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Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Family owned since 1927, Elvira’s has been a staple in Tubac, Arizona located 30 minutes south of Tucson which is a long hike for even the most eccentric foodie from Phoenix! Now open in DC Ranch Scottsdale, Chef Ruben Monroy takes the lead as the grandson of the original founder, keeping this family-run fine dining establishment running like a smooth sailing ship. Master Sommelier Thomas Kaufman is in charge of the beverage program and even with some mocktails, we were impressed with the taste. Opened in January of 2025, it features signature dishes from the Tubac menu, including its iconic Chile en Nogada.…
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Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona
Story, videos and photos by Cassie Hepler You’ve heard of glimmers by now I hope? If not, they are those giddy moments in life that give you joy and happiness. Well, there’s also what I call bread crumbs from the universe that make sure you’re on the right path. And I followed mine all the way to Prescott, Arizona because of Red, White and Brew restaurant! They reached out via email with a holiday special and I noticed there was a location in Mesa, Arizona and one in downtown Prescott. I had been trying to plan a Northern Arizona snow angle story for months but the weather was not cooperating…
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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…
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Corduroy Lodge Offers Cabins, Airstreams and Motel in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona
Where to Stay in Pinetop-Lakeside Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I stumbled upon Corduroy Lodge years ago when I booked a random night in-between blogging adventures in Pinetop-Lakeside and honestly just loved the vibe! So I kept in touch and we kept hoping for snow but it didn’t seem like Northern Arizona wanted to this year so I just booked random dates. Well… I got what I wished for! But fortunately the tail end of the snow as my Honda Civic is not the best low-to-the-ground car for icy roads. I wish I could tell my younger self to buy something more rugged but I was thinking fast…
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Four Seasons Scottsdale Hosts The Lost Explorer Mezcal & Tequila Launch in Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler If there was ever another fitting name for me, I think it would be The Lost Explorer. Because no matter how much you plan a trip, it never goes according to your plans and I find the road less traveled is always the best way to go. So when this company reached out to me to attend a day at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, I was all in. I try not to and honestly don’t have time to deep dive into a brand before saying yes to events most of the time. Part of exploring for me is showing up and asking my…
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Fine Dining Slays at Steak 44 at Camelback Mountain, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Everyone in Arizona knows that Steak 44 is one of THE best steakhouses in all of Phoenix. It’s a rite of passage to go there and has been on my bucket list for… 7 years now! I know some foodie out there wants to throw hands about who has the best steak in Phoenix and I’m all ears if you can find a better, endless selection. Good luck with that! First, let’s clarify the names of this meaty brand as it can – and does – get confusing. This iconic Phoenix steakhouse is named Steak 44, part of the Ocean 44 and Dominic’s…
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Best Places to Travel According to Your Zodiac Sign
This review is over 3 years old so hopefully they have worked out the app kinks! What could be better than holidays with ski slopes, mugs of mulled wine, and people pretending they love frostbite? In this magical period, you want to feel like you are in a movie: a little romance, a little snow and a lot of garlands. Or maybe that idea makes you cringe because as if you wouldn’t be on a beach with your toes in the sand?! In light of this, advisors at Nebula, a spiritual guidance platform, have created the ultimate guide for each zodiac sign’s perfect getaway. After all, who knows better what…
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Harvest the Moon’s Energy to Live Your Best Spring Equinox Life
Tune in to the moon and how to live and garden in harmony with our nearest celestial neighbor, using The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lunar cycle to-do list. I’ve been a long time follower and fan of this brand and happy to be working with them on sharing these amazing ideas below! Harvesting Moon Energy People who live near the ocean know that a full Moon pulls tides higher. Landlocked Midwesterners cannot see this phenomenon, but the same thing is happening to water below the ground’s surface. This ebb and flow is a natural result of the magnetic pull of the monthly alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon and is…
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Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona
Story, video by Cassie Hepler, Photos by Brian Delfin Before I even had the idea of moving to Arizona and was a sparkle in my father’s eye, my mother lived in Yuma, Arizona with one of her Pennsylvania friends who moved with her, Judy. She was full on bohemian hippy with her VW yellow bug and adventurous spirit which I have inherited at least half of… My uncle on her side liked to say that I got the traveling bug from Uncle Jesse who would hop trains and then hustle around the country. And because mothers and grandmothers literally carry the eggs of their children and grandchildren, in essence I…
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Explore with Cassie Celebrates 10 Years of Lifestyle & Travel Blogging at Chateau Luxe
Story, videos by Cassie Hepler, Photography by Brian Delfin It’s the 10 year blogaversary Great Gastby party that almost wasn’t! And I couldn’t tell anyone until afterwards because it would have freaked people out. I’ve learned the hard way through the years that you cannot spook the guest list with an oversold status or the other way, an event that may not happen. So I kept it to myself… until now. Over the winter while I was busy writing up a freelance storm and planning for my father to visit, Chateau Luxe had closed its beloved Wander Speakeasy and changed the business model to a private event space. It still…
