South Carolina City Tops “Travel & Leisure” World’s Best Awards
When you hear that a South Carolina city topped the list for “Travel & Leisure” World’s Best Awards you can probably go ahead and assume which one it is. We…

Charleston, South Carolina, USA at the historic homes on The Battery.
Getty ImagesWhen you hear that a South Carolina city topped the list for "Travel & Leisure" World's Best Awards you can probably go ahead and assume which one it is.
We all hope that our vacation will be the “best one ever” and “Travel & Leisure” is here to help ensure that it is. The magazine’s World’s Best Awards for 2023 have just come out, ranking the best cities, airlines, hotels and more.
- They come up with the lists based on reader feedback and the 28th edition of the awards includes 122 lists of favorites.
- Charleston, South Carolina, has been named Best City in the U.S. for the 11th year in a row. It’s also 19th on the list of the Best Cities in the World.
- Topping the list of the Best Cities in the World is Oaxaca, Mexico, for the second year in a row.
The Top 10 Best Cities in the U.S. for 2023
(Click here to see the complete list)
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Savannah, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- New York, New York
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Alexandria, Virginia
- San Antonio, Texas
Top 10 Best Cities in the World
(Click here for the full list)
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Udaipur, India
- Kyoto, Japan
- Ubud, Indonesia
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Tokyo, Japan
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Mumbai, India
Winners of other “Travel & Leisure” World’s Best Awards include:
- World’s Best Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet: Istanbul, Turkey
- World’s Best International Airline: La Compagnie
- World’s Best Domestic Airline: Hawaiian Airlines
- World’s Best International Airport: Singapore Changi Airport: Singapore
- World’s Best Domestic Airport: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Manchester, New Hampshire
- World’s Best Island: Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
- Top U.S. Island: Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia
- Best U.S. National Park: Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana
Check out all of this year’s winners here
Source: Travel and Leisure
South Carolina’s Best Outdoor Dining Includes These Spots
Summer is here, and is there anything better than enjoying a delicious meal, a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine, and the warm summer air and a nice breeze? The answer is no. There is not. If you disagree, you can stop reading this isn't the information for you. Now that I have reached my target audience, I'll elaborate. The dining experts at OpenTable have compiled a list of the best outdoor dining in the country. And with 50 states, countless cities, and limitless restaurants there is a lot of stiff competition. But the good news is that two different South Carolina restaurants made the list of best outdoor dining.
Open Table Best Outdoor Dining
According to OpenTable this list "spans restaurants coast-to-coast and is determined by verified diner reviews." And I can verify it's literally coast to coast because I saw one restaurant in Hawaii. And while I've never been to Hawaii, I'm pretty sure any outdoor dining there is superior. You'd probably assume the South Carolina restaurants included on this outdoor dining list are both on the coast. Right? Wrong. One is. The other is a long-time Greenville, South Carolina staple. I've seen so much lately about Greenville so I may have to go explore one weekend.
Not only was South Carolina included on the list. The Old North State of course was too. There were three North Carolina restaurants were recognized for their outdoor dining. Once again on the beach, and the other two in the same, that isn't Charlotte or Raleigh. Time to plan some road trips because there is nothing more I want this summer than some incredible food, an Aperol spritz, and a patio. Preferably with a water view. Keep reading to learn all about the North and South Carolina restaurants included on Open Table's list of the best outdoor dining. Want to see the full list? Get all the info here.
Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte)
Address: 8 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
This recently renamed restaurant still packs the same menu and charm. Located on Hilton Head Island this coastal French bistro. They self describe as "casual fine dining at it's best". Considering the coastal location the menu has a focus on fresh seafood but with a combination of French and lowcountry flair.
Sony's
Address: 207 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
Soby's has been a Greenville institution for 25 years. The restaurant's website describes the beloved spot as "an experience you can't miss" that is "rich in history and rustic charm". The menu features southern-inspired cuisine made with locally-grown, seasonal ingredients.
The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood
Address: 9931 Nance St, Calabash, NC 28467
Located in a beautiful setting in an area known for its Calabash seafood is The Oyster Rock. "The Rock" is a family-owned and operated waterfront restaurant specializing in excellent seafood and raw bar items. Not a seafood lover? They also have plenty of beef, chicken, and pork dishes, along with sandwiches and burgers for land lovers. No judgment here!
Print Works Bistro
Address: 702 Green Valley Road Greensboro, NC 27408
Actually owned at operated by the same people as Green Valley Grill, Print Works Bistro is located adjacent to Proximity Hotel. The menu features classical and modern versions of French bistro dishes all made with locally sourced food. Pair your meal with one of over 75 wines offered by the glass or a spectacular craft cocktail.
Green Valley Grill
Address: 622 Green Valley Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408
Green Valley Grill has received numerous accolades. This fine dining restaurant is adjacent to the O.Henry Hotel near Greensboro's Friendly Center. They self describe their cuisine as incorporating "fresh seasonal Old World European and Mediterranean flavors from the wood-fired rotisserie and grill." And what meal isn't complete without a wide array of artisanal cocktails. Or if craft beers or wine is more your drink of choice they've got that covered as well. Green Valley Grill is the only restaurant in Greensboro to receive the Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence”. They were also named one of the Top 100 Most Beloved Restaurants in America. Who knew all this was just down the road in Greensboro? And look at that patio!