Articles posted in Eat like a local!

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3 Must-Try Restaurants in Seattle

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Pike Place Market Photo by Nicole Petrilli

Seattle in itself is a mixture of on-the-go business professionals and up and coming trendsetters and artists; but among this also lies an endless supply of dive bars, trendy restaurants, and local home-cooked meals. With a sustainable outlook on food and life, it is not rare to find a local restaurants supplied by their own rooftop gardens and locally sourced ingredients. If you’re travelling to Seattle this summer there’s three Seattle spots, from a sports bar to back-home kitchen, that are that you must try for yourself!

Herb + Bitter Public House - What is more fitting for a Seattle spot than a retracting glass roof? Well if you venture out to Capitol Hill’s Herb + Bitter Public House you’ll find just that. Equipped with 20 unique craft beers on tap, this recently open bar offers year-round patio seating with a retractable glass roof (as well as A/C and heating) that provides the comfort of fresh-air while protecting you from Seattle’s temperamental weather. Grab a brew and indulge in Spanish-style tapas while feeling like a true Seattleite.

Quality Athletics- If you find yourself in need of a quick sports and beer break during your Seattle wanderings, Quality Athletics would be happy to supply just that. Just a quick 5-minute walk from CenturyLink Field, you’ll find a fun, festive atmosphere with plenty of flat-screens to spare. With a menu full of your typical bar-food with a twist, this sought-after space also has its own roof-top garden, sno-cone and slushy machine, and is the perfect place to catch up before, during, and after the game!


Song Phang Kong- If low-key home-style Thai food is what you’re looking for, Song Phang Kong is just the place you need to be. Consisting of only 4 tables in the entire restaurant, this small locally-owned unique spot serves up generous servings of Laotian and Thai food for just $8. As you sit down you are instantly greeted by a free water, can of Pepsi, and a large smile from a small woman. We strongly suggest you head up to the International district to experience this first-hand.

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

3 Delicious Philly Treats You Can’t Resist

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

When you mention Philadelphia, many peoples’ minds automatically think of two things: terrible sports fans and cheesesteaks. But what most Philly travelers don’t realize is that hiding under the looming shadow of the famous Philly Cheesesteak is an array of foodie favorites and impressively decadent dishes.

For starters: Federal Donuts. The only place you need to stop in Philly for doughnuts and fried chicken. Drop in and try the classics like a chocolate eclair or old-fashioned glazed or step out of your comfort zone and opt for a grapefruit brulee or a strawberry lavender instead. Once you’ve had your fill of doughnuts there’s no shame in coming back for dinner. With seasonings and glazes such like chilli garlic, honey ginger, and sweet soy garlic you may find it difficult to eat anywhere else!

PYT, photo by Jessica Rossi via Filckr

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to add Bassetts Ice Cream to your list of daily activities. Founded in 1861, Bassetts still stands as America’s oldest ice cream company and has had plenty of time to perfect their variety of flavors; both traditional and not. With flavors ranging from butter almond to guatemalan ripple, you may find it difficult to try only one.

If you hadn’t had your fill of doughnuts yet, there one more to try. Head on down to PYT and try ‘The Doh! Nut’ for yourself. Comprised of copious amounts of cheese, bacon, and burger, all surrounded by fried dough goodness. This eclectic burger joint puts a new spin on the cheeseburger, announcing a brand-new crazy burger concoction every week, with specialities such as the Cocoa Krispies Chicken Burger and the PB&J bun burger.


Plan a trip and visit Philadelphia for your next foodie adventure!

The Best Ice Cream in Town

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Source: State Library of Victoria, via Flickr

July is National Ice Cream Month, which gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite frozen treat. If you’re one of our guests, check out this list to find the best ice cream in town:

Boston:

Picco: The Pizza and Ice Cream Company (Picco for short) is a popular Boston restaurant that delivers the dream combination of delicious pizza and homemade ice cream. A little bit lighter than the typically dense New England offering, Picco’s ice cream explodes with sophisticated flavors.

Denver

Little Man Ice Cream: Denverites love their ice cream, and Little Man serves up the best in town. Easy to find, just look for the 28-foot tall milk can with a line of people queued up to get their sweet fix. They rotate a great mix of classic ice cream flavors, as well as few you wouldn’t expect, like salted Oreo. They even have vegan ice cream.

Memphis:

Jerry’s Sno-Cones: Kids and adult alike seem to flock to this local favorite when the weather turns warm. Although snow cones made with homemade syrup are this shop’s specialty, they also offer soft serve ice cream, either on its own or combined with a snow cone (order it “supreme”).

Nashville

Pied Piper Creamery: Across the river in East Nashville you will find this funky ice cream shop located in a vintage house. The ice cream is delicious and features wacky pun-filled titles like Minty Python, Oreo Speedwagon, and Handlebar Pistachio.

