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Explore With Cassie

Lifestyle & travel blog finding the unusual out of the ordinary.

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  • CassieHepler.com
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  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    How 5 Gyres is Fighting Microplastics: A California Love Story of Activism and Science

    March 30, 2026 /

    Meet Anna Cummins and Marcus Eriksen: the Environmental Power Couple Behind 5 Gyres Story by Irina Abraham Somewhere among the California hills, there lies a piece of paradise adorned with legends of Steve McQueen’s buried motorcycles, carefully crafted dinosaur sculptures, and breathtaking sunsets.  The most fascinating thing about this place is its residents: there is a poet, a gold-bearing athlete, a muralist, and a promising young filmmaker. A power couple runs the place – Anna Cummins and Marcus Eriksen. They have sailed the roaring seas, unearthed precious dinosaur bone, and were a part of a team that discovered plastic micro beads were taking over The Great Lakes. Lucky to be…

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    Irina Abraham

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    A 300-Day Nomad’s Guide to Why Slow Travel is Superior

    February 16, 2026

    A Guide to Exploring the Ancient Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

    June 10, 2024

    Are Romantic Relationships Based on Love of Travel Likely to Last?

    May 10, 2026
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Radisson Lackawanna Train Station Hotel in Scranton, Pennsylvania is Hauntingly Majestic

    August 18, 2025 /

    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…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    18 Atlantic City Restaurants with Waterfront Views

    April 23, 2015

    Fall in Love with Whistler in British Columbia, Canada in Autumn

    August 15, 2019

    WXPN’s Xponential Music Festival is Summer Staple in Camden, New Jersey

    May 2, 2019
  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Barking Up the Right Tree with 2024’s National Dog Show at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

    December 23, 2024 /

      “A dog’s love isn’t about what you can give, it’s about who you are to them. It’s loyalty, comfort, and understanding, all wrapped into one quiet, constant presence that never asks for anything but to be near you …” — R.M. Drake Story, photos by Sharon Kozden I’m here to talk about dogs. But first, monkeys must be mentioned. Say wha …?  Give me grace while I explain. Remember when Conchata Ferrell’s character in the film Mystic Pizza announced to her trio of employees, “It’s tradition, and you don’t monkey with tradition?” Nope: no monkeying with tradition. Never-ever. Traditions comfort in many ways, which is why, despite not really…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Take a Hike and Be Amazed at the Sonoran Desert in Arizona

    December 11, 2019

    Rejuvenate at Hofsas House and Walk the Wine Trail in Fairytale Town Carmel by the Sea, California

    March 8, 2018

    Lehigh Valley Humane Society Hosts Second Annual Garden Party

    September 20, 2022
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    National Dog Show Brings Good Boys and Girls to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

    March 17, 2024 /

    Magnificent floral displays await placement in the main judging arena for the 2023 National Dog Show. “Ferris was infected with the most virulent form of that weird malady as “dog-showitis.” At first, he had been tempted solely by the hope of winning the hundred-dollar prize. But latterly the urge of victory had gotten into his blood. And he yearned, too, to let the world see what a marvelous dog was his.”  — Albert Payson Terhune Story, photos by Sharon Kozden If you’ve seen the mockumentary comedy film Best in Show, described as “a behind-the-scenes look into the highly competitive and cut-throat world of dog shows through the eyes of a…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Relax at the Low Key Westin Hotels & Resorts in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

    February 3, 2025

    Lehigh Valley Humane Society Hosts Second Annual Garden Party

    September 20, 2022

    Escape to a Private Island in San Diego, California at Loews Coronado

    December 30, 2024
  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Mayor’s Masked Ball at Philadelphia’s Convention Center Raises Over $760,000 for UNCF

    May 29, 2019 /

    Philadelphia’s Convention Center boasts escalators of amusement park-ride proportions. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Galas and balls may not be everyone’s (as the Brits say) cuppa char. I, however, would be hard pressed to decline an invite to either. That said, and while the prospect of a evening at home in my comfies, chowing Chinese takeaway and watching a flick in the cuddly company of my fur babies is a thoroughly enticing one, an occasional night on the town offers a desirable change of pace. I relish an opportunity to bust out the glam finery of cocktail dresses and gowns, wield a…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Travel like a local

    Really Get to Know Your Destination Like a Local

    September 14, 2023

    Online Dating Abroad Without the Hassle

    February 9, 2026

    Experience Luxury at Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose CA, the Only Boutique Hotel on Santana Row

    October 19, 2017
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Find Out Where SNL Comedian Jay Pharoah Eats Cheesesteaks During PunchLine Philly Comedy Tour

    February 1, 2017 /

    Story by Cassie Hepler Jay Pharoah is not just an actor and stand-up comedian. Former funny man on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” Pharoah is best known for his wide array of uncanny celebrity impressions, including former President Barack Obama, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Stephen A. Smith, Kanye West and Chris Tucker, as well as recurring character of school principal Daniel Frye. Now he’s coming back to chilly Philly to perform at Punch Line Philly on Thursday, Feb. 2 to Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. We caught up with him on a “phoner” interview, which can be hilariously misinterpreted through the sound waves by the way. Q: Is SNL like 30 Rock…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Chill Out, Recharge with Ganja Goddess Getaway at Venture Retreat Center in Pescadero, CA

    October 31, 2018

    Marriott Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Offers Beachside Relaxation Minutes from the Airport

    November 4, 2024

    Zarwin Baum’s Fashion Touchdown Raises over $130,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters

    January 25, 2017
  • Entertainment,  Latest News

    Check out Jason Kennedy’s impression of Macy Gray and his thoughts on being married to Lauren Scruggs

    March 9, 2015 /

    E! News Co-Host and NBC’s Beyond A.D. Host, Jason Kennedy, partied with friends at Harrah’s The Pool After Dark on 3.7.15. Before greeting his fans inside, Kennedy stopped to chat with Entertainment Reporter Whitney Ullman about everything from being a newlywed to his random talent of impersonating Macy Gray. It’s all fun, check it out….(click on the video below, it will take you to the YouTube.com/GoToWhitney page that will have a video outline for easier viewing).  

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    Whitney Ullman

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    Mixing and Mingling at the Philadelphia Wine and Cocktail Festival at Sugarhouse Casino

    September 15, 2017

    Enjoy a Desert Oasis and Waterfall at Revamped Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona

    December 9, 2024

    DJ Ruckus Continues His Residency at Borgata’s Premier Nightclub, Talks Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian and More

    May 22, 2016

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