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
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History buffs, rejoice! Stay Alfred is making its way to beautiful downtown Washington D.C. soon! With new locations for our incredible guests to stay in, we have decided to put together a list of the history attractions everyone should visit.
White House by Diego Camblaso via Flickr
If I were heading to Washington D.C. I would want to start with our breathtaking White House. Built 214 years ago, the White House was completed and John Adams became the first president to call it home. Perhaps the most known building in United States history, the White House is the epicenter of all political life in DC. Who knows, maybe you’ll see some important people while you’re there. Next up of the can’t-miss attractions is the United States Holocaust National Museum. A living memorial to the Holocaust, the powerful museum preserves the memory of those who suffered and encourages all visitors to reflect upon what happened those many years ago.
On a lighter side, the National Mall holds host to millions of visitors each year to commemorate presidential legacies, honor our veterans, and celebrate our nation’s commitment to freedom and equality. Inside of the National Mall stands one of the most iconic buildings in Washington. The Washington Monument was built to honor our first president as a political and military leader. The Monument is open daily, but tickets run out quickly so make sure you arrive early to reserve your spot!
The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is a breathtaking 3-acre memorial. When a visitor looks at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall they are able to simultaneously see their reflection with the engraved names, which is meant to symbolically bring the past and present together. Finally, if you’re up to cross the Potomac River into Virginia you can spend time at the Arlington National Cemetery. With an elaborate Changing of the Guard ritual every hour and the viewing of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There are so many more incredible buildings and places you should check out if you have time while in Washington D.C. like the Lincoln Memorial,the many Smithsonian Museums, the Library of Congress, and so many more that I could go on about forever. Watch for future posts with even more information about the historical attractions of Washington, D.C.
Be sure to visit the Stay Alfred website for updates on our upcoming downtown Washington D.C. vacation rentals!
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.
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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What’s not to love about Seattle? Well, maybe the traffic, but is an abundance of amazing things about this city that more than make up being stuck crawling at a snail’s pace on the freeway. It’s great to be in a city that has all refinement of a world-class metropolis while at the same time being cradled in the majestic wilderness that is the Pacific Northwest. It’s truly the best of both worlds! Here is a list of some of our favorite activities in the Emerald City
1. Visit a museum: Seattle has so many museums you’ll be sure to find something to pique any interest. Here are some of the most popular ones for starters: Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Flight, Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum.
2. Take a ferry: For many people living in Seattle, riding the ferry is just part of the daily commute but there really is no better way to see the city skyline or the Puget Sound. Whether you’re taking a short trip to Bainbridge or Vashon Island or an extended adventure into the San Juans or even to Canada, your Seattle visit would not be complete without a ferry ride.
3. Ride the Ducks: Tour Seattle by land and by water in a WWII amphibious landing craft. The wacky captains are both knowledgeable and hilarious, in a cheesy sort of way. A favorite for families but fun for any age group, it’s a party on wheels that floats!
4. Check out the music scene: While often considered a mecca for punk and grunge music, Seattle has a rich musical history that includes jazz, folk, country, and hip hop. If you feel like getting down and dirty with the rockers, catch a show at the Crocodile or Neumo’s. For a less raucous experience, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley and Tula’s are great venues.
5. Underground or ghost tour: For you history buffs, taking one of these interesting and informative tours is a great way to learn about Seattle’s storied history. The Underground tour takes you below the streets to explore the remnants of the city that existed before the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. The Market Ghost Tour has been named one of the 10 best in the US and is an entertaining mix of spooky, funny, and educational.
Pike Place Market. Source: Flickr user runner310
Are you planning a trip to Seattle? Click here to view all of our great downtown Seattle vacation rentals
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!
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Whether you enjoy urban adventures or exploring nature, or both, you can always find plenty of exciting and fun activities in Portland. Here is a list of some of our favorite things to do when we visit Stumptown:
Hug A Tree: Portland prides itself on its green spaces and residents love to spend time in the city’s many parks. The most popular is Forest Park, the largest urban park in the country covering more than 5,100 square miles with over 70 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Ride A Bike: Whether you want to take a guided tour or just explore on your own, the best way to experience Portland is from a bicycle seat. Cycle Portland and Waterfront Bikes are two companies that offer tours and rent out a wide variety of bikes which include a helmet, a lock, and a handy map.
