- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Stay at Affordable Architectural Gem Medieval Town of Avignon, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler We hopped back into our upgraded Mercedes van this time with our driver Sophie from Provence Reverie after finishing our absolutely fabulous French Palace experience at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide in Gordes, France. It felt like we were still soaking in all of that dreamy day and then literally we were driving on the streets of Avignon, France. No for real, like the cobblestone streets with these giant, circular cement pillars that rose from the ground where you had to provide a pass to get through. It was rather rad because you’re getting the walking tour, without the walking but also watching the…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Explore French Palace Airelles Gordes, La Bastide in Gordes, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler A little awkward here because I was standing cliffside in Gordes, France! This was just the tip of the beauty iceberg as we enjoyed a very chic lunch at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, a Provençal Palace in the heart of Luberon. Ironically (or not), I was wearing an interior matching dress made in India and the whole palace was dripping in luxury, a lot from other countries because back then collecting exotic items and materials – literally the wallpaper was fabric – was seen as the ultimate status symbol. Mere peasants could only dream of traveling! Every plate a true French masterpiece while…
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Explore 24 Hours in the Beautiful French Provençal Town of Lourmarin, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler After our amazing experience in Cotignac, France, our press trip group was whisked away by our amazing driver Sophie to experience the charming small town of Lourmarin, France. It is located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France. The people who live there are called Lourmarinois, which is très (very) difficult to pronounce. Part of the Luberon region, it is composed of three mountain ranges: Lesser Luberon, Greater Luberon and Eastern Luberon. There’s a whole lot of Lou’s happening here and it can be very confusing – especially when you’re not driving and following maps. Just try to…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Explore One of the Most Magical Villages in France, Cotignac
Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I have these “feelings” if you will, that tell me about places, people and things. It is a blessing and curse honestly! Call it pattern recognition, my grandmother’s ancestry, witchcraft or whatever you want, I knew I would want to stay at the next stop for more than just a day visit before we even arrived. Something was literally pulling me there and upon leaving, was tugging at my heart strings to return. Cotignac, labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in France is almost accurate. I will take it up a notch and say it is one of the most magical!…
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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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Explore an Artists Commune La Maison de la Chapelle in Carcès, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Waking up to breakfast delivered to my patio at Villa Cosy in Saint Tropez, showering and then shoving everything back into my two pieces of luggage to meet our amazing driver Sophie out front by 8:30 a.m. is pretty typical of a press trip. I was finally well rested again and ready to rock and roll! We were given our itinerary a few days prior to the trip however I wasn’t stressed as Atout France is very professional and wouldn’t leave us hanging. So I would look at it in the van each morning and ask questions along the way. The gals were…
- 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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Explore Space Exploration Day at EPCOT in Orlando, Florida
Story, photos by Jeni Paradiso Planning my family’s yearly vacation took a welcome direction when I was fortunate enough to be offered invitations to the Celebration of Space Exploration day at EPCOT Center in Disney. This catalyst created a wonderful plan to share a childhood iconic vacation at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, since my niece and nephew, ages 8 and 9 years, have not yet been. Excited and ready to explore, I ventured to Orlando, Florida arriving via the Brightline train easily from Miami and my family joined from the north ready to go to space! Our first family activity was the Space Exploration celebration. We arrived excitedly holding…
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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…
