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Explore With Cassie

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

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

    Marriott Irvine Spectrum Offers Restful, Upscale Hotel to Explore Orange County, California

    October 6, 2025 /

     Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler I’ve been a Marriott Bonvoy member since I was a teenager. Starting at Penn State University at 17 years old because my birthday is in September, it’s been a no brainer to rack up points with a brand I can rely on for this extra picky back – and now neck. So I don’t have to stress out over is the bed good? Will I be in more pain? Those issues don’t exist when booking with Marriott. I already know and that’s what keeps me coming back. So when Destination Irvine reached out, it was easy breezy and my first press trip…

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    Cassie Hepler

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

    May 4, 2026

    Hurricane Irma Displaces Single Dad, Daughter to New Jersey

    September 25, 2017

    Enjoy a Low Key Vibe at Villa Cosy Hotel and Spa in Saint Tropez, France

    November 17, 2025
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    8 Budget Hacks for Last Minute Getaways

    August 11, 2025 /

    Story by Cassie Hepler This economy is complete shit and the American tourism world is taking a hit with no one wanting to visit our current fascist regime country. So if you’re itching to bust out of it, join the club! Whether you’re trying to get out of ‘Merica or just across the country for a change of pace, I’ve got you. I’ve been traveling the world since I was 16 years old when I caught the travel bug and have learned a lot in my many years since. Let me share some of my secrets with you! Escape the ordinary with last-minute getaways on a budget and stay sane…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Live Out Your Wild West Fantasies at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

    August 18, 2020

    Enjoy Epic Arizona Sunsets at Orange Sky at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale

    August 7, 2019

    Cruising from Galveston, Texas with Princess Cruises

    March 10, 2023
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Step Into Art Deco Opulence at Loews Philadelphia Hotel

    September 2, 2024 /

    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…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    The Inn at Villanova: Brainstorm and Stay the Nova Way at New Hotel

    January 18, 2018

    Save on Lodging, Food in Bermuda with Celebrity Cruises

    June 27, 2017

    Explore the Center of the World in Felicity, California

    April 13, 2026
  • Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Christmas Pop-up Bar Tinsel Brings Season’s Gleam to Philadelphia

    December 2, 2023 /

    Tinsel is lit for Christmas 2023! “Oh, heart, let’s never grow too old To smile anew, when Christmas comes, At tassels red and tinsel thread …” ~ Nancy Byrd Turner Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Philadelphia’s beloved and popular Christmas pop-up bar is back! Tinsel came to sleigh on November 24th with its 2023 “Christmas Comedy” theme. In addition to lights galore and always outre displays and decorations, Tinsel is highlighting decades of tee-hees from fan-fav funny movies. Something I really look forward to at Tinsel each season is the specificity to detail in its overall production, decor and presentation. Be on the lookout for the little things. Check every…

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    Sharon Kozden

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

    February 17, 2025

    Seven Unusual Travel Superstitions from Around the World

    September 14, 2026

    Feeling United by Flowers at the 195th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

    April 20, 2024
  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News

    PNC’s ‘LumiNature’ Winter Light Show Illuminates Philadelphia Zoo

    November 27, 2023 /

    “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.”  ~ Oprah Winfrey Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Watts up, Philadelphia Zoo? A hellota (it’s a word, according to Urban Dictionary!) twinkling and sparkling that runs until Saturday, January 6 is watts up! Know this: If you’re planning to check out PNC’s return of LumiNature, a wintertime light show featuring more than a million lights across 16 illuminated zones, it is presented “with timed entrance tickets available every half hour from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with the experience closing at 9:00pm or 10:00pm depending on visit date. Pre-purchase your timed…

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    Sharon Kozden

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

    January 24, 2018

    Drink the Pope’s Wine at Châteauneuf du Pape near Avignon, France

    January 26, 2026

    Full Breakdown of Flavors on the Avenue Street Festival Featuring 27 Award-Winning Restaurants