Go To The Market: The Portland Saturday Market (also open Sundays) located on the waterfront under the Burnside Bridge and the Portland Farmers Market located on the PSU campus are popular places for locals and tourists alike. At the Saturday Market you can find a wide variety of handmade crafts and food carts, while the Farmer’s Market has nearly every type of produce you can imagine.
Take A Brewery Tour: There are over 50 breweries in Portland, quite possible the most of any city in the world, which can make deciding which to visit a daunting task. Luckily the good people at Brewvana are happy to drive you and your friends around on their awesome party bus and show you the inner workings of their favorite establishments. You even get snacks and souvenirs!
Sample The Food Carts: The food cart may not have been invented in Portland but it was definitely perfected here. Just like fish and teenagers, food carts often hang out in groups (known locally as “pods”) which makes it easy to find something you like or sample a little bit of everything. The largest of these pods is located downtown on SW Alder St. and SW 10th St.
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Fried chicken is of those ubiquitous American meals that can serve any purpose, from Sunday night family dinner to a leisurely picnic in the park. And there are probably as many different recipes for fried chicken as there is places to eat it. Some lucky folks at Thrillist had the chance to scour the country in search of the best fried chicken in America, and it turns out there’s a few places on their list that are in Stay Alfred cities (and a couple in cities we’re looking at)! We thought we would share these finds with you, in fact you’ll probably get to try them before we do!
The following was published 2/20/15 by Kevin Alexander and Liz Childers at Thrillist:
Portland, OR: The People’s Pig
“People’s Pig answers a question few have asked, yet probably should: what would bacon taste like if bacon was made from fried chicken? The answer is the Smoked Fried Chicken at this food cart turned brick-and-mortar, which gives the boneless bird a light wood-based sauna session before it’s dunked in batter and fried. Not bad for a place that made its name with porchetta and BBQ. There’s a lot of great fried chicken in Stumptown (big love to Dub’s and Reel M Inn), but the People’s Pig gets mad love for taking something as beloved as fried chicken and transforming it into something utterly different and magnificent.”
Nashville, TN: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
“Yes, we know it’s technically hot chicken. But that hot chicken is fried, right? And Prince’s, on the North side of Nashville, just happens to be the best damn spicy fried chicken in America. If you can spare a couple of hours to deal with the line, hit up Andre Prince’s ode to the spicy side of the bird and get a whole chicken, some extra pickles, and bread. We like it “hot,” which is just enough to make us sweat, but not enough that it feels like you’re being punished for eating. And don’t worry about finishing the whole bird. We just wanted to leave you enough to take some home with you.”
Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken. Flickr/the foodhoe
New Orleans, LA: Willie Mae’s Scotch House
“New Orleanians are wont to throw around words like ‘legendary’ and ‘institution’ and ‘classic’ when it comes to their restaurants that can lay any kind of claim to those adjectives. But, well, Willie Mae’s fried chicken deserves it. That crispy, spicy chicken was enough to drive crowds of volunteers to tend to the nearly half-a-century old restaurant after Katrina flooded through, and its melt-in-your-mouth skin and juicy meat are enough to beckon even the most tourist-averse locals to wait in the lunch line on a weekday for a plate, plus a side of salty, smoky red beans and rice. So, yes, Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a legendary, classic institution — not just of NOLA, but of the South.”
Austin, TX: Top Notch
“Sure, you can’t start any conversation about Top Notch without mentioning its iconic placement in Dazed & Confused, but there’s a damn good reason the old-school drive-up joint’s in the movie to begin with. Since 1971, it’s made Austin’s finest fried bird. And as the city’s food scene has evolved into more haute takes on comfort classics, Top Notch still does what it’s always done: it makes a perfectly crisp, salty, old-school chunk of chicken that’s golden fried and bursting with juice. That’s the good thing about Top Notch. You keep getting older, but that chicken stays the same.”
