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Holiday Gift Guide for a Tough Year and Tight Budget
Story by Cassie Hepler, submitted images This year has been absolute shit! With a few glimmers in my life along the way of 2025 like visiting Cancun, California and the South of France, it’s been literally like pulling teeth since the Annoying Orange took office, tanked the US economy, gaslights Americans every morning with fresh bullshit and the year isn’t even over yet. That said, I know I’m not the only one stashing some celebratory champagne in my fridge. If you know, you know… Starting with replacing my whole air conditioning unit – on my roof – to fixing the stackable washing machine (and hiring men from Taskrabbit to move…
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Unique Things to Do in Saint Tropez, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Places to Eat in Saint Tropez After checking into Villa Cosy Hotel and Spa and exploring with some tours and wine time, we walked down to have dinner at family owned Marcellino to enjoy Italian and Mediterranean food, located right on the Saint Tropez harbor. After all you are there for the views and what views they are! At this point, your eyes are also hungry to enjoy the views, sights, smells and sound of South of France. We were served family style for this meal paired with rose, which seems to be the go-to when in a group setting in Côte d’Azur.…
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Enjoy a Low Key Vibe at Villa Cosy Hotel and Spa in Saint Tropez, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I went back to the airport in Nice, France to meet the rest of the press trip crew before this Côte d’Azur adventure officially kicked off! With some rest (and exploring Nice) under my belt already, I felt ready and refreshed for once since I flew in that Friday. I arrived early as usual from the Novotel Nice Arénas Airport hotel shuttle. While I thought maybe I booked too many nights ahead of time, it turned out to be just right as Spring Cassie would have needed a day or two max to recover but Fall Cassie is much more jacked up on…
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Explore Nice, France in the Calmer Shoulder Season of October
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler It’s been almost a year since I’ve been on French soil in the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten which was like doing a wine tasting, just dipping my tongue back into the delicious culture of France. So when the Atout France (Explore France) tourism board reached out for a media mixer earlier this year at the Arizona Biltmore, I was all in. We kept in touch through all the many debacles I’ve had this summer (I will fondly remember 2025 as the summer from hell) and went ahead and booked this press trip for October, right before Halloween week. Originally, I was going…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Explore the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Arizona’s Native American Indian Tribes
One thing I love most about Arizona is its rich cultural background. Of course the first Americans were Native Americans and I also enjoy that my home state celebrates this history of the United States of America properly – not the white-washed version. The lands are sacred and you can physically feel it through your soul. When people ask me why I moved here, it is some of the best rest I’ve ever gotten in my life. And because the earth is alive here, it can go both ways as in it can spit you out for being offensive or offer you abundance. So this fall we celebrate the rich…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Marriott Irvine Spectrum Offers Restful, Upscale Hotel to Explore Orange County, California
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I’ve been a Marriott Bonvoy member since I was a teenager. Starting at Penn State University at 17 years old because my birthday is in September, it’s been a no brainer to rack up points with a brand I can rely on for this extra picky back – and now neck. So I don’t have to stress out over is the bed good? Will I be in more pain? Those issues don’t exist when booking with Marriott. I already know and that’s what keeps me coming back. So when Destination Irvine reached out, it was easy breezy and my first press trip…
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Instagram Worthy Vacations Could be Killing Wildlife
We know… you absolutely LOVE corporate conglomerate bootlicking Meta via Instagram and getting that my-life-is-so-perfect photo for your grid however there seems to be some basic decorum in empathy lacking in today’s society. I don’t know if it’s bad manners or just plain lack of respect but it can be seen from something as simple as going to the grocery store (like move your cart out of the middle of the lane while you shop, for the love of God) to traveling where a stranger will literally elbow you out of the way – or worse in your shot – to get a good pic. It’s been the bane of…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Loews Hotel Philadelphia Sparks Red, White and Views at Fireworks Watch Party
Iconic, indeed! Loews Hotel Philadelphia’s 33rd floor really made for some exquisite panoramic views at the fireworks’ watch party. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “I’ve learned through the years that it’s not where you live, it’s the people who surround you that make you feel at home.” – J.B. McGee “You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” ― Trenton Lee Stewart Not to put too fine a point on it, but it’s…
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Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Fall Foliage Spots to Visit this Fall
Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Fall Foliage Spots We all know the East Coast has some of the best leaf peeping area across the USA. But nothing can relate to Pennsylvania’s breathtaking fall landscapes where the mountains and trees are lined with various autumn colors glowing in the sunshine. From the Pocono Mountains north of Philadelphia to the Laurel Highlands, it’s a must-see for anyone who is obsessed with exploring fall colors across the world. It’s the little things like nature’s beauty in life that make life worth living. Sometimes you have to step out of the rat race and regroup in peaceful serenity. Growing up in Central Pennsylvania and then living…
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Radisson Lackawanna Train Station Hotel in Scranton, Pennsylvania is Hauntingly Majestic
Story, videos by Cassie Hepler After I booked a flight to Central Pennsylvania to visit my family, a long-lost Philly friend and photographer reached out randomly to say hello. We decided to meet up on one of the hottest, record-breaking days in June over 100 degrees with humidity which is pure, sweaty Betty hell outside. The best bet place to meet halfway was Scranton, Pennsylvania and I asked him to find somewhere good to go and that he did! I was not expecting such an amazing, dreamy location existed but here we are – and it’s haunted to boot. And yes, Scranton is the inspiration city where The Office was…
