Delta’s Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Asheville, North Carolina Outdoor adventures and craft beer scene
Asheville's outdoor adventure scene is truly impressive, boasting millions of acres of forests and 40 mountain peaks over 6,000 feet.
The city's craft beer industry is equally noteworthy, with Asheville holding the title of "Beer City USA" due to its high concentration of breweries per capita.
Asheville is home to the world's third oldest river, the French Broad River, which formed approximately 300 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era, predating the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.
Asheville's craft beer scene has earned it the title of "Beer City USA" multiple times, with the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States as of
The New Belgium Brewing Company's Asheville location features a unique 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the brewery grounds, offering a distinctive blend of outdoor recreation and craft beer appreciation.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.'s Asheville facility utilizes an innovative rainwater collection system that can harvest up to 5 million gallons of water annually, contributing to its brewing process.
Wicked Weed Brewing, known for its experimental sour beers, maintains a dedicated 57,000 square foot facility called the "Funk House" solely for the production and aging of wild and sour ales.
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- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Asheville, North Carolina Outdoor adventures and craft beer scene
- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Bozeman, Montana Gateway to Yellowstone National Park
- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Savannah, Georgia Historic charm and coastal beauty
- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Rapid City, South Dakota Black Hills and Mount Rushmore access
- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Santa Barbara, California Wine country and Pacific coast getaway
- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Grand Rapids, Michigan Midwest art hub and brewery capital
- Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Chattanooga, Tennessee Mountain views and riverside attractions
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Bozeman, Montana Gateway to Yellowstone National Park
As of July 2024, Bozeman, Montana continues to be a prime gateway to Yellowstone National Park, offering travelers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and urban amenities.
Delta Air Lines has recently increased award availability on its routes to Bozeman, making it easier for travelers to use their miles for flights to this stunning destination.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) handled over 2 million passengers in 2023, making it Montana's busiest airport despite the city's relatively small population of around 55,
The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman houses one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, including the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever discovered.
Bozeman's elevation of 4,820 feet above sea level contributes to its unique microclimate, which can result in temperature variations of up to 40°F between day and night.
The Gallatin River, which flows near Bozeman, was featured in the 1992 film "A River Runs Through It," sparking a surge in fly fishing tourism to the area.
Bozeman is home to Montana State University, which operates a $50 million subzero lab facility capable of simulating extreme cold environments down to -80°F.
The city's water supply comes from snowmelt in the nearby Gallatin Range, with some of the purest tap water in the United States, requiring minimal treatment before distribution.
Bozeman's tech industry has grown rapidly, earning it the nickname "Silicon Prairie," with companies like Oracle and Schedulicity establishing significant operations in the area.
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Savannah, Georgia Historic charm and coastal beauty
Savannah, Georgia is known for its well-preserved historic district, featuring 18th and 19th-century architecture, beautiful parks, and a lively riverfront area.
The city is considered a "hidden gem" along Delta's routes, offering visitors a chance to experience Savannah's unique culture and Southern hospitality.
In addition to Savannah's historic charm, the area is also home to several lesser-known attractions, such as the Pin Point Heritage Museum, which explores the Gullah and Geechee culture, and the Grayson Stadium, now the home of the Savannah Bananas collegiate summer baseball team.
Savannah's coastal location also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and unique culinary experiences.
Savannah, Georgia is home to the Pin Point Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and exploring the Gullah and Geechee culture that was once prominent in the area.
This museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Grayson Stadium, once home to the Savannah Gnats minor league baseball team, is now the home of the Savannah Bananas collegiate summer baseball league, providing a unique and entertaining sports experience for visitors.
The Alex Raskin Antiques in Savannah is housed in an unrestored 1800s mansion, offering a glimpse into the city's historic architecture and a unique shopping experience for antique enthusiasts.
The CreekFire camping and RV resort in Savannah offers a variety of amenities, including multiple pools, fishing boat and canoe rentals, and live entertainment, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah is the third oldest Jewish congregation in America, with a rich history and architectural significance that attracts visitors interested in the city's religious and cultural heritage.
The Pirate's House in Savannah is a historic inn and restaurant with a storied past, offering visitors a chance to experience the city's maritime history and culinary traditions.
Savannah's unique coastal location and temperate climate have contributed to its reputation as a "hidden gem" along Delta's routes, offering travelers a chance to explore the city's diverse cultural and natural attractions.
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Rapid City, South Dakota Black Hills and Mount Rushmore access
Rapid City serves as an ideal gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, offering travelers easy access to these iconic destinations.
Delta's increased award availability to this region opens up opportunities for budget-conscious adventurers to explore the area's natural wonders.
Beyond the famous landmarks, visitors can discover hidden gems like the scenic Spearfish Canyon, the quirky Wall Drug Store, and the fascinating Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.
Rapid City's unique Skyline Drive, constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, offers panoramic views of the city and the Black Hills from an elevation of 3,200 feet.
The 5-mile road includes five switchbacks and three tunnels blasted through solid granite.
The Journey Museum in Rapid City houses a 10,000-year-old woolly mammoth skeleton discovered in nearby Hot Springs, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the region's prehistoric past.
Mount Rushmore's sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, initially planned to include inscriptions detailing American history on the mountain, but the idea was abandoned due to funding constraints and rock instability.
The Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) has seen a 31% increase in passenger traffic since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing small airports in the United States.
The Black Hills are home to the world's third-longest cave system, Jewel Cave National Monument, with over 208 miles of mapped passages as of
Rapid City's unique "City of Presidents" project features life-size bronze statues of all past US presidents scattered throughout downtown, creating an interactive history lesson for visitors.
