Articles posted in Philadelphia

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Upcoming Music Festivals in Stay Alfred’s Cities

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Voodoo Experience festival in New Orleans, Photo by: Joe Van via Wikipedia

Summer is fast approaching and we’re jumping out of our office chairs with excitement. Who doesn’t love the the sun, the sweat, the sounds, and even the flower crowns? At Stay Alfred, we’re crazy about music festivals and know that camping isn’t always an option for those who want to attend. Some of our cities where we host vacation rentals are having incredible festivals or fairs this summer and we have the downtown vacation rentals to match. Need a place to stay? We’ve got you covered. Give us a call any time of day at 866-232-3864 and one of our knowledgeable reservation agents will help you book the perfect vacation rental for your travel needs! Skip the awkward, crowded hotel experience and stay like a local with all your friends for a comparable rate.

BOSTON- Boston Calling 2016: May 27th-29th. Featuring Sia, Disclosure, Janelle Monae, Elle King, Haim, Sufjan Stevens, Robyn, Odesza.

SAN ANTONIO- River City Rockfest: May 29th. Featuring Disturbed, Scorpions, Megadeth, Bullet For My Valentine, P.O.D., Pop Evil

SAN ANTONIO- San Antonio Summer Art & Jazz Festival: June 3rd-5th. Artists and programs featured to be announced.

SAN DIEGO- San Diego County Fair: You’re guaranteed to find something amazing to see or do at this month-long San Diego celebration. June 3rd- July 4th. Closed on June 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, and 27th. Featuring Switchfoot, Lady Antebellum, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, 3 Doors Down, Kenny Rogers

PHILADELPHIA- Roots Picnic: June 4th. Featuring Future, Usher, The Roots, Willow Smith, Blood Orange, Kehlani, Swizz Beatz

NASHVILLE- CMA Music Festival: June 9th-12th. Featuring Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Hank Williams, Jr., Eric Church, and MANY other country music legends.

NASHVILLE- Bonnaroo: June 9th-12th. If country music isn’t your thing, you might consider heading South toward Manchester, TN to catch these more alternative and electronic musical acts instead. Featuring Pearl Jam, Ellie Goulding, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Purity Ring, Adventure Club, Halsey.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- DC Jazz Festival: June 10th-19th. Featuring Kamasi Washington, Regina Carter, Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Septet, Cecile McLorin Salvant.

DENVER- LoHi 2016: June 11th. Featuring Alo, Greener Grounds.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Smithsonian Folklife Festival: June 29th-July 4th, July 7th-10th. This year, the festival will honor the Basque cultural heritage. More information and line up to be announced soon.

NEW ORLEANS- Essence Festival: June 30th-July 3rd. Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Maxwell, Ciara, with other special guests Tyra Banks, Misty Copeland and more.

PORTLAND- Waterfront Blues Festival: July 1st- 4th. Tedeschi Trucks Band, JJ Grey & Mofro, Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band, Maceo Parker

BOSTON- Outside the Box Festival: July 13th-17th at the Boston Common. Featuring Kasey Musgraves, Gin Blossoms, New Politics, Guster

SEATTLE- Capitol Hill Block Party: July 22nd-24th. Featuring Odesza, Chvrches, Crystal Castles, The Cave Singers, MO

DENVER- Underground Music Showcase: July 28th-31st. Experience Denver’s premier indie festival. Featuring Policia, Thee Oh Sees, Allah Las

DENVER- Bass Center 2016: July 29th-30th. Featuring electronic music acts such as Bassnectar, Flux Pavilion, Flying Lotus, Porter Robinson, Wu-Tang Clan.

PHILADELPHIA- Philadelphia Folk Festival: August 18th-21st. Featuring Los Lobos, The Lone Bellow, The Wood Brothers, and many other indie/folk acts.