    April 27, 2017
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Fly to Puerto Vallarta Airport and Explore Nayarit, Mexico

    September 15, 2023 /

    Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Flying on an early morning flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor, Arizona to Puerto Vallarta Airport went pretty smoothly with a hosted American Airlines aisle seat. Mind you, international flights call for a two hour arrival buffer time although it makes no sense as you can check in online and just find your gate fast especially with TSA pre-check but airlines haven’t caught up yet I guess. Also, try not to check your luggage. You really don’t need all that stuff you packed, trust me. I’ll make a basic bitch carry on travel bag blog post soon, I promise. Much like the Cabo San Lucas…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Explore Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort in Roatán, Honduras

    May 17, 2023

    Explore Weird Wichita, Kansas and Dive into the Heart of the Country

    December 18, 2023

    Outstanding CRUjiente Tacos May Be the Best in Arcadia, Arizona

    June 9, 2020
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Merkin Vineyards in Arizona Offers Outstanding Reds, Food and Music

    January 12, 2021 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler First of all, let’s set this namesake straight. Do you know what a Merkin is? Go check it out on Wikipedia before you continue reading if you don’t. Now that we’re all on the same page, this is just another reason why we love Maynard Keenan, the mastermind behind the brand that has the name “Merkin” on everyone’s lips. If you are not into heavy metal, you are probably not familiar with his many bands including Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Congratulations, now you are all caught up! Everyone in Arizona knows that this rock star lives in Jerome, Arizona on the side of…

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    Cassie Hepler

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

    February 17, 2025

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

    July 29, 2020

    Cool Down at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast

    June 17, 2024
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Relax and Enjoy Slow, Southern Style in Clarksville, Tennessee

    September 26, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) Nashville, Tennessee gets all the fame. They also have that horrible reality show knock off of The Kardashians, The Cavallari’s which is like the Southern version of scripted, dramatic nonsense. But if you look about an hour Northwest of Nashville, there’s a slow, Southern style oasis that offers a much more relaxing experience. Rolling green hills, trees and nature abounds in this surprisingly funky little city full of hipsters and impressive growing gastronomy. It’s the perfect place to escape to – and yet close enough to Nashville to get your fix if you really need it. Small enough that it’s walkable, but…

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    Cassie Hepler

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

    August 15, 2019

    Visit Philly’s Overnight Hotel Packages Offer Sizzlin’ Stay & Play Deals

    August 13, 2019

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

    December 30, 2019
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Round of Applause for Bravo! Cucina Italiania in Lehigh Valley Mall, Pennsylvania

    September 19, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Sharon Kozden While June 6th is known far and wide as the anniversary of 1944’s “D-Day Invasion,” it’s overshadowed each year in my family by the occasion of my mother’s birthday. She turned 91 this year (her longevity secret’s a secret!), and I was pleased that she could accompany me to Bravo! Cucina Italiana for a celebratory dinner. The day was a hot one. Consequently, I was concerned the heat would cause appetite suppression, resulting in side-salads-as-entrée orders rather than the anticipated chow-down with gusto. But no worries necessary as, once inside, the cool air hit and the foodie fest was on! Bravo! Cucina Italiana is a…

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    Sharon Kozden

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

    November 18, 2024

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

    February 1, 2022

    Opera Philadelphia Paints La Bohème Love Story at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia

    September 25, 2019
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Save on Lodging, Food in Bermuda with Celebrity Cruises

    June 27, 2017 /

    Photos, story by Cassie Hepler This Spring and Summer have been really heating up in my world! Since getting back from Breathless Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and catching the traveling bug again, I’ve been doing a lot more travel which alway makes my soul happy. I promised one of my besties to go on a cruise with her through Celebrity Cruises which were very nice… and old. Not so much the ship itself but the crowd. Our favorite couple at dinner asked us why we were on this ship with a bunch of old people and we immediately adopted them as our cruise parents. Celebrity is known for…

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    Cassie Hepler

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