For Immediate Release, April 2020
Charleston is Voted No. 1 in Southern Living’s 2020 ‘South’s Best’ Awards
CHARLESTON, S.C. – For the fourth consecutive year, the readers of Southern Living have ranked the Charleston region No. 1 in its annual “South’s Best” Awards. The news was delivered earlier today by Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living, at a special event at The Dewberry Hotel in downtown Charleston. Readers voted The Dewberry No. 1 Best New Hotel in the South.
Charleston was also recognized for its culinary scene, earning the mark of No. 2 Best Food City among Southern destinations.
The South’s Best awards recognize readers’ favorite destinations and experiences, covering everything from hotels and restaurants to cities, small towns and shopping across the South.
The complete results are featured on southernliving.com/souths-best and in the April issue of the magazine.
“At Southern Living, we’re passionate about celebrating the extraordinary people and places that define Southern hospitality,” said Evans. “Our goal is to identify the destinations our readers are loving the most right now—places that represent the very best of the South. This year’s awards are a unique mix of newcomers and longtime favorites.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by such a highly-regarded publication. We never lose sight of the fact that readers determine who receives these prestigious awards,” said Michael Tall, Chairman of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors. “Travelers today have more options than ever. We are thrilled that the Charleston area’s uniqueness,
authenticity and southern hospitality continue to resonate with visitors. Above all, it is the people who differentiate our community and make it such an inspiring destination.”
Evans also announced other Charleston area hotels, restaurants and retailers that garnered a ranking across this year’s top ten lists.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ - No. 1 Best BBQ Joint in South Carolina
Melfi’s - No. 2 South’s Best New Restaurant
FIG - No. 2 South’s Best Classic Restaurant
The Grocery - No. 2 South’s Best Local Restaurant
The Living Room at The Dewberry - No. 2 South’s Best Bar
Surf Bar - No. 2 South’s Best Dive Bar
Abide A While Garden Boutique - No. 3 South’s Best Garden Shop Hotel Bennett - No.
4 South’s Best New Hotel
The Griffon - No. 4 South’s Best Dive Bar
Hampton Park Terrace - No. 5 South’s Best Neighborhood
Blue Bicycle Books - No. 5 South’s Best Bookstore
Bertha’s Kitchen - No. 7 South’s Best Classic Restaurant
Hampden - No. 8 South’s Best Boutique
Home Team BBQ - No. 9 South’s Best BBQ Joint
Isle of Palms, South Carolina - No. 9 South’s Best Beach Town
Through an online survey, Southern Living readers voted on their favorite cities, towns, beaches, festivals, barbecue, restaurants, breweries, grocery stores and accommodations. The 2020 South’s Best Awards survey results and methodology are featured online at: SouthernLiving.com/Souths-Best
Follow the Southern Living South’s Best Awards 2020 conversation with the hashtag #SouthsBest and #ExploreCharleston.
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The mission of Explore Charleston is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets.
High resolution photography available upon request.
Doug Warner, Vice President of Media and Innovation Development, Explore Charleston [email protected]
(843) 224-6888
