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Explore With Cassie

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

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  • 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…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Interior Vehicle Design Ideas to Make Your Car Have a Vibe

    March 1, 2023

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

    November 27, 2023

    What Are Some Easy Water Sports For Beginners?

    July 18, 2024
  • 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…

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    Cassie Hepler

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

    April 20, 2024
    St Joseph Catholic Church

    Rent a Car and Road Trip through Northwest Kansas

    January 15, 2024

    What To Do in Saint Martin Island in the Caribbean Sea

    February 10, 2025
  • Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Put A Fish Called Avalon Restaurant on your Miami Beach, Florida Bucket List

    May 19, 2025 /

    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…

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    Jennifer Ferrell

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    Totally Awesome Holiday Gift Guide for People Who Have it All

    December 13, 2017

    Philadelphia’s Nightmare Before Tinsel Halloween Pop-up Complements Day of the Dead

    October 21, 2020

    Making Weekend Waves at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey

    November 20, 2019
  • 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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    Eat and Drink Your Face Off in San Antonio, Texas While Exploring the City

    July 20, 2017

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

    June 28, 2018

    Drop Down South to the Wine World of Willcox, Arizona

    October 11, 2021
  • 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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    Cruise Along the Pacific Beach on 17 Mile Drive in Monterey, California

    April 19, 2018

    Visit the Eccentric Fonthill Castle Built Out of Cement and Trash in Bucks County, PA

    July 25, 2018

    Make the Most of Your Visit to Los Angeles, California

    September 20, 2019
  • Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Get all the Good Vibes at Sky Rock Sedona in Arizona

    October 21, 2024 /

    Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Sky Rock Sedona got a magical makeover! With 360-degree views of Sedona’s Red Rocks including Snoopy Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Coffee Pot Rock, no other boutique hotel in the area can compare. After a full remodel in March 2024, this rad space offers those iconic Red Rocks views in every direction, 109 modern rooms and suites with comfortable beds, outdoor pool, hot tub, free shuttle, musicians on the weekends and all the energy work you ever wanted each evening – all without leaving the property. There’s even a hiking path across the street from Sky Rock Sedona if you want to get out there…

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    Cassie Hepler

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    Traveling to London? Get in the Mood with These Classic British Movies

    May 1, 2023

    Round Up Your Squad, Ride Horses and Chill at Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, Arizona

    March 2, 2022

    Bank and Bourbon Offers Endless Whiskey Paired with Perfect Steak in Philly

    October 7, 2024
  • Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

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

    August 12, 2024 /

    Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler I dub Amina Philly as Philadelphia’s best soul food, hands down! Located in Old City, this vibey space has seriously next level flavors that will leave you licking your fingers and hungry for more. It really is a #findyourtribe space that is Black owned and run by Felicia Wilson with Chef Darryl Harmon formerly from Fairmount Water Works leading the outstanding flavor train. I went in on a Thursday night in not the best mood and by the time I left, I was laughing, tipsy and stuffed silly with Southern Cuisine with African influences. This takes putting the South in your mouth to…

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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

    The Big Island Secrets of Hawaii

    July 10, 2023

    Lisbon, Portugal is the ‘Bestest’ Hip, Hilly, Coastal Capital City in Europe

    January 2, 2019
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Top 10 Locations for Alfresco Dining in America

    June 24, 2024 /

    Summer is officially here with the solstice coming through this month of June! And with the warmer months, places all across the USA are getting ready to enjoy eating outside in the sunshine – or the light of the moon. Minus Arizona… this is the time of year where we hibernate and enjoy the air conditioning much like the winter equivalent elsewhere. According to our friends at Dating Advice, these are the top 10 locations for alfresco (fancy word for outside) dining in America. They took a survey of 3,000 seasoned (pun intended) foodies to identify the 150 most romantic locations for alfresco dining in 2024 as well. If you…

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    Cassie Hepler

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

    October 14, 2024

    Rejuvenate at Hofsas House and Walk the Wine Trail in Fairytale Town Carmel by the Sea, California

    March 8, 2018

    Bisbee, Arizona Staying Spooky, Strange and Surprisingly Hip

    November 9, 2021

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