- Arizona, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fitness, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Style, Travel, West Coast
Enjoy a Desert Oasis and Waterfall at Revamped Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Ever since I moved to Arizona almost seven years ago (!) as of January 2025, I have heard people in the valley refer to Tucson, Arizona as “The Dirty T”. I honestly had no clue why and as far as stereotypes go, you learn more along the way of life like the fact that the West Valley of Phoenix is “bad” which honestly reeks of racism but that’s a story for another time. But seriously, each time I would go down to visit Tucson and try to see it through rose-colored glasses, something really weird would happen that would eject me back to Phoenix.…
- Animals, Architecture, Beach, Culture, Dessert, Drink, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Mexico, Restaurants, Style, Travel
Marriott Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Offers Beachside Relaxation Minutes from the Airport
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…
- Architecture, Culture, Day Trips, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Latest News, Nature, Style, Suburbs, Travel
Explore 5 Hidden Treasures Just Outside of London, England
Beyond the glittering core of London, England awaits a trove of splendid locales, waiting to be discovered. These places off the city center are untouched by the typical traveler’s itinerary, yet offer an unparalleled exploration experience, revealing a side of London many foreigners never get to see. Join the International Drivers Association team as we venture beyond the map’s edge to discover London’s secret sanctuaries. To get in the Cheerio spirit, binge these movie fan faves this fall too! “Off the tourist trail, there lies a tapestry of unique locales with their own stories, free from the usual crowds and ready to offer something unexpectedly delightful,” said Julianna Marshall, travel…
- Animals, Architecture, Culture, Day Trips, East Coast, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fitness, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Suburbs, Travel
Take a Hike to Arathusa Falls & Explore Bethlehem and Littleton, New Hampshire
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Hike up Arethusa Falls with me, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 140 feet! We drove by randomly on the way to lunch from the Owl Roost at Bretton Wood Vacations and since I am obsessed with waterfalls, it caught my eye. After getting food fueled up, we drove back to the entrance, Frankenstein Cliff Trailhead, which of course I liked the name (had a cat in college named Frankenstein) and took that as another good sign. Briefly we checked out the sign about 1.5 miles… almost all uphill and rated as moderate (it’s not, more like difficult to non-hikers) but boy…
- Architecture, Culture, Day Trips, East Coast, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Latest News, Nature, Style, Suburbs, Travel
Explore Omni Mount Washington Resort & Bretton Woods Ski Area in New Hampshire
Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Omni Mount Washington Resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is giving all the Bridgerton vibes you’ve ever wanted on the East Coast of the United States! As part of our stay with Bretton Woods Vacations, we were treated to a guided tour of the property as well as a ride on the gondola (not the Italian kind) ride experience which is part of the Bretton Woods Ski Area. Elevate your mountain adventure at the Omni with Spanish Renaissance architecture and views of Mount Washington, New Hampshire! A place where grand history meets modern luxury, it’s a sprawling estate where historic moments shaped…
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Indulge Your Wood Cabin Dreams at The Owl Roost in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
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 –…
- Architecture, Art, Culture, Dance, Dessert, Drink, East Coast, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Food, Latest News, Music, Restaurants, Style, Travel
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…
- Architecture, Art, Culture, East Coast, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Fashion, Latest News, Style, Technology, Travel
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…
- Architecture, Art, Culture, Dessert, Drink, East Coast, Education, Europe, Events, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Restaurants, Style, Travel
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…
- Beach, Culture, Day Trips, Dessert, Drink, East Coast, Explore with Cassie, Food, Latest News, Nature, Restaurants, Suburbs, Travel
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…
