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America’s Best Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is of those ubiquitous American meals that can serve any purpose, from Sunday night family dinner to a leisurely picnic in the park. And there are probably as many different recipes for fried chicken as there is places to eat it. Some lucky folks at Thrillist had the chance to scour the country in search of the best fried chicken in America, and it turns out there’s a few places on their list that are in Stay Alfred cities (and a couple in cities we’re looking at)! We thought we would share these finds with you, in fact you’ll probably get to try them before we do!

The following was published 2/20/15 by Kevin Alexander and Liz Childers at Thrillist:

 

Portland, OR: The People’s Pig

“People’s Pig answers a question few have asked, yet probably should: what would bacon taste like if bacon was made from fried chicken? The answer is the Smoked Fried Chicken at this food cart turned brick-and-mortar, which gives the boneless bird a light wood-based sauna session before it’s dunked in batter and fried. Not bad for a place that made its name with porchetta and BBQ. There’s a lot of great fried chicken in Stumptown (big love to Dub’s and Reel M Inn), but the People’s Pig gets mad love for taking something as beloved as fried chicken and transforming it into something utterly different and magnificent.”

 

Nashville, TN: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack

“Yes, we know it’s technically hot chicken. But that hot chicken is fried, right? And Prince’s, on the North side of Nashville, just happens to be the best damn spicy fried chicken in America. If you can spare a couple of hours to deal with the line, hit up Andre Prince’s ode to the spicy side of the bird and get a whole chicken, some extra pickles, and bread. We like it “hot,” which is just enough to make us sweat, but not enough that it feels like you’re being punished for eating. And don’t worry about finishing the whole bird. We just wanted to leave you enough to take some home with you.”

 

Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken. Flickr/the foodhoe

New Orleans, LA: Willie Mae’s Scotch House

“New Orleanians are wont to throw around words like ‘legendary’ and ‘institution’ and ‘classic’ when it comes to their restaurants that can lay any kind of claim to those adjectives. But, well, Willie Mae’s fried chicken deserves it. That crispy, spicy chicken was enough to drive crowds of volunteers to tend to the nearly half-a-century old restaurant after Katrina flooded through, and its melt-in-your-mouth skin and juicy meat are enough to beckon even the most tourist-averse locals to wait in the lunch line on a weekday for a plate, plus a side of salty, smoky red beans and rice. So, yes, Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a legendary, classic institution — not just of NOLA, but of the South.”

 

Austin, TX: Top Notch

“Sure, you can’t start any conversation about Top Notch without mentioning its iconic placement in Dazed & Confused, but there’s a damn good reason the old-school drive-up joint’s in the movie to begin with. Since 1971, it’s made Austin’s finest fried bird. And as the city’s food scene has evolved into more haute takes on comfort classics, Top Notch still does what it’s always done: it makes a perfectly crisp, salty, old-school chunk of chicken that’s golden fried and bursting with juice. That’s the good thing about Top Notch. You keep getting older, but that chicken stays the same.”

Are you planning a trip to any of these cities? Click here to view all our our great vacation rentals.


Top 5 Denver Activities

Coors Field, source: Flickr user Geoff Livingston

Whether you enjoy urban adventures or exploring nature, Denver has plenty of exciting activities for the whole family. Take some time during your stay to get out there and experience everything that the Mile High City has to offer! Here are five of our favorite things to do when we are in town:

