Articles posted in Attractions

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Classic Portland Must-Do’s

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Every time you travel to a new city, it seem like you are greeted with the same old recommendations of where you should eat and what you should do. Most of the time, those suggestions are usually a bust. But believe it or not, these classic Portland recommendations are worth it every time.

Start off your day with, yep, you guessed it, a deliciously unique VooDoo Doughnut! Known for its crazy flavors ranging from Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape, and even an Arnold Palmer doughnut, you’ll have to pop in every morning and try them all! Once you’ve had your fill of deliciousness you’ll still want to stick around for the eclectic decor that depicts Portland life so well.

Photo by Mack Male, via Flickr

After you’ve left VooDoo with an iconic pink box, it’s only proper to head over to one of the multiple Portland Farmers Market locations. Providing Portland with the freshest food and farm goods since 1993, you’ll most likely find yourself getting lost among the 200-plus vendors as you wander from tent to tent surrounded by organic goodness.

Now that you’ve visited two of the most iconic spots in Portland its time to try some beer straight from the source. Home to over 60 breweries, Portland has more breweries within its city limits than any other city in the world. Rightfully dubbed ‘Beervana’ Portland is home to breweries such as BridgePort, Deschutes, Cascade, and Widmer Brothers.

 

Are you planning a trip to Portland? Click Here to view all of our downtown Vacation Rentals

Roller Derby: The New Summer Sport

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Baseball is probably the first sport to come to mind when you think of summer. But if you’re staying in a vacation rental, you’re probably the type of person who avoids the mundane and seeks out things off the beaten path. You want to experience the unique flavor of the place you’re visiting. Lucky for you, summer is also prime time for another, newer American favorite.

The home-grown sport of roller derby experienced a modern revival in the early 2000’s. Resurrected by a small group of women in Austin, TX, the sport has now grow to over 300 leagues world-wide. Which means no matter where your vacation takes you, you can probably catch a bout.

While WFTDA (roller derby’s MLB) has grown, each league is still very grass-roots. Bouts are organized and run by the skaters. Whether at the local roller rink or a convention center, the sense of community is palpable when you arrive to watch a bout. A common thread of every league is the atmosphere of inclusiveness and family friendliness. What better way to get a feel for a new place and truly live like a local?

If you’re traveling with Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals, check out the league schedules in our cities below. Or check out WFTDA’s page to find a bout no matter where you are.

Photo by Masonite Burn, via Flickr

Seattle, Rat City Rollergirls – One of the first leagues of the modern revival, Rat City now has over 80 active skaters divided among four regular season teams and an all-star team.

Portland, Rose City Rollers – Another founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the skaters of this veteran league are sure to impress.

Denver, Denver Roller Derby – With three ladies’ teams, a men’s team, and a juniors program, this league has something for everybody.

San Antonio, Alamo City Roller Girls – A smaller league, but that only makes the bouts feel more intimate. These ladies still pack plenty of punch.

New Orleans, Big Easy Rollergirls – Regular participants in the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (a running of the bulls with “rollerbulls”), these ladies “Skate Through Hell and High Water.”

Memphis, Memphis Roller Derby – Formed in 2006, this league has three regular season teams and holds bouts at the Mid-South Fairgrounds.

Nashville, Nashville Rollergirls - Composed of two teams, the Music City All-Stars and Music City Brawl-Stars, this league holds bouts at the Tennessee State Fair Grounds.

Philadelphia, Philly Roller Derby – “As hard and cracked as the liberty bell.” These ladies take their mission of promoting strength and athleticism in all women seriously. But it’s still a lot of fun to watch.

Boston, Boston Derby Dames – “Skating since 2005, being awesome since forever,” this league now has over 70 active members on four home teams.

Don’t have a trip planned yet, but can’t wait to take in a bout? Check here for accommodations!

The 6 Best Ways to Cool Off in San Antonio

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

With average daytime temps in the 90s, you might find yourself reconsidering the timing of your visit to the Lone Star State. Never fear! Your Stay Alfred travel experts have compiled, with thorough hands on testing, a list of the top six ways to beat the heat in and around San Antonio.
6. Texas Ski Ranch – The ideal way to try out a new watersport. Situated on a private lake 40 miles northeast of San Antonio (this is Texas, y’all, 40 miles is a jaunt), the Ski Ranch offers boat rentals for wakeboard, water ski, knee board, and wake skating. They also have a cable guided wakeboard park and coaches available to help you learn the ropes. Native Texan Tip: plan on having lunch on the ranch at the iconic Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.
5. Splashtown – Just 10 minutes from The Vistana by Stay Alfred, Splashtown is a quick, easy, and inexpensive option for classic waterpark fun. With something for the whole family, this park feature over 50 rides and attractions, half of which are geared toward the little ones. Slides, wave pools, playgrounds, and beaches will keep you entertained, and cool, for hours. Native Texan Tip: Go on a Friday to catch a “dive in movie;” viewings start at dusk.

