October, 2021
The Best Cities in the U.S.: 2021 Readers' Choice Awards
Each year, readers weigh in on their favorite American cities, big and small, and it’s always exciting to witness which trending locales can rise to the top and compete with the old stalwarts. As the world has begun to reopen, the results of our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey reflect the kinds of places you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. Over 800,000 of you filled out our survey, and while we’re always curious about where you’ve been and where you’re going, we’re especially excited to learn about the truly memorable cities that sparked your imagination and stayed with you when your next trip seemed out of reach. Here are the cities you loved most this year. Good things come in small packages, and nowhere is that more evident than in these 10 dynamic, reader-favorite cities. Whether you're on the lookout for a cutting-edge arts scene, inventive new restaurants, or eye-catching architecture, you're bound to find what you're after.
October, 2021
2021 Readers' Choice Awards: The Top Hotels in Charleston
After being voted your favorite small American city 10 years running, Charleston has slipped to number two, but that hasn’t made its historic grand hotels and artsy boutique properties any less charming. As the world begins to welcome back guests, the results of our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey reflect the kinds of properties you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. Here are the best hotels in Charleston, according to our readers. Click here to view these results as a list; and here for our complete travel guide to the best hotels in Charleston.
October, 2021
Top 20 Resorts in The South: Readers' Choice Awards 2021
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts in The American South, from Appalachia to the Low Country.
September, 2021
No. 1 City in the U.S.
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. As travelers sought outlets for their wanderlust over the past year, they turned to their own proverbial backyards, stretching the definition of "drive market" perhaps further than it's gone before. Southern cities continue to steal the hearts of T+L readers, thanks to the wonderful mix of warm hospitality, approachable size, excellent food, and striking architecture.
September, 2021
The 25 Best Cities in the World
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
September, 2021
The Top 10 South Carolina Resort Hotels
South Carolina has some of the most beloved beaches on the East Coast — powder-soft sand lapped by warm Atlantic waters. It only follows that many of the Palmetto State's favorite resorts are located in communities by the shore, from more popular destinations like Hilton Head to quieter towns like Bluffton and serene islands like Kiawah. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
September, 2021
The Top 15 Hotels in Charleston
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
September, 2021
The Top 15 Islands in the Continental U.S.
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
September, 2021
This City Was Just Voted the Best in the U.S. for the 9th Year by Travel + Leisure Readers
The annual World's Best issue, out now, also names the best international city, hotels, islands and more!
September, 2021
Meet the Women of Charleston Who Make a Difference Now and Then
From their determination to improve the quality of life, Charleston’s women entrepreneurs deserve celebration.
September, 2021
A Long Weekend In Charleston, South Carolina
This southern city is known for its amazing cuisine, architecture, attractions and, of course, its famous southern charm. It also has a whole lot of history. For example, Charleston has one of the oldest historic districts in the United States. It is home to four signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Charleston is also home to one of the first theaters in America. Whether you're into history, cuisine, outdoor adventure or just looking for a long lazy weekend in one of the prettiest cities in the south, Charleston has you covered.
August, 2021
The New Southern Tastemakers
For the past two years, we’ve gathered with the South’s most stylish women in our Birmingham headquarters for roundtable chats and high-energy photo shoots. This year, in light of COVID-19, things looked a little different: We moved the conversation online and wrangled portraits from seven cities instead. But not even a pandemic could squash the spirits of our 2021 Southern Living Tastemakers—10 thoughtful, talented women who make our region a more beautiful place to call home.
July, 2021
Maxim
This vibrant South Carolina city boasts fantastic food and cocktails, stylish hotels and chic shops.
July, 2021
These 5 New Hip Hotels Are Reason to Head to Charleston
From chic rooftop clubs to a champagne bar, these South Carolina hot spots have it all
July, 2021
Southern Hospitality in Charleston, S.C.
June, 2021
America's Caddie
Part travelogue, part golf history lesson, part celebrity hangout – America's Caddie combines it all into a magazine-style road show hosted by the one-of-a-kind Collins.
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June, 2021
The Kelly Clarkson Show
"The Kelly Clarkson Show" will present the biggest newsmakers and names in film, television and music; as well as emerging new talent and people who are beacons of hope in their communities. Kelly will also connect with everyday people and everyday relatable issues.