  1. Shopping at 16th Street Mall: At 1.7 miles long, the 16th Street Mall is the longest outdoor mall in the U.S. Considered a pedestrian area, but if you don’t feel like walking you can hop on and off the free shuttle that runs the entire length of the mall. The heart of the mall is the Denver Pavilions, a collection of over 40 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues including a bowling alley and movie theater
  2. Rent a B-Cycle: Denver boasts more than 850 miles of paved, off-road trails that connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails, as well as dozens of notable attractions. You can rent a bike using the Denver B-Cycle, an automated bicycle sharing system with 700 bikes and 82 stations throughout the city. Some of the most popular rides are the Cherry Creek path and Washington Park. See why the Mile High City is a paradise for cyclists!
  3. Brewery Tour: More than 200 distinct beers are crafted in Denver daily and there are more than 50 brewpubs and breweries in the area, so exploring local pubs and tasting rooms is a great way to sample the true flavor of the city. Try a guided tour to get a true behind-the-scenes experience, complete with plenty of beer samples. The most popular are the Brews Cruise and Banjo Billy’s Brewery Tour, they’ll even drive you and your friends from stop to stop.
  4. Visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Located just 10 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks is widely considered to be the best outdoor music venue in the world. The amphitheatre is nestled among the giant red sandstone outcroppings where the scenery is breathtaking and the acoustics are superb. Besides music, the venue also hosts yoga classes, a summer film series, and even Easter sunrise service. Definitely worth a visit even if you don’t get a chance to see a concert.
  5. Catch a game: Denver is a big-time sports town, in fact it’s one of only 12 cities to have teams in four major sports (5 if you count the MLS, which plenty of Rapids fans do). Any time of the year you can find an exciting game to watch and thousands of cheering fans to watch it with. You’ve got the Broncos at Sports Authority Field (locals still call it Mile High Stadium), the Rockies at Coors Field, and the Avalanche and Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.

Are you planning a trip to Denver? Click here to check out all of our great vacation rentals.


Marketing Your Vacation Rental, Part 2

In our previous blog post we discussed how to create a listing for your vacation rental that will stand out from the pack and attract guests. However, just having a catchy title, a great description, and professional-looking photos is not enough. With so many vacation rentals on the professional listing sites, you need to be proactive in promoting your property.

The main place that travelers search for and book their arrangements is online, so naturally this should also be the place that you focus most of your marketing efforts. Listing services like VRBO offer ways to increase your listing’s visibility, for a price. Purchasing a higher subscription level or paying to temporarily boost your property with a “special offer” or “featured listing” status can greatly increase the number of people who will see your listing, especially if it’s located in a crowded market. But not everyone has the budget to spend on these services, and while more viewers might get your more inquiries, it doesn’t guarantee more bookings.

The only good Spam is in a can. Source: Flickr user freezelight

One way to promote your property that doesn’t necessarily have to cost anything is to utilize social media. It’s free to set up an account with the major services like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin. With so many people checking in on these sites daily, it’s practically a given that you should have a social media presence for potential guests to verify your professionalism. Social media users generally don’t appreciate being spammed with blatant advertising, but if you post a good mix of interesting links, funny pictures, and some subtle self-promotion, your base of followers will start to grow. Who knows, you might even go viral!

The most direct way to reach potential guests is with targeted emails. Start compiling a list of email addresses from everyone who has ever stayed with you or even sent you an inquiry. Using a service like Vertical Response will allow you to create a promotional offer or informational newsletter and send it to select groups of people. You can also track how many people open the email, click on included links, unsubscribe from your list, etc., which lets you know just how effective your email campaign is. Targeted email can be a powerful tool, but should not be used carelessly; if too many people report you as spam, you risk getting your service suspended.

Not all marketing needs to be online. There are still plenty of traditional print mediums where you can advertise your vacation rental. Local visitor’s bureaus and chambers of commerce publish city guides that often include advertisements for short-term accommodations. Websites like Club Flyers offer an affordable option for printing flyers and brochures that you can place in local visitor’s centers. And don’t forget about one of the most reliable forms of advertising: the good old business card. Make sure you always have a few on hand to turn the next stranger you strike up a conversation with into a potential guest.

Planning a trip? Click here to view all of our great vacation rentals.


Neighborhood Spotlight: LoDo, Denver

Union Station, source Flickr user Larry Johnson

The hottest neighborhood in Denver is also the oldest. LoDo (short for Lower Downtown) is the site of the original settlement of Denver by William Larimer in 1858. Even before Larimer’s settlement, the area along the South Platte River had long been home to Native American encampments. When the railroad arrived, Union Station become the the jumping off point for countless new arrivals. As highways and airports replaced trains as the preeminent mode of transportation, LoDo drifted into skid row territory. But, as these things go, the city resolved not to let its most historically significant area fall into ruin. After several decades of progress, LoDo has emerged as a shining example of success in urban reinvestment and revitalization.