Photo by Colleen Pence, via Flickr

4. Aquatica by Sea World – On the western edge of the city, this theme park is an aquarium and waterpark rolled into one. Enjoy the rides, pools, playgrounds and lazy rivers suitable for kids of all ages. Don’t miss the newly opened Roa’s Aviary featuring over 50 species of tropical birds or the Stingray Encounter which gives you the chance to feed and pet live stingrays. Native Texan Tip: stop for dinner at Viola’s Ventanas on the way home. And order the enchiladas poblanas.

3. Six Flag Fiesta Texas – I’ve been to this theme park in August, and it wasn’t pretty. The waterpark, though, is another story entirely. There’s a reason their White Water Bay has more attractions than any other section of the park. All the typical rides you’d expect plus a Texas shaped, half-million gallon wave pool provide plenty of opportunity to cool off and relax. Native Texan Tip: Heat exhaustion is a real possibility even at a waterpark; remember to drink plenty of liquids.
2. Tube the Comal or Guadalupe – The perfect choice to save a bit of money and enjoy the beautiful central Texas scenery. Pack a picnic and a few beverages and head north to the Comal or Guadalupe River. You’ll find an abundance of tube rental operations, many of which throw in free parking and a shuttle ride with the price of the tube. Go during the week to avoid some of the crowds and have a truly relaxing float. Native Texan Tip: Don’t mess with Texas! Make sure to bring a trash bag and a rope to keep it from floating away.
1. Schlitterbahn – The mother of them all. Just north of San Antonio in New Braunfels, the good folks at Schlitterbahn—which means “slippery road” in German, a nod to the region’s first settlers—have been leading water park design and innovation since 1979. Home of the world’s first uphill water-coast, this park has grown from four spring-fed water rides to over 70 acres of rides and attractions. As always, parking and tubes are free with admission, and you can bring your own food and beverages. Just leave the alcohol and glass at home. Native Texan Tips: Schlitterbahn coupons are everywhere, so keep your eyes open…that can of Dr. Pepper you’re drinking could pay for itself.
Don’t have a trip planned yet? Check out our San Antonio vacation rentals here!

Father’s Day Fun

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Source: Flickr user slgckgc

Father’s Day is coming up quick! Are you looking for something fun to do with the old man that you’ll both enjoy? Does he like beer and baseball? There’s a fairly good chance that he does, so how about taking Dad out for a great beer, followed by America’s favorite pastime: a professional baseball game. Sounds like the perfect Father’s Day plan to us! If you happen to find yourself in one of these three cities this Sunday, you’re in luck: Stay Alfred knows the best places for the ultimate Father’s Day adventure:

Beer

Seattle: Head to Redmond’s Marymoor Park for the Washington Brewers Fest, featuring 105 Washington breweries as well as food vendors and entertainment. $25 gets you a souvenir glass taster and 10 tasting tokens, each good for a 3oz sample.

Denver: Breckenridge Brewery, one of the standard-bearers of Denver’s beer culture, is having the Grand Opening of their brand-new brewery in Littleton, 12 miles south of downtown on Father’s Day weekend. Make a reservation on their website and for $3 you can enjoy a guided tour of the 12-acre facility that includes a generous sampling of Beck Brews.

Philadelphia: Dad’s love to get stuff for free, and Philly is offering plenty of opportunities to do just that. Get a free 14oz ribeye steak at Bistro St. Tropez when you buy another entree; enjoy a free mojito at Cuba Libre with an entree purchase; Brauhaus Schmitz is offering dads their first beer for free with a reservation; at The Fat Ham, every father gets a free Wurzburger pilsner with their meal and a shot of Bulleit Rye Whiskey afterward.

Baseball

Seattle: The Mariners take on the Houston Astros at Safeco Field. As part of the Father’s Day celebrations, the first 10,000 dads through the gates get a free Mike Zunino BBQ apron.

