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Explore With Cassie

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

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

    Three Time James Beard Award Winner Chef Sherry Yard Tantalizes Tastebuds with Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona

    November 28, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Located right next to the new, pimped out iPic Theaters in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tanzy restaurant also had a makeover recently. Award-winning Chef Sherry Yard, Chief Operating Officer for iPic® Theaters and Tuck Hospitality Group, is proud to introduce the new Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale. Presenting a new menu featuring garden-fresh ingredients and handmade dishes inspired by bold flavors and delicate techniques, Tanzy’s offerings are complemented by Executive Bartender/Corporate Sommelier Adam Seger’s innovative beverage program. Tanzy’s artisanal Italian concept remains the prominent backbone of the restaurant’s new menu, which features time-tested classics alongside original new dishes, all of which are handmade under Yard’s direction by Tanzy’s Corporate…

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    Cassie Hepler

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

    Bizet’s Opera ‘Carmen’ Seduces Crowds at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music

    October 24, 2018 /

    There’s no missing exactly who and what have arrived. Vive le stage drop! “Love is a rebellious bird that no one can tame.” – Georges Bizet, Carmen, Act I Story, photos by Sharon Kozden – cast photos provided by Steven Pisano for Opera Philadelphia How is it possible I’ve lived so long without attending an opera? My only awareness of opera came when Glenn Close’s bunny-boiler character in “Fatal Attraction” was obsessed with “Madame Butterfly.” Then there was the ‘Til Tuesday “Voices Carry” video, where Aimee Mann won’t hush-hush at another operatic-looking performance. Yep: my vast store of knowledge in all things opera is formidable, I know. I just always…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Stages American Bandstand Themed Fall Ball

    January 10, 2018

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

    June 2, 2025

    Explore Spiritually Uplifting Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

    June 14, 2018
  • 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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    Refresh your Soul in the Turquoise Caribbean Sea at S Hotel Montego Bay, Jamaica

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    9 Bad Christmas Events to Look Out For

    December 16, 2023

    Bluecoat Gin Helps Expand Sofitel Hotel’s Outdoor Cafe, Liberté Blue

    November 22, 2017
  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Sit Back and Relax with a Fun Night Out at Movie Tavern in Collegeville, PA

    October 10, 2018 /

    Photos, story by Jill Beckel Sick of doing the same thing weekend after weekend? Then you’ve got to check out the Movie Tavern! The Collegeville, PA Movie Tavern includes everything for the perfect date night or a night out with friends and family. All you have to do is buy your movie ticket at the counter once you arrive and then choose your seats. We chose to see Ocean’s 8 starring eight actress powerhouses. Once seated, you can press the button on your arm rest for service and your waiter or waitress will come right over to take your order! The Movie Tavern’s drink and food menu was large and we had a hard time…

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    Jill Beckel

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    All Aboard the Moshulu, the World’s Oldest & Largest Tall Ship with Restaurant in Philadelphia

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    Concord, California Offers Country Cool Coastal Vibes in Small City Setting

    October 3, 2018

    Recharge in Nature at Arizona’s Artists Home in Cottonwood

    October 10, 2023
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Round of Applause for Bravo! Cucina Italiania in Lehigh Valley Mall, Pennsylvania

    September 19, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Sharon Kozden While June 6th is known far and wide as the anniversary of 1944’s “D-Day Invasion,” it’s overshadowed each year in my family by the occasion of my mother’s birthday. She turned 91 this year (her longevity secret’s a secret!), and I was pleased that she could accompany me to Bravo! Cucina Italiana for a celebratory dinner. The day was a hot one. Consequently, I was concerned the heat would cause appetite suppression, resulting in side-salads-as-entrée orders rather than the anticipated chow-down with gusto. But no worries necessary as, once inside, the cool air hit and the foodie fest was on! Bravo! Cucina Italiana is a…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Away Spa at W Scottsdale Whisks Your Stress Away

    March 2, 2020

    Meet Philadelphia’s Own America’s Next Top Model Christina Anderson McDonald

    January 30, 2018

    Fine Dining Slays at Steak 44 at Camelback Mountain, Arizona

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  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage

    Membership Not Required at Springfield Country Club’s Tavola Restaurant

    September 12, 2018 /

    Enjoy the country club’s 6,000 square foot-expansion (all outdoors!) of Tavola. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard Within the past year, I’ve become a country mouse, who doesn’t much get out and about to country clubs. I’m so country, in fact, that local honey is produced by honeybees on the property where I live. Hens lay eggs. Doves coo. Woodpeckers peck. Trees hang low with fruit. All number of critter sounds abound, while cars pass infrequently along a quiet, solitary road. I even have a screen door that can slam. Still, when my editor offers an assignment, I’m at the…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Turn a Passion for Cocoa into a Profession and Empower Impoverished Women

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    Refresh your Soul in the Turquoise Caribbean Sea at S Hotel Montego Bay, Jamaica

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

    SPiN into a Funky Ping Pong Bar at Newest Spot in Philadelphia

    September 12, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Jennifer Ferrell In the spring of 2007, Friday night ping pong parties in a Tribeca loft hosted by Jonathan Bricklin and Franck Raharinosy, known as “naked ping-pong”, quickly grew from a few friends to a few hundred. Artists, models, bankers, hipsters and celebrities mingled to create quite a SPiN. In the summer of 2009, Bricklin and Raharinosy joined forces with Andrew Gordon to launch SPiN, with the opening of its flagship location in New York City. Today, SPiN has grown into a global brand, with venues in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Philadelphia, Seattle, Austin, and soon Washington, D.C. with more on the way. Except nobody is…

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    Jennifer Ferrell

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    Travel to Hong Kong, Your Gateway to China

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    Philly Fashion Week’s Winter Wonderland Party Wears It Well at Fashion District Philadelphia

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    Uptown Beer Garden Mutates Upside Down for Spooky Season with ‘Stranger Things’ Theme

    October 23, 2022
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Escape to Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch Resort for Otherworldly Cuisine

    August 21, 2018 /

    Photos, story by Cassie Hepler Tucked away in the lush forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley Ranch resort enjoys luxury and simplicity. And the attached California casual dining spot, Valley Kitchen, offers the luxury of simplicity. Plus the food doesn’t get any more local than this. The fun, vibrant restaurant embodies the unique values, spirit and tastes of the Carmel Valley Ranch experience. Think fields of lavender, fresh honey and even it’s own small batch winery. Inspiration comes easy with the breathtaking natural surroundings to the local gardens, orchards, pristine oceans and neighboring vineyards. Designed by Rodrigo Vargas Design at the resort’s social hub and heart, Valley Kitchen…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel Welcomes Guests Like Family

    September 24, 2023

    Take a Hike and Be Amazed at the Sonoran Desert in Arizona

    December 11, 2019

    Interior Vehicle Design Ideas to Make Your Car Have a Vibe

    March 1, 2023
  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Lots of Fall Fun at the Pour the Core Festival at the Philadelphia Navy Yard

    August 15, 2018 /

    Photos, story By Jill Beckel With temps in the 70’s, it was a beautiful, sunny fall day for the 4th annual Pour the Core. Located at the Philly Navy Yard, there was ample parking for the event (score!). There was a long line to get in, but it moved quickly. Visitors of the festival were soon sweating in their sweaters and boots as they explored all that the festival had to offer. The festival featured a wide array of ciders – most we had never sampled before. From sweet to tart, the possibilities were endless and we had a blast checking them all out. We especially liked Downeast Cider House and Crispin…

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    Jill Beckel

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    December 21, 2017
  • 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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