ExplorewithCassie

06/01/2026

I took a 7.5 hour train ride from Sanremo to Tuscany because I’m crazy! 🇮🇹 It was the most stressful three-part train ride in Italy. I don't recommend taking the Trenitalia trains as there is no assigned seating and you’re lucky to find a place for your luggage. Don’t do it if you’re on a tight schedule but I did document and shared for what not to do learning purposes... Il Falconiere in Cortona did warn me to fly in but being the stubborn mule that I am, I completely romanticized a relaxing train ride for over 7 hours. Wrong! The first train was late, resulting in stressing about the second train which I was only able to catch because of the kindness of strangers within about five minutes layover, fortunately located right next to each other. I was then able to connect to the Wifi thanks to a nice young Italian man letting me use his phone number because somehow my phone deleted WhatsApp - my only lifeline to the press trip group and Italian contacts - which gave me yet another heart attack. On the third train to Cortona Tuscany, Italy I was finally able to relax a bit and enjoy the countryside more but those trains are not made for Amazons ya'll only small Italians with the small, curved inward seats especially at the top so I was climbing around like a monkey. If you must, book the Frecciarossa high-speed trains, operated by Trenitalia, which reach speeds of 250 miles per hour and offer maximum comfort, snacks for sale and Wifi (from above) if you can connect. With only about five hours of sleep the night before and running on fumes, when I arrived I was sweaty, gross, exhausted and hungry. But as soon as I saw the dreamy sunset at Il Falconiere & Spa, I was instantly re-energized by the beauty of this fairytale space and went into video taking and Nikon photo machine mode. Worth it! But fly if you can swing it for a much smoother experience. Live and learn, that’s what life is all about! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

06/01/2026

The best rosa tagliolini pasta with parmesan fondue and truffle! 💗 I could have eaten the whole pink plate of pasta but needed to save room to taste other delicious Italian cuisine as well. Locanda del Molino is the original sister property of Relais Chateaux Il Falconiere & Spa, owned by Michelin Chef Silvia Baracchi and serving the most delicious wines from Il Falconiere vineyards . This cozy restaurant is made of two rooms housed in the old olive mill next to the small Esse stream located just down the winding roads from Il Falconiere with traditional Tuscan cuisine cooked to perfection for centuries. Adding to the relaxing ambiance, this refined rustic space also features eight romantic guest rooms. It’s an authentic inn in Cortona, Italy with a more digestible price tag. Learn more about both pristine properties, the amazing female chef making waves in Italy and more, new on the blog explorewithcassie.com. 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

06/01/2026

Explore a fairytale dream come true at Relais & Chateaux Il Falconiere in Visit Tuscany! New on the blog https://explorewithcassie.com/escape-to-a-fairytale-fever-dreamscape-at-il-falconiere-in-cortona-tuscany-italy/ Comune di Cortona Tuscany Visit Italy MICHELIN Guide Relais & Châteaux

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 / 0 Comments Luxury Wine Resort in Cortona Tuscany, Italy Story, photos and video by C...

05/27/2026

Explore absolutely stunning Devon House in Kingston, Jamaica! 🇯🇲 Not only is it a historic estate built by Jamaica’s first Black millionaire, it has sprawling, beautiful grounds, vibrant artisan shops, restaurants and world-famous ice cream which is an essential Kingston experience. This beautifully restored 19th-century estate is famous for its guided mansion tours as Devon House is one of Jamaica’s premier historical and cultural landmarks. Built in 1881, the mansion was the home of George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. He accumulated his vast wealth from gold mining in South America. The house features a blend of Caribbean and Georgian architecture, complete with carefully curated English, French, and Jamaican antiques. The property was nearly demolished in 1965 but was saved by the Jamaican government. It was declared a national monument in 1990. The on grounds ice cream shop, Devon House I-Scream, was ranked by National Geographic as one of the top 5 places to enjoy ice cream in the world. It is famous for local, tropical flavors like Rum & Raisin, Sour Sop, Mango and Devon Stout. I was feeling the strawberry that day (and that's a "small" by the way) and boy was it tasty and melting fast so get a cup to go with your cone! Officially designated as Jamaica’s first gastronomy center, the 11-acre property is packed with culinary and retail options. The courtyard houses cafes, bakeries famous for their beef patties and bread pudding and various restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Over 20 boutique shops sell authentic Jamaican souvenirs, locally made jewelry and artisan crafts where I found my crystal bracelets in Jamaican colors. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