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April, 2021
The Top Restaurants and Hotels To Visit in Charleston
Magnolias are in bloom and temperatures are ideal—delightfully warm and not yet scorching—in Charleston, South Carolina, making this the top time to stroll through one of the South’s most picturesque and inviting cities. Perhaps most famous for its role in Civil War and the quirks of its Edwardian era “Charleston single houses,” the city’s history predates the American Revolution by more than 100 years and plenty of its 17th century architecture remains today, giving the historic district more range than most in the U.S. can boast. Whichever era or style you plan to ogle most, you’ll need to refuel between strolls along Charleston’s bewitchingly beautiful streets, and the city’s eat-local obsession combined with its unique lowcountry cuisine give it a culinary scene worth sampling heartily. To get you started, here are 6 top restaurants in Charleston, from fine dining to casual, along with 3 hotels for 3 types of traveler to keep you rested between bites.
April, 2021
Perfectly Pleasant
Get to know the quieter side of Charleston with a cross-harbor trip to Mount Pleasant
March, 2021
Where To Eat in Charleston Now
For all of its beautiful architecture, incredible history and scenic beaches, one of the highlights about Charleston is the food. Most cities in the South have a distinctive gastronomic culture with dishes and flavors that are entirely their own. Think BBQ in Nashville or a po’ boy in New Orleans. Charleston is no exception. The city’s oceanside locale gives it plenty of access to fresh seafood- couple that with the zesty and spicy flavors that the South is known for, and you’re in for a fantastic culinary adventure that’s reason enough to make a trip. Charleston has no shortage of restaurants, but the following is a list of some of my favorite spots in town.
February, 2021
Families Are Leading a New Wave in Black Travel. Here’s Why
For many parents, showing their kids the world is about both the past and the future.
February, 2021
Heart of the Lowcountry
Along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts, the Gullah-Geechee community guards a unique food culture born from Central and West African roots. Michael W. Twitty embarks on a pilgrimage to explore how the past informs the region's modern-day chefs, farmers, and culinary custodians.
February, 2021
A Tale of Two Charlestons
The great-great-great grandson of an enslaved person revisits the Southern city and its plantations as they reckon with the past.
January, 2021
Destinations Examine Their Difficult Histories
December, 2020
These Beautiful Charleston Hotels Are Making the Holidays Extra-magical This Year
These Charleston hotels go all-out for the holiday season.
December, 2020
The Friendliest Cities in the U.S.: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
The places that stayed with you in a year when travel may have been out of reach.
December, 2020
An insiders’ guide to Charleston
Four notable locals show us how to do their town, their way
November, 2020
7 Things To Do in Beautiful Charleston, SC in the Fall
If you’ve never visited Charleston, South Carolina, you are missing out. Charleston feels like a historical time capsule with a modern vibe. The port city, founded in 1670, has original cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and charming neighborhoods lined with antebellum mansions. It is a fantastic foodie destination that has an incredible bar scene (especially on the rooftops). If you like shopping, there are boutiques galore on King Street, and if you love history, there are a variety of tours of all the impressive sites both on land and on the water.
October, 2020
Baked Goods, Gullah History, and American Art in Charleston
This one-day walking and driving tour of Charleston takes you through its historic center but also out of the tourist bubble, to see where real Charlestonians live and play.
October, 2020
How Charleston's Black Residents Have Shaped the City
The Black residents of Charleston have always shaped the city's identity, and their influence today is as palpable as ever, from food to art.
September, 2020
Get Lost: 72 Hours Exploring Charleston’s Southern Charm
Any place that seamlessly melds Black history, culture, food and beautiful beaches is worth visiting — especially if you’re looking for a socially distant getaway that won’t break the bank. Long hailed as one of the South’s most beloved-tourist destinations from locals and those hailing from other regions around the United States, South Carolina’s historic city is filled with moss-covered oaks, picturesque squares, and historic plantation museums that lend it the quaint, but exciting atmosphere its known for.
September, 2020
AAA Vacation Guide
Charleston’s entire downtown is a designated National Historic Landmark District with dozens of 18th- and 19th-century buildings preserved along brick-lined streets. At several historic homes, visitors can explore gardens typical of the period, interiors that include original furnishings, and well-maintained exteriors that make the city so unique.