Today LoDo is a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that is a destination for residents, tourists, and businesses alike. Most of the buildings are restored historical landmarks from the turn of the century. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and art galleries at street level with the upper levels occupied by business offices of every type and some of the priciest residences in town. The crown jewel of the neighborhood is the recently renovated Union Station. Build in 1881, this historical landmark has been updated for functionality while still preserving much of its original grandeur. Home to restaurants and shops, Union Station will stand as one of LoDo’s premier destinations.

Speaking of restaurants, LoDo is home to some of the best dining in Denver. The Mile High City made its culinary reputation on steak houses and you can find more than a dozen of them in and around LoDo. There’s household names like Morton’s and Sullivans as well as local favorites like Elway’s and Denver ChopHouse. For more variety, try the Brazilian steakhouses Rodizio Grill and Fogo De Chão. If you’re feeling more surf than turf, McCormick’s Fish House is the go-to spot with a great outdoor patio. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head over to Snooze, the bustling breakfast joint with an inspired take on morning classics.

Besides enjoying great food, there plenty fun activities in LoDo for every interest. Shopaholics love the 16th Street Mall and its 2 kilometers of over 300 shops, as well as the free shuttle service that runs from Union Station to the Denver Pavilions. Another shopping hotspot is Larimer Square, Denver’s first city block. Now one of the city’s most chic fashion districts, Larimer Square is a great place to grab a latté and do some window shopping while checking out the latest trends. For art lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art features rotating exhibitions from regional, national, and international artists in its innovative environmentally sustainable building.

 


Tips for Marketing Your Vacation Rental

This is not good marketing. Source Flickr user gruntzooki

A lot of people get into the vacation rental industry thinking that all they need is a nice home in a good location and the money will start rolling in. Nothing could be further from the truth. As in any crowded marketplace, it requires a lot of hard work, some creative marketing, and a little bit of luck to distinguish yourself in the world of vacation rentals. The hard work part is entirely on you, and there’s nothing we can do about the luck, but we’re glad to share a few tips with you that will hopefully demystify the marketing process.

We’re going to assume that you’ve already listed your property on the major listing sites like Homeaway, VRBO, Flipkey, and Airbnb. If you haven’t, you should (unless you have way of getting millions of visitors to your own website, it which case we’d love to hear it). Large parts of this industry are pay-to-play and you will see more success if you just bite the bullet and fork over the cash.

Once you have a listing for your property, you’ll need a good title. After your photos, your title is probably the second-most important aspect of your listing. You need something that will entice potential guests while at the sometime highlighting what makes your property unique. Does your property have a pool? Free wifi? Spectacular views? Make sure your guests can tell right away what you’re offering. It’s always a good idea to include the number of bedrooms as well.

You also need to provide of description of your property that will paint a picture in the minds of your guests of what to expect. A good description should erase any uncertainty about your property. Include specific information about sleeping arrangements like the number and size of the beds, as well as the amenities that are included. Think about the types of guests you want to attract (couples, families, business travelers, etc.) and try to target them with your description. Remember that online readers prefer short sentences and paragraphs, and be sure to proofread for any errors.

With a catchy title and a good description, it’s time to start thinking about the most important part of your listing: the photos. The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words has never been more true. The best way to ensure quality pictures is to hire a professional photographer that specializes in real estate. Of course, that’s not always an option for everyone so if you’re going to take the photos yourself, there a few key things to remember:

  1. Get pictures of every room and amenity, paying special attention to the kitchen. Having a kitchen is one of the main reasons travelers choose a vacation rental over a hotel, and as one guest recently told us, “I know that if the owner makes sure the kitchen looks great, they’ll pay just as much attention to the rest of their home.”

  2. Make sure there’s plenty of light. Open the blinds and turn on all the light fixtures. Turn on your camera flash. Lots of light will give the feeling of warmth and make your property more inviting. If the pictures are dark, it will feel cold and unwelcoming.

  3. The ideal shooting height is approximately five feet above the ground with the camera pointing straight ahead. Be careful not to tilt the camera up or down because this will distort the image and make it harder for the guest to get a feel for the space. Try to fit the entire room into the frame.

