• 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!

  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Lifestyle

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

    May 21, 2021 /

    Carriage-hitched horse and riders pass the Lincoln Building, home to the annual Yellow Springs Art Show. “At its finest, rider and horse are joined not by tack, but by trust. Each is totally reliant upon the other. Each is the selfless guardian of the other’s very well-being.” – Author unknown Story, photos by Sharon Kozden My first encounter with a horse occurred during the summer of my 12th year, when a school chum allowed a bunch of us to ride her mare. The young equestrian sat in the saddle as we took our respective turns while scrunched in front of her. Both horse and owner actually resembled one another as…

    read more
    Sharon Kozden

    You May Also Like

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

    March 8, 2018

    Supporting Small Businesses at Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona

    May 12, 2025

    Sit Back and Relax with a Fun Night Out at Movie Tavern in Collegeville, PA

    October 10, 2018
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Paris, je t’aime! An American Reminisces on Her Love Affair with France

    March 15, 2021 /

    Story, photos by Jill Beckel Bonjour! It is hard to say where my obsession with Paris started, but I am honestly not sure. I know that I dreamed about going to Paris as child and something about it always fascinated me. I took French throughout middle school and three years of high school. However, I am by no means fluent. I can pick up phrases and written words here and there, but definitely could not hold my own in a full-on on conversation in French (I did try to brush up with the Duolingo app before this trip). Once I was in college, I knew that I wanted to travel…

    read more
    Jill Beckel

    You May Also Like

    Explore Chacchoben Ruins and Blue Lagoon in Costa Maya, Mexico

    April 4, 2023

    Explore Omni Mount Washington Resort & Bretton Woods Ski Area in New Hampshire

    September 30, 2024

    18 Atlantic City Restaurants with Waterfront Views

    April 23, 2015
  • 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…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Explore Retro El Cortez Hotel and Casino on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada

    February 24, 2025

    Musical Memphis, Tennessee Resurrecting into its Glory Days

    November 6, 2019

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

    March 8, 2018
  • Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

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

    July 29, 2020 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) We love finding hidden gems. Although this one is not so hidden because the Marriott Phoenix Chandler is not only the largest legacy brand full service Marriott in the state (128,000 square feet total), the 264-room property features the greatest amount of hotel conference space in the area at 28,000 feet. Located in the bustling Price Corridor, it is managed by Cincinnati-based Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group, LLC., an affiliate company of the Pyramid Hotel Group, which is one of the predominant hotel management companies in the United States. With easy access to Loop 101 and Loop 202, we thought it would…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

    Hurricane Irma Displaces Single Dad, Daughter to New Jersey

    September 25, 2017

    Philadelphia’s 2018 Flower Show Just Adds Water

    August 16, 2018

    Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia Serves Sexy Blues with a Side of Fine Dining

    September 9, 2024
  • Day Trips,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

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

    November 20, 2019 /

    Heads up for one imposing casino resort. You’ll find an entire playground in that “Ocean.” “Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” – Erma Bombeck Story, photos by Sharon Kozden Happy first anniversary to Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort! You’ve done good. Matter of fact, better than good. You are, in this writer’s opinion (and as reviewed by many others), a smashing success. I know my casinos, empirically speaking, that is. Back in the day and thanks to an accumulated bounty of comps from her favorite Atlantic City casino, my mom and me would hop a Bieber bus from Coopersburg to…

    read more
    Sharon Kozden

    You May Also Like

    Hopping into Spring with Fishtown Hops at Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia, PA

    May 9, 2019

    Ancient Theater in Orange, France is the Most Preserved Roman Theater in the World

    January 19, 2026

    Take a Walking, Eating and Drinking Chew Philly Tour Through Chestnut Hill

    November 30, 2017
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Education,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Workhorse Brewing Company, a New Hidden Gem in the Philly Suburbs

    June 26, 2019 /

    Story, photos by Jill Beckel Workhorse Brewing Company is the newest brewery to open up in King of Prussia, PA. Located at 250 King Manor Drive, it is truly a hidden gem in the Philly suburbs! We recently went on a Workhorse Brewing Company tour led by Dan Hershberg, co-founder and CEO of Workhorse Brewing Co. We remembered talking with Dan a few years back when we did a story on his popular Philly T-shirt business, Philly Phaithful (read the full article here). Workhorse Brewing Company was four years in the making. Dan came up with the idea of starting a brewery with his friend, Nate Olewine (brewmaster), while they…

    read more
    Jill Beckel

    You May Also Like

    Explore Down the Shore at Long Beach Island’s Daddy O Hotel in New Jersey

    August 19, 2024

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

    January 12, 2026

    Hitting Up Virginia Beach, VA Early in the Season Makes Bonding with Locals a Breeze

