Tag Archives: Events


Welcome to Germantown, Nashville!

Fun with the Nashville Sounds at First Tennessee Park, Photo by: Deldevries via Wikipedia

You heard it here first! Stay Alfred Vacation Rentals is opening yet another location in one of Nashville’s most trendy neighborhoods- Germantown! Located North of downtown (and walking distance from the capital building), the Germantown district is brimming with historic appeal and all the charm of what makes Nashville so loveable.

Our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom vacation homes at Vista Germantown have all the amenities you need for a relaxing and comfortable trip to Music City. With en suite laundry, a living room, and a kitchen, you’ll be able to live like a local with twice as much space for about the same cost as one of the downtown hotels. Relax outside on the community sundeck and take a dip into the salt water pool. Feeling a bit chilly afterward? Sit and watch TV by the outdoor fire pit.

Step outside your condo community and you’ll be walking distance from downtown and other exciting attractions that the Germantown neighborhood has to offer. If you don’t feel like wandering too far from the neighborhood area, take a moment to explore the interesting attractions and restaurants of Germantown:

 

  1. Nashville Farmer’s Market: Voted the best Farmer’s Market in Nashville, this Germantown spot runs 362 days a year. If you’re the type who adores fresh food (and likes to know where it comes from) this spot is a definite must for your grocery gatherings. Tip: This place is bustling on Saturday, but not so busy on Sunday. (You’re in the Bible belt, after all.)
  2. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: This scenic park stands as Nashville’s own “National Mall”-esque tribute to Tennessee. Witness 31 fountains and a wall mural depicting the history of the state. There’s more- a 95 Bell Carillon, a World War 2 Memorial, Court of Three Stars, and a 2,000 seat amphitheater. Worth a visit!
  3. First Tennessee Park: The new home of the the Nashville Sounds baseball team! Catch a game and grab some snacks for an affordable family activity. Awesome views of the city from here, as well.
  4. Peter Nappi: One of Nashville’s most unique luxury product stores. Peter Nappi is an Italian leather company that operates in Germantown. Witness a boutique with incredible ambiance as well as some of the finest leather products you will ever touch. Peter Nappi even has a small concert venue within the store for local musical performances. A true Nashville fashion legend. See their online store here.
  5. Oktoberfest: This might only be in October, but it’s worth checking out when it happens! Germantown overflows with festivities, music, German cultural activites, and BEER!

 

Germantown is chalk full of incredible restaurants to try. Here’s some of our favorites:

  1. Germantown Cafe: Modern American, German
  2. Mad Platter Restaurant: Modern American
  3. Rolf and Daughters: Modern American, Mediterranean
  4. 5th and Taylor: Modern American
  5. Silo: Southern, Modern American
  6. Monell’s Dining and Catering: Southern, Soul Food
  7. City House: Italian
  8. Butchertown Hall: Traditional American, Gastropubs
  9. Germantown Pub: Modern American, German, Breakfast & Brunch
  10. 312 Pizza Company: Pizza, Sandwiches

Not sure where to stay in Nashville? Stay like a local in a Germantown vacation rental and skip the stuffy hotel experience. Give us a call any time of day at 866-232-3864 and one of our helpful reservation agents can assist you in booking the perfect Nashville condo. We look forward to hosting your next Music City adventure and hope you love the city just as much as we do!


Upcoming Music Festivals in Stay Alfred’s Cities

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.

 


Vacation Rentals in San Diego’s Favorite Neighborhoods

Not sure where to stay in downtown San Diego?
Many exciting events are coming up in America’s Finest City! Thinking about attending San Diego’s largest convention, Comic Con International? Maybe a San Diego Padres baseball game, music festival, chocolate festival, or Cinco de Mayo parade is more your style?

Either way, skip the crowded hotel experience and opt for a vacation rental home in one of downtown San Diego’s hottest addresses. For a comparable rate to downtown hotels, you can stay in a spacious two or three bedroom apartment with a living room, kitchen, and en suite laundry. Instead of feeling like a trapped tourist, you’ll be able to comfortably live like a local in an exciting, highly walk able location. Here’s just two of our fantastic San Diego properties that await your arrival:

Little Italy vacation rental by Stay Alfred

Stay Alfred at Little Italy: Looking for a paradise in the midst of the city? We know you’ll love the swanky decor, resort-like vibe, and fantastic amenities at Stay Alfred’s Little Italy vacation rental. At your Little Italy vacation home, you’ll enjoy top-notch amenities such as a gorgeous pool and glass-walled hot tub that overlooks views of the water. The community gym is also available for guests who don’t want to miss a beat on their workout routine. Inside, you’ll find a cozy two bedroom apartment with all of the comforts of home.

Little Italy in San Diego, Photo by Joe Wolf via Flickr

San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood has grown to become one of the city’s favorite spots. With Italian food, charming art galleries, vibrant nightlife, and views of the San Diego harbor, it’s no wonder why visitors flock to this area of the city for a relaxing afternoon or a fun night out. Your rental is located within walking distance from attractions, including the Waterfront Park and the Star of India at the Maritime Museum. Looking for some fresh fruit or Italian cut meats? Be sure to check out the popular weekly farmer’s market. After all, when you stay with Stay Alfred, you can easily cook your own incredible meals.

