ROADTRIP 2010 – Alabama Gulf Coast
Written on March 13, 2010 at 4:50 pm, by admin
ROADTRIP 2010 – Alabama Gulf Coast
It’s the second day of Scenic Rentals’ official ROADTRIP 2010 and so far, so good! Mike and I have visited and chatted with some property owners in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. They have been truly welcoming and have given us some great suggestions to keep in mind while we work hard on Scenic Rentals!
We’ve also gotten the distinct impression that a lot of the property owners in the area are downright fed up with some of our leading competitors in the rentals by owner industry. The property owners said that they feel like they’re getting lost in the shuffle of the hundreds and hundreds of properties in their location. And they’re sick of having to pay upwards of $400 PER LISTING! They seem to be fully supportive of our new policy of limiting the number of properties in each location to 60. We’re really looking forward to bringing a more community-type feeling to the vacation rental industry – one where the property owners aren’t just a name in the crowd and where the vacationers feel welcomed with open arms.
As far as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach go, if you haven’t visited these little gems in Southern Alabama, you need to schedule a visit…soon! The main road, Gulf Shores Parkway, runs right alongside the water and boasts both high rise condos and little seaside cottages. But somehow, despite the plentitude of properties to choose from, both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores manage to give off the cozy appeal of a sleepy little beach town. Definitely a great destination for just relaxing! And, of course, there are lots of the requisite souvenir shops and seafood shacks along the way.
We saw a lot of families walking the beach and a few kiteboarders who were taking advantage of the sudden windy day. Mike and I wished we could join them and feel some sand between our toes – but that’ll have to wait for another day ’cause we’ve got work to do! At least until quitting time, that is – then we’re looking forward to finding a great little restaurant on the water and enjoying a tropical cocktail. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good seafood restaurant along our route? We’re going to try and enjoy some of the local cuisine as we go – we’ll call that a definite job perk.
We want to thank the Powell family for letting us stay in their Orange Beach house and showing us the world-renowned Pirate’s Cove bar – they certainly lived up to their reputation of having the best frozen Bushwackers in town! Even some of the local canines came out to enjoy the food and festivities.
More tomorrow as we head towards the Florida Panhandle! Watch out Panama City – we’re coming for you!
And the Winner is….
Written on March 12, 2010 at 9:30 pm, by elizabeth
Pete Markey!
Congratulations to our Round 1 winner of the “Have You Scene Us ROADTRIP Challenge.” Pete found the image hidden on our Costa Brava destination page.
Can you match Pete’s amazing geography skills and win Round 2 with just one clue? Find out tomorrow night at 8pmET when the first clue of Round 2 will be announced.
Remember, it’s free to play and win, but you must be a Facebook Fan of Scenic Rentals – Vacation Rentals Worldwide to play and win! Click here to become a Facebook Fan and keep up with the latest happenings at Scenicrentals.com!
Thanks for playing. See you tomorrow!
Category Press Releases, ROADTRIP 2010 | Tags: Have You Scene Us ROADTRIP Challenge,new features
Have You Scene Us? Facebook Roadtrip Challenge
Written on March 11, 2010 at 11:02 pm, by elizabeth
Have you Scene Us?!
For the next few weeks, Amy & Mike are traveling the coast of the Southeastern United States in search of awesome by owner vacation rentals. From beachfront rentals to lake rentals to vacation cabins and more, Amy & Mike are looking for the ultimate vacation rental homes to award our “We’ve Scene It!” stamp of approval. Along the way they’ll meet new and existing owners and spread the word about Scenicrentals.com. And starting today, we’re kicking off our new Facebook Fan Page with the “Have you Scene Us ROADTRIP Challenge“. You can take part in ROADTRIP 2010 and win cash toward a spring vacation of your own! We’re giving away up to $1,000 over the next few weeks and it’s completely FREE to win. Just become a fan of Scenic Rentals – Vacation Rentals Worldwide! on Facebook to enter.
The goal of the ROADTRIP Challenge is simple – find the above image hidden somewhere on Scenicrentals.com and be the first fan to post the link to the correct location on our page to win $250 cash, payable through Pay Pal.
To help you in the search, we’ll post a new clue on our new Facebook Fan Page (Scenic Rentals – Vacation Rentals Worldwide!) every day. So, be sure to check our Facebook page after 8pm ET daily for the evening’s clue. Then, come back to Scenicrentals.com and continue your search. And while you’re here, check out the more than 2,000 incredible by owner vacation rentals we offer throughout the world.
The Have You Scene Us ROADTRIP Challenge begins at 8pm ET tonight when our first clue is posted. And because the fun keeps going on Scenic, when this round ends another will begin. Play often and tell your friends! But remember, you must be a Facebook Fan of Scenic Rentals – Vacation Rentals Worldwide! to win. Click here to become a fan and start checking out the ROADTRIP Challenge clues.
If you’re not already a Facebook member, what are you waiting for? It’s free and easy – join the millions of people worldwide who are Facebook members! It’s the only way to receive ROADTRIP Challenge clues, and the best way to keep up with the latest news and happenings at Scenic Rentals.
Thanks for playing and happy hunting!
Official Rules of the contest can be found here: http://www.scenicrentals.com/vacationrentalresources/contest-rules-the-fine-print/
Weeding through the Vacation Rental Website Maze
Written on March 8, 2010 at 5:14 pm, by elizabeth
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorensztajer/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
These days, it seems that the By Owner Vacation Rentals market is growing at an alarming pace. A Google search for “vacation rental website“ returned almost 33 million results and searching for “vacation rental listing” found 14.8 million results. From mass market vacation rental sites attempting to fit a huge variety of rentals into one mold to niche sites targeting just one or two locations, owners have a smorgasbord of options for advertising rentals by owner. But how to know which site is the best for the needs of a particular property? Sifting through this enormous mountain of options to narrow down the choices is a daunting task that many vacation rental owners just don’t have time for. And in light of recent economic events, owners and vacationers are being even more careful with where and when to spend their vacation dollars. This of course translates into property owners looking to maximize their advertising dollars to reach the widest audience at the best price.
This is where Scenic Rentals comes in. Established in 2001 in response to a very personal need for a clearinghouse to manage several by owner rentals, Scenic has grown to more than 2,000 paid properties and counting. Why have so many property owners chosen to trust Scenic Rentals to advertise their by owner vacation rentals? Simply because we offer the best value for the money by providing an incredible product at a very fair price (not to toot our own horn…) Each vacation rental listing includes up to 12 color photos, a detailed listing, access to our free online availability calendar, a dedicated personal web address so owners can point potential renters directly to their property and 24/7 access to our Owner Control Panel. The Owner Control Panel is a key feature because it enables owners to update their listing and photographs at any time, from any computer, without having to wait for the Scenic Rentals Staff to key in the changes. However, if an owner prefers to have us list their property for them, we are happy to do so at no extra charge. Simply direct us to the pertinent information and we’ll handle the rest. The one year listing fee is currently $45, all inclusive. For twelve reasons to list with Scenic Rentals, click here.
In early 2009, Scenic Rentals announced a total redesign, enabling us to better serve our property owners and helping them increase the number of nights rented per year. Our redesign has been an overwhelming success, but we’re not done yet. The Scenic staff is constantly talking to homeowners, polling travelers and finding ways to make Scenic Rentals a total vacation experience. We’ve added maps, weather, featured activities and detailed descriptions of each destination. New properties are featured on Twitter, Facebook and our blog, giving owners extra exposure at no added charge. And we’ve limited the number of properties in each destination to 60, so our owners aren’t competing with a seemingly endless number of other vacation rentals near each home.
But we’re not stopping there. This week, Scenic owners Amy & Mike are heading out on the Scenic Rentals ROADTRIP 2010 to tour properties, talk with owners and experience life on a rental vacationfor a few weeks as they travel the coasts of Florida and the Carolinas. Stay tuned for more information on ROADTRIP 2010 as Amy & Mike update from the road.
Whether you own beachfront rentals, lakefront vacation rentals, a condo in the city or a vacation cabin in the mountains, Scenic Rentals has listings around the corner and around the world. For more information or to list with Scenic, please contact us today and Take a Vacation From Hotels!
12 U.S. Cities Named Distinctive Destinations
Written on March 4, 2010 at 10:28 am, by elizabeth
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenkwilli/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
This week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Marquette, Mich., is the winner of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations “Fan Favorite” award – chosen by the public via an online vote that took place during the month of February. For 10 years the National Trust has annually chosen 12 communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.
This year, the National Trust asked the public to get involved by voting for their favorite destination among the 12, to be named the 2010 Fan Favorite.
Marquette is nestled along the shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its rich history—throughout the 19th and 20th centuries it attracted immigrants from over 40 nations to work in the shipping, mining and timber industries—can be seen along the well-preserved streets of its downtown. The city’s collection of magnificent red sandstone buildings now houses a dynamic array of retail shops, galleries, and restaurants—many of which are situated to provide breathtaking views of the waterfront.
This year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations range from a culturally diverse New England seaport steeped in the arts and a bustling city known as the “Gateway to the West” to an Appalachian music-heritage trail, an Alaskan gem rich in Native American and Russian history and a charming Southern city with deep roots in space exploration.
The 2010 America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations are:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from bicycling along the Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic brick buildings that line St. Louis’ cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the “Gateway to the West.”
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America, cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving businesses of Fort Collins’ Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for “Main Street, USA” at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become “America’s Space Capital.”
The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road celebrates the region’s rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
SOURCE National Trust for Historic Preservation
Florida Beaches are Top Spring Break Destinations
Written on February 23, 2010 at 10:58 pm, by elizabeth
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikety/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Though much of the U.S. is still under a blanket of snow from the storms of the past few weeks, the calendar assures us that warm weather must be just around the corner. In the travel industry, warm weather on the horizon equals Spring Break vacations and the start of the busy season for many popular destinations. This year brings good news for by owner vacation rental owners in particular – according to a recent study published by HomeAway, more than 65% of travelers who looked into the availability of vacation rentals in the past say they plan to stay in a rental between March and May. And even better news, despite the tough economy, 17% of travelers surveyed say their travel budget will increase this year, while 68% say it will stay the same.
The study also found that nine of the ten most popular Spring Break destinations are still in Florida, with Orlando taking top honors. But it appears that some travelers prefer shopping in the city to sunning on the beach, as New York City ranked in the top 5 this year. Here are the top 10:
Click on the above links to view beautiful by owner vacation rentals offered through Scenicrentals.com.
Photo of the Week – New Orleans
Written on February 8, 2010 at 1:16 am, by elizabeth
This week, we’re honoring The Big Easy. Between last night’s historic New Orleans Saints Superbowl win over the Colts and Mardi Gras coming up next week, this is one city that seems to be on the tip of everybody’s tounge.
Something tells me the French Quarter isn’t quite as serene and peaceful on this Monday morning.
Would you like to see your travel photos on The Scene? Email your best photos to elizabeth@scenicrentals.com.
Hot Winter Fun in Branson
Written on February 5, 2010 at 2:37 pm, by elizabeth
Branson, Missouri, is heating up with hot winter fun this February! Mild winter weather in the Ozark Mountains and special offers for value-minded visitors, create an ideal opportunity to get away and enjoy Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, museums, championship golf, world-class fishing, cozy lakeside resorts and much more.
Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show is the perfect event to sample a variety of shows and performers in one exciting evening. This year, the 7:00 p.m. show on Monday, Feb. 8, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, provides the audience an opportunity to see portions of several shows that are open during the winter months. The Big Show will be emceed by popular Branson entertainer Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers Jamboree. Shows on stage include Jim Stafford, Legends In Concert, Hughes Brothers Show, Pierce Arrow, Kirby Van Burch, Cassandre’- the Voice of an Angel, Circle B Supper Show, Grand Jubilee, Keith “Red” Allen, Ricky Boen & Texas Mud, Tony Roi, Smoke On The Mountain, Always & Forever Patsy Cline, Buckets N Boards, Comedy Jamboree, Red, Hot, & Blue, Rock N Roll is Here to Stay, Rock U Mentally, Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue, and more.
Tickets are $30 (plus tax and service charge) for adults and $ 9.95 (plus tax and service charge) for children (ages 4 through 12) and can be purchased by calling Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater directly at 417-339-3003.
With average daytime temperatures rising well into the 50s, the winter months are a wonderful time to visit Branson – trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo is ideal this time of year. There’s never a shortage of things to do and see – the Titanic museum attraction, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Hollywood Wax museum and more keep the fun times coming. The pace is relaxed but the fun is hot, so now is the time to make your plans to visit Branson.
Branson has more than 100 live shows, theme parks, pristine lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features that are fun for everyone! For more information or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit ExploreBranson.com
SOURCE Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau
Superbowl Parties Continue Thursday Night with VH1
Written on February 2, 2010 at 11:00 pm, by elizabeth
VH1’s ‘PEPSI SUPERBOWL FAN JAM’ premiers LIVE on Thursday.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vimages/ / CC BY 2.0
Join VH1, Pepsi and the NFL for VH1’s “PEPSI SUPERBOWL FAN JAM“ Thursday at 9pm.* Held right on the beach in South Beach, this year’s celebration will pay tribute to the All-American sport of football and its 44th Super Bowl, with performances by Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Timbaland with special guest Keri Hilson. Nick Cannon and Nancy O’Dellare tapped to host the night’s festivities, which will include spectacular live performances and feature many of the NFL’s biggest players in pre-taped interviews and live on stage.
As an added benefit, Fan Jam is a party with a cause – VH1 will feature a spot highlighting Dosomething.org and The VH1 Save The Music Foundation, presenting the five winners from the latest DoSomething initiative and profiling these young adults talking about their experience “doing something.” The event will also feature the next Dosomething.org initiative — the Virtual Battle of the Bands.
Stuck in the office?
You can still be part of the action. All of the performances from VH1’s “PEPSI SUPERBOWL FAN JAM” will be available online at fanjam.vh1.com following the on-air premiere on Thursday.
*All times ET/PT
Check back tomorrow for more events and happenings surrounding the 44th Superbowl in Miami.
Superbowl Sunday Countdown
Written on February 1, 2010 at 10:31 pm, by elizabeth
It’s Superbowl week and The Scene is looking toward South Florida! This Sunday, thousands of football fans will flock to Miami to see the Colts and Saints compete in Superbowl XLIV, and millions more will tune in on Superbowl Sunday. Throughout the week, we’re bringing you the best bets for events and festivities surrounding the big game. Whether you’re in Miami, South Beach or thousands of miles away, be part of the action with ScenicRentals.com’s Superbowl Travel Coverage.
The world’s best-selling light beer is heating up South Beach this week and creating an exclusive football fan experience when it transforms Miami’s Surfcomber Hotel into the Bud Light Hotel.
Stuck in the office this week?
Watch events throughout the week from UStream on the official Bud Light Facebook page. Streamed events throughout the week will include a musical performance by Flo Rida, UFC exhibition, the Super Pool Party and more.