Denver: The Rockies battle the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field. The first 10,000 fans get a free Father’s Day baseball cap.

Philadelphia: The Phillies face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. Both teams will be wearing retro 1960s-era uniforms and all guys over the age of 15 get a free red Phillies cap sporting the 1960s “P” logo.

 

Are you planning a trip? Click Here to view all of our great downtown vacation rentals

Stay Alfred’s Guide to Memphis Activities

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Downtown Memphis, Flickr user Sean Davis

Stay Alfred is opening our new downtown Memphis vacation rentals just in time for summer. That means great weather, great music, and great food during your trip to the Bluff City! There is so many exciting things to do and see in Memphis, it’s tough to know where to begin. We’ve already written about our favorite restaurants and attractions, so this post is all about the other great activities that Memphis has to offer:

-Eat BBQ: Memphis is known as the BBQ Pork Capital of the World, so it should be no surprise that there a ton of places offering up delicious, slow-cooked pig. Of course, it’s not all ribs and pulled pork sandwiches; they’ll barbecue just about anything in Memphis: from spaghetti to nachos and everything in between. Popular joints like Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous and Central BBQ draw large crowds, but you’re just as likely to discover life-changing barbecue at one of the many humble street corner delis spread throughout town. So get out there and find your own favorite.

-Listen to live music: By now you should know that Memphis is “the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll.” Don’t miss out on experiencing the city’s famous music scene for yourself. Beale Street is crowded with tourist-centric venues, but you can find find great live acts at Blues City and in Handy Park. If you’re looking for a more rock vibe, check out Hi-Tone and Young Avenue Deli east of downtown. During the spring and summer months, the Levitt Shell outdoor amphitheater in Overton Park hosts their free concert series, with a wide variety of acts appealing to all music lovers.

-Visit Mud Island River Park: The Mississippi River is an integral part of the Memphis landscape, and there is no better place to enjoy it than Mud Island River Park. Stroll along the scale model of the lower half of the river or learn more about its influence on Memphis’ development at the Mississippi River Museum. There is a monorail that will take you from downtown to the island, but you can save some money by just walking across the bridge.

-Watch the RedBirds: Memphis may not have as many big sports teams as a lot of other cities, but the ones that do reside here boast a fierce and devoted fan base. The Redbirds are the AAA farm team for the St. Louis Cardinals and a very popular team around town. They play at AutoZone Park, which was build to Major League standards at about a third of the size. It has been called on the the nicest baseball parks in the country. If it’s baseball season, a Redbirds game is one of the best places to be.

-American Dream Safari Tour: Tad Pierson is a bit of a local celebrity. He’s been giving tours of Memphis in his 1955 Cadillac for twenty years, armed with his nearly inexhaustible reservoir of insider knowledge. He has multiple types of tours, focusing on everything from juke joints to gospel churches to famous landmarks. With Tad as your guide, you’re guaranteed to get the inside scoop on some of Memphis’ greatest attractions (and some of it’s local secrets too).

Are you planning a trip to Memphis? Click here to view our great downtown Memphis vacation rentals.

 

Walking in Memphis: The Bluff City’s Best Attractions

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Flickr user cyanocorax

Memphis is one of those iconic cities that’s steeped in tradition as rich and flavorful as its famous barbecue sauce. Known as the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis’ musical legacy is evident throughout the city, from Graceland to Beale Street. Perhaps just as famous as the music is the food: Memphis is the barbecue pork capital of the world and a paradise for lovers of tender, delicious smoked meat. On your next trip to Memphis, be sure to check out these famous attractions:

  • Graceland: Any trip to Memphis would be incomplete without a visit to the home of The King. Elvis Presley’s 14-acre estate provides visitors the chance to tour the mansion, trophy room, automobile museum, as well as Elvis’s final resting place in the Meditation Garden. How long you spend at Graceland depends on you level of devotion, but even casual Elvis fans will enjoy the experience.
  • Beale Street:The beating heart of entertainment in the Home of the Blues. Beale Street feels like a hybrid of New Orleans’ touristy Bourbon Street and Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row but with the blues taking the place of Dixieland jazz and country music. More than 25 clubs and shops line the street with live bands playing day and night.
  • Memphis Zoo: Consistently named as one of the best zoos in the country and with good reason. The Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3500 animals representing over 500 different species in an easy-to-navigate 76 acres. The zoo is one of only four in the country to house giant pandas and many of its exhibits offer an unparalleled chance to get up-close views of the animals.
  • Peabody Hotel Ducks: One of Memphis’s most famous-and unusual-attractions are the ducks that live at the Peabody Hotel. Every day for the past 80 years at 11 a.m., the Duckmaster has lead the ducks from their home on the roof down the elevator, across the red carpet, and into the lobby fountain, all to the tune of a Sousa march. The ritual is repeated in reverse at 5 p.m. This family favorite is free for everyone and highly popular.
  • Sun Studio: It has been said that “If music was a religion, then Memphis would be Jerusalem and Sun Studio its most holy shrine.” This studio launched the careers of not only Elvis Presley, but also Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and many other music legends. Tours are given at the bottom half of every hour, giving visitors the chance to experience the true story behind the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

