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

    November 20, 2018
    St Joseph Catholic Church

    Rent a Car and Road Trip through Northwest Kansas

    January 15, 2024

    Glamping in an AirStream at The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona

    March 1, 2024
  • 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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    Lots of Fall Fun at the Pour the Core Festival at the Philadelphia Navy Yard

    August 15, 2018

    Don’t Steal from the Petrified Forest in Arizona

    April 23, 2021

    Recharge in Nature at Arizona’s Artists Home in Cottonwood

    October 10, 2023
  • 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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    University City Gets Smart with Chic, Sleek Study Hotel and Unique Co-Op Restaurant

    January 24, 2018

    Small Businesses Reopen in Funky, Artsy Town of Claremont, CA

    September 20, 2021

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

    March 2, 2026
  • 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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    Make the Most of Your Visit to Los Angeles, California

    September 20, 2019

    Escape to Foodie Paradise at Bucks County Restaurant Week in Washington House Hotel

    June 6, 2018

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

    December 23, 2024
  • 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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    Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona

    March 10, 2025
    Inn at Palm Springs

    Inn at Palm Springs, California is an Oasis in Coachella Valley

    November 1, 2020

    Stay at Affordable Architectural Gem Medieval Town of Avignon, France

    January 5, 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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    Lots of Fall Fun at the Pour the Core Festival at the Philadelphia Navy Yard

    August 15, 2018

    Ride in Style with Aall In Limo’s Mercedes Benz to Temecula Wineries in California

    January 30, 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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    Explore Retro El Cortez Hotel and Casino on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada

    February 24, 2025

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

    March 2, 2026

    CiderFest Brought Hardcore Fun to Woodford Mansion in Philly’s Fairmount Park

    December 30, 2023
  • 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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    Outdoor Adventure Comes To Pennsylvania

    October 30, 2023

    Online Gift Guide for Covid Quarantine Creatures

    December 21, 2020

    Mardi Gras is Not all Boobs and Beads in Lafayette, Louisiana

    February 5, 2020
  • 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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    Meet the Inspiring Boss Babe Behind PNPK Wine Bar and Restaurant in Scottsdale, AZ

    September 5, 2018

    Online Gift Guide for Covid Quarantine Creatures

    December 21, 2020

    Explore One of the Most Magical Villages in France, Cotignac

    December 15, 2025
  • 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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    Irvine, California has Surprisingly SoCal Vibes in Orange County, California

    October 13, 2025

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

    December 30, 2024

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

    December 9, 2024
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