    April 25, 2019
  • Day Trips,  Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News,  Lifestyle

    Visit California Wineries the Classy Way with San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour

    June 12, 2019 /

    Story, photos/videos by Cassie Hepler Did you know that San Diego, California wineries are the original real deal booze in the valley? Everybody talks about Napa Valley being the first but that’s just not true! It all began in sunny San Diego with those horrible jug wines, which now have a private label for some of their fancier brands. That was just one of the interesting facts we discovered on our San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour with total chill Californian tour guide Diana. Another tasty morsel of information is that California produces 90 percent of the wine for the United States which is mind boggling! To be immersed in…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

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

    March 23, 2026

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

    November 20, 2019

    CiderFest Brought Hardcore Fun to Woodford Mansion in Philly’s Fairmount Park

    December 30, 2023
  • Education,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

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

    May 29, 2019 /

    Philadelphia’s Convention Center boasts escalators of amusement park-ride proportions. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Galas and balls may not be everyone’s (as the Brits say) cuppa char. I, however, would be hard pressed to decline an invite to either. That said, and while the prospect of a evening at home in my comfies, chowing Chinese takeaway and watching a flick in the cuddly company of my fur babies is a thoroughly enticing one, an occasional night on the town offers a desirable change of pace. I relish an opportunity to bust out the glam finery of cocktail dresses and gowns, wield a…

    read more
    Sharon Kozden

    You May Also Like

    Get Crafty at Huge A.C. Moore Store in Center City

    September 1, 2017
    Travel like a local

    Really Get to Know Your Destination Like a Local

    September 14, 2023

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

    July 21, 2025
  • Day Trips,  Destinations,  Entertainment,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

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

    January 30, 2019 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted) You know what’s more awesome than wine tasting in Temecula Valley? Having a driver from Aall In Limo pick you up in a Mercedes Benz party limo at your San Diego, California location and then delivering you to each winery in style – and your driver opening winery doors for you so you look like rock stars! In a tandem trip to sunny SD, MoVernie.com and I teamed up to be power plus ones and make this an epic dual press trip plus a little vacation exploration when we had time. Just don’t make the rookie mistake we made and believe the hype…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

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

    May 2, 2018

    Meet Spiritual Healer and Guide Simona Manenti, The Real Deal

    April 4, 2018

    Visit California Wineries the Classy Way with San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour

    June 12, 2019
  • Destinations,  Explore with Cassie,  Food & Beverage,  Latest News

    Three Time James Beard Award Winner Chef Sherry Yard Tantalizes Tastebuds with Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona

    November 28, 2018 /

    Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Located right next to the new, pimped out iPic Theaters in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tanzy restaurant also had a makeover recently. Award-winning Chef Sherry Yard, Chief Operating Officer for iPic® Theaters and Tuck Hospitality Group, is proud to introduce the new Tanzy Restaurant in Scottsdale. Presenting a new menu featuring garden-fresh ingredients and handmade dishes inspired by bold flavors and delicate techniques, Tanzy’s offerings are complemented by Executive Bartender/Corporate Sommelier Adam Seger’s innovative beverage program. Tanzy’s artisanal Italian concept remains the prominent backbone of the restaurant’s new menu, which features time-tested classics alongside original new dishes, all of which are handmade under Yard’s direction by Tanzy’s Corporate…

    read more
    Cassie Hepler

    You May Also Like

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

    May 1, 2023

    Interview with Author Irene Levy Baker of 100 Things to do in Philadelphia Before You Die

    November 23, 2016

    Escape to a Slice of Heaven in Catalina Island, California

    February 5, 2023
 Older Posts
Newer Posts 

Recent Posts

  • Refresh your Soul in the Turquoise Caribbean Sea at S Hotel Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Go Truffle Hunting, Foraging for Flowers & Shopping in Force with Italy Charme
  • Live like a Queen in an 1,000 Year Old Castle, Castel di Luco in Italy
  • 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

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.