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Whether you enjoy urban adventures or exploring nature, Denver has plenty of exciting activities for the whole family. Take some time during your stay to get out there and experience everything that the Mile High City has to offer! Here are five of our favorite things to do when we are in town:
Shopping at 16th Street Mall: At 1.7 miles long, the 16th Street Mall is the longest outdoor mall in the U.S. Considered a pedestrian area, but if you don’t feel like walking you can hop on and off the free shuttle that runs the entire length of the mall. The heart of the mall is the Denver Pavilions, a collection of over 40 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues including a bowling alley and movie theater
Rent a B-Cycle: Denver boasts more than 850 miles of paved, off-road trails that connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails, as well as dozens of notable attractions. You can rent a bike using the Denver B-Cycle, an automated bicycle sharing system with 700 bikes and 82 stations throughout the city. Some of the most popular rides are the Cherry Creek path and Washington Park. See why the Mile High City is a paradise for cyclists!
Brewery Tour: More than 200 distinct beers are crafted in Denver daily and there are more than 50 brewpubs and breweries in the area, so exploring local pubs and tasting rooms is a great way to sample the true flavor of the city. Try a guided tour to get a true behind-the-scenes experience, complete with plenty of beer samples. The most popular are the Brews Cruise and Banjo Billy’s Brewery Tour, they’ll even drive you and your friends from stop to stop.
Visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Located just 10 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks is widely considered to be the best outdoor music venue in the world. The amphitheatre is nestled among the giant red sandstone outcroppings where the scenery is breathtaking and the acoustics are superb. Besides music, the venue also hosts yoga classes, a summer film series, and even Easter sunrise service. Definitely worth a visit even if you don’t get a chance to see a concert.
Catch a game: Denver is a big-time sports town, in fact it’s one of only 12 cities to have teams in four major sports (5 if you count the MLS, which plenty of Rapids fans do). Any time of the year you can find an exciting game to watch and thousands of cheering fans to watch it with. You’ve got the Broncos at Sports Authority Field (locals still call it Mile High Stadium), the Rockies at Coors Field, and the Avalanche and Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.
Are you planning a trip to Denver? Click here to check out all of our great vacation rentals.
Food carts hold a treasured place in the heart of Portlanders. With over 400 food carts operating in the city, you can find every type of food you can possibly imagine (and quite a few you never would have thought of). Like whales and teenagers, Portland’s food carts love to hang out in groups (known locally as “pods”), which makes it easy to sample a wide variety of delicious treats. The largest downtown pod is the Alder Street pod; you’ll also find the 5th Avenue Pod and the 3rd Avenue Pod downtown. Other popular pods are the Cartopia Pod located on SE Hawthorne at SE 12th Ave, and the Cartlandia Pod located along the Springwater Corridor bike path in Southeast Portland. Obviously with so many food carts in Portland any Top Ten list is bound to be open for debate, but here are some of our personal favorites:
Nong’s Khao Man Gai, source Flickr user sstrieu
Nong’s Khao Man Gai (Alder Pod) Perennial contender for Best Cart in the City does one thing and does it to perfection: their namesake Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
Koi Fusion (6 locations) One of Portland’s original food carts, this local favorite offers Korean-infused Mexican food like bulgogi beef burritos and kimchi quesadillas.
Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen (Mississippi Marketplace) Features the owner’s grandmother’s recipes for Southern staples like biscuits and gravy, collard greens, and some of the best fried chicken in the city.
Tábor (5th Ave Pod) Homestyle Czech specialties like potato pancakes and borscht, but the star of the menu is their famous Schnitzelwich, a huge breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.
The Frying Scotsman (Alder Pod) Run by a Scottish ex-pat, this “chippie” offers the genuine British fish and chips experience, serving up cod, haddock, halibut and more.
People’s Pig (Alder Pod)- Known for their mighty pork sandwiches made several different ways, like BBQ pulled pork, Cubano, and the always-satisfying porchetta sandwich.
Grilled Cheese Grill (Alder Pod) From basic grilled cheese sandwiches to the monster Cheesus Burger which has grilled cheese sandwiches in place of buns, this food cart puts the distinctive Portland flair on childhood favorites.
