- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Unique Things to Do in Ocho Rios and Kingston, Jamaica
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler The last time I explored Jamaica was in 2010 with Carnival Destiny! This was before Carnival became problematic by the way, it was on par with Celebrity and other elevated cruise lines back then but meant for a younger, more professional crowd. Some of my favorite excursions included riding horseback on One Drop (because his one ear was floppy) who ended up running my leg into a tree but no damage done, the colorful market, enjoying squishy kayaks at White River Valley where eventually I popped out of mine after some rapids and just swam around in the crystal clear blue waters the…
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Flip the Script about Kingston, Jamaica with Locally Owned S Hotel Kingston
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Get into the Jamaican groove at S Hotel Kingston! Situated in the bustling capital of Kingston, Jamaica, the former Spanish Court Hotel is now under the S Hotels Jamaica umbrella which is ideal for everyone who wants to be close to business centers, tourist attractions and local restaurants within a gated community. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, S Hotels offer hospitality in the heart of Jamaica’s cultural capital. A 50-foot infinity rooftop pool with breathtaking views awaits along with Rocksteady Restaurant and the multiple pool bars serving up Jamaican delicacies and international cuisine. The Blue Mountains and infamous pirate…
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Explore Affordable Luxury on the Italian Riviera at Europa Hotel in Sanremo, Italy
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Flying into Nice, France felt like visiting an old friend even though I was just there last fall! The amount of peace and happy giddiness washed over me as soon as I saw that familiar skyline and sunset. With a pretty smooth flight from Phoenix through British Airways, I had a brief layover in London, England and was soon on my way to my first overnight hotel, safely walkable from the airport even at night. A lot of places will say they have an airport shuttle in both France and Italy so be certain that it actually exists and without hidden fees by…
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Places to Eat in Santa Fe, New Mexico from Frugal to Fancy
Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I love food. Period. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a food truck, my neighbor, a street vendor or a fancy restaurant because I don’t have any food allergies thankfully. This whole hierarchy of travel tracking for only luxury food locations is just gross. Travel is travel. If you are out of your hometown, you are traveling. I don’t care if you’re staying at La Quinta Inn Santa Fe or The Inn of Five Graces, you’re still exploring another culture and this shaming people for traveling on different budgets is just so icky. When I was in my 20s, I was doing a…
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Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada Besides Gambling
Story and videos by Cassie Hepler, Submitted Photos I’ve never enjoyed gambling. Watching my hard-earned money disappear within seconds and not returning anything tangible is not my idea of a good time. I do however like to watch people gamble as a lot of my friends enjoy it. I legit learned in two hours watching someone that Blackjack, or 21, is literally counting cards except you’re not supposed to count cards. I also learned that if you get free play from a casino (which seems to be drying up like the desert in summer), to just stick to penny slots and hit buttons. For real, I have no clue WTF…
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The Modern Day Wife hosts What She Said Miami, Florida Style
Story, photos by Jeni Paradiso Arriving at the Icon Brickell condos – one of the most revered residential addresses in Miami, Florida with luxury finishes and world-class amenities – again after having been a teacher for a belly dance class, this was sheer pleasure to attend the What She Said Miami event hosted by The Modern Day Wife. What She Said is a movement across the United States to empower and inform women to elevate their lives, families and businesses. Not only for wives, it’s for all women to uplift each other and we’re all about that at Explore! Publisher Cassie Hepler has attended, helped promote and runway model for…
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Best Places to Travel According to Your Zodiac Sign
This review is over 3 years old so hopefully they have worked out the app kinks! What could be better than holidays with ski slopes, mugs of mulled wine, and people pretending they love frostbite? In this magical period, you want to feel like you are in a movie: a little romance, a little snow and a lot of garlands. Or maybe that idea makes you cringe because as if you wouldn’t be on a beach with your toes in the sand?! In light of this, advisors at Nebula, a spiritual guidance platform, have created the ultimate guide for each zodiac sign’s perfect getaway. After all, who knows better what…
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Enjoy a Desert Oasis and Waterfall at Revamped Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona
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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Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia Serves Sexy Blues with a Side of Fine Dining
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler If there’s anywhere jazz and blues worthy in Philadelphia, it’s Chris’ Jazz Cafe and every person you ask – no matter age, race, creed or background – will tell you so. It’s that good. A Center City Philly staple since 1989, it’s the longest operating jazz club in Philadelphia with peak seasons in the fall and spring, attracting visitors from over 50 states and 160 countries. Summer is their slow season so if you like stretching out in your own space, go then! Otherwise get ready to make some fast friends in this intimate, elongated place. Some of the biggest names in jazz…
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Art Car World Bringing Burning Man Vibes to Douglas, Arizona
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Zooming straight away from my bed and breakfast in Bisbee to Douglas, Arizona is a short half hour ride out of the mountains and relatively easy to find at the newish location of Art Car World at 450 E. 8th St. Street, Douglas, AZ 85607. I met up with Harrod Blank, the brains and brand behind the mission outside and he was excited to share his master plans with me. Harrod has that kind of personality that you immediately take to, or maybe I did because we both have that one parent was all business and the other a hippy background. Regardless, we were fast…
