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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

    JDRF Celebrates Hope with One Promise Gala at Loews Philadelphia

    August 1, 2018 /

    Tres elegant and sparkling program design. “Diabetes is a lousy, lousy disease.” – Elaine Stritch Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Diabetes IS a “lousy, lousy” disease. In fact, I might add a third “lousy” to that statement to further drive home the message and truth. I once recall thinking – if I had to endure and manage a physical-health issue – type 1 diabetes is the single most awful disease that I’d never want to have. So many checks and balances to regulate insulin levels … a seemingly all-consuming daily, no let-up effort. It’s heartbreaking to imagine little ones in particular having to self-monitor and perform such necessary measures to…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona

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

    Philly’s Landmark Americana Tap and Grill Delivers Good Grub

    July 4, 2018 /

    Façade of Landmark Americana Tap & Grill’s City Line locale in the heart of St. Joseph’s University campus. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden When life gives you lemons, add drinks, wings and ribs!  – In part, me. Just sayin’ before you read on … with apologies to Clement C. Moore ‘Twas the week before Super Bowl LII, when all through Landmark Americana Tap & Grill’s City Line location, all the sports’ fans were stoked and rocking the house. The wings were outstanding, all chicken, little bone, and my ten were divided between sauces mild with spice bite and honey barbeque sweet. The wings were all nestled, snug in their sauce, while not overly so…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Live Out Your Mermaid Fantasies in a Shipping Container Pool Studio

    July 15, 2024

    Ricky Nelson Remembered Tour Stops at Borgata Atlantic City – Gunnar Talks Growing Up in the Business

    July 5, 2017

    Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls by Road Trip

    June 4, 2024
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Connect to Conquer: Philadelphia’s Union League Hosts YBConnected’s Charity Event

    June 27, 2018 /

    Let’s get this (benefit) party started! “The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water and food.” – Dean Ornish Story, photos by Sharon Kozden YBConnected – why be connected, indeed? It’s a timely and provocative question, particularly in these often (in so many ways) “trying” times. It saddens me a bit that, when I initially think of connection, what first comes to mind is social media – connected with others in virtual reality. Then again, I’m probably not alone with this sign of the times, which is precisely why I’m enamored with YBConnected‘s philosophy. To wit: “We believe the efforts you spend…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Unique Things to Do in Ocho Rios and Kingston, Jamaica

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    Visit Philly’s Overnight Hotel Packages Offer Sizzlin’ Stay & Play Deals

    August 13, 2019

    Visit California Wineries the Classy Way with San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour

    June 12, 2019
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Tasty Wings, Burgers and Beer at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant in Oaks, PA

    June 21, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Jill Beckel The newest member of the P.J. Whelihan’s brand, P.J. Oaks, will be your new go-to spot for happy hour, game nights and meeting up with friends. P.J. Oaks opened its doors in Montgomery County, PA in 2016. P.J. Whelihan’s Pub + Restaurant is part of the well-loved P.J.W. Restaurant group. Now with 14 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and an additional 3 arena locations, P.J. Whelihan’s is quickly becoming a Philadelphia area staple. Known for a massive craft beer selection, an incomparable game-day experience, and of course, The Official Wing of Wing Bowl, P.J.’s demonstrates every day just how much #PJsDoesItBetter. We stopped by the…

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    Jill Beckel

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    Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA Electrifies Audiences Under the Big Top in Oaks, PA

    January 16, 2019

    Philadelphia’s Nightmare Before Tinsel Halloween Pop-up Complements Day of the Dead

    October 21, 2020

    Flip the Script about Kingston, Jamaica with Locally Owned S Hotel Kingston

    July 6, 2026
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    East Coast Hollywood: Philadelphia Film Society Screens Oscar Awards at Prince Theater

    June 13, 2018 /

    While not the Emerald City of Los Angeles, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection reps the 90th Academy Awards as only Philadelphia can. Kai-Kai’s inaugural stay at a pet-friendly hotel. My baby lives the luxe life! Story, photos by Sharon Kozden None in Philadelphia will forget the snow and wind-storm of March, 2018. I lost power for six days and had to locate (in order to cover this event) a pet-friendly hotel, hence the unexpected snap of a kitten. Thanks to the pet-friendly (at no extra charge!) The Windsor Suites for accommodating Kai-Kai Kozden, my beloved Maine Coon kitty, pictured at the hotel with Benjamin Kutner-Duff, who fell…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    DJ Ruckus Continues His Residency at Borgata’s Premier Nightclub, Talks Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian and More

    May 22, 2016

    Explore Copenhagen, Denmark without leaving the USA in Solvang, California

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    Merkin Vineyards in Arizona Offers Outstanding Reds, Food and Music

    January 12, 2021
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Lifestyle

    Escape to Foodie Paradise at Bucks County Restaurant Week in Washington House Hotel

    June 6, 2018 /

    The Washington House Restaurant’s prix fixe menu tantalizes in its choices. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “Going to a restaurant is one of my keenest pleasures. Meeting someplace with old and new friends, ordering wine, eating food, surrounded by strangers, I think is the core of what it means to live a civilized life.”  –Adam Gopnik I’m not sure why it took so long for Bucks County to establish a restaurant week comprising all of its towns. I’m just glad that 2018 was its inaugural year and that I was a part of it. Hopefully (and judging by what I tasted and witnessed), it’ll become a tradition for the ages.…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Las Posadas of Sedona, Arizona is a Hidden Gem Boutique Hotel with Homemade Breakfast

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    Build a Glamping Dome in Your Backyard with Phoenix Domes

    July 8, 2024

    WXPN’s Xponential Music Festival is Summer Staple in Camden, New Jersey

    May 2, 2019
  • 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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    Philadelphia’s 2018 Flower Show Just Adds Water

    August 16, 2018

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

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

    August 15, 2019
  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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