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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…
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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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Enjoy Caribbean Sea Views in Every Room at AVA Resort Cancun, Mexico
Photos, story, videos by Cassie Hepler The best things about AVA Cancun is that each upscale room looks out over the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and it’s located 5 miles from Cancun International Airport. And it’s an all-inclusive resort located right below the hotel zone giving it island-style privacy from noisy neighbors. It’s definitely not a crazy Cancun party spot which I appreciated, especially not really being in a very celebratory mood which I will share that debacle story at a later date. The pool closes pretty early and things settle down shortly after sunset. However, the pool music “boots and cats” sounding bass kicks on right after sunrise…
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How to Plan a Visit to Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera’s Hidden Gem
How to Plan a Visit to the Cinque Terre (and What to See) Cinque Terre is perhaps the most quintessential spot along the Italian Riviera. Here’s what to see and where to stay. The Italian Riviera offers travelers a plethora of beauty, with eye-feasting blue waters, rugged coastlines, and brightly colored villages for as far as the eye can see. Perhaps the most quintessential spot is the Cinque Terre – a string of five fishing villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – connected by its own scenic trail. The Cinque Terre villages were once a well-kept local secret and are now an unspoiled Italian gem – with perfectly preserved…
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The Modern Day Wife hosts What She Said Miami, Florida Style
Story, photos by Jeni Paradiso Arriving at the Icon Brickell condos – one of the most revered residential addresses in Miami, Florida with luxury finishes and world-class amenities – again after having been a teacher for a belly dance class, this was sheer pleasure to attend the What She Said Miami event hosted by The Modern Day Wife. What She Said is a movement across the United States to empower and inform women to elevate their lives, families and businesses. Not only for wives, it’s for all women to uplift each other and we’re all about that at Explore! Publisher Cassie Hepler has attended, helped promote and runway model for…
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Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders
Photos, video, story by Cassie Hepler My first experience at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona was overwhelming and awesome! Sponsored by Subaru, I had no idea what I was getting into expect for camping in the woods at the Flagstaff Extreme campgrounds where I previously climbed around in the trees like an Ewok. With over 400 vendors and created by a woman, it’s “educating and inspiring through overland and adventure travel events” which means you will learn literally every camping thing, gadget, gear, RVs, trucks, off-roading and more at this massive moving outdoor convention. After this Overland Expo West 2025, it shifts across the USA to the Pacific Northwest…
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Explore Maui, Hawaii from Aston Maui Hill Resort in Kihei on a Budget
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Getting to Maui, Hawaii for this vacation was like pulling teeth! Originally I had booked The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali through my Marriott affiliate deals which was a steal… but it was over my birthday on September 7 and we all know what happened then – the tragic Lahaina fires. Immediately I canceled everything once it happened that August and had to fight with The Westin to get refunded, but eventually it happened. My heart broke for this beautiful island and its amazing community of people. So once the new year rolled around in January, my friend offered to book her…
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Put A Fish Called Avalon Restaurant on your Miami Beach, Florida Bucket List
Where to Eat in South Beach Miami Photos, story by Jeni Paradiso Clad in casual elegance, my friend and I sauntered down the famed Ocean Drive in South Beach Miami, to reach the modernized art deco hotel, The Avalon, ready to dine in their attached restaurant, A Fish Called Avalon. If you’re driving, valet parking is included for up to three hours according to the website. Fortunately for me, Miami, Florida is now home via a former Philly gal so it was an easy walk down the street. Shown to our table along their oceanside terrace, we were greeted with the smooth guitar sounds of live music as it drowned…
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Supporting Small Businesses at Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I come from a family of entrepreneurs who owned small businesses. My grandfather Hepler owned his own carpentry company and my father started Hepler Geothermal heat pumps and air conditioning in central Pennsylvania before being green was considered cool. My brother now runs it and is slaying – without any advertising needed. My grandmother on one side was a nurse and the other was working for a bit as a paralegal, without the formal education. We’re natural born hustlers and even my niece when she was in elementary school started a side hustle selling slime! Pecan And Wine Festival So supporting small…
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Prescott Pines Inn Gets Makeover, Adds Vino Prescott Wine Bar to Northern Arizona
Hotels in Prescott, Arizona Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Check out the new and improved Prescott Pines Inn! Nick and Sara Medina from Medina Hospitality purchased Prescott Pines Inn in February 2022, formerly a traditional B&B. After upgrades and updates on the 11 rooms and property, the duo has transitioned it from bed and breakfast to a hotel and Vino Prescott wine bar in July 2023. Now it’s all complete and a total pine tree experience with a peaceful stream flowing behind it! This was before the snowfall came and I had a couple of snow days so keep that in mind in the winter months. The 11…
