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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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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…
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Toast of Philadelphia at Cherry Street Pier Benefits Caring People Alliance
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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Barking Up the Right Tree with 2024’s National Dog Show at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
“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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Bank and Bourbon Offers Endless Whiskey Paired with Perfect Steak in Philly
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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Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia Serves Sexy Blues with a Side of Fine Dining
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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Step Into Art Deco Opulence at Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I had my first heat migraine in Philadelphia… and home base is in Phoenix, Arizona now! Crazy, right?! It was the weirdest experience. I went downtown for a meeting on one of the hottest days recorded in Philly, made a silly little video near City Hall where the wind was trying to make my dress moon people in my granny panties nearby and went back to West Philly via the Septa trolley. I cranked on and down the AC, turned the lights off and took a couple Motrin. I couldn’t think straight and everything was confusing to someone who is usually smart as…
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Eat Art at The Garden Restaurant & Explore European Artists in Philadelphia
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Escape the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia at The Garden Restaurant in the Barnes Museum! Helmed by Executive Chef Michael O’Meara, this artsy fartsy space has a seasonal, full menu celebrating local farms with fresh ingredients located inside Barnes Museum in the Art Museum area of Philadelphia… where the Rocky steps are. The space has a light-filled indoor dining room with art flanking the walls, an open kitchen and boasts views of a private walled garden with al fresco dining, weather permitting of course. With light and hearty options, house made desserts and a curated list of local beers and wines served by…
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Explore Down the Shore at Long Beach Island’s Daddy O Hotel in New Jersey
The Daddy O is a boutique-style hotel mere steps from the beach in Long Beach Island, NJ. “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach—waiting for a gift from the sea.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea Story, photos by Sharon Kozden What I did on my summer vacation … not much. I wanted to do a lot, but the heat, oh the heat. This year, it was just…