808 Grinds (Alder Pod) Authentic Hawaiian lunch plates like kalua pork, fried chicken, and Spam musubi, all served with rice and macaroni salad.
Haan Ghin (PSU Pod) Skip the ubiquitous Thai food and try some delicious Laotian cuisine at the Portland State University campus. Try the Laap Gai (basically DIY chicken lettuce wraps).
Pyro Pizza (Cartopia) Another one of those carts that has become a Portland institution, the specialty here is authentic Italian-style wood fired pizzas made from locally sourced ingredients. They even make their own natural sodas!
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Few cities in the world can match the rich culinary tradition of New Orleans. French, Spanish, Italian, African, Creole, Cajun, and Southern influences all blend together into a perfect storm of delicious foodie heaven. You can spend your entire life exploring all the different facades of New Orleans’ culinary world. Of course, we know you don’t have that kind of time, so we put together a short list of our favorite places to eat in the Big Easy. Consider this the crib notes; by no means complete, but enough to get you started. We’d also love to hear what some of your favorites are, so don’t be shy!
K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen: Chef Paul Prudhomme is the godfather of Cajun cuisine and his French Quarter restaurant is practically a New Orleans institution. His recipe for blackened redfish almost single handedly put the species on the “endangered” list. In a city with such a rich culinary tradition, K-Paul’s ranks right at the top. Must Try: Blackened Drum and Bread Pudding with Hard Sauce
Red Fish Grill: Part of the Brennan family restaurant dynasty, Red Fish Grill offers a respite from the chaos of Bourbon Street. as well as some of the best seafood in New Orleans, which is to say, some of the best seafood anywhere. The BBQ oysters are world-famous (although they’re more buffalo wing-style than true BBQ). Must Try: Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo
The Ruby Slipper: This bustling diner serves a plethora of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional fare to dishes imbued with that New Orleans fare. They have several locations close to downtown and are regularly voted “Best Breakfast” in the city. Must Try: Bananas Foster Pain Perdu (French Toast)
Cochon Butcher: New Orleans is a big-time sandwich town, from muffalettas to po’ boys of every type, which makes Cochon Butcher’s place as one of the best shops in town all the more impressive. They cure their own meats in-house and also feature a great wine and beer selection. Must Try: The Gambino
Clover Grill: It’s not the fanciest place to get a greasy burger and chili fries in the town, but it’s open 24 hours and offers some great people watching. Probably best to save this one until after you’ve been partying all night in the French Quarter, and leave the attitude at the door. Must Try: A few Hurricanes before you get here.
Still planning your trip to New Orleans? Click here to view all of our great New Orleans vacation rentals.
Fresh off our recent expansion into San Antonio, Stay Alfred is setting its sights 80 miles to the northeast. That’s right folks, the Austin vacation rentals you’ve been clamoring for are finally on the horizon! There’s so much to love about this city, we’re just as excited as you are to be part of the unique weirdness that is Austin, Texas. And we’re not the only ones. Austin is the fastest growing of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the US. It’s easy to see why; over the past ten years, Austin has not only landed on numerous “best of” lists, it frequently finds itself in the top spot. The city has been picked for “best place to see live music” (Travel+Leisure), “best city for golf” (Golf Digest), “best shopping” (Lucky Magazine), “best top chef” (Bravo), “best bar” (Esquire), and more. Austin and it’s inhabitants have always been on the cutting edge, and now the rest of the country is catching on.
Officially adopting the slogan “Live Music Capital of the World” in 1991, Austin boasts the most music venues per capita in America with over 250 and counting. Any visitor to Austin would be seriously remiss if they didn’t sample some of the great live music the city has to offer. Along Red River Street and the surrounding area, you’ll find the iconic Stubb’s BBQ, Mohawk, and Holy Mountain. The area is also home to the wildly popular SXSW music festival. Head over to the University of Texas campus to experience the landmark venues Hole in the Wall and Cactus Cafe, which have played host to such famous acts as Lucinda Williams and hometown hero Stevie Ray Vaughan. Of course, we couldn’t talk about music without mentioning Austin City Limits, the main focal point of the Austin live music scene. Tickets to tapings are distributed by a drawing, but you can buy tickets to other performances that are held at the Moody Theater almost nightly.