PORTLAND- Project Pabst 2016: August 26th-28th. Featuring Duran Duran, Tame Impala, Ice Cube, Ween, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

SEATTLE- Bumbershoot: September 2nd-4th. Featuring Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Death Cab for Cutie, G-Eazy, Halsey, Third Eye Blind, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Billy Idol

MEMPHIS- Delta Fair & Music Festival: September 2nd-11th. More information regarding musical acts and events coming soon.

SAN DIEGO- KAABOO: September 16th-September 18th. Featuring Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band, Jack Johnson, Fall Out Boy, Lenny Kravitz, OneRepublic

BOSTON- Copenhagen Beer Celebration: September 23rd-24th. The main attraction of this event is beer, but there will be a number of bands performing in honor of the featured craft brews. Featuring Lucero, Yo La Tengo, Mariachi El Bronx, The Barr Brothers, Caroline Rose

NEW ORLEANS- Bear Creek Bayou: September 30th-October 1st. Line up is to be announced. Expect an exciting and eclectic variety of musical acts.

NEW ORLEANS- Voodoo Experience: October 28th-30th. Line up will be announced in June. Expect a few big names at this popular event.

The Best of Philadelphia Vacation Rentals

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 1 Comment ↓

Planning a trip to The City of Brotherly Love?
If you’re not sure where to stay in Philly, we’re here to help. At Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals, we have numerous spacious vacation rental apartments available for you in the midst of this incredible city. Why cram your friends and family into a 300 square foot hotel room when you can live like a local with twice the space for a comparable rate? All of Stay Alfred’s Philadelphia condos feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and en suite laundry. You’ll have all the comforts of home in an unbeatable downtown location!

The Commonwealth vacation rentals by Stay Alfred

Commonwealth: Located on the intersection of 12th and Chestnut, this recently renovated historical building will situate you just minutes from many must-see attractions. Step outside your condo and you’ll be walking distance from many of America’s national treasures, including Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell. Other points of interest surround you, including Washington Square, Reading Terminal Market, and Chinatown. Philadelphia’s always-exciting Hard Rock Cafe is just down the street. Want to hit up an interesting and artistic part of town? Old City, Philadelphia and its hundreds of public art murals is located just to the East. With a location like this, you won’t know where to start!

The Liberty Bell, Photo by Michael Fleischhacker via Wikipedia Commons

Here’s what one of our Commonwealth guests had to say:

“The location is wonderful, you can walk to so many restaurants and easily get anywhere. This place was perfect for two couples traveling together: we each had our own bathroom and shared a wonderful kitchen and living room with lovely furnishings. The parking space that comes with the place is GREAT, it really made things easy. The place had plenty of clean linens and everything we needed. Would definitely recommend it and would stay again!” -Punzelda, via Flipkey

AQ Rittenhouse vacation rentals by Stay Alfred

AQ Rittenhouse: Stay next to the downtown excitement of Rittenhouse Square and Center City West! Do you recognize the “LOVE” sign from the JFK Plaza? You’re only a short stroll away. At Rittenhouse Square, countless interesting restaurants and nightlife options will be within walking distance for an exciting night out. Numerous educational attractions surround the AQ Rittenhouse, including The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences in Logan Square, and the not-for-the-faint-of-heart Mutter Museum of medical oddities. Right across the Schuylkill River, you’ll find the University of Pennsylvania. Looking for some artistic culture? Up North from your rental, you’ll find the Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Love Park, Photo by Wiki Takes Philadelphia via Wikipedia Commons

Here’s what one of our guests thought about their stay:

“This 2 bedroom 2 bath is the perfect spot to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer. The apartment is in a brand new building which is beautifully furnished and designed to create a fun living environment for guests. The apt includes all the cooking utensils and supplies one needs to share a meal, Trader Joe’s and a liquor store are only two blocks away.. so buying supplies for a dinner party couldn’t be easier.The apt includes a dishwasher, washer, dryer, parking spot and a portable crib if you are traveling with young ones so it’s a million times better than staying in a hotel. My experience with the Company that manages the Apt ( Stay Alfred) were all very positive.” -Clare T., via Flipkey

Philadelphia awaits you. Book online here or give our friendly reservation staff a call any time of day at 866-232-3864. We would love to help you book the perfect Philly vacation or business trip!