By following these simple tips, you should have enough of a foundation to get your vacation rental up and running. Keep in mind, there is always more to learn. In future posts, we will talk about promoting your listing and how to turn your guests into your best advertisers.

Are you planning a trip? Click here to view all of Stay Alfred’s great vacation rentals.


Top 10 Food Carts in Portland

Food carts hold a treasured place in the heart of Portlanders. With over 400 food carts operating in the city, you can find every type of food you can possibly imagine (and quite a few you never would have thought of). Like whales and teenagers, Portland’s food carts love to hang out in groups (known locally as “pods”), which makes it easy to sample a wide variety of delicious treats. The largest downtown pod is the Alder Street pod; you’ll also find the 5th Avenue Pod and the 3rd Avenue Pod downtown. Other popular pods are the Cartopia Pod located on SE Hawthorne at SE 12th Ave, and the Cartlandia Pod located along the Springwater Corridor bike path in Southeast Portland. Obviously with so many food carts in Portland any Top Ten list is bound to be open for debate, but here are some of our personal favorites:

Nong’s Khao Man Gai, source Flickr user sstrieu

Nong’s Khao Man Gai (Alder Pod) Perennial contender for Best Cart in the City does one thing and does it to perfection: their namesake Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)

Koi Fusion (6 locations) One of Portland’s original food carts, this local favorite offers Korean-infused Mexican food like bulgogi beef burritos and kimchi quesadillas.

Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen (Mississippi Marketplace) Features the owner’s grandmother’s recipes for Southern staples like biscuits and gravy, collard greens, and some of the best fried chicken in the city.

Tábor (5th Ave Pod) Homestyle Czech specialties like potato pancakes and borscht, but the star of the menu is their famous Schnitzelwich, a huge breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.

The Frying Scotsman (Alder Pod) Run by a Scottish ex-pat, this “chippie” offers the genuine British fish and chips experience, serving up cod, haddock, halibut and more.

People’s Pig (Alder Pod)- Known for their mighty pork sandwiches made several different ways, like BBQ pulled pork, Cubano, and the always-satisfying porchetta sandwich.

Grilled Cheese Grill (Alder Pod) From basic grilled cheese sandwiches to the monster Cheesus Burger which has grilled cheese sandwiches in place of buns, this food cart puts the distinctive Portland flair on childhood favorites.

808 Grinds (Alder Pod) Authentic Hawaiian lunch plates like kalua pork, fried chicken, and Spam musubi, all served with rice and macaroni salad.

Haan Ghin (PSU Pod) Skip the ubiquitous Thai food and try some delicious Laotian cuisine at the Portland State University campus. Try the Laap Gai (basically DIY chicken lettuce wraps).

Pyro Pizza (Cartopia) Another one of those carts that has become a Portland institution, the specialty here is authentic Italian-style wood fired pizzas made from locally sourced ingredients. They even make their own natural sodas!

Are you planning a trip to Portland? Click here to check out all of our great Portland vacation rentals


Our 5 Favorite New Orleans Restaurants

If it ain’t got okra, it ain’t gumbo!

Few cities in the world can match the rich culinary tradition of New Orleans. French, Spanish, Italian, African, Creole, Cajun, and Southern influences all blend together into a perfect storm of delicious foodie heaven. You can spend your entire life exploring all the different facades of New Orleans’ culinary world. Of course, we know you don’t have that kind of time, so we put together a short list of our favorite places to eat in the Big Easy. Consider this the crib notes; by no means complete, but enough to get you started. We’d also love to hear what some of your favorites are, so don’t be shy!

