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Explore With Cassie

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

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  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale

    May 5, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Family owned since 1927, Elvira’s has been a staple in Tubac, Arizona located 30 minutes south of Tucson which is a long hike for even the most eccentric foodie from Phoenix!  Now open in DC Ranch Scottsdale, Chef Ruben Monroy takes the lead as the grandson of the original founder, keeping this family-run fine dining establishment running like a smooth sailing ship. Master Sommelier Thomas Kaufman is in charge of the beverage program and even with some mocktails, we were impressed with the taste. Opened in January of 2025, it features signature dishes from the Tubac menu, including its iconic Chile en Nogada.…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    October 30, 2023

    Rejuvenate at Hofsas House and Walk the Wine Trail in Fairytale Town Carmel by the Sea, California

    March 8, 2018
  • Day Trips,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona

    April 28, 2025 /

    Story, videos and photos by Cassie Hepler You’ve heard of glimmers by now I hope? If not, they are those giddy moments in life that give you joy and happiness. Well, there’s also what I call bread crumbs from the universe that make sure you’re on the right path. And I followed mine all the way to Prescott, Arizona because of Red, White and Brew restaurant! They reached out via email with a holiday special and I noticed there was a location in Mesa, Arizona and one in downtown Prescott. I had been trying to plan a Northern Arizona snow angle story for months but the weather was not cooperating…

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    Enjoy Desert Zen at Rancho de Los Caballeros Ranch Spa in Wickenburg, Arizona

    November 18, 2024

    Philadelphia’s 2018 Flower Show Just Adds Water

    August 16, 2018

    A Guide to Exploring the Ancient Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

    June 10, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Corduroy Lodge Offers Cabins, Airstreams and Motel in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona

    April 14, 2025 /

    Where to Stay in Pinetop-Lakeside Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I stumbled upon Corduroy Lodge years ago when I booked a random night in-between blogging adventures in Pinetop-Lakeside and honestly just loved the vibe! So I kept in touch and we kept hoping for snow but it didn’t seem like Northern Arizona wanted to this year so I just booked random dates. Well… I got what I wished for! But fortunately the tail end of the snow as my Honda Civic is not the best low-to-the-ground car for icy roads. I wish I could tell my younger self to buy something more rugged but I was thinking fast…

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    Amina Slays Southern Cuisine with African Influences in Old City, Philadelphia

    August 12, 2024

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

    November 28, 2018

    Art Car World Bringing Burning Man Vibes to Douglas, Arizona

    December 5, 2021
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Hondo Rodeo Fest Debuts in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona

    January 27, 2025 /

    By Sylvia Lenore, submitted photos Yee-haw! The inaugural Hondo Rodeo Fest made its debut in Phoenix in November bringing a mix of Western rodeo and country music to Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix. Yes, you read that right … they brought a rodeo arena inside the baseball stadium, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Don’t forget the stadium’s bag policies for a stress-free experience). The three-day event running from Thursday to Saturday was a first of its kind indeed. The Hondo also took over the streets outside the stadium for the general public to experience their Stillery Street Festival. It’s a family-friendly market showcasing Western-themed wears and jewelry, food trucks, a…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Escape to Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch Resort for Otherworldly Cuisine

    August 21, 2018
    St Joseph Catholic Church

    Rent a Car and Road Trip through Northwest Kansas

    January 15, 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

    Enjoy a Desert Oasis and Waterfall at Revamped Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona

    December 9, 2024 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Ever since I moved to Arizona almost seven years ago (!) as of January 2025, I have heard people in the valley refer to Tucson, Arizona as “The Dirty T”. I honestly had no clue why and as far as stereotypes go, you learn more along the way of life like the fact that the West Valley of Phoenix is “bad” which honestly reeks of racism but that’s a story for another time. But seriously, each time I would go down to visit Tucson and try to see it through rose-colored glasses, something really weird would happen that would eject me back to Phoenix.…

