4 SC cities are part of Parade’s favorite small town poll. Vote & maybe win a $1,500 trip

Four South Carolina cities are in the running for America’s Favorite Small Towns in a Parade Magazine and travel app Steller poll.

If you vote, you’re entered into a competition to win a trip worth up to $1,500.

In all, 85 cities are in the running, grouped by region. In the Southeast, 21 cities are on the list.

The South Carolina cities are Summerville, Greenville, Beaufort and Mount Pleasant.

Parade calls Summerville “a lively, welcoming town bursting with Southern charm and history.”

The magazine mentions downtown’s Hutchinson and its Third Thursday street festivals, the Sweet Tea Festival, and seasonal markets, as well as Azalea Park’s “winding paths, gardens, sculptures, and shady spots.”

“Nearby trails and the Ashley River offer plenty of outdoor adventure,” the magazine says.

Parade calls Greenville a “hidden gem that combines small-town charm with big-city amenities.”

The magazine praises the city’s walkable downtown, more than a hundred restaurants and boutiques, and, of course, Falls Park and its pedestrian suspension Liberty Bridge.

“Miles of walking and biking trails, along with 250+ annual events and activities, make Greenville an ideal spot for exploring, dining, and soaking up the vibrant community energy,” the magazine said.

They mention the eight-block-long Fall for Greenville and Artisphere as well as nearby Paris Mountain State Park.

Beaufort “is a charming little coastal town with history around every corner,” the magazine says.

“Downtown streets are lined with mossy oaks, antebellum homes with wide porches, and plenty of cafés, shops, and galleries to explore,” it says.

Stroll along the Beaufort River at Henry C. Chambers Park, ride along the Spanish Moss Trail or go to Hunting Island State Park for biking, exploring, or spotting dolphins.

Mount Pleasant “may be the largest coastal town in the state, but it still feels like a small town with a big experience,” the magazine said.

Marsh views, walkable historic streets, hundreds of family-owned shops and restaurants and Shem Creeks’ shrimping and fishing industry are standouts.

“Nearly a dozen coastal parks and trails offer shaded paths, waterfront boardwalks, and dolphin-spotting views, making outdoor time an everyday ritual before evenings of fresh seafood, Southern comfort cooking, and harbor front sunsets,” the magazine said.

Then there’s the Old Village Historic District with grand old homes, giant oaks, and small local eateries.

Festivals include the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival and the Sweetgrass Festival honoring Gullah Geechee culture.