Articles posted in Shop like a local!

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Packing Smarter, Part 1: Selection

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — 1 Comment ↓

Photo by John Wright via Flickr

Whether flying or driving to your next vacation destination, you can make the travel a little easier by packing smarter. Lightening your load can be liberating, leaving you with fewer things to worry about and more energy to enjoy your adventure. There are countless strategies for managing your baggage, but they all boil down to two categories—organization and selection. Today’s post will cover how decide what you should bring. Check back later for tips on getting it all into your case.

I know you have a closet full of amazing clothes at home. And you don’t know exactly what your new environment will call for. But that doesn’t mean you should pack a unique for every possible situation you might find yourself in. That kind of packing will only make more work for you and likely won’t yield the results you expect. Because nobody can plan for every eventuality.

Make a list. This isn’t a list of each exact piece of clothing you want to bring. OK, if you want to pack your favorite button-up, put that on the list. But otherwise keep it vague. Count the number of days and nights you’ll be traveling, and think of the type of activities you’ll be doing. Then write down loose terms for the absolute necessities you’ll need to bring. You can get more specific later in the process if you’re the type of person who’d forget their head if it wasn’t screwed on. But for now, it should read something like: toiletries, 5 t-shirts, 2 pair shorts, 1 pair jeans, pajamas, swim suit, 5 socks & underwear, 1 pair shoes.

Decide on a color scheme. Try to pick out items that are in the same color family, and don’t be too liberal with items of coordinating color. If you’re afraid of feeling like you’re wearing the same thing all the time, consider opening your suitcase on the final day only to find striped pants and a polka dotted shirt. (While this might technically qualify as a power clash, that’s a topic for another day…and another blog.) By limiting your wardrobe to one color scheme, you’re actually opening up more combinations, which means you can pack fewer items.

Follow the classic rules. We all know that pants can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed. And if you swap out your shirt, nobody is going to notice that you’re wearing the same pants as a day or two ago. Multi-purpose garments are another traditional travel staple. Many ladies have a little black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Similarly, men have a coat and maybe a tie. If you have a piece of clothing that you would only wear in one specific situation, it probably shouldn’t make it into the suitcase. (Of course exceptions will be made if you’re traveling to an event like a wedding. Don’t leave your bridesmaid dress behind just because I said so.)

Plan to do laundry. I know laundry isn’t fun, and it might be the last thing you want to deal with on your vacation. But when space is truly at a premium, this might be your best option. And planning ahead can make it relatively painless. When booking accommodations, try to pick a place that has laundry facilities on-site or nearby. All of Stay Alfred’s vacation rental properties have in-home washers and dryers, so you can wash whenever it’s most convenient. We even provide the detergent! If you aren’t staying somewhere with such amenities, don’t forget to pack a roll of quarters or some cash, and throw some single load detergent pods in with your toiletries.

I hope these tips help you on your next trip. And if you don’t have a trip planned, check out our properties for a little inspiration.

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

Hidden Gems of Memphis

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals — No Comments ↓

Source: Flickr user Sean Davis

Like any city, Memphis has its special treasures that make it unique. If you are looking for a truly local Memphis experience, be sure to check out these hidden gems:

National Ornamental Metal Museum 374 Metal Museum Dr: The only institute in the United States devoted exclusively to the art and craft of fine metalwork. The gallery houses a permanent collection of 3,000 works of jewelry, sculpture, and architectural ironwork, as well as special exhibits. The campus also includes a working smithy and foundry, giving you the chance to see artists and craftsmen in action. Admission rates are extremely reasonable.

Earnestine & Hazel’s 531 S Main St: This hole-in-the-wall has a long and storied history, as well as a reputation for being one of the best dive bars in the country. The beer is cheap, the only food on the menu is the famous (and delicious) Soul Burger, and the jukebox is haunted. If you’re looking for the most authentic local experience in town, this is where it’s at.

Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum 191 Beale St: Memphis’ musical history is voluminous to say the least. The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum started as a Smithsonian Institute research project and is the best place to get a comprehensive look of everything related to Memphis music in one convenient location. The museum is across the street from the Gibson Guitar factory at the FedEx Forum, making it an easy addition to any Memphis itinerary.

 

Are you planning a trip to Memphis? 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

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.

Saving Money On Vacation > Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals

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

Vacationing - without breaking the bank

Want budget travel tips for free? Wouldn’t you want to travel more often without breaking the bank? What if I told you that instead of planning one family trip a year, you can go twice with the same budget? If you are at all interested, read on to find out how you can do simple things to save money next time you go on vacation.

