This SC city has ‘something for everyone’ — and ranks as the best place in the South
A South Carolina city has “something for everyone” — and was named the best destination in the South for the ninth year in a row.
Charleston again ranks No. 1 on a list of places in the region that people love the most, according to results published March 11.
The fan-favorite destination wasn’t the only city in the Palmetto State to earn a spot in the rankings. Greenville landed at No. 6 on the list from Southern Living.
“Southern hospitality is more than just a saying — it’s a way of life, and no one knows the best experiences better than the locals,” Sid Evans, editor in chief of the magazine, wrote in a news release. “That’s why, year after year, we turn to our readers to share their favorite places that define the South.”
To determine the region’s top cities, Southern Living worked with researchers at Proof Insights from July 10 to Aug. 21. They surveyed more than 10,000 magazine readers, and the winners earned South’s Best Awards, a spokesperson told McClatchy News via email.
What makes Charleston, SC rank No. 1?
The honor might not come as a surprise, given Charleston has topped the Southern Living list for nearly a decade. In separate rankings, the city also recently was named the nation’s top vacation spot and one of the best U.S. places to eat. This time around, the South Carolina destination was “recognized for its rich culture, food, and history.”
“Once again, the Holy City has captured our readers’ hearts and the top spot on this list,” the magazine wrote in its report. “Its harbor, historic homes, and churches are beautiful to behold, but it’s more than just a scenic escape. Charleston’s blend of old and new means that there’s something for everyone here: architecture, restaurants galore, African American history, art galleries, shopping, and more.”
After Charleston, here are the cities that landed in the top five:
- Savannah, Georgia, at No. 2
- Asheville, North Carolina, at No. 3
- New Orleans at No. 4
- Nashville, Tennessee, at No. 5
Greenville came in next at the No. 6 spot. The South Carolina city was praised for its downtown restaurants, walking paths and proximity to natural areas.
“No longer a hidden gem, Greenville has become one of the South’s favorite places to live and visit, especially for people who want the perks of a big city but a small town feel,” the magazine wrote in its report.
The South’s Best Awards also considered top beach towns, barbecue joints and other regional attractions.
In the past, Southern Living has told McClatchy News it focuses on the following places: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
