TOP SOUTHERN SUMMER Destinations of 2021

Top Southern

Summer Destinations of 2021

Widely known for its hospitality, the south rolls out the red carpet for visitors throughout the year. Although many snowbirds from up north fly south every winter to escape the harsh weather, the south is a true four-season destination offering a wide array of activities and attractions year-round. According to a recent national survey, more than 50 percent of Americans plan to take a road trip this year, and a good number of travelers plan on hopping a plane to their favorite summer vacation spot. While every southern destination features more than one attraction, these destinations stand out from the rest.

Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

The seemingly countless activities combined with mild year-round climate make Birmingham a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Zip and climb through the forest for an exhilarating day of adrenaline-pumping fun at Red Mountain Park. With 50 miles of trails to choose from, Oak Mountain gives hikers the option of a short loop or an overnight trip. Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events. One of the state’s most popular attractions, the Birmingham Zoo, is an ever-evolving adventure. New to the city, The Valley Hotel is located just a mile from the bustling downtown scene. The luxury property blends southern charm and contemporary lifestyle among its spacious rooms, upscale chefdriven restaurant and signature café. The hotel offers travelers yet another side of Birmingham to add to their agenda: a visit to Homewood. The bucolic neighborhood offers travelers a true look at Southern hospitality with mom-and-pop boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and golf courses to explore.

Dunwoody, Georgia

Dunwoody, Georgia

Endless activities and a vast array of culinary choices await visitors to this quaint town ten miles from Atlanta. Visit the Perimeter Mall, the Southeast’s second largest mall. Brook Run Park has a multi-use trail spanning two miles, dog park and TreeTop Quest, an obstacle course with zip lines at heights up to 55 feet above the ground. For those who want to sit back and take in the fresh air, relax in Dunwoody Park and Nature Center’s hammock garden. Dunwoody is a foodie’s paradise and offers everything from breweries to bakeries. Alon’s Bakery and Market is a local favorite for European-inspired gourmet pastries and fresh-baked breads. Novo Cucina, a chic Italian restaurant, uses locally sourced ingredients. Wrap up the day with brews at Moondog Growlers, offering over 40 different brews. With over 1,800 rooms across several world-class hotels including the Atlanta Marriott, Le Meridien and Embassy Suites, the hotels in Dunwoody provide a welcoming, clean environment and Southern hospitality.

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia and West Virginia

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia and West Virginia

Few destinations anywhere offer the diversity of attractions found in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia. Whether it’s at a waterpark, on a hiking trail, on horseback, in a canoe, at a performance or festival, in a museum or on a wine or beer trail, activities are endless. The region is a hub of outdoor recreation, offering hundreds of miles of trails and roads to hike or bike. Rent a cabin and go horseback riding in a national forest all weekend, or canoe, fish and swim the storied Shenandoah River. You can play golf, ride an ATV or even rock climb. Massanutten Resort features 6,000 acres of mountain fun at its very best. Unique in both its size, variety of amenities and endless activities for mountain adventure and relaxation, Massanutten has earned its spot as one of the premier all-season resort destinations in the country. From its panoramic mountain views to the array of accommodations, Massanutten Resort attracts travelers looking to get away from the rush of a big city and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

Often in the shadows of Miami and Palm Beach, West Palm Beach is rapidly evolving into the city’s most exciting neighborhood, with bustling restaurants and a dynamic shopping scene. In the downtown 72acre, open-air Rosemary Square top hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers are all betting big and investing on the boom of tourism in West Palm. Visitors can see 2,000 feet of murals by famous street artists, eat some of the best food by highly credited culinary talent and browse experiential boutiques. Rosemary Square recently announced new restaurants by notable restaurateurs and leading chefs. The mix of new culinary offerings expands more than 16,000 square feet and includes a robust collection of first-ofits-kind concepts along with nationally recognized chains. Shopping options will soon increase as Rosemary Square welcomes an additional 27,000 square fee of retail offerings, complementing its already extensive and diverse collection of brands.

Willamette Valley

World-Class Wine and Outdoor Adventures

Widely known for its lauded Pinot noir, whose roots date back 50 years ago, the Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and up to 60 miles wide making it Oregon’s largest American Viticultural Area. Recognized as one of the premier wine producing areas in the world, in addition to Pinot noir the region consistently earns top honors for other such cool-climate varieties as Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc. Wine Enthusiast named Willamette Valley 2016 Wine Region of the Year.

However, don’t let the allure of the grapes fool you. The Willamette Valley is home to far more than worldclass vineyards and wine tasting experiences. The Trail of Ten Falls boasts a patchwork of impressive waterfalls, many of which are more than 100 feet high. There’s plenty to be found in Salem, Oregon’s capital city, which is not just the political center of the state but rich with culture, heritage and history with easy access to the Willamette River.

Willamette Valley

Other activities include the Black Rock Mountain Bike Area for mountain bikers of intermediate to extreme skill levels only. Its four areas offer both free-riding and human-built features, all with ride-arounds to help you get down safely. With visibility of up to 200 feet, Clear Lake is considered one of the best spots for freshwater diving in America. You can also simply look down and marvel at the remains of an ancient forest.

