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Explore With Cassie

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

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

    iPic Theaters Mixes Movies, Chefs and Crafted Cocktails for a Luxury Escape in Scottsdale, AZ

    May 31, 2018 /

    Story by Cassie Hepler, photos courtesy of iPic Theaters Imagine going to the movies in your own first class VIP pod for two. Now imagine pressing a button to have ninja waiters dressed in all black suddenly appear at your beck and call to deliver you chef created menu items (like steak!) and crafted from scratch cocktails. This place does exist and it exists in Arizona only in Scottsdale at iPic Theaters… a perfect luxury escape from those sweaty summer days or nights! You know how all the theaters are finally catching on to lounge chair style movie chairs instead of the stiff-as-a-board old school style? Well, iPic was the…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Drive a Boat in Lawless Lake of the Wild West in Lake Havasu City, Arizona

    May 2, 2018

    Sabores de Tucson Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture, Community and Culinary Flavors

    June 2, 2025

    Paris, je t’aime! An American Reminisces on Her Love Affair with France

    March 15, 2021
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Another Nor’easter Didn’t Stop People from Attending the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Restaurant Festival

    May 31, 2018 /

    Photos, story by Jill Beckel A wicked winter afternoon in March was the start of another Nor’easter! But that didn’t stop Philadelphians from attending the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Restaurant Festival which was held at the beautiful Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building. This year’s Philadelphia Restaurant Festival did not disappoint with over 60 restaurants, wineries and distilleries participating. Attendees traveled throughout the main room and the Viennesse Room of the Crystal Tea Room, stopping to sample anything that piqued their fancy. It was a great way to eat and drink your way through a showcase of Philadelphia’s vibrant local restaurant scene and try some new restaurants you may not have…

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    Jill Beckel

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    Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation Centennial Art Ball was Stunning

    October 16, 2023

    Drop Down South to the Wine World of Willcox, Arizona

    October 11, 2021

    Irvine, California has Surprisingly SoCal Vibes in Orange County, California

    October 13, 2025
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    A Night of Fashion Muses at French Bistro aMuse at Le Méridien Hotel in Philadelphia

    May 24, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Jeni Ferrell On one of the many cold days of the winter season, we ventured out decked out in my finest sweater dress and high boots to view the collection from Naveda Couture at Amuse restaurant in the elegant Le Meridien Hotel. I brought my gal pal date, Alana Jones, to enjoy the fine food and drink while listening to the DJ spin hyper hits. Against the soft periwinkle glow, the restaurant created an energetic yet calm vibe that served to be a perfect way to wind down on a chilly Friday. We nestled in a small dining room off of the main area where the show…

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    Jennifer Ferrell

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    Chris Tucker Sells Out Comedy Shows at Philadelphia’s SugarHouse Casino

    July 11, 2018

    Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel Welcomes Guests Like Family

    September 24, 2023

    Christmas Eve in Gladwyne, PA Offers Tidings Sacred and Secular

    January 1, 2022
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Philadelphia International Airport Lands American Express’s Prestigious Centurion Lounge

    May 10, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “To the great city of Philadelphia, I am so grateful to bring this back home to you.” – Chef Michael Solomonov, on being named best chef in the country at the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago, 2017. AMEX’s Centurion Lounge tapped Mike as its menu man. The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection was recently honored in becoming one of only nine airports in the world to offer travelers a uniquely unique and unforgettable way to hang before, between or after flights. On October 19th (prior to an official October 31st opening), media were invited to preview American Express’s Centurion Lounge and to witness what was in store exclusively for AMEX…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Cruising the Mediterranean to Greece, Italy and Turkey with Royal Caribbean

    January 13, 2025

    Explore the World’s First Mountain Climbing Cog Railway in White Mountains, New Hampshire

    September 23, 2024

    A Unique, Online Gift Guide for Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

    December 11, 2018
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Enjoy Upscale, Eclectic Asian Food at Yangming in Bryn Mawr

    March 28, 2018 /

      Run, don’t WOK! “we are the fortunate cookies, we who were flat but now curl moonlike around thick middles, cradling happy advice and lucky numbers in our crisp bellies” – Unknown Story, photos by Sharon Kozden While Walt Whitman sang his praises of the “body electric,” I’m here to sing similarly about Yangming’s foodstuffs eclectic. Yangming is an upscale, never-duplicated, well-known and loved establishment, offering an eclectic bounty of Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine. The cocktail offerings are creative, the wine list award-winning and the desserts a blend of either decadent or light. Indulge in the sweetest of treats or restrain with a fresh berry-based, naturally sugared more healthfhttp://yangmingrestaurant.com/reviews/ul choice. Lychee nuts…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Piazza Pod Park Opens in Philly’s Northern Liberties, BEBOT Towers Over Fun-for-All Hot Spot