  • K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen: Chef Paul Prudhomme is the godfather of Cajun cuisine and his French Quarter restaurant is practically a New Orleans institution. His recipe for blackened redfish almost single handedly put the species on the “endangered” list. In a city with such a rich culinary tradition, K-Paul’s ranks right at the top. Must Try: Blackened Drum and Bread Pudding with Hard Sauce

  • Red Fish Grill: Part of the Brennan family restaurant dynasty, Red Fish Grill offers a respite from the chaos of Bourbon Street. as well as some of the best seafood in New Orleans, which is to say, some of the best seafood anywhere. The BBQ oysters are world-famous (although they’re more buffalo wing-style than true BBQ). Must Try: Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo

  • The Ruby Slipper: This bustling diner serves a plethora of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional fare to dishes imbued with that New Orleans fare. They have several locations close to downtown and are regularly voted “Best Breakfast” in the city. Must Try: Bananas Foster Pain Perdu (French Toast)

  • Cochon Butcher: New Orleans is a big-time sandwich town, from muffalettas to po’ boys of every type, which makes Cochon Butcher’s place as one of the best shops in town all the more impressive. They cure their own meats in-house and also feature a great wine and beer selection. Must Try: The Gambino

  • Clover Grill: It’s not the fanciest place to get a greasy burger and chili fries in the town, but it’s open 24 hours and offers some great people watching. Probably best to save this one until after you’ve been partying all night in the French Quarter, and leave the attitude at the door. Must Try: A few Hurricanes before you get here.

Still planning your trip to New Orleans? Click here to view all of our great New Orleans vacation rentals.


Are You Ready For Austin Vacation Rentals?

Austin city lights

Fresh off our recent expansion into San Antonio, Stay Alfred is setting its sights 80 miles to the northeast. That’s right folks, the Austin vacation rentals you’ve been clamoring for are finally on the horizon! There’s so much to love about this city, we’re just as excited as you are to be part of the unique weirdness that is Austin, Texas. And we’re not the only ones. Austin is the fastest growing of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the US. It’s easy to see why; over the past ten years, Austin has not only landed on numerous “best of” lists, it frequently finds itself in the top spot. The city has been picked for “best place to see live music” (Travel+Leisure), “best city for golf” (Golf Digest), “best shopping” (Lucky Magazine), “best top chef” (Bravo), “best bar” (Esquire), and more. Austin and it’s inhabitants have always been on the cutting edge, and now the rest of the country is catching on.

Officially adopting the slogan “Live Music Capital of the World” in 1991, Austin boasts the most music venues per capita in America with over 250 and counting. Any visitor to Austin would be seriously remiss if they didn’t sample some of the great live music the city has to offer. Along Red River Street and the surrounding area, you’ll find the iconic Stubb’s BBQ, Mohawk, and Holy Mountain. The area is also home to the wildly popular SXSW music festival. Head over to the University of Texas campus to experience the landmark venues Hole in the Wall and Cactus Cafe, which have played host to such famous acts as Lucinda Williams and hometown hero Stevie Ray Vaughan. Of course, we couldn’t talk about music without mentioning Austin City Limits, the main focal point of the Austin live music scene. Tickets to tapings are distributed by a drawing, but you can buy tickets to other performances that are held at the Moody Theater almost nightly.

Before it was the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin was (and continues to be) the capital of Texas, with all the history and culture befitting a city of such stature. In the heart of downtown you will find three major attractions within five blocks of each other. First there’s the Texas State Capitol with a dome that is larger than the US Capitol (of course) and 22 acres of monuments and beautifully landscaped lawns. Just up the street is the Bullock Texas State History Museum which tells the “Story of Texas” with three floors of interactive exhibits, including a special effects show and Austin’s only IMAX Theatre. Across the street is the Blanton Museum of Art, the largest university art museum in the country and home to the largest private collection of master works in the United States. A must-see for any art enthusiast.

With an average of 228 sunny days a year, Austinites love their outdoor activities. When the summer days reach 90+ degrees, the locals head to their favorite natural swimming holes like the Barton Springs Pool, fed by a natural spring that keeps the water temperature a constant 68 degrees year-round, or the Hamilton Pool Preserve in its natural limestone grotto with a 50 foot waterfall. Lady Bird Lake flows through the center of town and with the restrictions on motor boats, the lake is a haven for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Hike up Mount Bonnell, Austin’s highest point at 775, for the best views of the city, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.

Are you planning a trip? Click here to view all of our great vacation rentals.


