Best City In The U.S. Award Goes To This South Carolina Spot For 12th Year In A Row

It's good to be the best, especially for 12 straight years. And, it's official. The best city in the U.S. award goes to one of our South Carolina favorites for the 12th year in a row.

According to Travel+Leisure readers, Charleston, South Carolina grabbed the number one spot. In order to rank the best city in the U.S., Travel+Leisure surveyed readers and asked them to weigh in on experiences they've had globally as part of their World's Best Awards 2024.

The publication looked at opinions on hotels, resorts, islands, cruise ships, spas and airlines among other factors. After more than 186,000 surveys and more than 700,000 votes the magazine ranked the top cities to arrive at the best city in the U.S.

So, what did readers love the most about Charleston to put it at number 1? According to the results, the combination of of historic architecture, walkability and hospitality factored in. And, of course, the delicious food of Charleston received recognition in the survey.

In fact, one voter commented, "Charleston can compete with any European capital for its arts, entertainment, active lifestyle, and food." And, others liked that the city keeps its feet planted in its history, yet it keeps current and is welcoming to the masses.

I love Charleston myself. It is rich in history, with wonderful tours and experiences, including exciting carriage rides with amazing views of landmarks and architecture.

Plus, I must chime in on the food. And, it is amazing. It's the first place I ever tried the low country staple of Shrimp and Grits.

We love classic spots like Slightly North Of Broad. And, on a more recent trip we discovered a great restaurant called Burwell's Stone Fire Grill. It's a must visit.

So, I can certainly see why Charleston continues to snag the number one spot on the best city in the U.S list every year.

To learn more about the criteria and to see the full list of best cities in the U.S. read the full article from Travel+Leisure.

I just returned to the frigid tundra that is the Carolinas after spending 5 days in the Caribbean sun. And it's a harsh reality! I'm thankful for the time spent but struggling to get back into the swing of things. And I'm really disliking the 6o degree temperature swing. I'm still craving that island lifestyle. And let's face it, who among us doesn't dream of being financially stable enough we can leave the daily grind behind? I always say I wish I could work because I wanted to not because I had to. But I'll have to win the lottery for that to ever be the case. However, if you're lucky enough to be able to slow down and enjoy life you'll be glad to know that not one, not two, not three but FOUR South Carolina towns were named the best to "escape the rat race".

This is according to a study by Joy Organics which named the 150 best US Cities at Towns to "Escape The Rat Race". The towns are in different areas of the Palmetto State, but one thing is for sure they offer a slower pace of life so many of us desire. In contrast, North Carolina only had two places included on the list. We will take the win in this friendly state rivalry this time! JoyOrganics says that the cities and towns on this list are the "most sought-after towns and cities" for "those waiting to distance themselves from the relentless pace of the rat race".

Keep reading to learn a little more about each of these 4 South Carolina cities to escape the rat race and see where they ranked. You can read the full study by JoyOrganics and see the methodology here. And if you can't quit your job and move, maybe even a quick weekend trip will be good for your soul!

Streets lined with live oaks, a rich history, and southern charm what could be a better place to slow down. Aiken is located just across the SC border from Augusta, GA. But this city has a history and a vibe all it's own. Learn more about what Aiken has to offer via Visit Aiken.

This Lowcountry town located on the May River is full of so much of what those wanting to escape the rat race crave. Residents and visitors love the history and culture, landmarks, fantastic cuisine, and of course that southern hospitality you'd expect. Is Bluffton the place for you? Learn more here.

I'm glad to see Georgetown getting some recognition as it's a place I find truly underrated in South Carolina! It's the third oldest city in the state and has a wonderful location between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. You're just a short drive from two completely different atmospheres making almost everything you want easily accessible. Learn more about Georgetown here.

Yeah, that Greenville. (Sorry I had to!) Locals and visitors have been raving about Greenville SC as one of the trendiest cities for a while now. I've still yet to make it down there but it's on the list. The culinary scene, parks, and entertainment are just some of what this thriving city has to offer. Learn more here.