December 2016 – As we come to the end of the year, we look ahead to new flights, hotels, tours and other not-to-be-missed events across the USA in 2017. Please include the URL www.VisitTheUSA.com / www.VisitTheUSA.co.uk to entice your readers with more USA adventures.

New flights for 2017

• British Airways will launch the first non-stop flights between London Heathrow Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport beginning 27th March 2017. The four-times-per-week route will travel on the Dreamliner aircraft.

• British Airways will fly from London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale beginning 6th July 2017.The year round service will fly four times a week in the peak summer season and three times a week for the rest of the year. It will be British Airways' third route from Gatwick to Florida.

• British Airways is also launching a new route to Oakland, San Francisco Bay from London Gatwick. The new service begins 28th March 2017 and will operate four days a week. It will be the airline's first route from Gatwick to California, and its fifth service from London to California. The airport provides easy access to San Francisco which is a 35 minute drive.

• Delta has announced an inaugural direct flight route between London Heathrow and Portland, Oregon (pictured) commencing on 26th May 2017. The seasonal four-times-weekly service will be the first to directly connect the UK with the hip city of Portland and its easy access to the Oregon coastline.

• Beginning 26th March 2017, Delta will add a second London Heathrow to Detroit service. This new flight replaces Virgin Atlantic's daily Detroit to London Heathrow service.

• Delta will operate a third London Heathrow to Atlanta service, taking over the second daily route currently operated by Virgin Atlantic, beginning on 25th May 2017. Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate one daily London Heathrow to Atlanta service.

• Following the successful launch of Delta's inaugural service between Edinburgh and JFK earlier this year in May 2016, the airline has announced a new direct flight route commencing on 26th May 2017 between Glasgow and New York JFK – the only non-stop flight on this route.

• Icelandair has announced two new routes which will launch in 2017 to Philadelphia and Tampa. Both will travel from the UK via Reykjavik, with the Philadelphia service initially running four-times-weekly from 30th May until 20th September 2017, and the Tampa service running twice-weekly throughout the year beginning on 7th September 2017.

• Thomas Cook will introduce a new Manchester to San Francisco flight beginning on 14th May 2017. Thomas Cook will also increase the frequency of routes launched last year, with Los Angeles increasing from two flights per week up to three and Boston jumping from two flights to four per week.

• United Airlines will increase the frequency of its service to Los Angeles from 5th April 2017 with a second daily service from London Heathrow. This follows on from 30th October 2016 when a second daily Heathrow to San Francisco service commenced.

• Virgin Atlantic is launching a direct non-stop daily flight from London Heathrow to Seattle, from 26th March 2017 (replacing the service currently operated by Delta Airlines), with the airline also adding a third daily flight to Los Angeles in May2017. A daily nonstop service between Manchester and New York-JFK will also commence on 25th May 2017 replacing the service currently operated by Delta. Delta will resume service for the winter 2017.

New Ireland flights to the USA

• Aer Lingus has announced the first direct service between Dublin and Miami. There will be three flights per week with fares from €299. Existing routes will increase in frequency with daily direct flights to Los Angeles between 26th May and 31st August 2017; two daily flights to Chicago from 26th May; and the direct Orlando service will increase to four-times-weekly.

• WOW Air is rolling out transatlantic services between Cork and six U.S. cities with the introduction of the Cork to Reykjavik service, which will commence on 19th May 2017. With four weekly flights during summer and three flights per week during winter, the new flight will offer travellers from Cork onward travel to Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. with starting fares from €149.

New tours in the USA

Brand USA and RHS create three new great gardens of the USA tours for 2017

Brand USA has partnered with RHS to launch three new garden holiday tours in the USA, taking place in spring and summer 2017.

• A 9-night tour of the Historic Gardens and Plantations of Charleston is scheduled from 2nd April 2017. An idyllic location, travellers will be guided by a local horticulturalist to private houses, gardens and plantations which are not usually open to the public. Other highlights include Middleton Place and Magnolia, the oldest unrestored gardens in the USA; a boat trip through old flooded rice fields along the Ashley River; and Charleston Tea Plantation, the only tea producer outside of Asia, Africa or South America. From £4,695.
• With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Texas' capital, Austin, offers an array of urban gardens, hiking trails and outdoor activities. Wildflowers and Gardens of Austin is a 9-night tour taking place from 25th Highlights include bat watching at sunset; the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre and Zilker Botanical Garden. £3,695 per person.
• Oregon: In the footsteps of David Douglas (pictured) is a 12-night itinerary following the journey of Scottish botanist David Douglas, sent on a plant hunting expedition to the Pacific Northwest in the 1820s, which led to the introduction of several notable species in the UK including Douglas Fir. The unique tour begins in the City of Roses, Portland, and takes in a number of selected private gardens, as well as the Grand Floral Parade – part of the Portland Rose Festival. The tour will then explore the Pacific coast, following the Sugar Pine Trail in the mountains and visiting the majestic Douglas Firs in the unparalleled scenery of the Columbia River Gorge. Taking place from 8th June 2017 from £5,595 per person. VisitTheUSA.com / www.rhs.org.uk

