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Explore With Cassie

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

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  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale

    May 5, 2025 /

    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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    Cassie Hepler

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    Eat and Drink Your Face Off in San Antonio, Texas While Exploring the City

    July 20, 2017

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

    December 9, 2024

    Like an Adventure? 7 Hidden Secrets of Bangkok, Thailand

    August 24, 2023
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

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

    November 4, 2024 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Nestled on a sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay in Mexico, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers a combination of zen, nature and fun in the sun. We had been discussing this visit for months, finally making it a reality seemed so surreal and I was psyched. I ended up talking to a former teacher turned principal on the plane most of the flight down, discussing philosophy and the meaning of life. Pretty heavy travel talk, but I loved it! This mountain-meets-ocean resort is only 7 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport which is a relief in itself…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Get Your Wild West on and go Golfing at Rancho de Los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona

    April 2, 2024

    Women Putting Arizona Wines on the Map

    May 23, 2022

    Philadelphia International Airport Lands American Express’s Prestigious Centurion Lounge

    May 10, 2018
  • 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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    Bluecoat Gin Helps Expand Sofitel Hotel’s Outdoor Cafe, Liberté Blue

    November 22, 2017

    Explore One of the Seven Wonders of the World with Grand Canyon Adventures

    August 8, 2018

    Hey You Guys! Calling The Goonies Movie Buffs to Astoria, Oregon

    May 29, 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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    Four Diamond We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Offers Stay and Play Adventures

    June 17, 2021

    Explore the Rolling Countryside of Burgundy, France

    January 20, 2025

    Interior Vehicle Design Ideas to Make Your Car Have a Vibe

    March 1, 2023
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Eat Art at The Garden Restaurant & Explore European Artists in Philadelphia

    August 26, 2024 /

    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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    Cassie Hepler

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    Philadelphia’s Bellevue Hotel Hosts Historic Hotels of America Reception

    January 9, 2019

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

    September 9, 2024

    Explore Spiritually Uplifting Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

    June 14, 2018
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Amina Slays Southern Cuisine with African Influences in Old City, Philadelphia

    August 12, 2024 /

    Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I dub Amina Philly as Philadelphia’s best soul food, hands down! Located in Old City, this vibey space has seriously next level flavors that will leave you licking your fingers and hungry for more. It really is a #findyourtribe space that is Black owned and run by Felicia Wilson with Chef Darryl Harmon formerly from Fairmount Water Works leading the outstanding flavor train. I went in on a Thursday night in not the best mood and by the time I left, I was laughing, tipsy and stuffed silly with Southern Cuisine with African influences. This takes putting the South in your mouth to…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Get Your Wild West on and go Golfing at Rancho de Los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona

    April 2, 2024

    Make the Most of Your Visit to Los Angeles, California

    September 20, 2019

    Century Grand Phoenix Transports Guests into Locomotive Luxury Era

    August 31, 2020
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Marriott Phoenix Chandler Hotel Adds Luxury and Class to Chandler, Arizona

    July 29, 2020 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) We love finding hidden gems. Although this one is not so hidden because the Marriott Phoenix Chandler is not only the largest legacy brand full service Marriott in the state (128,000 square feet total), the 264-room property features the greatest amount of hotel conference space in the area at 28,000 feet. Located in the bustling Price Corridor, it is managed by Cincinnati-based Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC., an affiliate company of the Pyramid Hotel Group, which is one of the predominant hotel management companies in the United States. With easy access to Loop 101 and Loop 202, we thought it would…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Drive a Boat in Lawless Lake of the Wild West in Lake Havasu City, Arizona

    May 2, 2018

    Watch Out for Altitude Sickness in Sparkling South Lake Tahoe, Nevada

    May 15, 2019

    Tropicana’s Chelsea Tower Brings Atlantic City, New Jersey Good Luxe

    December 5, 2018
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Boardroom Spirits Distillery Launches ‘C’ Made Entirely from Raw Carrots at Aldine

    October 12, 2017 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler What’s up, doc? Someone had to do it… take carrots and make booze out of it. And we’re glad it was a relatively new startup company Boardroom Spirits from Lansdale with awards to back them up. C, a first-of-its-kind 92-proof eau de vie-style spirit created entirely from carrots, literally and figuratively, follows ‘B’, distilled entirely from beets, and is expected to have the same kitchen to bar versatility. Sold in their Lansdale, PA Distillery, it is available at Aldine, Martha, and Harvest as well as nationally through Ezra’s.  It takes about 12.5 pounds of carrots to create one 375 Ml bottle of C. Much like all of Boardroom Spirit…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    December 19, 2023

    Eighth Annual Audi Feastival Celebrates FringeArts 21st Birthday

    December 6, 2017

Recent Posts

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