05/26/2026

Get into the Jamaican groove at S Hotel Kingston! 🇯🇲 Situated in the bustling capital of Kingston, Jamaica, the former Spanish Court Hotel is now S Hotel Kingston which is ideal for everyone who wants to be close to business centers, tourist attractions and local restaurants within a gated community. A Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, S Hotels offer hospitality in the heart of Jamaica’s cultural capital. A 50-foot infinity rooftop pool with breathtaking views awaits along with The Rojo Restaurant and Cabana Pool Bar serving up Jamaican delicacies and international cuisine. The Blue Mountains and infamous pirate capital Port Royal are nearby to explore as well. In this Spanish Colonial style building in downtown Kingston, this modern hotel is a short walk to the Bob Marley Museum and four miles from the National Gallery of Jamaica. Each spacious room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, comfortable beds, enough pillows to build a pillow fortress and a serene view of the city's stunning sunsets or citrus groves. Whether you choose a standard room or a suite, you’ll enjoy free WiFi, a mini refrigerator, tea and coffee maker. With buffet breakfast included each morning featuring favorites like bacon, eggs and toast as well as Jamaican dishes like ackee and salt fish and always fresh fruit, this is the place to get caffeinated and go explore the city some more. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

05/25/2026

Explore the Italian mountain town of Norcia, Italy with home base at Palazzo Seneca and enjoy a Michelin Star restaurant! https://explorewithcassie.com/spend-24-hours-in-the-mountain-town-of-norcia-umbria-in-italy/
Comune di Norcia Italycharme Arthouse PR Palazzo Seneca Relais & Chateaux MICHELIN Guide Ristorante Vespasia Visit Italy Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria Umbria Region

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 / 0 Comments Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Norcia is located in the mountains of Italy at 6,50...

05/23/2026

Snorkeling in Montego Bay, Jamaica 🇯🇲

05/22/2026

Learn all about the White Witch of Rose Hall on the haunted night tour! ❤️‍🔥 Petite Annee Palmer is known to have killed three husbands and taken on numerous slave lovers, only to die by the hands of the one she loved the most. Hear the spine-chilling historic tale of the notorious murders and feel the house come alive through an interactive tour set in the 19th century. This is the Montego Bay Jamaican mansion to visit, a restored 18th-century architectural masterpiece offering both day and night guided tours for 1.5 to 2 hours in over 10 languages. We were fascinated at the crazy stories and what better way to learn than at night when the sun goes down and the spooky stories start - and spine-tingling experiences. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

05/21/2026

Taking a walkabout after snorkeling, I came across Lounge2727 which during the day is chill but heats up at nighttime! ❤️‍🔥 I heard a couple other locals drop this name too so it must have some clout! The night apparently comes alive with a full-blown party vibe that’s all about defining yourself. Located on the hip strip in Montego Bay, Jamaica, it's the go-to spot for urban nightlife, with live DJs spinning the hottest tracks, top-shelf liquor and bottle service. Whether you’re sipping premium drinks, puffing on your favorite ho**ah, or hitting the dance floor, they bring the energy, vibes and beats. Sip, puff and party where the night is yours to own. If I wasn't on an itinerary with S Hotel Montego Bay , I would have gone and danced until the wee hours of the morning, slept in and lived my sloth life the next day. Perhaps swimming in the Caribbean Sea is not your jam, but you can catch waves another way with Lounge2727 on their exclusive 3-hour charter yacht experience. Cruise the Caribbean in luxury, with drinks and finger foods included and soak in those ocean views while you party in style. Where the sea meets sophistication, catch waves and redefine yourself on the open water. Right next door is a ma*****na dispensary and from what I learned, you can easily sign up for a medical ma*****na card for $10, use your drivers or bring your own from home. But honestly about two people asked me if I wanted to buy some w**d on the street as I was just walking around window shopping. And I learned from some Bermuda gals at the hotel about exploring D Boss Farms that also has animal interactions. While it's not legal per say, no body really cares... just watch those energizing sativa strains! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