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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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    Harvest the Moon’s Energy to Live Your Best Spring Equinox Life

    March 17, 2025

    Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls by Road Trip

    June 4, 2024

    Mayor’s Masked Ball at Philadelphia’s Convention Center Raises Over $760,000 for UNCF

    May 29, 2019
  • Day Trips,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona

    April 28, 2025 /

    Story, videos and photos by Cassie Hepler You’ve heard of glimmers by now I hope? If not, they are those giddy moments in life that give you joy and happiness. Well, there’s also what I call bread crumbs from the universe that make sure you’re on the right path. And I followed mine all the way to Prescott, Arizona because of Red, White and Brew restaurant! They reached out via email with a holiday special and I noticed there was a location in Mesa, Arizona and one in downtown Prescott. I had been trying to plan a Northern Arizona snow angle story for months but the weather was not cooperating…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Hike Point Lobos State Park in Monterey, California Where Land Meets Sea for Spectacular Views

    August 31, 2018

    All Aboard the Moshulu, the World’s Oldest & Largest Tall Ship with Restaurant in Philadelphia

    August 5, 2024

    Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee Shows the King’s Impressive Wealth

    July 11, 2019
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Prescott Pines Inn Gets Makeover, Adds Vino Prescott Wine Bar to Northern Arizona

    April 21, 2025 /

     Hotels in Prescott, Arizona Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Check out the new and improved Prescott Pines Inn! Nick and Sara Medina from Medina Hospitality purchased Prescott Pines Inn in February 2022, formerly a traditional B&B. After upgrades and updates on the 11 rooms and property, the duo has transitioned it from bed and breakfast to a hotel and Vino Prescott wine bar in July 2023. Now it’s all complete and a total pine tree experience with a peaceful stream flowing behind it! This was before the snowfall came and I had a couple of snow days so keep that in mind in the winter months. The 11…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Philadelphia’s Bellevue Hotel Hosts Historic Hotels of America Reception

    January 9, 2019

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

    October 14, 2024

    Trippy Teatime in Wonderland Returns to Electric Playhouse in Las Vegas, Nevada

    February 17, 2025
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Corduroy Lodge Offers Cabins, Airstreams and Motel in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona

    April 14, 2025 /

    Where to Stay in Pinetop-Lakeside Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I stumbled upon Corduroy Lodge years ago when I booked a random night in-between blogging adventures in Pinetop-Lakeside and honestly just loved the vibe! So I kept in touch and we kept hoping for snow but it didn’t seem like Northern Arizona wanted to this year so I just booked random dates. Well… I got what I wished for! But fortunately the tail end of the snow as my Honda Civic is not the best low-to-the-ground car for icy roads. I wish I could tell my younger self to buy something more rugged but I was thinking fast…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Fall in Love with Whistler in British Columbia, Canada in Autumn

    August 15, 2019

    Bisbee, Arizona Staying Spooky, Strange and Surprisingly Hip

    November 9, 2021

    Explore the Rolling Countryside of Burgundy, France

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

    Four Seasons Scottsdale Hosts The Lost Explorer Mezcal & Tequila Launch in Arizona

    April 7, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler If there was ever another fitting name for me, I think it would be The Lost Explorer. Because no matter how much you plan a trip, it never goes according to your plans and I find the road less traveled is always the best way to go. So when this company reached out to me to attend a day at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, I was all in. I try not to and honestly don’t have time to deep dive into a brand before saying yes to events most of the time. Part of exploring for me is showing up and asking my…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Horses ‘Rein’ at Annual Carriage Procession in Chester County, PA

    May 21, 2021

    Lehigh County Humane Society Holds First Annual Garden Party at Bell Gate Farm

    February 1, 2022

    Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA Electrifies Audiences Under the Big Top in Oaks, PA

    January 16, 2019
  • Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Fine Dining Slays at Steak 44 at Camelback Mountain, Arizona

