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Explore the Hilltop Gem DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles, California
Head to the top of DAOU Mountain and explore the hilltop gem DAOU Vineyards! Experience absolutely breathtaking views, unparalleled hospitality at your own private table, delectable tastings and the most sweeping, stunning views of the Paso Robles, California wine region. Our expert guide Ken led us through a delectable tasting of the culinary world that is DAOU including some very rare pours. This Spanish influenced space is gorgeous in every direction and becomes even dreamier after a couple of glasses. From caviar to lobster rolls to fresh made truffle and bacon pizza, it was a delightful experience and will forever remain as a fantastic memory! And yes, they also have…
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Affordable Cambria Hotel Templeton Joins Paso Robles, California Wine Country
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler The Cambria Hotel Templeton – Paso Robles makes an excellent, affordable home base to explore California wine country! Owned by Choice Hotels International, the brand positions itself in the upper midscale to upscale market, comparable to brands like Courtyard by Marriott or Hilton Garden Inn. The Cambria is about a year old with boutique vibes and modern interior design styling without being too casual, funky or fancy. With price points lingering around $100 a night, it is super close to Highway 101 and all the wineries winding up the mountain. There are 132 rooms stretching across 3 floors and we were in the deluxe suite…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Explore Organic and Family Owned Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, California
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Robert Hall Winery is an organic, family-owned and operated Paso Robles winery in California! We started our whirlwind wine tasting tour being greeted by a sweet tiger kitty Mcaire with this outstanding regenerative organic certified space where they certainly pride themselves on hard work while slaying their craft. These are some outstanding, award-winning wines that represent perfectly the vibrant and premier Paso Robles winemaking region while expressing the spirit of the valley. The estate-grown varieties have big, bold characteristics and our wines are crafted with rich, complex flavors with some of them only available at the mothership location like the sparkling white to…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Marriott Irvine Spectrum Offers Restful, Upscale Hotel to Explore Orange County, California
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I’ve been a Marriott Bonvoy member since I was a teenager. Starting at Penn State University at 17 years old because my birthday is in September, it’s been a no brainer to rack up points with a brand I can rely on for this extra picky back – and now neck. So I don’t have to stress out over is the bed good? Will I be in more pain? Those issues don’t exist when booking with Marriott. I already know and that’s what keeps me coming back. So when Destination Irvine reached out, it was easy breezy and my first press trip…
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Live Out Your Mermaid Fantasies in a Shipping Container Pool Studio
Story, modeling, styling and video by Cassie Hepler, photography by Brian Delfin Let me tell you a tail (tehe) about a little girl who always pretended to be a mermaid, swimming under the pool ladder to explore a new world. And my oh my, how many of us there are out there I learned shortly after this photoshoot with Photos by Delfin! It all started on a sizzling summer day in Phoenix, Arizona when we went to go shoot Monie Jae Boutique fashion photography at The Arizona Biltmore. We were probably heat exhausted after a full day shooting and didn’t even know it but Brian literally lay on the floor for…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Top 10 Locations for Alfresco Dining in America
Summer is officially here with the solstice coming through this month of June! And with the warmer months, places all across the USA are getting ready to enjoy eating outside in the sunshine – or the light of the moon. Minus Arizona… this is the time of year where we hibernate and enjoy the air conditioning much like the winter equivalent elsewhere. According to our friends at Dating Advice, these are the top 10 locations for alfresco (fancy word for outside) dining in America. They took a survey of 3,000 seasoned (pun intended) foodies to identify the 150 most romantic locations for alfresco dining in 2024 as well. If you…
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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…
