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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

    Step Inside Philadelphia’s First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Fishtown

    December 19, 2018 /

    Media members (and other invitees) check in for the May 2nd preview ahead of Restore’s official May 30th opening. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Cannabis be true? While never imagining I’d find myself in the vicinity of a medical marijuana dispensary, that’s precisely where my Uber driver deposited me on the evening of May 2nd, when Restore Integrative Wellness Center hosted a VIP preview party to introduce members of the media, politicians and business owners to Philadelphia’s first such “house of well repute” located on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia’s Fishtown. Finally and at long last (Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, legalizing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, on April 17, 2016),…

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    Sharon Kozden

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

    November 25, 2024

    Build a Glamping Dome in Your Backyard with Phoenix Domes

    July 8, 2024
  • Destinations,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Blown Away by Bank and Bourbon’s Fine Dining at Loews Hotel in Philadelphia, PA

    October 16, 2018 /

    Photos, story by Lauren Aynn From the moment you enter Bank & Bourbon, you know you are in for a first class experience located inside Loews Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. Upon entering for the first time, I was in awe of the atmosphere they have created. From the wooden beams and exposed pipes on the ceiling, to the tufted leather banquettes, Bank & Bourbon offers up a space filled with a rustic, yet modern opulence.               The bar itself features a “bourbon barrel-aging program for unique house-aged cocktails and liquors” as well as a list of craft beers and wine. Also for the coffee lovers like myself Bank &…

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    Lauren Welinsky

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    Mizzou Madness

    Foodie and Mizzou Fan’s Guide to Exploring Columbia, Missouri

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    The Power of Beauty and the Art of Conversation with Curator Archie Broady

    May 15, 2024

    Spring into the Sierra Nevada Mountain Culture in Carson Valley

    March 25, 2020
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Shake Shack’s Chicken Creation is White Hot Meaty Goodness!

    May 16, 2018 /

    Story by Kelly Kusumoto, photos by Colleen Cahill Shake Shack unveiled its newest item to an already difficult-to-choose-from menu. The “Hot Chick’n” sandwich made its debut and ever since it has been taking over sales at the King of Prussia establishment. Store manager Charlotte was kind enough to take a few minutes from her hectic schedule to tell us a little more about it. She said there had been more orders for the new sandwich than for their regular chicken sandwich and that it is on par with sales for their famous ShackBurgers over the past week. While we were waiting for our food, we overheard patrons say they’d rather…

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    Kelly Kusumoto

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    First Tonino Lamborghini Store in the United States Opens in Las Vegas, Nevada

    May 7, 2020

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

    November 23, 2016

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

    September 15, 2017
  • 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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    Amina Slays Southern Cuisine with African Influences in Old City, Philadelphia

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    James Beard Media Awards Bites the Big Apple at NYC’s Chelsea Piers

    September 12, 2019

    Explore Chacchoben Ruins and Blue Lagoon in Costa Maya, Mexico

    April 4, 2023
  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Helpusadopt.org Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Making Family Miracles

    May 10, 2018 /

    Who wouldn’t be hard pressed to avert his or her eyes from this clearly radiant and innocent child? “However motherhood comes to you, it’s a miracle.” – Valerie Harper Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’ll just come right out and say it: I can’t take much. In other words, I’m highly sensitive, which can be a double-edged sword of both blessing and curse. I’m told that I feel too much yet wouldn’t have it any other way. Surmising that the Helpusadopt.org 10th anniversary Family Building Benefit at the Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova might require less eye make-up for an evening out (lest the waterworks flow), I played it sparingly. And…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Supporting Small Businesses at Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona

    May 12, 2025

    Drinking For Fun, And Drinking To Excess: A Primer

    January 12, 2024

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

    August 12, 2024
  • 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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    Escape to Foodie Paradise at Bucks County Restaurant Week in Washington House Hotel

    June 6, 2018

    Get all the Good Vibes at Sky Rock Sedona in Arizona

    October 21, 2024

    Explore Nice, France in the Calmer Shoulder Season of October

    November 10, 2025
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Run, Don’t Walk to theVillage’s Third Annual Health and Wellness Fair

    March 14, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “To be a consistent winner means preparing not just one day, one month or even one year – but for a lifetime.” – Bill Rodgers I’m one of those runners who registers for a race but come the morning of (typically a 6:00 a.m. or earlier call), decide instead I’d rather be breakfasting leisurely in some charming café. That said, during the 16-plus years I’ve been running competitively, I missed few actual races (either because of crappy weather or the rare injury). Otherwise, I always managed to rise to the occasion, to show up. That’s exactly what I did on the morning of October 21st, when theVillage hosted its It Takes theVillage health and wellness…

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    Sharon Kozden

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

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

    December 30, 2024

    Chill Out, Recharge with Ganja Goddess Getaway at Venture Retreat Center in Pescadero, CA

    October 31, 2018
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Old Man Winter Is No Match for Zoup’s! Comfort Soup

    March 7, 2018 /

    “A Jewish woman had two chickens. One got sick, so the woman made chicken soup out of the other one to help the sick one get well.” – Henny Youngman Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Full disclosure: I don’t much care for soup. I fault my mom for that as well as for having sent me to charm school at 12 years of age. But that’s another story altogether, which I’ll reserve for my memoir. The onset of my soup-phobia began in childhood, when our soup staples alternated between thin chicken-noodle with two pea-sized bits of poultry of questionable authenticity. It’s alternative was chicken with rice, equally runny and with the same meager addition of a barely-there protein…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    November 20, 2019

    Holiday Gift Guide for a Tough Year and Tight Budget

    December 8, 2025

    Philadelphia International Airport Lands American Express’s Prestigious Centurion Lounge

    May 10, 2018
  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Exercise Like an Acrobat at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

    February 20, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Dana J. Prophet From humble beginnings and moving to a brand new location in Mt. Airy, the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts held an open house to invite their new neighbors and curious onlookers to see the magic happen. Inside the church and school, 28,000 square feet will be available for classes, training space, performances, private sessions, rentals and weddings, special events, birthday parties, office space, staff lounge and kitchen, student lounge, storage and more. The 5,000-square-foot sanctuary features a 40 foot high ceiling, stained glass windows, a viewing gallery and additional space for new trampoline classes. Under the sanctuary rests a 5,000-square-foot gymnasium with a 17 foot…

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    Dana Prophet

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    Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival Represents Fragility, Beauty of Life at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Philadelphia

    July 3, 2019

    Experience Luxury at Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose CA, the Only Boutique Hotel on Santana Row

    October 19, 2017

    Relax in the Small Town of Wilsonville, Just South of Portland, Oregon

    April 10, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Lifestyle

    Travel to Hong Kong, Your Gateway to China

    February 14, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Kelly Kusumoto Have you ever thought about a trip to China but found yourself intimidated by the cultural differences or the language barrier? It can be daunting, but there are a few things you should know before skipping Hong Kong for Europe… again. Hong Kong is where East meets West. Only in Seoul and Tokyo will you find places in the Far East as open to us Westerners as Hong Kong. But unlike South Korea and Japan, Hong Kong was once under British rule. From 1842 to 1997 (with a Japanese WWII interruption), Hong Kong was a British colony. That means many of its inhabitants speak English.…

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    Kelly Kusumoto

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