    March 31, 2025 /

    Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Everyone in Arizona knows that Steak 44 is one of THE best steakhouses in all of Phoenix. It’s a rite of passage to go there and has been on my bucket list for… 7 years now! I know some foodie out there wants to throw hands about who has the best steak in Phoenix and I’m all ears if you can find a better, endless selection. Good luck with that! First, let’s clarify the names of this meaty brand as it can – and does – get confusing. This iconic Phoenix steakhouse is named Steak 44, part of the Ocean 44 and Dominic’s…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Drinking For Fun, And Drinking To Excess: A Primer

    January 12, 2024

    Size Matters at Era Contemporary’s ‘Small Beauties’ Art Exhibit

    June 28, 2018

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

    January 24, 2018
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona

    March 10, 2025 /

    Story, video by Cassie Hepler, Photos by Brian Delfin Before I even had the idea of moving to Arizona and was a sparkle in my father’s eye, my mother lived in Yuma, Arizona with one of her Pennsylvania friends who moved with her, Judy. She was full on bohemian hippy with her VW yellow bug and adventurous spirit which I have inherited at least half of… My uncle on her side liked to say that I got the traveling bug from Uncle Jesse who would hop trains and then hustle around the country. And because mothers and grandmothers literally carry the eggs of their children and grandchildren, in essence I…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Rent a Car and Road Trip through Northwest Kansas

    January 15, 2024

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

    June 17, 2021

    Small Businesses Reopen in Funky, Artsy Town of Claremont, CA

    September 20, 2021
  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Explore with Cassie Celebrates 10 Years of Lifestyle & Travel Blogging at Chateau Luxe

    March 3, 2025 /

    Story, videos by Cassie Hepler, Photography by Brian Delfin It’s the 10 year blogaversary Great Gastby party that almost wasn’t! And I couldn’t tell anyone until afterwards because it would have freaked people out. I’ve learned the hard way through the years that you cannot spook the guest list with an oversold status or the other way, an event that may not happen. So I kept it to myself… until now. Over the winter while I was busy writing up a freelance storm and planning for my father to visit, Chateau Luxe had closed its beloved Wander Speakeasy and changed the business model to a private event space. It still…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Garces Foundation Gala Urges to Think Local, Give Local at Lowes Hotel

    June 8, 2017

    Build a Glamping Dome in Your Backyard with Phoenix Domes

    July 8, 2024

    What Are Some Easy Water Sports For Beginners?

    July 18, 2024
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Hondo Rodeo Fest Debuts in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona

    January 27, 2025 /

    By Sylvia Lenore, submitted photos Yee-haw! The inaugural Hondo Rodeo Fest made its debut in Phoenix in November bringing a mix of Western rodeo and country music to Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix. Yes, you read that right … they brought a rodeo arena inside the baseball stadium, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Don’t forget the stadium’s bag policies for a stress-free experience). The three-day event running from Thursday to Saturday was a first of its kind indeed. The Hondo also took over the streets outside the stadium for the general public to experience their Stillery Street Festival. It’s a family-friendly market showcasing Western-themed wears and jewelry, food trucks, a…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Pretty in Pink at Philadelphia’s Morris Arboretum’s Cherry Blossom Festival

    June 7, 2018

    Recharge in Nature at Arizona’s Artists Home in Cottonwood

    October 10, 2023

    Barking Up the Right Tree with 2024’s National Dog Show at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

    December 23, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

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

    December 9, 2024 /

    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.…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Cool Down at Pine Haven Cottage in Show Low, Arizona

    October 10, 2023

    Stay and Play on North Mountain with Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

    November 13, 2023

    Cassie’s Cars and Casita Oasis in Arcadia, Arizona

    June 4, 2018

Recent Posts

  • Dramatic Fine Dining at Elvira’s DC Ranch in North Scottsdale
  • Huge American Sized Portions at Red White & Brew in Prescott, Arizona
  • Prescott Pines Inn Gets Makeover, Adds Vino Prescott Wine Bar to Northern Arizona
  • Corduroy Lodge Offers Cabins, Airstreams and Motel in Pinetop Lakeside, Arizona
  • Four Seasons Scottsdale Hosts The Lost Explorer Mezcal & Tequila Launch in Arizona

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