- 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
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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Enjoy Caribbean Sea Views in Every Room at AVA Resort Cancun, Mexico
Photos, story, videos by Cassie Hepler The best things about AVA Cancun is that each upscale room looks out over the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and it’s located 5 miles from Cancun International Airport. And it’s an all-inclusive resort located right below the hotel zone giving it island-style privacy from noisy neighbors. It’s definitely not a crazy Cancun party spot which I appreciated, especially not really being in a very celebratory mood which I will share that debacle story at a later date. The pool closes pretty early and things settle down shortly after sunset. However, the pool music “boots and cats” sounding bass kicks on right after sunrise…
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How Mobile Office Vans Are Powering the New Era of Remote Travel
The workplace as we know it is dead. Not metaphorically speaking – it’s literally transforming before our eyes. In 2019, roughly 9 million Americans worked from home, but by 2024, that number has nearly quadrupled to 35 million people working remotely. What started as a pandemic necessity has evolved into something much bigger: a complete reimagining of where and how we work. But here’s where it gets interesting. While most remote workers settled into home offices and coffee shops, a growing tribe of professionals discovered they could take their office anywhere – literally anywhere – with mobile office vans. This isn’t just about working from pretty places anymore; it’s about…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders
Photos, video, story by Cassie Hepler My first experience at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona was overwhelming and awesome! Sponsored by Subaru, I had no idea what I was getting into expect for camping in the woods at the Flagstaff Extreme campgrounds where I previously climbed around in the trees like an Ewok. With over 400 vendors and created by a woman, it’s “educating and inspiring through overland and adventure travel events” which means you will learn literally every camping thing, gadget, gear, RVs, trucks, off-roading and more at this massive moving outdoor convention. After this Overland Expo West 2025, it shifts across the USA to the Pacific Northwest…
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Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I was forced to visit Tucson, Arizona for a few nights at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa! Oh, no… A truly stunning resort on the inside, the Westin Paloma as locals call it, is a great place to settle in for a relaxing visit to Southern Arizona. With an inclusive resort shuttle, you can even explore some more without driving which means more tequila – or mezcal – tastings with their over 70 bottles available. Each room is nicely anchored at a cool 65 degrees and my room had a great balcony space overlooking the mountains and the pools. It’s also…
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Sabores de Tucson Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture, Community and Culinary Flavors
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Don’t sleep on the Sabores de Tucson festival! Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, it’s a wonderful celebration of culinary heritage, community, and culture that was made possible this year by partners Visit Tucson and hosts The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Every dollar supports essential arts programs (that are now getting funding cut) across Arizona from mariachi education and arts therapy to creative aging and youth arts access which fosters connection, healing, and cultural pride. Sabores honors each region of the powerful culinary traditions of Mexico that shape Southern Arizona. It’s truly…
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Explore Maui, Hawaii from Aston Maui Hill Resort in Kihei on a Budget
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Getting to Maui, Hawaii for this vacation was like pulling teeth! Originally I had booked The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali through my Marriott affiliate deals which was a steal… but it was over my birthday on September 7 and we all know what happened then – the tragic Lahaina fires. Immediately I canceled everything once it happened that August and had to fight with The Westin to get refunded, but eventually it happened. My heart broke for this beautiful island and its amazing community of people. So once the new year rolled around in January, my friend offered to book her…
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Put A Fish Called Avalon Restaurant on your Miami Beach, Florida Bucket List
Where to Eat in South Beach Miami Photos, story by Jeni Paradiso Clad in casual elegance, my friend and I sauntered down the famed Ocean Drive in South Beach Miami, to reach the modernized art deco hotel, The Avalon, ready to dine in their attached restaurant, A Fish Called Avalon. If you’re driving, valet parking is included for up to three hours according to the website. Fortunately for me, Miami, Florida is now home via a former Philly gal so it was an easy walk down the street. Shown to our table along their oceanside terrace, we were greeted with the smooth guitar sounds of live music as it drowned…