An Art Lover’s Guide to Philadelphia

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

If you find yourself visiting Philadelphia at some point, you’re guaranteed to be taken aback by just how beautiful the city is. As one of our country’s oldest cities, Philadelphia boasts both gorgeous historical buildings and captivating public art at every turn. Philadelphia also is home to a thriving modern arts scene, as well. With spring in the air and summer just around the corner, why not take a day to enjoy an art walk or gallery showing? You’ll have a chance to experience the unique culture of the city that both tourists and locals enjoy.

Here are some of the best art related attractions and tours that The City of Brotherly Love has to offer:

One of the many murals of Old Town, Philadelphia. Photo by Robert Cudmore via Flickr

Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: Need proof that Philadelphia is truly an artistic metropolis? Old Town Philadelphia hosts the world’s largest collection of outdoor public art AND offers a number of unique tours to showcase it. Hundreds of eclectic murals span the landmarks of Old Town. You’ll see portraits, abstract art, comic art, landscapes, historic event inspired art, and more. How you would like to take the tour is up to you. Private walking tour with guided information? They have those. Trolley tour? Check. Segway? You bet! There’s even a “love letter” tour geared toward visiting the 50 romantic themed murals in the city. (Hint: Perfect for impressing your date on Valentine’s Day or any other time of the year.)

Philadelphia Museum of Art, photo by Krscal via Wikipedia

Philadelphia Museum of Art: With Greek-revival architecture based off of the Parthenon, it’s fitting that this museum houses an impressive collection of historical masterpieces. As the 3rd largest art museum in the USA, Philly’s art museum boasts a number of enviable paintings including Claude Monet’s iconic 1899 “Japanese Bridge and Water Lilies”. Insider tip: The first Sunday of every month and Wednesdays after 5PM are “pay as you wish” for admission. Otherwise, $20 admission during other times.

The Barnes Foundation, Photo by Smallbones via Wikipedia

The Barnes Foundation: At this uniquely crafted museum, you’ll witness the stunning art collection of the eccentric late Dr. Albert Barnes. The amount of classic paintings is so vast that you’ll be amazed that just one person housed so much history. Think Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, and the world’s largest collection of Renoir. Definitely plan to spend a day here and buy tickets in advance.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Photo by Alex Thomson via Flickr

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: Looking for an art experience that’s a bit more off-beat than the organized gallery? Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is mosaic “art environment”, not just an art museum. Numerous tours and fun events are held here including happy hour!

First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, Old City in Philadelphia welcomes all art lovers to wander around and enjoy the neighborhood’s 40+ art galleries. Most are open from 5pm to 9pm! Of course, plenty of fantastic dining and nightlife also will await you in this area. Perfect for a fun night out with your date.

Not sure where to stay in Philadelphia?
Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals hosts numerous condos in the most desirable downtown Philly locations. Why cram your family and friends into a hotel room when you can have all the space and amenities of living like a local for a comparable price? Check out our Philadelphia locations here or give us a call any time at 866-223-3864 to speak to one of our helpful reservation agents. We would love to help you plan an incredible time in Philadelphia!

Stay Alfred: Always Striving to Do Better!

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Stay Alfred’s Values- our giant poster in the company lounge!

I’d like to start with a few quick facts about Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals:
-252% percent growth in 2015
-Prediction of over 200% MORE growth in 2016
-Doubling in revenue every year
-98% positive guest feedback on TripAdvisor
-Named “Top Rental Manager” on FlipKey
-Featured on National Public Radio
-Partnering with Skils’kin in Spokane
-$12,000+ in contributions to Spokane charities in 2015
-Increased number of team members and increased employee benefits
-Managing 270+ five-star vacation rentals in 11 of the USA’s most exciting cities- WOAH!