Lofts near the East Village & Gaslamp Quarter by Stay Alfred

Stay Alfred near the East Village & Gaslamp Quarter: Situated near the vibrant East Village and the iconic Gaslamp Quarter, you’ll have the best of both worlds at Stay Alfred’s newest vacation rental location. This modern, chic building houses numerous two bedroom, two bathroom rental apartments for your convenience. Numerous amenities await you, including a sundeck with city views, business technology center, fitness center, and a community theater room. Inside your vacation home, you’ll love the bright, wide windows and spacious layout that allows for the perfect amount of family time. You’ll certainly feel like a San Diego urbanite in this trendy address.

Nightlife is the best in the Gaslamp Quarter! Photo by Chad McDonald via Flickr

With a Walk Score in the upper nineties, you know that entertainment and conveniences will surround you. Skip the parking hassle at the Gaslamp Quarter and get there in a simple ten minute stroll. If you haven’t visited the Gaslamp Quarter, yet, you’ll see why this historical neighborhood is one of San Diego’s most exciting spots. Unbeatable dining, energetic nightlife, and craft cocktail bars line the streets of the Quarter. Once you’re done exploring that part of the city, check out the up and coming East Village area or venture to Petco Park down South or Balboa Park up North.

 

When you stay with Stay Alfred, we want to make sure you are right in the middle of the action. There’s so much to see in San Diego, and we want you to be able to conquer it all. Some of our newest locations will open just in time for San Diego Comic Con! Give us a call any time of day at 866-232-3864 and one of our incredibly helpful reservation agents will help you plan an unforgettable San Diego getaway.


Welcome to the San Antonio Riverwalk!

Nightlife at the San Antonio Riverwalk, photo by Stuart Seeger via Flickr

At Stay Alfred, we know that our guests want to stay within walking distance to the city’s best attractions. In San Antonio, we adore the beauty and excitement of the city’s legendary Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a series of pathways along the San Antonio River that guide visitors through a gorgeous selection of attractions, shops, restaurants, and art pieces. From food carts to gourmet dining, there’s something for everyone along the Riverwalk.
Not up for a long walk? Plenty of scenic boat rides are available, as well. The Riverwalk is the perfect place to start if you want to tour the beauty of the city. (However, ALWAYS remember the Alamo!)

During April 14-24, Fiesta San Antonio is taking over the city and the Riverwalk! This annual celebration has been entertaining San Antonio for 125 years. During this 10 day extravaganza, numerous arts, culture, music, food, family, and sports events will take place.
On Friday, April 22nd, check out the Fiesta Carnival or 10th Street River Festival. Looking for something a bit more low key? There’s also a Cactus and Xerophyte show and sale for plant lovers.
On Saturday, April 23rd, you can join in on the LUNG FORCE 5K run or walk if you’re feeling a bit motivated. The King William Arts and Crafts Fair will also be going on in the King William Historic District of town.
On Sunday, April 25th, Fiesta San Antonio will wrap up with a number of fun events including the Fiesta Wildflower Ride and the Festival de Cascarones.

To see a full guide of Fiesta San Antonio events, click here.

Not sure where to stay in San Antonio?

Vistana vacation rental by Stay Alfred

Experience the beauty of the city from Stay Alfred’s high rise Vistana vacation rental. Our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos at the Vistana are perfect for up to six guests! Why cram your family and friends into a 300 square foot hotel room when you can have more space, privacy, and amenities for a comparable rate? With a Walk Score rating of 93, the Vistana truly has everything you need minutes from the doorstep. The River Walk and Old Town San Antonio are about a 10 minute stroll away! Public transportation options are also available right outside the Vistana. With parking available on site, you can easily explore the entire city with your own vehicle, as well.
Our Vistana vacation rental guarantees you all the comforts of home and more. With a living room, fully-equipped kitchen, and en suite laundry, you’ll be able to live like a local and save money if you would prefer to cook meals in your vacation home.
Your vacation rental community also features a wide array of amenities that will keep you entertained when you’re not out enjoying the city. Keep up on your fitness with the 24 community gym, or take a dip in the pool on the 6th floor’s sundeck. Need a place to meet? The property also hosts a club room and business center with a killer view of the San Antonio city skyline.

We’d love to host your San Antonio adventure. To learn more about our vacation rental property, visit this link or give us a call any time of day at 866-232-3864. Our helpful reservation agents would love to assist you in planning your stay.


MAYbe The Perfect Time to Visit Memphis?

Festivities of Beale Street

Festivities of Beale Street! Photo by: Joseph via Flickr

Have you ever thought about visiting the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll? Music is king in Memphis, so there is always an impressive and exciting array of music events hosted in the city throughout the year. BBQ is rumored to be equally as important to Memphians. It’s not a wonder that Memphis is one of Stay Alfred’s favorite cities! This year, we’re particularly excited for our guests to enjoy the festivities of the Memphis in May Festival.

