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Marriott Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Offers Beachside Relaxation Minutes from the Airport
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Nestled on a sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay in Mexico, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers a combination of zen, nature and fun in the sun. We had been discussing this visit for months, finally making it a reality seemed so surreal and I was psyched. I ended up talking to a former teacher turned principal on the plane most of the flight down, discussing philosophy and the meaning of life. Pretty heavy travel talk, but I loved it! This mountain-meets-ocean resort is only 7 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport which is a relief in itself…
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Get all the Good Vibes at Sky Rock Sedona in Arizona
Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Sky Rock Sedona got a magical makeover! With 360-degree views of Sedona’s Red Rocks including Snoopy Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Coffee Pot Rock, no other boutique hotel in the area can compare. After a full remodel in March 2024, this rad space offers those iconic Red Rocks views in every direction, 109 modern rooms and suites with comfortable beds, outdoor pool, hot tub, free shuttle, musicians on the weekends and all the energy work you ever wanted each evening – all without leaving the property. There’s even a hiking path across the street from Sky Rock Sedona if you want to get out there…
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Bank and Bourbon Offers Endless Whiskey Paired with Perfect Steak in Philly
Photos, story and video by Cassie Hepler Where are my women who love whiskey? And I don’t mean the watered down with fruit juice kind of cocktails. I mean the ones who absolutely adore an old fashioned nightcap and if anything hurts in your body or joints, bourbon can fix it. I don’t know what it is about this spirit, but it has my heart and soul. It’s a go-to drink of choice for me especially when I just need a good, reliable stiff drink. And at Bank and Bourbon, the list of whiskey options and flights are endless! They also have low to no-alcohol mocktails available too for all…
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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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Step Into Art Deco Opulence at Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I had my first heat migraine in Philadelphia… and home base is in Phoenix, Arizona now! Crazy, right?! It was the weirdest experience. I went downtown for a meeting on one of the hottest days recorded in Philly, made a silly little video near City Hall where the wind was trying to make my dress moon people in my granny panties nearby and went back to West Philly via the Septa trolley. I cranked on and down the AC, turned the lights off and took a couple Motrin. I couldn’t think straight and everything was confusing to someone who is usually smart as…
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Eat Art at The Garden Restaurant & Explore European Artists in Philadelphia
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Escape the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia at The Garden Restaurant in the Barnes Museum! Helmed by Executive Chef Michael O’Meara, this artsy fartsy space has a seasonal, full menu celebrating local farms with fresh ingredients located inside Barnes Museum in the Art Museum area of Philadelphia… where the Rocky steps are. The space has a light-filled indoor dining room with art flanking the walls, an open kitchen and boasts views of a private walled garden with al fresco dining, weather permitting of course. With light and hearty options, house made desserts and a curated list of local beers and wines served by…
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Amina Slays Southern Cuisine with African Influences in Old City, Philadelphia
Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I dub Amina Philly as Philadelphia’s best soul food, hands down! Located in Old City, this vibey space has seriously next level flavors that will leave you licking your fingers and hungry for more. It really is a #findyourtribe space that is Black owned and run by Felicia Wilson with Chef Darryl Harmon formerly from Fairmount Water Works leading the outstanding flavor train. I went in on a Thursday night in not the best mood and by the time I left, I was laughing, tipsy and stuffed silly with Southern Cuisine with African influences. This takes putting the South in your mouth to…
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Westin Tempe, Arizona Offers Perfect Location to Stay & Play for ASU Crew
Story, photos (unless otherwise noted), videos by Cassie Hepler When I first moved to Arizona, I rented an Airbnb studio in Tempe called the hobbit hole somewhere downtown close enough to ride your bicycle but too far to walk especially in the heat. That was my first experience with Tempe, Arizona and I do have fond memories of it. My hosts were amazing and knowing I was relocating, told me if I found an apartment (or in my case, an Arcadia casita), they would gladly release the rest of my stay and even help me move. Talk about Western hospitality! So my first impression was excellent in this area. Known…
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Get Your Wild West on and go Golfing at Rancho de Los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler The first time I visited Wickenburg, Arizona was for an old Western town style photoshoot at Robson’s Ranch for local and out of town models. I had no clue what I was getting into at the time but was new to the desert and thought it would be a great way to meet some fresh faces and see new places. I has just bought my brand-new Honda whip at the time and remember being a little stressed about driving on long, windy rock roads… it seems that old West town for rent still exists although more rundown but it’s kind of rad concept.…
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Glamping in an AirStream at The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona
Photos, story and video by Cassie Hepler The nice thing about living in Phoenix is the short drive to surrounding towns that take you to a completely different vibe in any direction. And moving to North Phoenix which for is 20 minutes directly above the city much like when I lived in the Manayunk section of Philly ironically, offers you all the highways only about a mile away. Learning the rhythm of any city is the key to keeping your driving sanity and it’s no different here: skip rush hour from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. So we headed down to Queen Creek, just…