I joined Stay Alfred four months ago as a marketing specialist, and even though I might be biased, I think it’s safe to say that Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals has been doing incredible. After all, Stay Alfred is one of the fastest growing companies in Spokane, Washington AND the first nationwide vacation rental company to offer space, privacy, and great value with convenient online booking and self-catered check-in. I had stayed in vacation rentals with my family before, but Stay Alfred’s units truly stood out to me due to their downtown locations, top-notch amenities, spacious layouts, and beautiful decorating. Finally- a product I could truly be passionate about marketing! Upon joining the team, I was excited to work with an artistic, fun-loving, and highly motivated group of professionals that seemed to have one clear goal in mind- to always DO BETTER. Here, I quickly learned that doing incredible isn’t enough when our mission is to constantly improve. Doing better isn’t just our mantra; it’s our culture.

A giant poster in our community lounge proudly displays our 6 core values: Happy, Humble, Honest, Hard working, Hungry, and my personal favorite, H-Loyalty.

Much like companies such as Google or Zappos, Stay Alfred faithfully trusts employees to embrace a fun-loving and free spirited organizational culture while still working hard to improve every facet of our company. Our employees have a hunger for an exciting life as well as company progress in all aspects. We seek to hire talent that embodies all of these values, and in return, we value our talent.

While rapid property expansion and cutting-edge customer service are at the forefront of our motivations, Stay Alfred truly believes that if we do better for our team, our team will then, in turn, do better for the most important people of our business- our guests. Companyculture.com notes that external customers or guests often can grasp a sense of what a company culture is like. We love that we’re surrounded by an exciting culture because we’re always working with guests who are planning and experiencing exciting vacations, themselves. We’re an example of how companies with more positive and happy work environments are top-tier in providing excellent customer service.

While we strive to do better for our guests and team members, it’s also important for Stay Alfred to remain humble and make sure that we do better for the community. In the past year, we’ve reached out to partner with numerous Spokane-based and nationwide charities.

When you stay with Stay Alfred, we welcome you to reach out to us to let us know how your experience was. We’re so sure that you’ll love our perfectly located vacation rentals, but as I’ve mentioned before, we know that there’s always room to DO BETTER.

More Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Love Park in Philadelphia, Photo by: Gene Tobia via Flickr

Planning to enjoy a trip to the city on Valentine’s Day?

At Stay Alfred, we think that it’s always a fantastic idea to book a romantic getaway with your significant other. If you’re staying with us during this special time, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy the privacy and amenities that our downtown properties have to offer.

However, we know that it can be a bit difficult to find the perfect date idea in an unfamiliar city. Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals hosts guests in numerous cities across the U.S., and we believe that all of these cities have excellent restaurants, attractions, and events that are sure to make your 2016 Valentine’s Day memorable! From Philadelphia to our country’s Capital, we’ve got you covered!

Philadelphia

Restaurants: Located in Rittenhouse Square, Sbraga Restaurant (of Top Chef fame) on Broad Street is offering a special Valentine’s prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. For other Philadelphia delights, see this page.

Attraction: Step aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia for a romantic lunch or dinner cruise down the Delaware River. For more information, visit this link. Also, consider going to Love Park to take a selfie with your loved one! (Pictured above)

San Antonio

Restaurants: Enjoy a stroll down San Antonio’s River Walk when you head out to go dine at Bella On the River, a city hot spot for romantic dining. Be sure to make reservations! Other San Antonio restaurants can be found on this page.

Attraction: Spend the day bike touring the majestic missions all across the city via the new Mission Reach trail. At Mission San Jose, you’ll be able to see Pedro Huzar’s famous Rose Window sculpture that he crafted for his love in 1775.

San Diego

Restaurants: Consider dining in the swanky Gaslamp Quarter for V Day- great restaurants abound! Check out Osetra if you’re interested in seafood, or Donovan’s Steakhouse if you prefer a savory steak. More San Diego dinner ideas can be found here.

Attraction: What’s more romantic than wine? On February 13th, you can embark on an unforgettable Baja Wine Country tour that will even stop in Tijuana, Northern Mexico. $189 with transportation, wine, lunch, and sometimes chocolate included. More information here.