Grab a paddle and discover the remarkable Willamette River – on the Willamette River Water Trail. Flowing through forests, meadows, parks, farms and cities large and small, this nationally recognized water trail connects communities and visitors to Oregon’s celebrated Willamette Valley. Canoe, kayak, SUP, raft or drift boat – all of these craft can be used at Willamette Water Trail campsites.

Throughout the spring and summer of 2021, the McKenzie Regenerative Travel Project will bring travelers to the McKenzie River Corridor, where they’ll spend a weekend volunteering and enjoying all the region has to offer, including beautiful lodging options and exciting outdoor recreation. These trips will also combine tourism and stewardship, offering travelers hands-on forest restoration aimed to help public lands and communities affected by the catastrophic Holiday Farm Fire, which burned nearly 175,000 acres along the McKenzie River in the summer and fall of 2020.

Willamette Valley

The Valley is home to several unique overnight accommodations. Located in Oregon wine country, Abbey Road Farm is a working 82-acre farm, with an interesting spin of a bed & breakfast inside of authentic grain silos. For another picturesque getaway, check out Sweet Springs Family Farm. Just 40 minutes away from Eugene, this quaint bed & breakfast allows you to experience the beauty of Oregon in a serene farm setting. For a more secluded option on Airbnb, consider Wine Country Tree House & Herbal Farm, the small family farm located in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley. Just ten minutes from Newberg, the TreeHouse was built by The Treehouse Master himself, Pete Nelson of Animal Planet’s TreeHouse Master. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of nature and privacy located near

Newberg’s award-winning wineries and boutique restaurants. The Treehouse Retreat in Philomath features tree trunks growing through the deck, bunk beds and a full-sized bed under the eaves.

Culinary options abound throughout the region. Located inside of the Allison Inn & Spa, Jory Restaurant is one of the most luxurious options in wine country. Also, the Painted Lady offers a refined dining experience. Set inside a turn-of-the-century Victorian home, it features Oregonian haute cuisine by chef and owner Allen Routt.

With so much to see and do in the Willamette Valley, an overnight visit is never enough. Instead, pack your bags for a week’s stay or longer and let the charm of the region whisk you away.

Exploring the Tri-Valley

Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco, the Tri-Valley offers Instagram-worthy views, award-winning wineries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. This bustling Bay Area region attracts the culinary prowess and cultural diversity of its better-known Bay Area neighbors while holding true to its farm-to-table heritage and small-town charm.

There is something here for everyone.

The Livermore Valley AVA, nestled within the Tri-Valley, features nearly 60 wineries spanning from brand names like Wente Vineyards to smaller family-owned and operated labels like Wood Family Vineyards. While this tucked-away wine region remains a hidden gem, the Livermore Valley is actually one of the oldest wine regions in California. In 1889, Livermore Valley won America’s first international gold medal for wine at the Paris Exposition, making waves in the wine world.

Today, the Livermore Valley Wine Country upholds its world-renowned reputation while maintaining a laid-back, “California” atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for an elegant food and wine pairing, a breathtaking view, or a place where you can picnic with friends, there’s something here for everyone. Not sure where to start? Visit various wineries by hopping on the Livermore Wine Trolley or booking an electric winery bike tour with Pedego Livermore.

Being so close to one of the most famous foodie cities in the world, the Tri-Valley has naturally become a culinary melting pot of talented gastronomic minds with the most delicious intentions. Whether you’re a fan of fusions, comfort foods, or ethnic cuisine, the Tri-Valley’s diverse restaurant scene has plenty of options - even for picky eaters. For starters, brunch at Denica’s Real Food Kitchen and try their Ube, Matcha, or Guava pancakes. For lunch, head to Danville Harvest and make sure to try their famous hush puppies complete with their housemade honey butter. At the end of the day pull up a seat at Sabio on Main, where you can taste their farm-to-table efforts in their upscale fare. Pair their Spanish-Californian cuisine with a glass of local Livermore wine or their awardwinning Tennessee Tiki cocktail.

The Tri-Valley’s temperate weather and convenient proximity make it an ideal destination for outdoor events, festivals, and fairs throughout the year. The Alameda County Fair is ranked among the top 50 fairs in the U.S. and features

nightly concerts and horse racing at America’s oldest one-mile dirt track. Looking for a live performance? Head to the Bankhead Theater for a variety of world-class productions, or snag a ticket to the Livermore Shakespeare Festival to watch a classic play underneath the stars in the vineyards. Other annual events like Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Livermore’s Pride Parade, and the Scottish Highland Games are also worth penciling into your calendar.

While it’s perfectly plausible to wine and dine your way through the Tri-Valley, there are other ways to experience the rich history and cultural offerings of this region. Take a stroll through Livermore to see how many larger-than-life murals you can take pictures with throughout the city, or keep count of how many art installations in Dublin you can spot in one day. It won’t be challenging; public art is riddled throughout the region in the form of statues, mosaics, murals, light installations, fountains, and more. There’s also a wealth of museums and art galleries in the Tri-Valley. If you’re not sure where to start, the Blackhawk Museum is a Smithsonianaffiliate with five unique galleries to explore: The Classic Car Collection, The Spirit of the Old West, Into China, Art of Africa, and World of Nature.

With 40 lodging options to choose from, Tri-Valley hotels are Clean + Safe Certified to ensure a safe and fun escape to the “Sunny Side of the Bay.”