The Black Hills contain some of the oldest mountains in North America, with rock formations dating back over 5 billion years.
Rapid City is home to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, which operates a unique 3D-printed concrete lab, pioneering new construction techniques that could revolutionize the building industry.
The nearby Badlands National Park contains one of the world's richest fossil beds, with scientists continually uncovering new species of prehistoric animals, including a recently discovered 34-million-year-old saber-toothed cat.
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Santa Barbara, California Wine country and Pacific coast getaway
Santa Barbara, California is known for its picturesque Pacific coast and vibrant wine country.
It offers a range of activities, from exploring vineyards to hiking scenic trails.
Delta's routes to the area provide convenient access to this underrated destination, with increased award availability making it a more accessible option for those using points or miles to book their trips.
Santa Barbara's wine region is concentrated in the Santa Ynez Valley, with the warmest and sunniest area being Happy Canyon, which is ideal for growing warm-climate grape varieties.
The Santa Barbara Vintners, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1983 to promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class wine and grape region.
The Lagoon Island Labyrinth, located on the coastal bluffs near the University of California, Santa Barbara, is a secret spot for meditation and contemplation.
The Funk Zone neighborhood in Santa Barbara has emerged as a thriving food and wine destination, with multiple restaurants, breweries, a distillery, and over a dozen tasting rooms.
The Eastside of Santa Barbara has seen an increase in wineries, and the city as a whole, from the promenade of State Street up to the Presidio, offers a wealth of wine-related experiences.
Santa Barbara's coastal location provides a unique microclimate, with temperatures that can vary by up to 40°F between day and night.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases a diverse collection of native Californian plant species, including some that are endemic to the region.
The Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park near Santa Barbara features ancient rock art created by the indigenous Chumash people, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
The Gaviota Coast, stretching along the Pacific Ocean from Santa Barbara to Gaviota State Park, is known for its scenic coastal hiking trails and opportunities for whale watching.
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Grand Rapids, Michigan Midwest art hub and brewery capital
The city's thriving art scene includes numerous galleries and museums, showcasing a diverse range of styles from traditional to contemporary.
Grand Rapids' reputation as a brewery capital continues to grow, with a flourishing craft beer scene featuring innovative and locally-sourced offerings that attract beer enthusiasts from across the country.
Grand Rapids is home to the world's first public art competition determined by public vote, ArtPrize, which attracts over 500,000 visitors annually and awards $450,000 in prizes.
The city's Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features the world's largest bronze horse sculpture, standing at 24 feet tall and weighing 8 tons.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is the world's first LEED Gold-certified art museum, utilizing innovative energy-saving technologies in its operations.
Founders Brewing Company, based in Grand Rapids, produces KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout), which consistently ranks among the top beers globally on rating sites like BeerAdvocate.
The city's annual Festival of the Arts, established in 1970, is the largest all-volunteer arts festival in the nation, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year.
Grand Rapids is home to the world's largest sculpture foundry, the Metals Studio at Kendall College of Art and Design, capable of casting bronze pieces up to 2,000 pounds.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum houses a 1928 Spillman Engineering Company carousel, one of the last operating examples of its kind in the United States.
The city's craft beer industry contributes over $600 million annually to the local economy, supporting more than 8,000 jobs in the region.
Grand Rapids features the world's first LEED-certified micro-brewery, Brewery Vivant, housed in a former funeral home chapel.
The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids is the largest contemporary arts center in Michigan, occupying a 40,000-square-foot facility in the heart of downtown.
Delta's Hidden Gem Routes 7 Underrated Destinations with Increased Award Availability - Chattanooga, Tennessee Mountain views and riverside attractions
Chattanooga, Tennessee offers visitors stunning mountain views and a variety of riverside attractions.
The city's iconic overlooks, such as Sunset Rock and Signal Mountain East Brow, provide panoramic vistas of the Tennessee River and the surrounding Appalachian landscape.
Chattanooga is also home to a range of popular tourist destinations, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Incline Railway, and the High Point Climbing Gym.
Delta Air Lines has identified Chattanooga as one of its "Hidden Gem" routes, with increased award availability for travelers looking to explore this scenic city.
Chattanooga's Sunset Rock offers a panoramic view of the city and the Tennessee River, making it a popular spot for hikers, trail runners, and sunset watchers.
Signal Mountain East Brow and the views from Lookout Mountain attractions like Ruby Falls and Rock City are other top scenic overlooks in Chattanooga.
The Tennessee Aquarium, the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain, and the High Point Climbing Gym in downtown Chattanooga are top-rated tourist attractions in the city.
The Point Park Battlefield on Lookout Mountain offers incredible views of the Tennessee River and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore Chattanooga's Civil War history.
Chattanooga is often referred to as the "Scenic City" due to its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, as it is situated along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains.
Delta Air Lines has several "Hidden Gem" routes that connect Chattanooga to various destinations around the United States, offering increased award availability for travelers.
Chattanooga is considered one of the seven underrated destinations that have seen a rise in award availability, making it a more accessible and attractive option for those looking to explore the area.
The city's location along the Tennessee River and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains provide visitors with a unique blend of natural scenery and outdoor activities.
The Incline Railway, which takes passengers up to the top of Lookout Mountain, offers a thrilling and scenic mode of transportation for those exploring the city's landmarks.
The High Point Climbing Gym in downtown Chattanooga provides an opportunity for visitors to challenge themselves physically while enjoying the city's urban amenities.