Portland

Restaurants: Andina, Portland’s premier Peruvian restaurant, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a three course dinner with South American wine pairings. If Peruvian isn’t your thing, check out this list of other romantic Portland dining options.

Attraction: Portland offers traditional Valentine’s Day activities such as dinner cruises and winery tours, but if you’re looking for something a little less sappy, consider taking the Haunted Valentine Beer Tour through Portland’s sketchy and haunted past. Your date will be jumping into your arms!

Seattle

Restaurants: Travel to Pike Place Market and dine at Maximilien, a French hotspot with panoramic views of the Puget Sound. To accommodate different budgets, Maximilien is offering three different Valentine’s Day date specials. More Seattle restaurants can be found on this list.

Attraction: Seattle is an incredibly artistic city, so why not stroll through the Ballard Art Walk along Ballard Avenue on Valentine’s night? While you’re in the area, you’re guaranteed to find an interesting bar to stop in.

Washington, D.C.

Restaurants: Are you a chocolate fan? Head to Co Co Sala to enjoy their Valentine’s special called “50 Shades of Chocolate”. This $90 prix fixe menu will serve five courses that each incorporate chocolate. For other great romantic restaurants, see this article.

Attraction: Head over to one of the city’s numerous ice skating rinks to hold hands with your loved one as you glide across the ice.

What To Do on New Year’s Eve!

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Photo by Brett Monroe via Flickr

Enjoying your Stay Alfred vacation rental on New Year’s Eve?

There’s exciting celebrations happening in each of our cities:

BOSTON: At First Night in Boston, check out the family-friendly parade down Boylston street which includes a variety of entertainers, live musical performances, and ice sculptors. At midnight, look towards the Boston Harbor for a dramatic fireworks display. If you feel up for it, you can start your 2016 out the healthy way by participating in in the First Day Fun Run at Boston Common.

DENVER: To welcome 2016, Denver will offer two fireworks shows at 9pm and midnight that will be viewable from downtown. To join the festivities, stand along the 16th Street Mall to enjoy entertainers, magicians, comedians and more between 8pm and 1am.

MEMPHIS: In Memphis, many locals and visitors alike travel to Beale Street to enjoy the festivities (such as The Hard Rock Cafe Guitar Drop) and multitude of live bands. This year, country band Gloriana will be performing a free concert in W.C. Handy Park. Overton Square will also be a hot-spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations with a special “surprise” at midnight. Most local bars and restaurants will be standing by with special deals.

NASHVILLE: “Music City” truly goes crazy for music on New Year’s Eve. Check out the free and always exciting Jack Daniel’s Bash on Broadway, where musical acts such as Kings of Leon and Chris Stapleton will perform. At midnight, watch the fireworks and confetti display that will be triggered by a dropping musical note. You’ll have no problem grabbing a bite to eat with 18 different food trucks surrounding the event.

NEW ORLEANS: In Nola, crowds will gather in Jackson Square to witness the annual Fleur de Lis drop. Many live musical performers will entertain as visitors and locals alike await the countdown to the New Year’s Eve fireworks show over the Mississippi River. Afterwards, stroll down Bourbon street if you want to pop into one of the many booming nightclubs in the French Quarter.

PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia is another city that celebrates with not one, but two fireworks displays at 6pm and midnight on the Delaware River Waterfront. This event attracts quite a crowd, so arrive early! No New Year’s celebration in Philadelphia would be complete without viewing The colorful and exciting Mummer’s Day Parade on Broad Street.

PORTLAND: While Portland usually doesn’t have an annual fireworks event downtown, many local businesses and nightclubs have parties and special events to make up the New Year’s Eve festivities. While you might have to purchase tickets in advance, events such as the annual Champagne Ball and Inspire Truth event at the Portland Art Museum would be worth checking out. If you truly want to see fireworks, head out of town to Mt. Hood to enjoy the 28th Annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza party in the Skibowl.