  1. Airline Tickets – Plan in advance and visit discount websites to see if there are better deals. While these sites might charge you a service fee ($5 or so), they can easily combine flight segments from different airlines easily to give you a great deal. (bonus – get even more savings by finding a Travelocity promo code before you book a trip)
  2. We at Stay Alfred would add this: when browsing for airline tickets, be sure to clear your browser cookies. Airline sites record every visit you make, and prices increase for return visitors. This is a popular tool used by airlines to build urgency. Avoid the price gouging next time you book a flight.
  3. Connecting Flights – You might think connecting sucks but it sure saves you a good chunk of money doing it. Consider the pros and cons and don’t write it off right away.
  4. Travel Light – Airlines are starting to charge for everything now and if you have 2 bags or more, expect to be charged for it. Remember to not use over sized bags whenever possible and try to keep it all within one bag per person.
  5. Substitute – Consider packing really old clothes (if you plan to buy new ones on the trip). This way, you can keep one luggage and still have room for purchases.
  6. Always Look into Round Trip Tickets – Sometimes, one way tickets are so expensive that the round trip ticket is cheaper. Just don’t use the return trip. (I know it’s weird but I’ve seen it myself)
  7. Try to Get Back to the Same Airport – Flying in and out of the same airport is almost always cheaper. It’s not only the flight tickets but the car rentals as well.
  8. Traveling to Two Countries – If you are planning to stay in two countries and an airline makes you change planes on those countries anyway, you might be in luck. Check pricing on the flights to see if you can stay a few days at the country of the flight change instead of changing planes right away since airlines often let you do that for the same price.

* Eating *

dessert

  1. Plan Your Meals – Figure out where you will be and eat before you actually go out. This is not just good for your wallet, but your stomach too since you will probably find economical restaurants that tastes great.
  2. Cook for Yourself – Not many people do this butcooking while on vacation can sometimes be quite fun. Since the experience is new (cookware, dining area, supermarkets etc), it’s actually quite fun.
  3. Meals Carryover – Want a breakfast that cost nothing? Ask for some bread to-go at the restaurant the night before.
  4. Avoid Breakfast from the Hotels – Chances are good that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive and isn’t great. It probably pays to walk out the front door in the morning and find a local cafe. You might just stumble onto the local favorite.
  5. Eat More at Lunch Than Dinners – Fancy lunches are often much less expensive than dinners. If you eat a big breakfast, lunch and a light dinner, it’s also healthier.

* Car Rentals *

  1. Be Specific with Car Rentals – One way car rentals (when the pickup and drop off locations are different) are sometimes more than twice the price of standard rentals, especially if the two locations are in different states (or country). If you need the car for 7 days and will be in the same city for 5 and another city for 2 for example, break the rental period in two and have a 5-day same location rental and another 2-day one day rental. You might need to go back to the rental facility but it really doesn’t take that long and it might save you a few hundred dollars.
  2. Car Rental Coverage – Some insurance and many credit cards have car rental coverage so take advantage of those when you rent a car. All you have to do is pay with the credit card that will cover you. (Just make sure you decline the coverage from the rental company when they ask)
  3. Size of the Car – I used to always get the smallest car possible because not only do I not need the extra room, I also didn’t want to pay for the extra gas that bigger cars need.
  4. Children Car Seats – If you are traveling with kids, you might think that bringing the car seat is cheaper. Call the car rental company and ask about rental prices. With airlines charging for extra luggage, it might save to just rent it.
  5. Fill up that Rental Car – If you are renting a car and need fuel, just fill her up with regular gas since that’s what the car rental company uses anyway. Also, decline those services that fills the gas tank up for you. Even though it seems like the advertised price is cheap, they charge you for a full tank of gas regardless of how much is left in there when you bring the car back.
  6. Coupon Codes – Sometimes car rental companies have coupon codes that can be used. Search the Internet.

Car Rentals *

  1. Be Specific with Car Rentals – One way car rentals (when the pickup and drop off locations are different) are sometimes more than twice the price of standard rentals, especially if the two locations are in different states (or country). If you need the car for 7 days and will be in the same city for 5 and another city for 2 for example, break the rental period in two and have a 5-day same location rental and another 2-day one day rental. You might need to go back to the rental facility but it really doesn’t take that long and it might save you a few hundred dollars.
  2. Car Rental Coverage – Some insurance and many credit cards have car rental coverage so take advantage of those when you rent a car. All you have to do is pay with the credit card that will cover you. (Just make sure you decline the coverage from the rental company when they ask)
  3. Size of the Car – I used to always get the smallest car possible because not only do I not need the extra room, I also didn’t want to pay for the extra gas that bigger cars need.
  4. Children Car Seats – If you are traveling with kids, you might think that bringing the car seat is cheaper. Call the car rental company and ask about rental prices. With airlines charging for extra luggage, it might save to just rent it.
  5. Fill up that Rental Car – If you are renting a car and need fuel, just fill her up with regular gas since that’s what the car rental company uses anyway. Also, decline those services that fills the gas tank up for you. Even though it seems like the advertised price is cheap, they charge you for a full tank of gas regardless of how much is left in there when you bring the car back.
  6. Coupon Codes – Sometimes car rental companies have coupon codes that can be used. Search the Internet.

* Transportation *

transportation

  1. Rail, Metros and Subway – If you are traveling to Europe, research on multi-trip discounts. Many metros and rails have passes such as a 3-day unlimited travel passes which might be worth the cost.
  2. Night Train and Flights – If the transportation is going to be long, consider traveling at night to save money on accommodation and many hours of time. Many people have a tough time sleeping on these, but it’s all mental. Once you get used to it, you will be able to have a good night’s rest.
  3. Take the Slower Transportation – If flying is too short for you to take advantage of sleeping while traveling, take a bus ride. When you are sleeping, you won’t mind that the bus ride is 7 hours.
  4. Avoid Taxis and Welcome Public Transportation – Tourist usually take taxis since it’s the laziest way to get from point A to B. Consider the subway or buses because it’s sometimes easier and it is much cheaper.
  5. Driving is Not Bad – Want to take that 1 hour flight? With airport security and all the hassle of airport inefficiencies, you might as well drive there (it takes just as long and it’s less expensive). Once you get there, having a car is also much easier than needing to take your bags everywhere.

* Currency *

  1. Watch That Currency – If you never really had a preference in travel destinations, consider the exchange rate when you travel. This sometimes makes the biggest difference.
  2. Getting Cash – Many exchange centers have very bad exchange rates so don’t go there. Search the internet to find out good places to get cash in the local currency. For example, a quick search tells you that the best exchange rate is found at the airport and using ATMs in Taiwan and France respectively.
  3. Try Using the Local Version of the Same Website – Due to the rapid change in currency rates, it could be much cheaper to book using the local currency. How do you do that? Go to the local version of the same website.

* Accommodations *

  1. Staying in a Town Next Door – Sometimes the smaller towns close to where you are going have hotels that are much less expensive. If you don’t mind the 15 minute ride, you might just save that bundle.
  2. Home Exchanges – These are pretty cool and popular especially in Europe. Your trip might not be as romantic as The Holiday (movie with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law) but if you are of the adventure type, this could be exciting and refreshing).
  3. Ask – Sometimes smaller hotel chains are willing to give you free upgrades (or even free nights). If you already have a reservation booked elsewhere, call them up and tell them that you would consider changing if you can get an additional night free.
  4. Vacation Rental– If you are staying at a destination for at least a few days, consider a vacation home instead of hotels. They are often are more comfortable and your cost will probably be cheaper.
  5. Suites – Instead of having two rooms, consider the two-bedroom suites that some hotels provide. They will end up being cheaper and you get just as much privacy with your own room.

* Shopping *

shopping

  1. Duty Free – Many airports have duty free shops that you can take advantage of. They might not be the best deal around if you don’t consider taxes but tax-free might make it the least expensive option.
  2. Don’t Forget About Possible Tax Refunds – Some countries let you get all or part of the retail sales tax back. You might have to fill out forms and show proof but if large purchases are made aboard, it can save you a bundle.

* Alternatives *

  1. Tourist Spots May Not be That Hot – Many countries have tourist spots that aren’t really the most interesting places to go to, not to mention that everything is more expensive around that area. If you’ve been to that place already, there’s no point seeing it again and again. Instead, go to local areas and observe life. It might just spice up your vacation.
  2. Walk Around – If your destination isn’t that far away, consider asking the locals directions and walking there. It’s a great chance for you to see the city and take pictures.
  3. Enjoy the Local Version – Many consumables are less expensive when it’s made in the country you are visiting. Consider trying their local beer, coffee or food. You might be surprised at how great and cheap it really is.
  4. Be a Little Flexible with Travel Days – Many prices are based on supply and demand, so sometimes it’s much cheaper to leave the day before (or after) instead. Look around the dates of your travel plans and see if spending an extra day is worth it. This makes a difference especially around major holidays.
  5. Book a Bundle – There are many package deals that saves you money if you book hotels and flights together. Basically, the more business you can give them, the better discount they can give you.
  6. Go Off Season – Everyone wants to ski or go to Hawaii in the winter. Consider this type of vacations in off-peak times (going skiing in the spring time for example). It’s cheaper and less crowded.
  7. Travel Around Home – Overseas travel might be your dream vacation but there are actually many places close by that is very interesting as well. Check out those lesser known places and the local experience might very well be great.
  8. Try Booking at Different Times – Online sites sometimes have rates based on the time and day of the week you book. Try different combinations and see if you can get a better deal.

* General *

beach

  1. Bid Your Own Price – Priceline.com has a great system where you can name your own price on flights, hotels and car rentals. If the same offer is available, I’ve always saved money bidding for it.
  2. Discount Everything – Some countries have discount stores (I’ve seen one in Japan for example) where they sell all kinds of tickets at a discount. In that store, I’ve even seen gift cards for department stores so if you are buying something anyway, those stores will give you an instant deal.
  3. Don’t Give Up Looking for Deals – Even if you have your plans set, keep trying to look for deals. Reservations can often be canceled with a full refund so if you find a last minute deal that fits into your plans, take advantage of it. (I went to Las Vegas recently and saved half my hotel cost since a last minute deal happened to fit my itinerary so it really works)
  4. Reward Points – Even if you aren’t a frequent traveler, sign up for those reward programs since you might qualify eventually. It’s all free anyway and if you finally get enough points, you can get always get something free.
  5. Go to the Grocery Store – Even if you are away from home, chances are high that there are grocery stores where you are traveling to. It’s worth it to take a trip there and get snacks, water, and everything you need for your trip since hotels overcharge.
  6. Age, Student and Membership Discounts – Many attractions like theme parks, museums and others have discounts for senior, children or students. If you are traveling, remember to take your ID and membership cards (e.g. AAA card) with you that might qualify you for these.
  7. Group Discounts – We all know there are group discounts everywhere. To take advantage, team up with a few friends and go to the same destinations together. You can even set it up so there is no obligations to be everywhere together.
  8. Talk to the Locals – Be friendly and chat with them. Sometimes, they will tell you where to eat and some may even offer you to stay over (works best in small towns).
  9. Mini Tours – I’m not talking about bus tours that takes days but one day tours that take you to many different places within the city. Not only will they take you to places you probably want to visit anyway, the bus driver is usually quite entertaining and informative as well.

There you have it- now you’re on your way to saving some serious dough the next time you’re on vacation. Thanks for reading, and as always, stay smart, stay together, Stay Alfred.

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Seattle Vacation Rentals - Blending in with locals

Posted on December 4, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

From time to time, we hear from guests who stayed with us in our Seattle locations about how interesting the local culture of Seattle seems to them. Comments like “Coffee is like gold to these people” and “I thought flannel was out of style?” make us chuckle (namely because we’re quite familiar with the Emerald City to the west of our Spokane headquarters). These comments reflect subtly changing desires of travelers today.

We know from consumer research that more and more travelers today are seeking to “travel/live like a local”. The trend of “like a local” reflects a shift in mindset for a growing number of so-called tourists, who are replacing traditional tourist activities like guided tours with locally-recommended activities, restaurants, boutique theaters, among others. And why not? Celebrity tourism experts can’t keep up with local culture like the local people can themselves, whereas reviews are instantly published and (usually) updated frequently. Thus, people trust- and at times rely on- other user reviews. The good news for consumers is that highly-praised and reviewed local favorites are typically very dependable. The end result? Knowing which coffee stand nearest your Seattle Vacation Rental makes your favorite drink the best, before you make the walk.

(Psst - Hey you! Get our review-driven cityguide app for free right here)

 

UPDATE:
We did some searching on this subject ourselves and found something that is relevant to this post.The following list is from an article from TripAdvisor that does a good job of giving you the bullet points on how to avoid appearing like a tourist when you stay in Seattle vacation rentals:

“Now that you’ve made the decision to visit the Great Northwest, you want to blend in with the locals right? Of course you do. You will be spotted as a tourist immediately if you make any of the following mistakes:

• First it’s the Pike Place Market, or simply “The Market”. Calling it Pikes Market, or some other corruption will label you as an out of towner immediately.

• Another pet peeve is what to call the freeway system. The freeway is I-5 or ‘the freeway’.

Its not THE FIVE or THE I-90 or THE 405. People will immediately ask what part of California you’re from.

• While not totally universal locals order pop not soda.

• Locals go to the beach not the shore.

• When watching weather reports listen to the forecast for a chance of ‘sunbreaks”. Also if ‘the mountain is out” refers to the few days when residents can actually see Mt. Rainier.

• Warm is defined as anything over 70 degrees and a heat wave would be 3 or 4 days of over 80. During winter look forward to constant special news boadcasts of “Our Winter

Stormwatch” which includes any snow forecast of over 2 inches. People from the midwest or east think locals are crazy but you don’t have to shovel rain.

• The license plates on cars has a tab that states the year of expiration. Not sure what the ‘tag’ number is but locals know the plate number.

• Yard sales are what some people in other areas call tag sales.

• The shoulder of the highway is just called the shoulder, vs the ‘breakdown’ lane.

• Learn how to say Puyallup. (pew AL up) Learn how to say Tukwila. (TUK wil a) Heck, learn how to say Seattle while you’re at it. (see AT ul)”

To that list, we would add:

• Coffee is sacred to Seattlites (don’t call them that). From Starbucks on every corner to the

hundreds of independent (and totally hipster) cafes, there’s the perfect cup of coffee out

there for anyone’s preferences. Unless you prefer tea. In which case, order some tea from

Amazon.com (Seattlites love shopping local… fortunately that includes Amazon.com)

Lakeside Amusement Park fun for the whole family!

Posted on August 23, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

This is the largest amusement park in the Rocky Mountain region. Fun for the entire family, including 15 kiddie rides, classic Cyclone Roller Coaster, scenic miniature train, 39 rides plus games and refreshments!

Located in Denver, Colorado, at I-70 and Sheridan, on a picturesque lake (with great mountain views), trains, a merry-go-round, a drop tower, bumper cars, and many spinning rides, Lakeside is the perfect site for family fun and large events. Kiddies’ Playland is filled with rides specifically for young children.

Lakeside is an ideal site to host group outings, including company picnics, birthdays, family reunions, church picnics, and little league awards ceremonies and more. Operating at the same location since 1908, many Coloradans have a lifetime of memories of summer evenings of picnics, laughs, fun foods and games that can be relieved by coming for a visit.

Parking is always FREE and picnics are welcome. Gate Admission is $2.50 per person (with a .50 rebate valid towards the purchase of rides). Rides can be paid for either by purchasing an unlimited ride wrist tag I.D. or by buying individual ride coupons. Gate Admission and Unlimited rides for the 2013 season are Monday-Friday $14.00 and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays $22.00. -lakesideamusementpark.com

For more information please visit http://lakesideamusementpark.com/

Also please be sure to visit us in any of the cities we are in and check out our website at www.StayAlfred.com where you can view all of our properties, rates and make reservations.

Art in the Pearl September 1-2!

Posted on August 22, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

Art in The Pearl offers 100 booths of fine art as well as music, food, and hands-on art activities along NW 8th Ave in North Park Blocks. Art in The Pearl has been named one of the top 10 Arts and Crafts Festivals in the County (source: Art Fair Source Book). Over one hundred artists display and sell their work that ranges from wooden furniture, paintings to fine art photography, jewelry, glass, clay, metal and so much more!

Hours: 10am-6pm Saturday – Sunday August 31- September 1st & 10am -5pm Monday September 2nd

For more information please visit www.artinthepearl.com

Also please be sure to visit us in any of the cities we are in and check out our website at www.StayAlfred.com where you can view all of our properties, rates and make reservations.

Bumbershoot 2013 August 31-September 2nd at Seattle Center!

Posted on August 21, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

The 43rd annual Bumbershoot Festival opens in Seattle over Labor Day weekend, from Saturday 8/31 to Monday 9/2. The festival features tons of art, music, and good eats. The festival’s history began in 1971 as a city-funded event, with over 100,000 visitors. In the 1980’s, the festival was taken over by One Reel Productions and is now affiliated, and produced by AEG Live. Bumbershoot is Seattle’s most notable events and it is back to kick things off in 2013.

This year, the festival line-up includes Death Cab, MGMT, Kendrick Lamar, Crystal Castles, Gary Numan, The Breeders, Matt & Kim, Tegan & Sara, and so many more.

Get your tickets and head out to Seattle to join the Bumbershoot festivities.

For more information please visit http://bumbershoot.org/

Also please be sure to visit us in any of the cities we are in and check out our website at www.StayAlfred.com where you can view all of our properties, rates and make reservations.