New Orleans:

Angelo Brocato’s: No dessert shop in New Orleans is as beloved as Angelo Brocato’s. Established in 1905, this gelateria and pasticceria is steeped in Italian tradition and offers authentic gelato you have to taste to believe. And if your love of cold sweets extends beyond ice cream, this joint is also known for its delectable granitas: fresh Italian fruit ice.

Philadelphia:

The Franklin Fountain: This old-timey ice cream parlor dishes up some of the best and most authentically Philly-style ice cream in town. The old school soda fountain theme, from bow tied servers to the antique cash register, adds to the charm, but it’s the achingly delicious handmade flavors, like Teaberry gum, that will keep you coming back.

Portland:

Cool Moon Ice Cream: Sure, you could go to Salt & Straw like everyone else. Or you could skip waiting in a forty-minute line for overhyped “artisanal” ice cream and just head into Cool Moon. Much more family friendly and still offering intriguing flavors made with local natural ingredients, Cool Moon will satisfy your cravings while the rest of those people are still waiting.

San Antonio:

Justin’s Ice Cream: Hometown boy Justin Arecchi’s ice cream has been called a national treasure by President Clinton. After a four-year absence, his new family-run ice cream shop has reopened right on the River Walk, making it a breeze to sample the same cool treats that have been enjoyed by kings and dignitaries.

Seattle

Molly Moon’s: The ever-popular chain of modern-rustic ice cream shops are frequently wrapped with lines of people, and for very good reason. Molly Moon starts with a base of Snoqualmie ice cream and mixes in a wide variety of locally-sourced ingredients to create unique flavors like honey lavender and balsamic strawberry. You can also find many vegan-friendly sorbets and coconut milk-based treats.

 

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

HomeAway Launches Cities Initiative

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

Source: Flickr user MagnusL3D

HomeAway recently announced that they will be increasing their focus on the urban vacation rental market. As part of this effort, HomeAway is launching a new Cities page that will include guidebooks created by travelers and recommendations on the best activities, restaurants, and attractions.

“Even though traveler demand for urban vacation rentals is growing, a lot of people still don’t realize it’s even possible to rent an entire home for an extended stay in a city,” says Brian Sharples, HomeAway co-founder and CEO. “We’re launching new specialized Cities experience pages to help our millions of loyal vacation rental travelers discover the benefits of whole house rentals wherever they like to travel, not just in our traditional vacation destinations.”

HomeAway is also partnering with Gogobot, which will provide the guides and reviews, as well as Instacart for grocery deliveries and Uber for transportation services. All three will be integrated into the HomeAway app to provide concierge-like services for families and groups to experience the whole city.

If any of this sounds familiar, it might be because HomeAway seems to be taking a page right out of Stay Alfred’s playbook. As the the leading urban vacation rental company, we’ve built our business on what HomeAway is just now finding out: vacation rentals aren’t just for beach houses and mountain cabins. Travelers love the benefits of staying in an entire home right in the heart of downtown.

Stay Alfred doesn’t just provide a place to lay your head, we also scout out the best restaurants, attractions, and activities and include our recommendations in our free app that we provide to every guest. Every one of our vacation rentals also includes a Welcome Guide which also includes maps and locations of important things for a visitor to know, like nearby grocery stores, hospitals, and transportation services.

Stay Alfred’s philosophy is that today’s travelers want more than a company that just provides the bare essentials. They want someone they can trust to provide a complete experience, from beginning to end. Our guest love Stay Alfred because they know we’re there for them every step of the way, making sure they have the best stay possible!

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.

 

Top 5 Restaurants in Memphis

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 1 Comment ↓

As the BBQ Pork Capital of the World, Memphis is home to some amazing barbecue joints. In fact, you can find a barbecue version of just about anything: spaghetti, pizza, nachos… the list goes on and on. And while baby back ribs and pulled pork sandwiches may be at the top of the food chain (so to speak), that doesn’t mean you can’t find other types of delicious food in the Bluff City. Here is a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Memphis. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of barbecue on here:

  • Central BBQ, Flickr user brittreints

    Central BBQ: With so many choices for barbecue in this city, it’s best to go where the locals go. Central BBQ is a top-notch local favorite and frequent winner of the Best in Memphis title. Their BBQ amazing, but you should also try their other offerings, like smoked hot wings, BBQ nachos, and homemade potato chips.

  • Trolley Stop Market: One of the most unique spots in town, the Trolley Stop is part restaurant, part bar, part farmer’s market, and part gift shop. The large space located across from the Orleans trolley stop on Madison Avenue offers some of the best breakfast in town, all made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients., Their pizzas are great too!
  • Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: The name says it all. Gus’s chicken is indeed world famous, and for good reason. The recipe is a secret known only to five living souls, but it’s definitely on the spicy side, and oh so crispy. All chicken is fried to order, so be prepared to wait or call in your order ahead of time. And don’t forget about dessert.
  • Lunchbox Eats: An eclectic sandwich shop with a charming schoolhouse theme, right down to the assortment of board games and the daily specials written on the chalkboard. The sandwiches are an imaginative reinterpretation of traditional lunchtime favorites, like the fried chicken and cheddar waffles, or smoked pulled pork and mac & cheese. Yum!
  • Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar: Flight is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Based on a unique dining concept, all of their menu items are available as “flights” (combinations of three) or as stand-alone entrees. You can mix and match anything feel like trying, or go with their recommendations. True Memphis fine dining; reservations recommended.