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    Your Packing List for Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale, Arizona

    November 11, 2024

    Away Spa at W Scottsdale Whisks Your Stress Away

    March 2, 2020

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

    November 28, 2018
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Get all the Good Vibes at Sky Rock Sedona in Arizona

    October 21, 2024 /

    Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Sky Rock Sedona got a magical makeover! With 360-degree views of Sedona’s Red Rocks including Snoopy Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Coffee Pot Rock, no other boutique hotel in the area can compare. After a full remodel in March 2024, this rad space offers those iconic Red Rocks views in every direction, 109 modern rooms and suites with comfortable beds, outdoor pool, hot tub, free shuttle, musicians on the weekends and all the energy work you ever wanted each evening – all without leaving the property. There’s even a hiking path across the street from Sky Rock Sedona if you want to get out there…

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    August 13, 2019

    Cool Down Inside Pristine Kartchner Caverns in Benson, AZ

    August 17, 2022

    Explore One of the Seven Wonders of the World with Grand Canyon Adventures

    August 8, 2018
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

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

    July 1, 2024 /

    Photos, story and video by Cassie Hepler The last time I drove down to Willcox, Arizona was a whirlwind press trip with Cochise County with a heavy focus on all the many wineries in Southern Arizona. Let me tell you, when your job is to drink wine for days, your body is like whoah Nelly what is going on here?! It was during the end of the chaotic Covid era, not that it mattered in Arizona. It was still the Wild West which reminded me why I moved here in the first place… laws are a little loosey goosey. That road trip also included an overnight in the wild, weird…

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    Glamping in an AirStream at The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona

    March 1, 2024

    Cruise Along the Pacific Beach on 17 Mile Drive in Monterey, California

    April 19, 2018

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

    November 23, 2016
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Polish Your Soul and Your Plate in Sedona, Arizona

    January 5, 2023 /

    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…

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    Lehigh Valley Humane Society Hosts Second Annual Garden Party

    September 20, 2022

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    May 21, 2021

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    February 10, 2025
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Marriott Phoenix Chandler Hotel Adds Luxury and Class to Chandler, Arizona

    July 29, 2020 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) We love finding hidden gems. Although this one is not so hidden because the Marriott Phoenix Chandler is not only the largest legacy brand full service Marriott in the state (128,000 square feet total), the 264-room property features the greatest amount of hotel conference space in the area at 28,000 feet. Located in the bustling Price Corridor, it is managed by Cincinnati-based Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC., an affiliate company of the Pyramid Hotel Group, which is one of the predominant hotel management companies in the United States. With easy access to Loop 101 and Loop 202, we thought it would…

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    December 21, 2020

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    August 6, 2018

    Lehigh County Humane Society Holds First Annual Garden Party at Bell Gate Farm

    February 1, 2022
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Hotel Adeline Adds Boutique Flair with Secret Speakeasy to Scottsdale, Arizona

    March 20, 2019 /

    Photos, story by Cassie Hepler My East Coast crew is always asking me where to stay when visiting sunny Arizona. Now I finally have a place to direct people who like to play, stay and enjoy Cambelback Mountain views at all times in Scottsdale, Arizona! Enter Hotel Adeline, which revamped and opened in January 2017, ironically the same time I moved across the country. Formerly a Days Inn, then Clarion Inn, and lastly Scottsdale Inn, the 4.5 acre property underwent a $12 million renovation. With a gated car valet (or open guest parking in the front), you don’t have to worry about your car which is nice. Just park and play!…

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Recent Posts

  • Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale
  • Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona
  • Prescott Pines Inn Gets Makeover, Adds Vino Prescott Wine Bar to Northern Arizona
  • Corduroy Lodge Offers Cabins, Airstreams and Motel in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona
  • Four Seasons Scottsdale Hosts The Lost Explorer Mezcal & Tequila Launch in Arizona

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