Total Eclipse of the USA

The total solar eclipse on 21st August 2017 is already drawing bookings to the U.S. as the phenomenon stretches from Oregon on the West Coast to South Carolina on the East Coast. The path will cross 12 states including Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. Places as varied as Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina), Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming), the Sandhills of Nebraska and the Snake River Valley in Idaho are preparing to welcome visitors hoping to glimpse this awe-inspiring spectacle.

• Oregon fly-drive during the eclipse (Bon Voyage)

Bon Voyage is offering a fly-drive itinerary with front row seats in Oregon – the first on-land destination for the eclipse to be experienced. Sections in Oregon will offer some of the best weather prospects along the eclipse path, with the first landfall on the Oregon coastline at 10.15am. Bon Voyage's tour explores the hip city of Portland, Oregon's fertile wine region, Willamette Valley, and one of the most scenic coastal highways, Oregon's Pacific Coast All American Road, passing the natural beauty of Hells Canyon and the Hood River. From £1,625 per person, inclusive of flights. www.bon-voyage.com/whats_hot/ 

• Solar Eclipse Yellowstone Wildlife tour (Grand American Adventures)

As UK travellers are the number one international visitors to U.S. National Parks, with an increase in 48% year-on-year between 2014 and 2015, the path of the eclipse will be a unique opportunity for those seeking a wilderness adventure in the great outdoors. Grand American Adventures has introduced a Solar Eclipse Yellowstone Wildlife tour, ensuring nature's grandest show is experienced in the depths of the USA's wilderness, with a vantage spot in Wyoming. This unique escorted 12-day tour starting on 19th August 2017 will commence in Utah, exploring Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, before travelling on to Seattle, passing the imposing Mount Rainier. From £2,229, excluding flights. www.grandamericanadventures.com/tours

Discover the USA's finest craft beer

• Colorado Views and Brews (Complete North America)

Specialist operator Complete North America is now offering travellers a brand new Colorado Views & Brews fly-drive. The 14-night self-drive itinerary takes in destinations across the 'Craft Beer State', each with a refreshing suggestion included. From Alamosa, Breckenridge, Denver, Durango, Colorado Springs, Estes Park, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Mesa Verde and Ouray, the itinerary includes non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Denver with British Airways. The itinerary includes the Denver Beer Trail, a day in Rocky Mountain National Park, a bike tour of the vineyards and lavender farms in the south west corner of the state, time to explore the grandeur of the 2 million year old Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway and a chance to relax in the breweries and saloon bars of the Old West. From £2,998, including flights. www.completenorthamerica.com/colorado

• Brew England; Beaches, Bluffs & Beer (Tourmappers)

Sample the finest of New England as the region puts itself on the map as a growing craft beer destination, to complement its renowned coastal cuisine. Tourmappers has launched a 7-day itinerary taking in the vibrant streets of Boston, the coastal charm of Maine and the mountains spanning New Hampshire and Vermont. Highlights include a beer pairing cookery course, a cog railway ride, a horseback trail ride and a lobster cruise. There are four dates available in 2017 in addition to a special Thanksgiving tour. www.tourmappers.com/whats_new.aspx

Adventure-based tours

• Colorado Multi Active tour (Grand American Adventures)

Grand American Adventures has launched the Colorado Multi Active tour encompassing the eclectic activity opportunities throughout Colorado, including cycling in telluride, discovering the ancient pueblo temples in UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park, hiking the Maroon Bells, sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park and white-water rafting in Aspen. Dates are available in July and August 2017 with 2018 dates also announced. Packages are inclusive of flights, with prices available directly with Insight Vacations. http://www.grandamericanadventures.com/tours/colorado-multi-activity.html

• Grand Tour of America's West (Insight Vacations)

Insight Vacations is taking a Grand Tour of America's West in summer 2017, with departure dates from May until September. The tour will take in the contrasting lively and glamourous cities and the rugged beauty of the Southwest's iconic National Parks. Landing in San Francisco, the tour will include California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and return to the UK from Denver, Colorado. Prices from £5,592, including flights. www.insightvacations.com

