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Escape to a Slice of Heaven in Catalina Island, California
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted), I’ve officially dubbed Santa Catalina Island California’s mini Hawaii, minus the natives and hefty price tag. It has that same laid back, relaxing yet magical vibe. Situated 22 miles southwest from Los Angeles, CA, it feels like another world away as it is only accessible by boat. Our transportation choice was the Catalina Express, which offers three ports to choose from: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Long Beach was closest for me driving in the day before from Phoenix but others are just as well. With up to 30 departures a day, it’s a no brainer to take this vessel…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Polish Your Soul and Your Plate in Sedona, Arizona
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler When you receive a last minute press trip invite to Sedona, Arizona on 11/11, you go. Those in alignment numbers represent a powerful opportunity to connect with your inner self and begin some kick ass spiritual growth. It also signifies that a period of change is about to start within you. And literally earlier that week, the shift was already in motion. So I delved into the energy vortex abyss that is the high vibe of Sedona for a magical weekend! But first we had to swing by the brand new Cove Mesa Vineyard in Cornville, AZ to enjoy a wine tasting and meet the…
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Philadelphia’s Christmas Pop-up Bar Tinsel Amps Up Watts, Tech and Decor
Tinsel’s swirly signage hangs from the Midtown Village building’s gingerbread-house exterior. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “Tinsel is another word to describe anything as being cool or amazing (You are so Tinsel).” — Urban Dictionary Christmas, 2022 is a wrap. Time to recycle-toss the tree and pack-up those fragile ornaments until next year’s production. And speaking of productions, check out this account of my own ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas adventure! On the evening of November 21st, I made the scene at Tinsel, the wildly popular Christmas Pop-up bar owned and operated by Teddy Sourias of Craft Concepts Group, where Sourias and Kory Aversa of Aversa PR & Events were…
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Online Gift Guide for Covid Quarantine Creatures
Story by Cassie Hepler, submitted photos Let’s face it, this year sucks. While there might have been a few highlights along the way (like TikTok reaching out and bringing me aboard for their new educational fund including Bill Nye the Science Guy), it has been physically, emotionally and mentally draining AF for people of all ages. Kids and parents will probably have some sort of Covid PTSD from home schooling while working from home. Couples are struggling to not kill each other by being around each other 24/7 (turns out being in the office may be a blessing as absence makes the heart grow fonder) and singles ponder if they…
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Marriott Phoenix Chandler Hotel Adds Luxury and Class to Chandler, Arizona
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) We love finding hidden gems. Although this one is not so hidden because the Marriott Phoenix Chandler is not only the largest legacy brand full service Marriott in the state (128,000 square feet total), the 264-room property features the greatest amount of hotel conference space in the area at 28,000 feet. Located in the bustling Price Corridor, it is managed by Cincinnati-based Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC., an affiliate company of the Pyramid Hotel Group, which is one of the predominant hotel management companies in the United States. With easy access to Loop 101 and Loop 202, we thought it would…
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Bank on Delicious Tastes, City Views at Loews Hotel in Philadelphia, PA
When in Philly, stay and eat at Loews Hotel and Bank & Bourbon; both rate high marks in my playbook. “New York is a place where people go to reinvent themselves; Philadelphia is a place where people discover who they are.” – Chef Peter McAndrews Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Maybe like me, you’re a country mouse, living outside Philadelphia’s suburbs while still close enough to identify Philly as your home city. Country life has its pluses: falling asleep to the sounds of crickets, sweet silence for lack of passing vehicles on long and winding roads and land expanses with more nature than neighbor views are just a few. I’m talking…
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Hotel Adeline Adds Boutique Flair with Secret Speakeasy to Scottsdale, Arizona
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler My East Coast crew is always asking me where to stay when visiting sunny Arizona. Now I finally have a place to direct people who like to play, stay and enjoy Cambelback Mountain views at all times in Scottsdale, Arizona! Enter Hotel Adeline, which revamped and opened in January 2017, ironically the same time I moved across the country. Formerly a Days Inn, then Clarion Inn, and lastly Scottsdale Inn, the 4.5 acre property underwent a $12 million renovation. With a gated car valet (or open guest parking in the front), you don’t have to worry about your car which is nice. Just park and play!…
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A Unique, Online Gift Guide for Last Minute Holiday Shoppers
Story by Explore, submitted photos/video The year of 2018 has been our best yet for Explore! While our publisher Cassie Hepler moved across the country to Phoenix, Arizona, it has helped expand the blog and gaining more traction and faithful followers every day. We have made some new partnerships and awesome blogger/influencer friends in the Valley of the Sun to California and beyond. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all who have helped us succeed in this crazy, exciting blogging world. From the East Coast to the West Coast, we looking forward to exploring more and outside the USA for 2019. In the meantime, as we…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Walk to the Beach at Daddy O’s Boutique Hotel in Long Beach Island, NJ
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler At the Jersey Shore, everyone knows the best sand-like-flour beaches are in LBI, N.J. Better known as Long Beach Island, the scene is serene and you are literally on an island, far away from real life. For those who don’t want another kitschy Jersey motel and don’t have access to a beach house, Daddy O Hotel in Long Beach Island offers a unique, chic escape with amenities all in one place. It all began in 2006 when the first Daddy O hotel opened its doors in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Two respected arbiters of taste, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal,…
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Save on Lodging, Food in Bermuda with Celebrity Cruises
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler This Spring and Summer have been really heating up in my world! Since getting back from Breathless Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and catching the traveling bug again, I’ve been doing a lot more travel which alway makes my soul happy. I promised one of my besties to go on a cruise with her through Celebrity Cruises which were very nice… and old. Not so much the ship itself but the crowd. Our favorite couple at dinner asked us why we were on this ship with a bunch of old people and we immediately adopted them as our cruise parents. Celebrity is known for…
