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Explore With Cassie

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

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  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Best Las Vegas, Nevada Photo Spots from a Model and Photographer

    March 2, 2026 /

    Best Photo Spots in Las Vegas, Nevada Story and videos by Cassie Hepler, Photos by Delfin I’ve been modeling professionally since college at Penn State University as a side hustle while I earned that Communications degree. And let’s face it, models were the original influencers but, like professional. After graduating and delving into the world of journalism fully in Philadelphia, I wrote a column at The Times Herald. At that point it was taboo to apparently model and have a brain so I was called into the office for questions about my modeling. My response was, “And this is a problem how…?” They had no response and released me back…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    What To Do in Saint Martin Island in the Caribbean Sea

    February 10, 2025

    What Are Some Easy Water Sports For Beginners?

    July 18, 2024

    Hike Point Lobos State Park in Monterey, California Where Land Meets Sea for Spectacular Views

    August 31, 2018
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Ancient Theater in Orange, France is the Most Preserved Roman Theater in the World

    January 19, 2026 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Once upon a time, two Pennsylvania gals decided to go to Rome, Italy all by themselves – without cell phones. Oh yes, you read that right… it was the early 2000s and all they did was make phone calls and send crappy text messages by pressing a series of buttons repeatedly to spell out words – positively archaic by today’s standards. So I left my cell phone behind in Philly but took the crappiest camera that produced some of the worst photos I’ve ever taken. Back then we were told by locals that two women traveling alone must be either transvestites or prostitutes…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona

    March 10, 2025

    Take a Hike to Arathusa Falls & Explore Bethlehem and Littleton, New Hampshire

    October 14, 2024

    Tune Into the Sounds of the Season at Fairmount Park’s Historic Houses

    December 27, 2017
  • 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

    September 22, 2025 /

    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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    Sharon Kozden

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

    December 30, 2024

    Relax, Reconnect and Repeat at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Arizona

    December 30, 2019

    Hondo Rodeo Fest Debuts in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona

    January 27, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Fall Foliage Spots to Visit this Fall

    September 8, 2025 /

    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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    Cassie Hepler

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    Meet Spiritual Healer and Guide Simona Manenti, The Real Deal

    April 4, 2018

    Full Breakdown of Flavors on the Avenue Street Festival Featuring 27 Award-Winning Restaurants

    April 27, 2017

    Four Diamond We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Offers Stay and Play Adventures

    June 17, 2021
  • 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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    Explore Islas Marías, Former Prison Islands in Nayarit, Mexico

    October 30, 2023

    Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders

    June 16, 2025

    Flip the Script about Kingston, Jamaica with Locally Owned S Hotel Kingston

    July 6, 2026
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Toast of Philadelphia at Cherry Street Pier Benefits Caring People Alliance

    January 6, 2025 /

    Proposing a toast …  “… I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air.” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Talk about finding an inspiring quote with which to set an opening mood for an article. Mr. Hawthorne, I could not agree more with your eloquent depiction of an autumnal day. I felt said quote’s powerful message on November 2nd while meandering the length of Cherry St. Pier for several hours on a fall apple-crisp sunny day during Toast of Philadelphia, an event—as states the banner in the…

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    Sharon Kozden

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    Pennsylvania Longwood Gardens Hosts Rotary Club’s Gatsby Garden Party

    February 10, 2024

    What To Do in Saint Martin Island in the Caribbean Sea

    February 10, 2025

    Explore French Palace Airelles Gordes, La Bastide in Gordes, France

    December 29, 2025
  • 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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    Westin Tempe, Arizona Offers Perfect Location to Stay & Play for ASU Crew

    July 29, 2024

    Animatronic ‘Xtreme Bugs’ Invade Philly’s Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University

    November 20, 2018

    Take a Walking, Eating and Drinking Chew Philly Tour Through Chestnut Hill

    November 30, 2017
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Bank and Bourbon Offers Endless Whiskey Paired with Perfect Steak in Philly

    October 7, 2024 /

    Photos, story and video by Cassie Hepler Where are my women who love whiskey? And I don’t mean the watered down with fruit juice kind of cocktails. I mean the ones who absolutely adore an old fashioned nightcap and if anything hurts in your body or joints, bourbon can fix it. I don’t know what it is about this spirit, but it has my heart and soul. It’s a go-to drink of choice for me especially when I just need a good, reliable stiff drink. And at Bank and Bourbon, the list of whiskey options and flights are endless! They also have low to no-alcohol mocktails available too for all…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee Shows the King’s Impressive Wealth

    July 11, 2019

    Paris, je t’aime! An American Reminisces on Her Love Affair with France

    March 15, 2021

    James Beard Media Awards Bites the Big Apple at NYC’s Chelsea Piers

    September 12, 2019
  • Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Indulge Your Wood Cabin Dreams at The Owl Roost in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

    September 16, 2024 /

    Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler When you’re car-less in Philadelphia, it is a 180 juxtaposition from the must-have-a-car in Arizona to get anywhere vibes. The Phoenix infrastructure is only really made for buses and the train to the airport stops two stops above my exit in North Phoenix (of course) so getting around easily via public transit is a hassle. On the East Coast, you hop on a train or trolly spreading out like a star from Center City and voila! You’ve arrived at your destination without too much thinking. However, this trip required a lot more planning as we were going way out of city limits –…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Drink the Pope’s Wine at Châteauneuf du Pape near Avignon, France

    January 26, 2026

    Explore Retro El Cortez Hotel and Casino on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada

    February 24, 2025

    Top 10 Locations for Alfresco Dining in America

    June 24, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia Serves Sexy Blues with a Side of Fine Dining

    September 9, 2024 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler If there’s anywhere jazz and blues worthy in Philadelphia, it’s Chris’ Jazz Cafe and every person you ask – no matter age, race, creed or background – will tell you so. It’s that good. A Center City Philly staple since 1989, it’s the longest operating jazz club in Philadelphia with peak seasons in the fall and spring, attracting visitors from over 50 states and 160 countries. Summer is their slow season so if you like stretching out in your own space, go then! Otherwise get ready to make some fast friends in this intimate, elongated place. Some of the biggest names in jazz…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Exploring the South End of the Strip at The Berkley, Las Vegas in Nevada

    February 23, 2026

    9 Bad Christmas Events to Look Out For

    December 16, 2023

    Outstanding CRUjiente Tacos May Be the Best in Arcadia, Arizona

    June 9, 2020
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