5 Reasons Stay Alfred is Perfect for Valentine’s Day

539400562_1f6f12ef00_oValentine’s Day is right around the corner. Now’s the time to start thinking about what you are doing to show that special someone just how much they mean to you. Sure, you could buy roses or make homemade coupons for “1 Free Backrub”, but getting away for the weekend as a couple is as romantic as it gets. If you want to make the most of your time together, skip the typical hotel experience. Here are five reasons why picking a Stay Alfred vacation rental can be the key to the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway:

  1. Privacy: If there’s one day of the year when you want your privacy, it’s probably Valentine’s Day. In a vacation rental, you have plenty of space to be secluded with your significant other without feeling like you’re being crammed into a tiny hotel room. Plus, if you can’t escape the kids, at least you’ll have separate bedrooms and bathrooms.

  2. Amenities: One of the best reasons to choose a vacation rental is all the extras you won’t find in a hotel room. Want to whip up a special candlelight dinner just for two? That’s what the full kitchen is for. How about sitting on your private balcony, sipping champagne as the sun sets over the city? Done.

  3. Location: We wouldn’t blame you if you want to spend the whole weekend staying in, but there’s always plenty of excitement right outside your door. Canoodle in a fancy restaurant, catch an after-dinner show, or get tipsy at a swanky nightclub without a worry because your great vacation rental is within easy walking distance.

  4. Atmosphere: Is there a bigger mood killer than spending time and energy planning something special, only to be totally disappointed by the result? Say goodbye to underwhelming surrounds, our rentals really are as great as they look in the pictures. Modern furnishings, amazing views, and spectacular locations all add up to an experience you’ll never forget!

  5. Value: When you take into account location, space, and amenities, vacation rentals are usually the most cost-effective way to spend any trip. That means you’ll have some extra cheddar to splurge on that high-end meal or fancy bottle of champagne.

Still planning your Valentine’s Day getaway? Click here to check out all of our great vacation rentals


10 Helpful Articles for Vacation Rental Owners

In the ever-changing vacation rental landscape, it’s always a good idea to stay on top of current trends and new ideas. Luckily, there is a wealth of information out there in the form of blogs and news sites. As a growing company, we spend a lot of time doing research and we’ve found quite a few great resources for staying abreast of the latest developments in the market. We’ve put together a list of 10 articles that we’ve found to be quite helpful, not just from the owner’s perspective but also for looking at the industry from the guest’s viewpoint. Hopefully you’ll find these as useful as we did:

Matt Landau has been called the vacation rental marketing guru and if you aren’t reading his site, vacationrentalmarketingblog.com, you’re doing yourself a serious disservice. His articles use a ton of data-driven experimentation as well as interviews with key industry figures. He writes mainly for vacation rental owners and a large number of them are active participants in his readership community. You can find all sorts of tips to increase your bookings, here are three of our favorite articles:

Top 10 Cost-Effective VR Marketing Activities

21 Clever Ways to Close More Bookings Over the Phone

10 Experts Predict Vacation Rentals in 2015

The folks over at Evolve Vacation Rental Network focus on providing a good mix of B2B and B2C articles that cover a huge range of topics, from help on collecting the proper taxes to the best songs to play on a road trip. As a vacation rental owner, it is always a good idea to put yourself in the potential guests’ shoes and anticipate their questions. Being able to answer those questions before they’re asked is a great sales strategy, which is why we like these articles:

8 Reasons to Rent a Vacation Home Instead of a Hotel Room

Want to Book a Vacation Rental? 10 Questions You Should Ask

How to Write a Standout Property Description for Your Vacation Rental

No matter how hard you try as an owner, you’re bound to inevitably have a guest who is less than satisfied with their stay. Just remember: it’s how you deal with these guests that will have a lasting impact on your business.

The 3 Types of Guests

Dealing with Difficult Guests

How to Deal With Negative Reviews of Your Vacation Rental Property

One of the most important aspects of the modern vacation rental business is digital marketing. Your online presence is the way that potential guests will find and connect with you. The sheer scope of and complexity of marketing in the digital age can be intimidating, but there are plenty of companies out there that provide an easy playbook for DIY-ers and as much additional assistance as you’re willing to pay for. This comprehensive list of marketing tools provides everything from data integration to SEO optimization.

Planning a trip? Click here to see all of our great vacation rentals.