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

Top 5 Restaurants in Philadelphia

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Philly has a well-earned reputation as being a food lover’s paradise. The city boasts an incredible variety of restaurants ranging from the hoitiest of the toity to the humblest of greasy spoons (which we love). Philadelphia’s close proximity to the Pennsylvania countryside as well as the Atlantic ocean makes it the perfect place to experience both farm-fresh produce and the bounty of the sea. With so many great choices, it’s no wonder Philly has become a premier destination for those of us who think with our stomachs. Here is a short list of a few of our favorite restaurants:

Jim’s Steaks, Philadelphia. Flickr user steve lyon

Jim’s Steaks, 400 South St: Saying there are a lot of cheesesteak joints in Philly would be a huge understatement and everyone has an opinion on who makes the best. While Pat’s and Geno’s may be the most famous, our personal favorite is Jim’s Steaks on South Street. Just be sure you’re ready to order when you get to the front of the line, or you may get sent to the back. Cash only.

Amada, 217-219 Chestnut St: Chef Jose Garces is one of Philadelphia’s culinary elite, owner of seven restaurants across the city as well as the coveted title of “Iron Chef.” Amada is the restaurant that started the Garces empire, serving authentic Andalucian tapas in a rustic-chic setting. Happy hour features $5 tapas.

DeLuca’s Villa di Roma, 936 S 9th St: An old-school red gravy joint in the heart of South Philly’s Italian Market that’s been serving up classic Italian dishes for over 50 years. The restaurant is cozy and unpretentious, the atmosphere is quintessential South Philly, and the portions are large and reasonably priced. Cash only.

The Foodery, 1710 Sansom St: This local bottle shop not only sells over 800 different craft beers, they also have a killer deli serving hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, and a variety of delicious appetizers. A perfect place to grab a quick lunch and a cold one. On weekends, they even have a Kegs & Eggs brunch menu with free beer!

Green Eggs Cafe, 212 S 13th St: Popular local chain specializing in breakfast and brunch. Lots of unique dessert-flavored items like Red Velvet Pancakes and Creme Brulee French Toast. They also have plenty of vegan-friendly options and are committed to being eco-friendly at every step of their operation. Cash only

Are you planning a trip to Philadelphia? Click here to view all of our downtown Philadelphia 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.

Property Spotlight: Via6

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 2 Comments ↓

Via6 Tower, Downtown Seattle

The nationwide vacation rental and corporate housing firm headquartered in Spokane, Wash., Stay Alfred, has announced that they will be opening units in a new building in downtown Seattle.

The new 2-bedroom vacation rentals will be located in the Via6 Towers, a new luxury high-rise in the heart of Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. These units will boast all the amenities Stay Alfred guests have come to expect, including modern furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, balconies, free Wi-Fi and cable, DVD players, laundry and iron facilities, linens, air conditioning, secure parking, and a state-of-the art fitness facility.

This newly constructed building is also home to a whole suite of unique retail outlets purposefully designed to make the Via6 feel like a fully inclusive vertical community. There is a tasty lineup of eating options on the ground floor, brought to you by Seattle’s own celebrity chef, James Beard Award-winning Tom Douglas. Grab some amazing pho at the TanakaSan American Asian restaurant, an energizing smoothie at Assembly Hall Juice & Coffee, or some fresh local produce at the Home Remedy Urban Market for your own culinary adventures.

Other amenities at the Via6 include Velo Bike Shop, which offers bike rentals for exploring Seattle on two wheels, and the first Bishops Barbershop location outside of Portland. There is also fully outfitted movie and gaming rooms for those rainy Seattle days. With so much to do on-site, don’t forget to take advantage of the Via6’s superb location where Belltown, Downtown, and South Lake Union meet. You will be within easy walking distance to the Seattle Center, Pike Place Market, Waterfront Park, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, and countless restaurants, shops, and nightlife hotspots.

The Via6 is quickly becoming one of Seattle’s premier residences. “We’re really excited to be in this building,” says Stay Alfred president Jordan Allen, ‘the Via6 has the potential to be our new flagship property in Seattle.” The company is on pace to become the leader in urban vacation rentals by offering the most desirable downtown locations and industry-leading customer service. It’s no wonder Stay Alfred has been honored with the “Top Rental Manager” award by Travel + Leisure’s Top Vacation Rental Site, FlipKey.

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