    June 19, 2019

    Behind the Scenes with P.J. Whelihan’s at WIP Wing Bowl 2017

    March 14, 2017

    Cruising the Mediterranean to Greece, Italy and Turkey with Royal Caribbean

    January 13, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Vault Brewing Company Expands Bank Brewery to Yardley Warehouse

    December 21, 2017 /

    Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Located in the suburbs of Philly, the Victorian town of Yardley in Bucks County houses Vault Brewing who does not consider themselves a bar, a pub or even a traditional brewery. Entering in the “faux vault entryway,” you’ll notice you may have entered an old school bank except that the entire brewery and wood-fired kitchen oven are completely open to view. The brewery that once sat directly behind the bar is now expanding down the street and up the hill. The décor is a combination of regal bank, stark industrial, old-world and modern. What is not modern is there are no TVs, pub traditional menu items and no pop or rock…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls by Road Trip

    June 4, 2024

    National Dog Show Brings Good Boys and Girls to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

    March 17, 2024

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

    January 12, 2026
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Shadow + Flame Hosts Venetian Themed Prospero’s Ball at FringeArts’ La Peg

    November 15, 2017 /

    PROSPERO: “Spirits, which by mine art I have from their confines called to enact My present fancies.” – William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1 Photos, story by Sharon Kozden Ball dropping isn’t always a bad thing. Maybe in the sports’ world it can be, but when it comes to entertainment, you can drop me into any ball or gala, I’m out for a good time. The evening of October 26th presented just such a time, when Shadow + Flame hosted a Venetian-themed (as well as exclusive and limited-invite!) masquerade event at FringeArts‘ La Peg Brasserie. As one deemed an exclusive guest, my initial thought was how to cobble together…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Online Dating Abroad Without the Hassle

    February 9, 2026

    Fall in Love with Whistler in British Columbia, Canada in Autumn

    August 15, 2019

    Mayor’s Masked Ball at Philadelphia’s Convention Center Raises Over $760,000 for UNCF

    May 29, 2019
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Mixing and Mingling at the Philadelphia Wine and Cocktail Festival at Sugarhouse Casino

    September 15, 2017 /

    Story, photos by Jill Beckel The Philadelphia Wine & Cocktail Festival was the perfect event for wine connoisseurs, mixologists and just about anyone who loves a great wine or cocktail. The event took place at the brand new Event Center at Sugarhouse Casino. General admission for $40 included dozens of wine and cocktail samples in a custom sampling glass. VIP admission tickets went for $60 and included unlimited wine and cocktail samples, extra VIP-only wines and cocktails, a custom sampling glass and also allowed an hour early entry to the event to beat the rush. All attendees also received $20 in free slot play (new rewards members, $10 current members) at SugarHouse Casino. Event-goers…

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    Jill Beckel

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    Philly Restaurant and Bar BLUME Blooms at VIP Preview Party

    June 5, 2019

    Balboa Supper Club and Stateside Vodka Perform a Festivus Miracle!

    February 7, 2018

    Spring Was in the Air (and the Food) at the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party

    May 18, 2017
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Wine Loving Tria Taproom Adds Cocktails to the Boozy Menu

    July 5, 2017 /

    Story by Tiffany DuBois, photos by Eric Morales On a beautiful and warm afternoon, local Philly favorite Tria Taproom launched a new series of cocktails that will leave you feeling really good. The trio of Tria restaurants have always been known for their incredible selection of wine and craft beers but now they have thrown their hat into the cocktail ring with four new cocktails and all four were delicious. Your hardest decision will be which one to try first. I recommend you try them all but make sure you have a safe way to get home afterwards! Tria has always been in the forefront of being environmentally conscience. There…

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    Tiffany Dubois

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    Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders

    June 16, 2025

    Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls by Road Trip

    June 4, 2024

    Escape to a Private Island in San Diego, California at Loews Coronado

    December 30, 2024
  • Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Garces Foundation Gala Urges to Think Local, Give Local at Lowes Hotel

    June 8, 2017 /

    Story by Jennifer Ferrell, photos by Renee DiPietro “America is immigrants.”- Chef Jose Garces The Think Local, Give Local Gala hosted by Philadelphia’s very own restauranteur and Iron Chef, Jose Garces, gave patrons an opportunity to aid in the Garces Foundation created to benefit Philadelphia’s immigrant community. As a child of immigrants hailing from Ecuador, Garces’ created a foundation that provides health and education services to the underserved immigrant population under his employment. To celebrate this worthy cause, the gala, held at the Loews Hotel in Center City, boasted delicious tastings from numerous Philadelphia restaurants while attendees bid silently on food themed items whilst sipping Tito’s Homemade Vodka and tasty wine.…

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    Jennifer Ferrell

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    Enjoy a Low Key Vibe at Villa Cosy Hotel and Spa in Saint Tropez, France

    November 17, 2025

    Don’t Steal from the Petrified Forest in Arizona

    April 23, 2021

    Philadelphia Flower Show’s The Garden Electric Shines at Pennsylvania Convention Center

    November 6, 2023
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