 

May 2016 will mark the 40th anniversary of the legendary month-long Memphis in May events. Throughout the month of May (starting on the weekend of April 29th) Memphis will feature a different event that embodies the unique culture of the city. This year, Memphis in May will be comprised of the Beale Street Music Festival (April 29-May 1), the International Salute to Canada (May 2-9), World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 12-14), and the Great American River Run on May 28th.

 

This year, the Beale Street Music Festival has some undeniably exciting headliners that represent numerous music genres. Beck, Meghan Trainor, Paul Simon, Weezer, Zedd, Train, Jason Derulo, and Modest Mouse are just some of the main performers. Alongside these Grammy-winning or chart-topping stars, other more indie or local artists will take the stage, as well. Prepare for Beale Street to close down! For more information on who is performing and when, visit this page.

 

Every year, Memphis in May chooses a country to “salute” for international week. This year, it’s our neighbor to the North. The International Salute to Canada will feature shopping, theatrical performances, educational presentations, art shows, and more. Check out “Traces”, a critically-acclaimed Canadian contemporary circus show that has been presented in over 25 different countries. Traces will feature acrobatics (including skateboarding and basketball) paired with a compelling story about an impending disaster. If you’re a history buff, check out the “Passage to Freedom: Secrets of the Underground Railroad” exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum.

 

BBQ is undoubtedly the official food of Memphis. It’s no surprise that The World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest is part of Memphis in May. Some of the best BBQ chefs in the world will be duking it out and winning awards based on the tastiness and quality of their pork ribs, shoulders, or whole hogs. Vendors will be standing by to offer you signature Memphis BBQ and beer. It’s a big deal!

 

Memphis in May will be wrapping up with the Great American River Run on May 28th. This half marathon run will allow you to work off all that beer and BBQ that you more than likely have indulged in during your stay. Some of the proceeds for this event will benefit The Wounded Warrior Project.

 

Looking to stay within walking distance or close proximity to where all the action is? Stay Alfred hosts numerous downtown Memphis vacation rentals with guaranteed convenient access to the excitement of Beale Street. Memphis in May MAY just be the perfect excuse to plan a trip to this incredible Southern destination. With more space and privacy than hotel rooms, Stay Alfred’s vacation rentals are where to stay in Memphis!


Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Valentine's Day in Denver

Photo by: Jennifer Zambrano via Flickr

Planning to enjoy a getaway to the city on Valentine’s Day? In our last blog post, we wrote about why it’s great idea to book a vacation rental for a romantic trip with your significant other. 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 Boston to the Big Easy, we’ve got you covered.

Boston

Restaurants: Want to have a unique gourmet experience that heightens your senses? Try the “dining in the dark” experience at the beautiful and historic Hampshire House. For other ideas, check out this Valentine’s Day specific restaurant guide for Boston.

To do: Cruise around the iconic Boston Harbor aboard an elegant ship with an option to do a romantic dinner and lunch event. For more information, visit this page.

 

Denver

Restaurants: For $59 per person, Argyll Whisky Beer is offering three courses of U.K.-inspired gourmet dishes prepared with a refined American flair. Did we mention this gastropub offers more than 240 selections of whiskey? For other Denver suggestions, visit this page.

To do: Want to see the beauty of downtown Denver at a leisurely pace? Wait at one of the various pick-up points at the 16th Street Mall and you’ll be able to ride together under a blanket in a Cinderella-style carriage pulled by gorgeous draft horses.

 

Memphis

Restaurant: Chez Philippe, named as one of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the USA by Open Table, is offering a classic French gourmet three course meal for $95 per person. Be sure to reserve! Other ideas for romantic Memphis dining can be found on this website.

To do: Have you always wanted to learn how to dance? The Blue Suede Ballroom is hosting four different early evening dance classes at $30 per couple. After that, why not head back to downtown to stroll down Beale Street?

 

Nashville

Restaurant: There are so many fantastic and delicious restaurants in Nashville that it’s near impossible to decide! We recommend The Standard at The Smith House for a historic Southern dining experience. For other Valentine’s Day dining options, visit this website.

To do: As expected, Music City has plenty of excellent music events to make a date of on Valentine’s Day weekend. On February 13th, Rick Springfield will perform classic 80’s throwbacks at the Wildhorse Saloon. On both the 13th and Valentine’s Day, Sheryl Crow will perform at the Nashville Symphony.

 

New Orleans

Restaurant: With a long history and rave reviews, Commander’s Palace is practically a NOLA landmark. With outstanding Southern gourmet dishes such as turtle soup, soft-shell crab, and spiced rum cake, it’s no surprise that this award winning restaurant is known as the place to celebrate. For other ideas, pay a visit to this page.

To do: Mardi Gras might be over, but there are plenty of Valentine’s Day adventures to be had in the historic French Quarter, including local jazz fare at The Spotted Cat. Located between the Garden District and French Quarter, another venue called BB’s Stage Door Canteen will be presenting a tribute to Frank Sinatra on the night of Valentine’s Day.


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

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.