide me. Hours of research later, I felt some…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Make the Most of Your Visit to Los Angeles, California

    September 20, 2019

    Hurricane Irma Displaces Single Dad, Daughter to New Jersey

    September 25, 2017

    Workhorse Brewing Company, a New Hidden Gem in the Philly Suburbs

    June 26, 2019
  • Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Harvest the Moon’s Energy to Live Your Best Spring Equinox Life

    March 17, 2025 /

    Tune in to the moon and how to live and garden in harmony with our nearest celestial neighbor, using The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lunar cycle to-do list. I’ve been a long time follower and fan of this brand and happy to be working with them on sharing these amazing ideas below! Harvesting Moon Energy People who live near the ocean know that a full Moon pulls tides higher. Landlocked Midwesterners cannot see this phenomenon, but the same thing is happening to water below the ground’s surface. This ebb and flow is a natural result of the magnetic pull of the monthly alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon and is…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Gift Guide for the Grinch this Holiday Season

    December 16, 2024

    Explore Nice, France in the Calmer Shoulder Season of October

    November 10, 2025

    Build a Glamping Dome in Your Backyard with Phoenix Domes

    July 8, 2024
  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Barking Up the Right Tree with 2024’s National Dog Show at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

    December 23, 2024 /

      “A dog’s love isn’t about what you can give, it’s about who you are to them. It’s loyalty, comfort, and understanding, all wrapped into one quiet, constant presence that never asks for anything but to be near you …” — R.M. Drake Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’m here to talk about dogs. But first, monkeys must be mentioned. Say wha …?  Give me grace while I explain. Remember when Conchata Ferrell’s character in the film Mystic Pizza announced to her trio of employees, “It’s tradition, and you don’t monkey with tradition?” Nope: no monkeying with tradition. Never-ever. Traditions comfort in many ways, which is why, despite not really…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    CiderFest Brought Hardcore Fun to Woodford Mansion in Philly’s Fairmount Park

    December 30, 2023

    Explore Chacchoben Ruins and Blue Lagoon in Costa Maya, Mexico

    April 4, 2023

    Best Las Vegas, Nevada Photo Spots from a Model and Photographer

    March 2, 2026
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Explore Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s Garden Paw-ty at Domaine Pterion Vineyard

    July 22, 2024 /

    Pretty invitation design! Because of a dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would the world be like without dogs?  — Mary Oliver I went to collect the few personal belongings which … I held to be invaluable: my cat, my resolve to travel, and my solitude. — Collette Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Although I…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Philadelphia’s 2018 Flower Show Just Adds Water

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    Explore the Largest Medieval Gothic Palace in the World at Palais des Papes in Avignon, France

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    Bisbee, Arizona Staying Spooky, Strange and Surprisingly Hip

    November 9, 2021

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