SAN ANTONIO: Every year, San Antonio shuts down part of downtown for the Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve event. This carnival style gathering features local musicians, games, street food, and the Valero Fireworks Extravaganza at midnight.

SAN DIEGO: Want to enjoy New Year’s fireworks in San Diego? Turn your gaze towards Mission Bay Park at midnight downtown or make a trip out to LegoLand to see a festive display. If you’re looking for nightlife or a delicious dining experience, check out the many New Year’s Eve specials that restaurants and nightclubs have in the swanky Gaslamp Quarter.

SEATTLE: Where do you look in Seattle to see one of the best fireworks displays in the Pacific Northwest? The Space Needle, of course. If you don’t feel like joining the party up top in the Space Needle, you can gather below in the Seattle center or watch from afar on Alki Beach. Numerous parks in Seattle such as Gasworks Park and Kerry Park also provide great photo ops of the show.

WASHINGTON D.C.: Washington DC definitely loves fireworks, because there are around 5 different fireworks displays and First Night events in the Washington DC area, including a family-friendly celebration in Alexandria, VA. The best view of the Alexandria fireworks is anywhere along the Potomac River.

Delicious Philly Food Spots

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

When you mention Philadelphia, many people’s’ minds automatically think of two things: terrible sports fans and cheesesteak. 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.

PYT. Photo by Jessica Rossi via Flickr

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 chili garlic, honey ginger, and sweet soy garlic you may find it difficult to eat anywhere else!

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 specialties such as the Cocoa Krispies Chicken Burger and the PB&J bun burger.
Plan a trip and visit Philadelphia for your next foodie adventure!

Welcome To The City Of Brotherly Love

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Source: Flickr user Gene Tobia

Stay Alfred’s springtime expansion continues as we move into the City of Brotherly Love. We’re excited to bring our trusted brand of vacation rental hospitality to this great American city! There is so much to love about Philadelphia, we can hardly wait to host your stay here while you explore everything this art-centric, food-focused metropolis has to offer. Our new downtown Philadelphia vacation rentals will be perfect for any stay , whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, a work-filled business trip, or a full fledged family vacation.
Philadelphia is one of America’s original cities, predating the Declaration of Independence by almost a hundred years and serving as the first capital of the newly-formed United States. The city enthusiastically celebrates its historical tradition. Along with the famous Liberty Bell, you can visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the Constitutional Convention was held eleven years later. Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia’s favorite son, also has a strong presence in the city. Besides the Benjamin Franklin Museum, you’ll also find Franklin Square (one of five original squares from William Penn’s plan for the city) and the Franklin Institute (one of the oldest science museums in America which houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial). If you travel to New Jersey, you’ll even cross the Ben Franklin Bridge. You may even run into one of the city’s many Ben Franklin impersonators. They’re like the Elvises of Las Vegas.
Philadelphia is also home to a wonderful variety of world-class museums. The most visited is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the third-largest art museum in the country. Sitting majestically on a rise at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum is also the site of the famous Rocky Steps and a statue of the city’s other favorite son: Rocky Balboa. There are also many other great museums in the surrounding area. The Rodin Museum houses the largest collection of works by the French sculptor outside of Paris. The Barnes Foundation is home to perhaps the best collection of Impressionist and Modernist paintings in the world. Nearby you’ll also find the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Penn Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Mütter Museum.
Eco-friendly Philly boasts some 220 miles of bike lanes, good public transportation and the crown jewel of urban parks, 9,200-acre Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped urban park in the world. Furthermore, a 2011 study by Walk Score ranked Philadelphia the fifth-most walkable major city in the United States. With so much history and culture easily acceptable, it’s no wonder 40 million visitors a year travel to this amazing hidden gem on the East Coast. Stay Alfred is proud to offer the comforts of home in the heart of downtown, which means our vacation rentals will be where to stay in Philadelphia. They say Philly is “The City That Loves You Back.” Let us show you how true that is!

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