Before it was the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin was (and continues to be) the capital of Texas, with all the history and culture befitting a city of such stature. In the heart of downtown you will find three major attractions within five blocks of each other. First there’s the Texas State Capitol with a dome that is larger than the US Capitol (of course) and 22 acres of monuments and beautifully landscaped lawns. Just up the street is the Bullock Texas State History Museum which tells the “Story of Texas” with three floors of interactive exhibits, including a special effects show and Austin’s only IMAX Theatre. Across the street is the Blanton Museum of Art, the largest university art museum in the country and home to the largest private collection of master works in the United States. A must-see for any art enthusiast.
With an average of 228 sunny days a year, Austinites love their outdoor activities. When the summer days reach 90+ degrees, the locals head to their favorite natural swimming holes like the Barton Springs Pool, fed by a natural spring that keeps the water temperature a constant 68 degrees year-round, or the Hamilton Pool Preserve in its natural limestone grotto with a 50 foot waterfall. Lady Bird Lake flows through the center of town and with the restrictions on motor boats, the lake is a haven for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Hike up Mount Bonnell, Austin’s highest point at 775, for the best views of the city, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
Are you planning a trip? Click here to view all of our great vacation rentals.
Stay Alfred’s newest vacation rental property is located right in the heart of downtown Portland, in the quiet Business District. The Essex House offers all the comforts that our guests have come to expect, as well as perfect location to explore everything that Portland has to offer. First off, the building itself is amazing. The 9-foot ceilings and large windows allow plenty of natural light as well as dramatic city and waterfront views. Porcelain tile floors, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances and fixtures add and extra degree of elegance to home away from home. After a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, relax in the hot tub and sauna. If the weather’s nice, enjoy the outdoor sun terrace and barbecue grill.
The Essex House: Stay Alfred’s Newest Portland Vacation Rental
Of course, we don’t expect you to spend your entire vacation inside your unit (although after seeing it, you may want to). The best part about Stay Alfred’s properties is how close you’ll be to all kinds of dining and entertainment. In the blocks surrounding the Essex House you’ll find some of Portland’s best restaurants: Veritable Quandary, Raven and Rose, Nel Centro, Shigezo, and The Picnic House. Want to take in some of the city’s unique culture? The Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society are quarter of a mile away, as well at the historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Portland’s amazing shopping is never far away, either. Pioneer Place Mall is a five-minute walk up 3rd Avenue, where you’ll find over 100 upscale retail shops and eateries, like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., as well as Regal Cinemas. Keep heading north and you’ll run into the famous Portland Saturday Market (it’s also open Sundays), nationally recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country. Don’t forget to stop by Voodoo Doughnut, home of the original Bacon Maple Bar!
No matter what your plans are for your stay in the City of Roses, The Essex House is conveniently located close to the Transit Mall and multiple MAX stations, making travel to all parts of the city a breeze. Like all of our Portland vacation rentals, you can expect the highest standards of cleanliness and hospitality. Our free smartphone app provides you an insider’s guide to the city, and our super-friendly customer care agents are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Enjoy your vacation, Stay Alfred’s got your back!
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Are you looking for some good grub in the Mile High City? From classic steakhouses to ultra-modern gastropubs, the food scene in Denver has every taste covered. Here are five of our personal favorites. Of course, we’re always on the lookout for great eats, so if you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.
Breakfast Mac at Sassafras. Yes, please.
Sassafras, 2637 W 26th Ave: Classic comfort food with a Southern influence in a laid-back atmosphere. A popular destination for breakfast and lunch (they don’t have dinner service). A wide variety of unique menu items you can’t find anywhere else, like breakfast mac and cheese. Must Try: chicken fried eggs with smoked buffalo hash.