July, 2020
Luxury Magazine
Celebrate the city’s 350th birthday among the cobblestone streets and colorful row homes of its Historic District. Slip into a swimsuit, sandals, and an easy-does-it way of life on the Mount Pleasant side of South Carolina’s port city.
April, 2020
Forbes
If there was ever a time to relive your childhood love of coloring, it would be right now. Researchers have found that coloring can put you into a meditative state that eases anxiety. You don’t need to dig out an old coloring book to get some art therapy, though—just head over to the highlights of Explore Charleston’s Instagram stories to download some black-and-white line drawings of your favorite Charleston attractions. It’s got coloring book-style designs of Low Country sunsets, Leon’s Oyster Shop, FIG and Rainbow Row, just begging for your artistic touch.
February, 2020
YourTango
The low country welcomes nearly four million visitors annually and it's easy to see why: as one of the South's most esteemed cities (and the oldest and largest in South Carolina), Charleston is charm, defined. Cobblestone streets, historic mansions, share the road with horse-drawn carriages, and true living history on every street.
February, 2020
Weddings In Houston
From the time Tanya Gurrieri got her start with Atlanta's renowned Bold Catering & Design nearly 20 years ago, she knew that she'd found her life's passion. A "leap of faith" led her to hook up with a chef / partner and launch her own catering firm, Charleston, S.C.'s Salthouse Catering, as a way to "control our own destiny instead of having others control it for us," she says.
February, 2020
Weddings In Houston
The historic South Carolina city of Charleston beckons brides and grooms to revel in her majesty, he mansions and her many excellent dining establishments. Along with first prize hotels and gracious inns, superb cuisine and guest activities galore, you can expect a healthy helping of Southern hospitality at your Charleston wedding.
February, 2020
Weddings In Houston
Charleston may be the perfect destination wedding locale, but the city's art, architecture, cuisine, cocktails and Southern charm also make it a great spot for a pre-wedding girls' getaway or mother-daughter retreat. It's called the "lowcountry" for a reason: The highest spot in the city is about 12 feet above sea level. In the lowcountry; the sea is in the air... and shrimp and grits may very well be on the plate!
February, 2020
CBS This Morning
CBS This Morning features the Holy City as they discuss Charleston's roots.
February, 2020
The Epoch Times
"Walk around the historic district here—delight in the grand architecture of both colonial and antebellum eras; relish the cobblestone lanes and the gas lanterns on posts and along walls; admire the wrought-iron fences, gates, and balconies; enjoy the lovely landscaping and take pleasure in the lovely colors. It’s easy to understand why Charleston is ranked as one of the country’s best-preserved cities."
January, 2020
Forbes
"Everything takes on a slower pace; even the locals understand the best time of year to enjoy Charleston is January to March—it’s the city’s official social season."
December, 2019
Forbes Italy
Staying in America, if there is one place that should never be missing from a top notch scrapbook, it's Charleston, South Carolina. One of the most sophisticated and romantic destinations in the United States, where tropical atmospheres enclose an intact colonial architecture.
November, 2019
Travelocity
"Charleston is one of America’s most beloved cities, a Southern jewel rich in history and exploration, but it’s also a great place to relax and rejuvenate."
October, 2019
AAA Alabama Journey
"The weather is cool, the crowds have died down, and dressed up antebellum mansions line the streets. It's fall in Charleston, South Carolina..."
October, 2019
Conde Nast Traveller
"That summed up Charleston, South Carolina, for me: well-made, thoughtful, sophisticated, not without a certain humor. It is a city for wandering alone, for getting lost, its neighborhoods revealing themselves like stage screens in the theater. The colors of its clapboard buildings and their shutters, unfolded like book covers, open to a bright new day."
October, 2019
Forbes Travel Guide
"The romance of Charleston goes beyond the facade of a stunning Southern city. Culture runs deep here, from the beautiful architecture and thought-provoking art to the amazing culinary traditions, and its something everyone can get behind."
October, 2019
New York Times
"CHARLESTON, S.C. — Witold Rybczynski, an architecture critic, author and emeritus professor of urbanism at the University of Pennsylvania, was sitting in the lobby of a chain hotel here, trying to peg the elusive charm of this city. After all, as Mr. Rybczynski wrote in his new book, “Charleston Fancy” (Yale University Press), the city of 130,000 people has no world-famous buildings, no grand boulevards and few public squares of any attractiveness. And yet, nearly 7.2 million tourists visited last year."
October, 2019
Forbes Travel Guide
"The romance of Charleston goes beyond the façade of a stunning Southern city. Culture runs deep here — from the beautiful architecture and thought-provoking art to the amazing culinary traditions — and it’s something everyone can get behind."
August, 2019
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Charleston, South Carolina, can be downright steamy this time of the year, but things really heat up when the sun goes down. After a long day of roaming the cobblestone streets of this charming waterfront city with its majestic antebellum mansions and iconic fountains, you may be tempted to turn in early, but resist the urge. You dont want to miss out on the vibrant nightlife."
August, 2019
Independent
"There’s plenty to explore: whether that’s by wandering through the birthday colored historic downtown streets; swaying gently on a rocking chair on a porch of an old clapboard house; exploring layers of history and its pencil-thin church spires."
July, 2019
AFAR
"From the arrival of the first slave ship through the civil rights era and into the present, Charleston's black residents have shaped the Holy City's food culture, art, music, agriculture, faith, and its national reputation. A visit to these landmarks can help create a fuller understanding of the city."
July, 2019
Travel + Leisure
"For the seventh year in a row, this Southern belle stands above the rest, charming travelers with Lowcountry hospitality, picturesque streets, and a culinary scene that ranges from casual barbecue to refined tasting menus."
July, 2019
Garden & Gun
"When blooming jasmine cascades over wrought-iron railings and Charlestonians can barely cross King Street without running into a Spoleto Festival performer in town for the city's annual arts extravaganza, tearoom season is in full swing."
June, 2019
Business Traveller
"The elegant streets are lined with palmettos (the state tree), and magnificent oaks draped with the Spanish moss. In the private gardens that dot the city, explosions of pink, red and white camellias vie for attention with purple and red crape myrtle trees, and vivid pink oleander bushes. It is this sumptuous beauty, the preponderance of Southern manners, the rich history and the food and art scene that makes it such a winning posting for international business executives."
May, 2019
The New York Times
"More than seven million tourists a year crowd Charleston's charming streets, some with homes that date to the early 1700s. "
May, 2019
National Geographic Traveler
"Charleston is known for conviviality, as a visit to any of its buzzing bars will reveal. It's not just the local atmosphere that makes for a lively evening. There's plenty of South Carolina history to pour in a traveler's glass as well."
April, 2019
AFAR
"Charleston has a thriving, multicultural downtown. The 3.5-mile-long peninsula containing 12 small, eclectic neighborhoods has become a beacon for creative professionals from New York and other major U.S. cities looking for more laid-back lives."
March, 2019
The Sunday Times
"On April 4, British Airways is starting direct flights from London to Charleston, South Carolina, a small city (population 775,000) with enormous charm. Its pastel-coloured period architecture - from Georgian to gothic revival, clapboard to Italianate - is enchanting. "
February, 2019
Hemispheres
"The Holy City is a mecca for tourists 6.9 million came in 2017, probably half of them for a wedding who are just as hungry for rice grits and selfies in front of Georgian row houses as they are for a history lesson. What theyll find will fill them up and still leave them asking for seconds, albeit very politely."
February, 2019
Delta Sky Magazine
"Charleston is a city meant for meandering. Poised on a peninsula surrounded by salt marshes, rivers, barrier islands, and Charleston Harbor, it has a sprawling natural landscape rife with unique flora and fauna. The Holy City's residents are perhaps its best storytellers, though, warmly welcoming visitors and inviting them to slow down and take it all in. "
February, 2019
British Airways' High Life
"As one of the USA's most historic cities, Charleston has been attracting visitors for centuries and, with British Airways' new direct flight linking the South Carolina city directly with London (and Europe), the trend looks set to continue."
January, 2019
CNN
The Charleston area was featured in the Wander Musts series on CNN. The segment aired three times barring breaking news!