• The Ultimate Motorbike Adventure, US-Style (Bon Voyage)

The Ultimate Motorbike Adventure, US-Style from Bon Voyage will launch in 2017, offering thrill-seekers the opportunity to blaze a trail across the USA on board a Harley Davidson with departures in March and October. The 14-night self-guided adventure will travel coast-to-coast through nine states, taking in deserts, never-ending plains and small town America. The route explores 3,459 miles through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Nevada, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Prices from £4,255 per person, based on 2 people sharing a bike and room, with flights included. www.bon-voyage.co.uk/whats_hot

Celebrating San Francisco's Sumer of Love

2017 marks 50 years since the 'groovy' social phenomenon of The Summer of Love took hold in San Francisco. 100,000 'flower children' sporting hippie fashions and behaviours converged in the city's Hiaght-Ashbury neighbourhood, creating a blast of glamour, ecstasy and Utopianism. For all free spirits, Bon Voyage is highlighting 2017 short break packages to San Francisco with Summer of Love inspired activities, including a Magic Bus excursion and psychedelic Flower Power walking tour. Pricing is available directly from Bon Voyage.

www.bon-voyage.co.uk/whats_hot

New hotels in the USA

From slick city properties to boutique hideaways, a number of notable hotels across the USA are ready to welcome guests for the New Year and beyond.

Just opened

21c Museum Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Located on the West End of downtown Oklahoma City, along Film Row, and occupying the historic Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City is a 135-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum and home to Mary Eddy's Kitchen x Lounge. A creation of Brown and Wilson, with a mission to share innovative new art and ideas with the public. www.21cmuseumhotels.com/oklahomacity / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Oklahoma

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, Colorado Springs, Colorado

A vintage bicycle-themed hotel located on a popular designated bike route connecting Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs is now open. Ideal for cyclists seeking a haven for relaxation after experiencing the countless miles of biking trails close by at the base of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Rooms are bike themed and the resort has announced cycle clinics will soon be offered to guests. www.bicycleresort.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Colorado

The Firebrand Hotel, Whitefish, Montana

The 86-room property is positioned in the heart of the quaint town of Whitefish – an ideal base for exploring Glacier National Park's alpine lakes and rugged peaks – which is a short 35 minute drive. Guests are positioned at the foot of adventure – from hiking trails to cycling, golfing and skiing – with a rooftop patio offering skyline views to relax after a day in the mountains. www.firebrandhotel.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Montana

Guesthouse at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

The Guesthouse at Graceland (pictured) was built to celebrate Elvis Presley and his legacy, which opened at the end of October. Just steps from the gates of Graceland, the unique 450-room hotel is one of the largest in Memphis and the most significant enhancement to Graceland since it opened to the public in 1982, featuring unique themed VIP suites with designs supervised by Priscilla Presley. From the southern colonial exterior to the 464-seat theatre, every aspect of The Guest House will reflect Elvis' personal style and the unique character of Graceland. Rooms from $144. www.guesthousegraceland.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Tennessee

Nobu Eden Roc, Miami, Florida

The Nobu Hotel Miami Beach arrived at Eden Roc Miami Beach this autumn following a multi-million dollar renovation and landmark restoration to relaunch the iconic Morris Lapidus property. The hotel's opening is part of Eden Roc Miami Beach's transformation with renowned chef Nobu and legendary actor, Robert De Niro at the helm. The resort offers a luxury experience which includes Nobu Miami Bar Nobu and an acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant concept, Malibu Farm, with four swimming pools and state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities.

www.NobuEdenRoc.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Florida  

Oceans Edge Key West Hotel & Marina, Stock Island, Florida Keys

Opening this month on Stock Island, situated northeast of Key West, this 20-acre resort has been billed as 'Key West's largest luxury resort'. With six pools, an on-site marina and water sports, the property features three-storey buildings in traditional boardwalk resort style with white clapboards, wooden porches and walkways along the water's edge. www.oceansedgekeywest.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Florida-Keys

Opening in 2017

Limelight Hotel, Ketchum, Idaho (January 2017)

Limelight Hotel, Ketchum, owned by Aspen Skiing Company, follows the success of the original Limelight Hotel in Aspen, which has been consistently ranked as one of the resorts' top lodging properties. The Ketchum property is well located for ski and winter sport enthusiasts to the USA's first ski resort, Sun Valley, and will be situated close to Sun Valley's River Run base at Bald Mountain.  www.limelighthotel.com/ketchum / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Idaho