Marco’s Coal Fired Pizzeria, 2129 Larimer St: The only VPN-certified pizzeria in the state of Colorado, Marco’s serves authentic Neapolitan-style pies, with delicious thin crust and a combination of local and imported gourmet toppings. Their gluten-free pizza is the best around and cooked in a separate oven. Must Try: Lemoncello Chicken Wings
The British Bulldog, 2052 Stout St: As genuine as you’ll find on this side of the pond, this pub has a great beer selection and top-notch British and Pakistani grub on the menu. If you’re a soccer fan, this is your spot. They open as early as 5am for Premier League matches. It’s also the local headquarters for the American Outlaws supporters’ group. Must Try: Chicken Masala
Snooze, 2262 Larimer St: Do one thing and do it well, which in this case is brunch. Snooze has several locations in Denver serving up their unique take on breakfast staples. The lines are typically long but efficiently managed; enjoy the free coffee and juice while you wait. Must Try: Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes
Guard and Grace, 1801 California St: Chef Troy Guard’s elegantly modern steakhouse boasts an extensive wine list and a great selection of Colorado-raised beef. Steak is the star, but the menu also showcases an impressive variety of dishes ranging from caviar to handmade gnocchi. Some of the finest dining in Denver. Must Try: Prosciutto Tasting Flight
Still planning your trip? Click here to check out all of our great Denver vacation rentals.
Have you ever visited an unfamiliar city with high hopes of visiting all the famous sights you heard so much about, only to find yourself wandering around aimlessly, completely lost? Your GPS is useless and you can’t find a single soul to give you directions. Even worse, you find yourself in a part of town that could only be described as “unsavory.” Not the way you planned to spend your vacation.
Luckily, if you happen to be visiting downtown San Antonio you can rest assured that there are plenty of friendly folks looking out for you. Meet the Amigos. Easily recognizable in their canary yellow shirts and straw hats, the Amigos are an integral part of the Downtown Public Improvement District created in 2000.
Need directions to the Alamo? Trying to find the River Walk? Want to know which bus will take you to Midtown? The Ambassador Amigos are ready to help; on average they assist over a million people a year. They possess an extensive amount of insider knowledge about downtown and San Antonio in general and serve as information guides, safety escorts, and are even qualified to provide first aid assistance if necessary. The Ambassador Amigos can be readily found in high-pedestrian traffic areas and strategic locations throughout the Downtown District.
While the Ambassadors serve as the public face of downtown San Antonio, the Maintenance Amigos are dutifully working in the background, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are tasked with the general upkeep of the District: picking up litter, scrubbing graffiti, pulling weeds, and performing the thankless but necessary jobs that keep downtown looking great. In a given year, they will pick up almost 700 tons of trash, remove 12,000 graffiti tags and 130,000 gum spots, and power wash 31 million square feet of sidewalk. So if you happen to run into a Maintenance Amigo during your visit, be sure to let them know they’re doing a wonderful job!
Have you noticed all the beautiful plants and flowers downtown? Thank the Streetscape Amigos. Taking a cue from the River Walk, the District has added over 600 planters on light poles, stair rails, and large planters throughout downtown’s public right-of ways. The Streetscape Amigos provide the planters and materials that soften downtown and enhance the pedestrian experience for the area’s many workers, residents, and visitors. They are also in charge of maintaining these improvements, which means watering, fertilizing, and replacing seasonal vegetation as necessary. In 2013 alone, the Streetscape Amigos planted 2016 bougainvilleas, 3360 pansies, and 3360 petunias, with plans to expand the scope of the program every year.
So the next you find yourself downtown, keep an eye out for the friendly people in the yellow shirts, even if it’s just to say “hi.” They’re here to help and they’re great at their jobs. After all, they’re not called the Amigos for nothing!
Click here to view all of Stay Alfred’s San Antonio vacation rentals
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
The living room of a Stay Alfred vacation rental at The Maritime Building
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - The nationwide vacation rental and corporate housing firm headquartered in Spokane, Wash., Stay Alfred, has doubled the number of New Orleans vacation rentals it manages.
The vacation rentals in The Big Easy boast all the amenities Stay Alfred guests have come to expect, including modern furnishings, equipped kitchens, wi-fi, cable, DVD players, linens, laundry and ironing facilities, air conditioning, secure parking, balconies, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests also benefit from the industry-leading customer service for which Stay Alfred has been honored with the “Top Rental Manager” award by Travel + Leisure’s Top Vacation Rental Site, FlipKey.