Are you planning a trip to Memphis? Click here to view our great downtown Memphis vacation rentals.

 

 

Top 5 Attractions in Philadelphia

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

We absolutely love Philadelphia! The city has so much history and culture that we rank it right at the top of the list of places to visit. It’s home to world class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute, one of the largest public art collections in the world, a whole list important historical buildings, and a culinary scene that is second to none. No matter where your interests lie, Philly has plenty to offer! Here is a short list of some of our favorite attractions:

  • Reading Terminal Market, Flickr user ccharmon

    Reading Terminal Market: A food lover’s paradise, the RTM is the nation’s oldest continuously operated farmer’s market. If you can imagine eating it, you can probably find it at the Reading Terminal Market: everything from soul food and Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to traditional Amish treats. The Market can be quite crowded, but it is definitely a must-visit when you’re in Philly.

  • Fairmount Park: With more than 9,200 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront, and shaded woodlands, Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world and the perfect place to spend the day enjoying nature in the middle of the city. There are places for hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, and much more.
  • Independence National Historic Park: Home to some of Philly’s most famous landmarks including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The park also contains many other historical buildings such as Carpenters’ Hall, Congress Hall, and the First and Second Bank of the United States. All of the buildings are free to see, but you’ll need tickets (also free) to get into Independence Hall.
  • Philadelphia Zoo: America’s first zoo is also one of the premier zoos in the world for breeding animals that have been found difficult to breed in captivity, like orangutans and giraffes. The Philadelphia Zoo is 42 acres and home to more than 1,300 animals, many of which are rare and endangered. The zoo also features a children’s zoo, a paddleboat lake, a rainforest themed carousel, and many interactive and educational exhibits.
  • Battleship New Jersey: Anchored across the Delaware River in Camden is the USS New Jersey, the most decorated battleship is U.S. naval history. After seeing action in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, “Big J” is now a floating museum and memorial. Visitors get a chance to explore the inner workings of this massive ship, and even sit in the chair from which Admiral Halsey commanded the 3rd Fleet.

Are you planning a trip to Philadelphia? Click here to view our great downtown Philadelphia vacation rentals.

5 Best Activities in Boston

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Boating on the Charles River. Source: Flickr user Leonardo Dasilva

We love Boston! There is so many exciting things to do and see, it would be impossible to fit everything into one trip. To make life a little easier for you, we put together this short list of some of our favorite activities when we visit Beantown:

  1. Catch a Game: In case you haven’t noticed, Boston is a big-time sports town. Their four major league teams have been stacking up a slew of championships since 2002 (including one against our beloved Seahawks), so they must be doing something right. On top of the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics, they also have the New England Revolution MLS team, several rugby clubs, and a Major League Lacrosse team. No matter what season you visit, there’s always an exciting game to watch, and thousands of screaming fans to watch it with.
  2. Visit a Museum: As one of America’s oldest cities, it makes sense that Boston would be home to world-class museums. There are so many museums in this town that you’re sure to find one to satisfy any interest. One of Boston’s most-visited attraction is the Museum of Science with over 700 interactive exhibits. The Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the world’s most impressive art collections totaling more than 450,000 pieces from around the world. The JFK Presidential Library and Museum sits on 10 beautiful acres right on the waterfront. Other favorites include the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Sports Museum, and the USS Constitution Museum.
  3. Ride a Bike: Whether you want to take a guided tour or just explore on your own, one of the best ways to see Boston is from a bicycle seat. Urban AdvenTours is a company that offers a variety of tours and rents out several types of bikes. Boston is also home to Hubway, an automated bike rental system that is perfect for short rides between destinations. You just pick up a bike at one of the 140 stations around town and drop it off at any station when you’re done.
  4. Boating on the Charles River: Spending time on the water is a time honored tradition for Bostonians. It’s easy to get out there yourself and have as much fun as everyone else. Try renting a kayak or paddleboard from Charles River Canoe & Kayak. If sailing is more your style, Community Boating offers classes for every skill level, and guests are allowed to join members for free. If you mingle on the docks, you can usually find someone looking for another person to sail with.
  5. Explore the Boston Harbor Islands: Dozens of islands make up this National Recreation Area, where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, visit historical lighthouses, explore tidal pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming-all within reach of downtown Boston. To get to the islands, catch the ferry from Long Wharf-North to Georges Island, home of Fort Warren. From there you can connect to smaller shuttle boats that will take you to different destinations. You can also reach several peninsula areas by car: Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial.

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

Next Stop: San Antonio!

Posted on November 20, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

At Stay Alfred we are always on the lookout for our next big city, and there’s a certain Texas metropolis that just keeps popping up at the top of our list (and no, it’s not Austin). Although larger than its weird neighbor to the north, San Antonio doesn’t seem to get as much love. So what is it about this big city with a small town vibe that gets us so excited? In a word: charm. A lot of cities have riverfront parks, but few can beat the beauty of the River Walk’s 15 miles of cypress-lined walkways. Plenty of destinations can claim to be family-friendly, but how many have a Six Flags and Seaworld? Only San Antonio. You can find historical attractions almost anywhere, but what about the Alamo? Forget about it. San Antonio is far more than just a one-trick pony tourist trap, it is a vibrant community that celebrates its unique blend of Spanish, German, Mexican, and even French heritages.

Why do we believe that our guests would love to stay in one of our San Antonio vacation rentals? It’s not just because we’re Spurs fans. There are many things that draw us to this wonderful city. First, we absolutely adore the downtown area. Rarely do you find so many key attractions in the heart of the city. There’s the aforementioned Alamo and River Walk, of course, but don’t forget the Tower of the Americas, San Fernando Cathedral, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and San Antonio Museum of Art. There is also a wide variety of children’s activities, making the city a great destination for family vacations. Kids will love riding the train at Brackenridge Park, home of the San Antonio Zoo and Japanese Tea Gardens. If you’re looking to beat the heat, be sure to check out the Children’s Museum or Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

One of the main reasons our guests choose to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel is the opportunity to truly immerse oneself in a city’s culture. And if it’s culture you’re looking for, San Antonio’s got it in spades. The city owes much of its character to the immigrants that followed in the wake of the Spanish missionaries. The original missions still survive today as part of the National Historic Park and are popular attractions for visitors traveling along the Mission Trail. If there is one event that best exemplifies San Antonio, it’s Fiesta (with a capital F). This 10-day spring festival is held in honor of the battles of The Alamo and San Jacinto. Over three million people take part in more than 100 events across the city, the highlight of which are the 3 major parades through downtown (with one actually floating down the San Antonio River).

Of course, not everyone travels just to party. Many of our guests choose to stay with us while they are in town on business or because they are transitioning from one home to the next. This is a big part of our clientele and one of the main reasons we’re excited to add San Antonio vacation rentals to our expanding inventory. The city is growing in a big way. The energy industry in booming, not only from oil and gas development in the Eagle Ford Shale but in the green sector as well. San Antonio recently ranked 6th in the nation for solar power and has set the goal of generating 20% of it energy from renewable resources by 2020. Tech companies are also springing up, with Geekdom fostering over 200 new startups. All of this new innovation and job creation means that people will be flocking to San Antonio for years to come and we plan on being there offering great places to stay while they work and play!

Click here to see all of our San Antonio vacation rentals

 

Things to Do in Denver, CO > The Elitch Gardens

Posted on December 17, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Elitch Gardens

Whether you’re staying in a Denver vacation rental with family or friends, which do you prefer to visit, water parks, or theme parks? What if there was a place that was both? Enter Elitch Gardens.

History of Elitch Gardens

Since 1890, Elitch Gardens has been America’s only downtown theme and water park. The park is open May through October with 53 rides, live shows, thrilling roller coasters, an entire water park, and Fright Fest in October.

 

See 50 dads play musical chairs at Elitch Gardens on Father’s Day

 

Want to find out more about the park and/or ticket prices? Check out k99 Radio Colorado’s Guide to visiting Elitch Gardens.

 

You can view our Denver units here. We’d love to host your next stay in the Mile High City!