Kimpton expands USA property portfolio in 2017

Hot on the heels of opening Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee's historic Third Ward district – the brand's first foray in Wisconsin – the boutique hotel chain is set to open another four hotels across the USA in 2017. Kimpton Hotel Born will open in February 2017 in Denver's newest neighbourhood and Colorado's transportation hub, Union Station. The property will reflect the city's growing art and culture scene showcasing art from local artists, while two outdoor terraces provide views overlooking Downtown Denver. Due to open in March 2017, Kimpton The Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento, will embrace the area's nature and history with spaces that feature organic textures, natural patterns and abundant open-air spaces. Setting the stage for an authentic Nashville experience, the Kimpton Aertson Hotel will open in spring 2017. Embodying Midtown Nashville's trendsetting yet under the radar style with refined design touches and open spaces, the hotel features a private balcony with unobstructed views of downtown.  www.kimptonhotels.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Wisconsin / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Colorado / www.VisitTheUSA.com/California / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Tennessee

The Foundation Hotel, Detroit, Michigan (early 2017)

With the last new hotel in downtown Detroit dating back to 2014, the city is poised to welcome a raft of new luxury hotels to the area as Delta add a second London Heathrow to Detroit service in March 2017. The Foundation Hotel will be a 100-room independent hotel, transforming the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, with owner, Aparium, and developer, Walter Cohen, working with local manufacturers to add truly Detroit features throughout the property, in order to leave every guest with a taste of the best Detroit has to offer. The Foundation will partner with Detroit's local distillers, brewers and farmers to bring a local flair to its restaurant, with a chef's table introducing the city's local chefs to guests.

www.aparium.com/hotels/the-foundation / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Michigan

The LINE Hotel, Washington, D.C. (early 2017)

A collective effort with local partners, Chef Spike Gjerde and Corey Polyoka of Baltimore's Woodberry Kitchen, and Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Washington D.C.'s Maketto, The LINE Hotel will take root in a 110-year old neoclassical church. The hotel design will draw inspiration from the surrounding Adams Morgan neighbourhood, an area long respected for its diversity and rich culture. www.sydellgroup.com/line/washington-dc/hotel / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Washington-DC

The Source Hotel, Denver, Colorado (early 2017)

This 100-room hotel will be located next to the popular Source culinary marketplace and will be the first hotel in Denver's hip RiNo (River North) district. The $41 million property will feature its own extension of the culinary marketplace as well as a courtyard connecting it to The Source. Hotel plans also call for a new New Belgium brewing concept to feature sour beers. www.thesourcedenver.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Colorado

Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Spring 2017)

Heritage Hotel & Resorts' inaugural from-the-ground-up design project, Hotel Chaco is the first luxury hotel inspired by the mystery and grandeur of the ancient civilisation that once occupied Chaco Canyon, and the first hotel to be built in Albuquerque's Old Town in forty years. Rooms offer majestic views of the Sandia Mountains, downtown skyline, historic Albuquerque Old Town and west mesa with refined décor, including original wool rugs made by experienced Navajo weavers from New Mexico as a focal point above the bed. Original Native American art and sculptures feature throughout the hotel while the property's exterior includes a desert garden. The hotel will also offer Chaco Canyon Tours by Heritage Inspirations.

www.HotelChaco.com / www.VisitTheUSA.com/New-Mexico

The Sessions Hotel, Bristol, Virginia (Spring 2017)

The Sessions Hotel in Bristol, Virginia is slated to open in 2017.  The owners are transforming a number of historic buildings into a boutique hotel just down the street from the site of the landmark “Bristol Sessions” of 1927, that Johnny Cash called 'the big bang of country music', and the new Bristol Birthplace of Country Music Museum.  It was recently announced that award-wining Southwest Virginia native and premier chef, Travis Milton, will open his newest culinary offering within The Sessions Hotel, Shovel & Pick. www.facebook.com/TheSessionsHotel / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Virginia

The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada (June 2017)

South shore Lake Tahoe's opening of The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe sees an original 1968 lodge reborn as a stunning lakeside retreat with health, recreation and ecology at the core. After a decade in development, the lodge will house 154 luxury rooms and 10 cabins, which will also feature a ballroom, spa and fitness room by the winter, when the luxury lodge is expected to appeal to those wishing to ski the famous Heavenly ski resort. www.edgewoodtahoe.com/the-lodge/the-lodge-at-edgewood-tahoe / www.VisitTheUSA.com/Nevada

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