These units are located at the center of the action in the Crescent City-Bourbon Street and Canal Street are 3 blocks away and the Superdome, House of Blues, and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas are all within three-quarters of a mile.
This expansion of Stay Alfred’s already sizable New Orleans presence was a natural step for the nationwide vacation rental company.
“Stay Alfred is one of the top vacation rental brands in the markets we already occupy,” said Jordan Allen, president. “With this move, we manage more vacation rentals in New Orleans than we do in Nashville-which had been our second largest market, behind our Seattle vacation rentals.”
Stay Alfred manages vacation rentals and corporate housing in Bellevue, Wash., Denver, Colo., Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, La., Portland, Ore., and Seattle, Wash.
The New Orleans vacation rentals can be viewed online and even booked with Stay Alfred’s convenient, industry-leading one-click booking feature at StayAlfred.com. Reservationists can be reached at 866-232-3864.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s that time of year again: Jack-o-lanterns, fake spiderwebs, plastic bats hanging from the trees (along with the occasional roll of toilet paper). We’re all familiar with the trappings of Halloween but if you happen to be from out of town, it can be confusing when you want to party like a local. Luckily, we have the inside scoop when it comes to best celebrations and events, no matter which city you’re going to be in on All Hallow’s Eve!
New Orleans
There is no city that celebrates Halloween as enthusiastically as New Orleans. With its famous cemeteries, voodoo rituals, and long history of ghosts and spirits, the city practically oozes scary. It should be no surprise that its residents embrace New Orleans’ intrinsic spookiness and party with a gusto usually reserved for their other favorite holiday: Mardi Gras. Crowds will flock to Bourbon and Frenchmen for street parties and parades, so don your best costume and join in the festivities. Cate Root from The Times-Picayune has a great breakdown of all the major happenings.
Nashville
Nashville loves to party no matter what the occasion and Halloween is no exception. Any club you hit is almost guaranteed to be having a costume party or themed event of some kind. To see the cream of the crop, head to Play Nashville for their Freak Show contest with $5000 in prizes. Next door, Tribe Nashville is having a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock that’s sure to be a scream. Looking for some real excitement? You will definitely want to try the Demons on Demonbreun Hill, a combination pub crawl and zombie paintball shoot.
Boston
Costume contests, pub crawls, haunted mansions, and graveyard tours are just a few of the exciting Halloween events you can find in Boston. Before you head out for the night’s festivities be sure to stop at Dorothy’s Boutique in Back Bay, the biggest adult costume shop in Boston, to pick up some cool accessories. If you happen to have a bike (and more importantly a costume you can ride in), the Halloween Bike Ride draws hundreds of participants for a casual 10-12 mile ride through the city, starting at Copley Square.
Denver
Besides the typically nightclub craziness, Denver also has a lot of great family-friendly Halloween attractions. The Denver Zoo puts on their annual Boo at the Zoo event with over 25 trick-or-treat stations and other kid-centric activities, all free with normal zoo admission. The Haunted Field of Screams in Thornton is Colorado’s largest Halloween attraction with over 35 acres of “haunted” cornfields. For more grown up activities, ColoWeen at the City Hall Event Center is the most anticipated costume party of the year.
Seattle
Halloween in Seattle usually means one thing: putting on your sexiest costume and dancing until the break of dawn. FreakNight is the main event with big-name DJs, but if you don’t feel like spending a couple hundred dollars for the 2-day pass, there are plenty of other dance parties where you’ll have just as much fun like Pulse at the EMP Museum. Dancing not your thing? Try the Crawl-O-Ween pub crawl and see some of downtown’s hottest bars. Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, Citizen Zero is a zombie-themed urban hide and seek game on a massive scale.
Portland
Nothing cool ever happens in Portland. You might as well just stay inside and hand out candy to the trick-or treaters. Ok just kidding, you can find the usual mix of costume contests, dance parties, pub crawls, and zombie-themed everything. Jamie Hale of the Oregonian has already put together his procrastinator’s guide to Halloween in Portland, so we’ll just skip reinventing the wheel on this one.
