-
It’s the Cats Meow at the Phoenix Feline Fanciers in Mesa, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler When my friend mentioned going to a cat show with Phoenix Feline Fanciers, I was all in before she finished that sentence! This is Arizona‘s biggest cat show after all and they claim to see up to 35 beautiful cat breeds but we certainly saw way more than that – and even held some which was a savory treat for this childless cat lady. Dubbed family friendly and for all ages, there were some children but mostly just cat lovers, fanatics and all the merch Miss or Mister Kitty can ever dream of under one roof. I don’t know why dog shows get…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Easy Hikes for Beginners in Bryce Canyon, Utah
Easy Hikes in Bryce Canyon Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Celebrate the summer solstice by hiking Bryce Canyon, Utah! What better way to celebrate the seasons than immersing yourself in nature? We ended up with one of the hottest weeks in June so far and had to make due with the weather we were given. Also we were both healing from various injuries still and had to take it easy. If this was before the summer of hell 2025, I would have been shredding up all those trails in style and thirsty for more minus the heat. But alas, this is part of my story now and part…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Explore Bryce Canyon Country from Stone Canyon Inn Cabins in Tropic, Utah
Cabins in Bryce Canyon, Utah Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler We were so excited to explore Bryce Canyon Country, Utah finally! This was a rescheduled press trip from last summer with Bryce Canyon Country that is now a gals road tripping adventure, low key style. Originally last July, we were supposed to join a group press trip that included horseback riding, ATVs through the canyons and group hikes which all are still not quite attainable to this day. Fortunately the tourism board was very understanding about the summer from hell 2025 and were more than happy to reschedule and arrange a private visit for me and a guest.…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Stay and Play in a Private Condo at Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas in Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Everyone wonders what we do in Arizona when the weather gets to be over 100 degrees in the summer. We do a LOT of staycations in the valley to get out of the house! And it’s like reversed winter except we can leave the comfort of cool air conditioning, go to our cars with air conditioning and then go to the next spot with AC, no snow or icy roads trapping us inside for days on end. That’s why there are a lot of snowbirds we call them, people who flee for the summer and come back during peak season which is usually…
- 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…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
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…
-
Unique Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Courtesy of S Hotel Montego Bay in Jamaica, an all-inclusive resort located on pristine Doctor’s Cave beach, offers a medley of activities and tours to explore outside of the resort and encourages visitors to do so as much as possible! If you are not staying with the hotel, there are a variety of ways to take a tour including the old fuck around and find out where you just wander the Hip Strip streets nearby and a ton of people will offer you everything from weed to private tours. For solo female travelers, you are good to go doing most anything by daytime…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Refresh your Soul in the Turquoise Caribbean Sea at S Hotel Montego Bay, Jamaica
Photos, videos and story by Cassie Hepler Doctor’s Cave beach is said to have healing powers which is why it’s the Jamaican gem! S Hotel Montego Bay is an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica set right on this beach with lounge chairs, trees and drinks to enjoy while you swim your heart out or live your best life relaxing in the shade or soaking up the sunshine. Half of the beach is meant for guests only as well with plenty of lifeguards nearby so you can swim without worry. Located only 5 minutes from the Sangster International Airport, you can be getting your feet wet, sandy and your palate…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Go Truffle Hunting, Foraging for Flowers & Shopping in Force with Italy Charme
Truffle Hunting in Italy Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Go truffle hunting in Italy! No pigs here at Agriturismo Ramusè but sweet dogs sniffing out the golden mushrooms, Cocker Spaniel mixes of the tan colored Electra and fuzzy Briciola. These pricey pups either come pre-trained at $3,000 to $7,000 Euro per dog or you can hire a Northern Italy truffle dog trainer for about $1,000 Euro a month. Paolo Ciccioli, owner of Agriturismo Ramusè and former truffle exporter to London, led us on a mountainside adventure in the drizzling rain where the black mushrooms were almost popping out of the ground because of the downpour. I thoroughly enjoyed…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Live like a Queen in an 1,000 Year Old Castle, Castel di Luco in Italy
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Sleep like a queen in a 1,000 year old castle! Castel di Luco is said to be built on a sacred forest where Pagan rites were celebrated because of the magical waters lurking below. Evidence of the castle goes back as far as 1052 and has survived religious rulers, aristocratic families, invasions, liberations, prisoners, murders, births, marriages and no doubt illicit love affairs fit for a modern day romance novel. Throughout all this time, it has maintained its status as one of the rarest and most unique castles in Italy’s Piceno region, with a surprisingly intact appearance as a medieval architectural structure. We…
