• About Us
  • CassieHepler.com
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Explore With Cassie

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

  • About Us
  • CassieHepler.com
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • CassieHepler.com
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • CassieHepler.com
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

No Widgets found in the Sidebar Alt!

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

    Escape to a Fairytale Fever Dreamscape at Il Falconiere in Cortona, Tuscany Italy

    June 1, 2026 /

    Luxury Wine Resort in Cortona Tuscany, Italy Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Behold the beauty of Il Falconiere Relais & Spa, an elegant 17th-century country residence on the hillsides of Cortona, Tuscany! This was truly a hidden countryside gem in Italy and welcome restful retreat of relaxation, nature and wellness, carefully crafted to be delightful fairytale couture by Silvia and Benedetto Baracchi. Cypress trees, umbrella pines, olive trees and vineyards as far as the eye can see are spotted with stone buildings with terracotta-colored walls while the healthiest, shiniest chickens and roosters roam the grounds. Flowers were blooming everywhere for spring which was intoxicating to the senses. Relais…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Exploring The Sedona Film Festival for a Weekend in Sedona, Arizona

    March 23, 2026

    Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

    June 9, 2025

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

    December 30, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Spend 24 Hours in the Mountain Town of Norcia, Umbria in Italy

    May 25, 2026 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Norcia is located in the mountains of Italy at 6,500 feet altitude! About two and a half hours Northwest of Rome, Norcia is a small town in the east of the province of Perugia, in the central region of Umbria. It is smack dab in the center of the Monti Sibillini National Park, with endless rolling mountains, an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers and skiers. In 2016, a 6.6-magnitude quake hit the small town shaking up the medieval basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia among other structures and was Italy’s strongest earthquakes in decades. The town is very busy bringing itself back…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

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

    August 12, 2024

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

    May 15, 2019

    Unique Things to Do in Saint Tropez, France

    November 24, 2025
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Explore Affordable Luxury on the Italian Riviera at Europa Hotel in Sanremo, Italy

    May 11, 2026 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Flying into Nice, France felt like visiting an old friend even though I was just there last fall! The amount of peace and happy giddiness washed over me as soon as I saw that familiar skyline and sunset. With a pretty smooth flight from Phoenix through British Airways, I had a brief layover in London, England and was soon on my way to my first overnight hotel, safely walkable from the airport even at night. A lot of places will say they have an airport shuttle in both France and Italy so be certain that it actually exists and without hidden fees by…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Inn at Palm Springs

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

    November 1, 2020

    Gertrude’s Fine Dining Tickles Tastebuds in Breathtaking Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona

    October 30, 2019

    Wearing my Travel Writer Hat on a Press Trip to San Antonio, Texas

    July 20, 2017
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Places to Eat in Santa Fe, New Mexico from Frugal to Fancy

    May 4, 2026 /

    Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I love food. Period. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a food truck, my neighbor, a street vendor or a fancy restaurant because I don’t have any food allergies thankfully. This whole hierarchy of travel tracking for only luxury food locations is just gross. Travel is travel. If you are out of your hometown, you are traveling. I don’t care if you’re staying at La Quinta Inn Santa Fe or The Inn of Five Graces, you’re still exploring another culture and this shaming people for traveling on different budgets is just so icky. When I was in my 20s, I was doing a…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Explore Cozumel, Mexico by Jeep and Snorkel

    July 25, 2023

    Behind the Scenes with P.J. Whelihan’s at WIP Wing Bowl 2017

    March 14, 2017

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

    January 30, 2019
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Explore 24 Hours in the Beautiful French Provençal Town of Lourmarin, France

    December 22, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler After our amazing experience in Cotignac, France, our press trip group was whisked away by our amazing driver Sophie to experience the charming small town of Lourmarin, France. It is located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France. The people who live there are called Lourmarinois, which is très (very) difficult to pronounce. Part of the Luberon region, it is composed of three mountain ranges: Lesser Luberon, Greater Luberon and Eastern Luberon. There’s a whole lot of Lou’s happening here and it can be very confusing – especially when you’re not driving and following maps. Just try to…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Cruising the Mediterranean to Greece, Italy and Turkey with Royal Caribbean

    January 13, 2025

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

    January 24, 2018

    Universal Horror Unleashed Haunts Las Vegas at Area 15 Entertainment District

    October 20, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    The Mob Museum in Las Vegas is like Mafia School with a Speakeasy

    October 27, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Once upon a time, I worked for a South Philly political rag of a newspaper called the Philly Record. I was assistant editor and also there to bring some new fangled social media and ideas to the joint. The owner, the late Jimmy Tayoun, was once was a ward leader, Democratic member of Philadelphia City Council and of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He also had quite the rap sheet afterwards as he spent 40 months behind bars for: obstruction of justice, mail fraud, tax evasion, racketeering, taken bribes, paid bribes, and told an ex-associate to lie to a grand jury. So imagine…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Hondo Rodeo Fest Debuts in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona

    January 27, 2025

    Explore the Largest Medieval Gothic Palace in the World at Palais des Papes in Avignon, France

    January 12, 2026

    Explore 5 Hidden Treasures Just Outside of London, England

    October 28, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Enjoy Caribbean Sea Views in Every Room at AVA Resort Cancun, Mexico

    August 4, 2025 /

    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…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

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

    February 5, 2020

    The Power of Beauty and the Art of Conversation with Curator Archie Broady

    May 15, 2024

    Cheerio! Exploring London, England a Second Time Around

    January 14, 2020
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Weft and Warp Transports Guests to Portugal Passport Wine Dinner at Andaz Scottsdale

    June 23, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I almost married the mayor of Lisbon, Portugal‘s son. Before you come at me, yes I am aware they don’t have “mayors” per say like in the USA but close enough translation without going into a Portuguese political rant. Anyway, I met this gentleman fresh after a breakup and visit to New York City to hang with my fashion designer friend. He had an accent – and abs of steel and came to the Big Apple to chase his dream of becoming a model and actor, leaving an almost finished law degree and his pissed off family behind him. He chased me for…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Explore the World’s First Mountain Climbing Cog Railway in White Mountains, New Hampshire

    September 23, 2024

    Take a Hike to Arathusa Falls & Explore Bethlehem and Littleton, New Hampshire

    October 14, 2024

    Exploring Overland Expo West as a Woman Who Wanders

    June 16, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Indulge at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

    June 9, 2025 /

    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…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Relax, Reconnect and Repeat at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Arizona

    December 30, 2019

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

    May 2, 2018

    A Guide to Exploring the Ancient Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

    June 10, 2024
  • 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.…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    The Complexities of Relationships, Money, Culture & Evolution

    April 15, 2024

    How Mobile Office Vans Are Powering the New Era of Remote Travel

    July 21, 2025

    Enjoy Desert Zen at Rancho de Los Caballeros Ranch Spa in Wickenburg, Arizona

    November 18, 2024
 Older Posts

Recent Posts

  • Escape to a Fairytale Fever Dreamscape at Il Falconiere in Cortona, Tuscany Italy
  • Spend 24 Hours in the Mountain Town of Norcia, Umbria in Italy
  • Explore an Italian Castle and Wine at the Top of Charming Village of Dolceacqua
  • Explore Affordable Luxury on the Italian Riviera at Europa Hotel in Sanremo, Italy
  • Are Romantic Relationships Based on Love of Travel Likely to Last?

Categories

  • Day Trips
  • Destinations
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Explore with Cassie
  • Food & Beverage
  • Latest News
  • Lifestyle
Copyright © 2023 · All Rights Reserved · ExploreWithCassie.com and CassieHepler.com.
Ashe Theme by WP Royal.