A tribute to the man in black - Johnny Cash, ranks among the top must-see-must-do’s of Nashville, Tennessee. Whether you’re staying with family and friends at a vacation rental in Nashville, or staying in a tiny, stuffy hotel room (a bit harsh, but we couldn’t resist) - Johnny Cash & country music lovers alike should pay tribute to the memorial museum of a man most known for having one of the most unique voices in country music in history. The museum has recently been acclaimed by Forbes: Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum Ranks Number One on Forbes and National Geographic Travel Lists.
The museum’s grand opening represented a major moment for Cash fans. Johnny and his wife, June Carter Cash, died months apart in 2003 in Nashville. His house burned down in 2007, leaving fans without any real destination to visit, according to Shannon Miller, who founded the museum with her husband, Bill.
“Elvis has Graceland, but there was really nothing left anymore for us,” Shannon Miller said. “We really needed to bring it back to Tennessee. We needed to have something for all of the fans. We’re just really happy to be able to tell the fans there’s a place to come celebrate Johnny Cash.”
The museum, on Third Avenue in downtown Nashville, features a treasure trove of Cash relics acquired through various donors and collectors. Bill Miller, a close friend of the Cashes, donated his own expansive collection of Cash-related rarities, which he had been piecing together one item at a time for four decades.
“Every artifact here helps to tell the story, and this needed to be in Nashville,” Bill Miller said.
At a media walk-through in late April, Cash siblings Joanne Cash Yates and Tommy Cash smiled to see their brother’s old Martin guitar with a folded dollar bill stuck through the strings: In the 1950s, before he had a drummer, Cash used a dollar bill to create a percussive effect when he strummed the instrument.
There was a display filled with family photos and artifacts from the Cashes’ hardscrabble 1940s days in Dyess, Ark. There was a radio like the one the family used to listen to the “Grand Ole Opry.” There was Johnny’s Future Farmers of America card, and a school yearbook page.
Daughter Cathy Cash-Tittle became emotional upon seeing her parents’ marriage certificate for the first time. Others in the family gasped to see a stone wall that was part of Johnny and June’s Hendersonville home before it burned. There were tin cups from Folsom Prison, where Cash recorded a classic album. There were stage outfits, awards, gold and platinum albums, and a remarkable collection of instruments from Cash, The Carter Family and supporting musicians Luther Perkins, Marshall Grantand W.S. “Fluke” Holland.
“It’s just unbelievable,” said Tommy Cash, who followed his brother into the music industry and recorded hits including “Six White Horses.” “I’m amazed at what’s here. People from all over the world will come and see this.”
Judy Morris, a Northern Ireland native on a music tour of Tennessee, said Thursday that Cash’s music is timeless and resonates with all ages.
“I think people can just really connect to him, and I think a lot of young people can connect to his rebelliousness,” Morris said.
For more information on the Johnny Cash Museum, visit http://johnnycashmuseum.net.
Famous folks have been to this exhibit, and according to the museum’s home page, this is what they have said about their visits:
“Whatever anybody needs to know about my dad that they don’t know already is in that museum.”
Cindy Cash, Johnny Cash’s Daughter
“I’ve seen a lot of museums around the world. A world class collection of items that tells the story of Cash’s life. I was blown away by how well it is put together. It’s first class and you will see, you can mark my words, this will become one of the major tourist attractions for Nashville.”
Former Vice President Al Gore
“When I went through the museum, it just captivated my every thought. It was so real, and so classy, that I almost felt that just around the corner, the Man in black would rise, again, from his easy chair, and give me a big old bear hug. I dearly loved that man. I will go back to the museum again when I have time to really listen to and read all of the wonderful collection pieces.”
A tribute to the man in black - Johnny Cash, ranks among the top must-see-must-do’s of Nashville, Tennessee. Whether you’re staying with family and friends at a vacation rental in Nashville, or staying in a tiny, stuffy hotel room (a bit harsh, but we couldn’t resist) - Johnny Cash & country music lovers alike should pay tribute to the memorial museum of a man most known for having one of the most unique voices in country music in history. The museum has recently been acclaimed by Forbes: