These 6 getaways + 1 giveaway will have you and your PTO ready for summer vacation

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little river canyon
Little River Falls in Dekalb County Alabama. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready for Summer 2021. Bham Now has your summer fun covered with the ultimate summer getaway + giveaway, with five destinations ranging from mountain getaways to bright beaches. Pack your bags and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Win a stay

IMG 6228 These 6 getaways + 1 giveaway will have you and your PTO ready for summer vacation
Get ready for summer adventure on Lookout Mountain. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

Ready for an epic summer adventure? For one lucky winner, we’ve got the ultimate summer getaway for you. See what’s up for grabs:

  • DeKalb County
    • Win a wo-night stay with one night prepaid in the View Suite at the Mountain View Inn in Mentone. ($177 value)
  • Piggly Wiggly
    • Win a gift card for $100 to Piggly Wiggly. It’s great extra $$ to get all your summer necessities.

Here’s how to win:

  1. Follow us @BhamNow, @DekalbTourism + @ThePigBham on Instagram.
  2. Like, comment + tag your friends on our summer getaway giveaway post.
  3. The winner will be announced on Friday, May 28.

Wanderlust in coming in three…two…one:

1. DeKalb County, Alabama

Get ready to have some mountain fun. Photos via DeKalb Tourism, Aaron Mitchell, Heather Harkins Photography + Green Heart Journey

If you’re looking for a break from hot beaches and sand getting in places it shouldn’t be, a peaceful mountain vacation is perfect for you.

DeKalb County has everything you could want for a sunny summer getaway, from DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls (take a dip at the bottom to cool off) to the Mountain View Inn in Mentone to Little River Canyon.

Bonus: Enter our giveaway for a chance to win a two-night stay in the luxurious View Suite at the Mountain View Inn in Mentone ($177 value).

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Piggly Wiggly Birmingham

Whether you’re planning a weekend get-together with friends or a full-on road trip, Piggly Wiggly has you covered with a selection of all your favorite wines (and a few new ones to try). In their six Birmingham stores, The Pig offers 12 wine experts who can recommend you the perfect wine pairing and your new favorite vino. Cheers, Birmingham!

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Jackson, Mississippi

Looking for a new city to explore this summer? Jackson, Mississippi has a little something for everyone from foodies to cocktail connoisseurs to history buffs. Bring the kids for an educational trip to museums like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History.

If you need a little Mississippi medicine while you’re in Jackson, hit up the Apothecary for world-class cocktails inside of Brent’s Drugs (also a local favorite).

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford is a great spot to spend the summer. Photos via Visit Oxford MS

Oxford, Mississippi is hands-down one of the cutest towns in the South. Perfect for literary enthusiasts, food connoisseurs and anyone looking for a town with truly Southern feel, Oxford is a great summer getaway.

For a fun trip with a laid-back feel, Oxford’s your spot. Enjoy a double-decker bus tour, browse Square Books, take in the view and a drink on a rooftop bar, check out Saint Leo and The Blind Pig for exciting Southern cuisine, and take tour William Faulkner’s home.

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. Gulf Shores

Birmingham, Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores Tourism, Orange Beach, beach, vacation
The beauty of Gulf Shores will sweep you away. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

An iconic summer getaway destination, Gulf Shores is always a good time. Get outside and check out the pristine beaches, Gulf Shores State Park and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (featuring sloths!) when you travel down south to the sunny sands.

You can also enjoy your beach vacay in Gulf Shores with a trip to historic Fort Morgan and a night out at the Wharf. Cover all your seafood cravings (and more) with local restaurants like Lulus and King Neptune’s.

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. Lake Guntersville

Life at the lake is something else. Photos via Explore Lake Guntersville

Want the water with a little less fuss? Lake Guntersville in North Alabama is a fantastic spot to spend your 2021 summer getaway.

Get a nearby cabin or hotel and check out the kayak and canoe rentals to spend the day on the water and indulge at the Jules J. Berta Vineyard and Winery in Albertville, among the many amenities you will find at the lake.

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

7. Tupelo, Mississippi

Tupelo, Mississippi is a legendary location for rock and roll fans, and it’s just two hours away from Birmingham. While you’re in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, take a drive down the famous Natchez Trace Parkway and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. You can also come face to face with North America’s largest land mammal, the buffalo, at Buffalo Park.

And that’s not even to mention the food. Local favorite Connie’s Fried Chicken is the place to not just find amazing fried chicken, it’s also the home of their famous blueberry donuts.

Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Now tell us, Birmingham, where are you planning to head this summer? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know!

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Claire Hancock
Claire Hancock
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