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January, 2019
WOMEN'S HEALTH
"Charleston is a modern city with over 300 years of history and culture. Select from an array of romance packages in which you can stay in a boutique hotel or a posh 19th-century mansion. "
December, 2018
FORBES
"This year, Travel + Leisure readers named Charleston, South Carolina the number one favorite city in the U.S. for the sixth year in a row. Conde Nast Traveler readers also chose Charleston as the most popular city in America for the eighth consecutive year."
December, 2018
Southern Living
"Charleston is so famous, so historic, so classic, that the promise of the holidays here is like an idealized scene on the facade of a cardboard Advent calendar."
December, 2018
National Geographic Traveler
"Charleston is on a quest to study and acknowledge the previously ignored African-American contributions to its story."
November, 2018
TODAY Show
The TODAY Show announced that they will be broadcasting at the 2019 Charleston Wine + Food Festival. The news was shared on TODAY.com
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November, 2018
Travel + Leisure
"Charleston sits firmly at the top of many travelers' lists of favorite places. And with good reason"
October, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"The city's roots may be its rich Southern history, but Charleston stands fully in the now."
October, 2018
WORTH
"Or maybe it’s just the fact that Charleston is a sophisticated city with strong educational, cultural and philanthropic institutions, areas in which American women have traditionally held influence."
August, 2018
Women's Health
"With a year-round growing season, the farm-to-table movement has exploded, and [Charleston] chefs are turning the local fare into flavor bombs."
August, 2018
Good Housekeeping
"If youre a sucker for Southern charm, rich history, and Insta-worthy spots, prepare to swoon over everything"
August, 2018
Travel + Leisure
August, 2018
New York Lifestyles Magazine
"Charleston is a food lover's mecca where one can sample all the enticing eateries and experience the cuisine from so many gifted chefs."
July, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"What better time to come to the culinary capital of the south than September, when it hosts both a Restaurant Week and a Beer Week?"
July, 2018
TODAY Show
Charleston, South Carolina has been voted the No. 1 City in the U.S in the Travel + Leisure 2018 World's Best Awards for the sixth consecutive year.
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June, 2018
PASSPORT
"There is a certain vibe that radiates from the cobblestone streets of Charleston....This kind of tangible energy is all over Charleston. From the echoes of history found at countryside plantations to the laughter, aroma, and flavors found at a hot new restaurant, Charleston is a city that all your senses will appreciate."
June, 2018
House Beautiful
May, 2018
London Evening Standard
"From fabulous food to historical homes and cute independent shops, Charleston is one of America's small city gems."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"Charleston's history is central to its experience, and the city's Historic Charleston Foundation, along with several other organizations, maintain several historic homes and properties that will give you a deep dive into the area's background. "
May, 2018
Denver Life Magazine
"Like a sweet Southern belle whose appeal only seems to get more potent as the years go by, South Carolina's oldest and largest city offers beautiful architecture, a vibrant food scene, history that dates back to the 17th century and extreme walkability."
April, 2018
The New York Times
"Here in 'The Neck,' where seven breweries have opened within a short bike ride of each other in the last three years, serendipity is celebrated, dogs and chicken are welcome, and you can come as you are."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
People gravitate to Charleston for a lot of reasons: its buzzing restaurants and bars, eclectic art and style scenes, its utter curb appeal, proximity to water, its rich history.
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"People often think of Charleston as a small Southern town, but when it comes to its nightlife, the city can compete on many levelssurprising visitors, and making their decisions about where to go that much harder."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"Charleston hits its stride and then some in May, with a calendar that’s full from start to finish with some of the year’s biggest events."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"You’re never far from the water in this part of South Carolina and the barrier islands beyond Charlestons city limits beckon for an afternoon jaunt. "
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
Charleston is mostly a town of highs were talking, of course, about its healthy rooftop bar scene. And it makes sense where better to soak in that balmy Charleston weather and those unparalleled church spire views than atop one of the citys many swanky hotels? So get climbing this is a city whose charms are best experienced from on high."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"South Carolina (and Charleston, in particular) is blessed with a bounty of seafood, swept in from the Atlantic Ocean—and no one, neither resident nor visitor, should deny themselves the wonders of these fresh and salty gifts."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"But we're in the South...throw those attempts at a summer body to the wind...for brunch in Charleston, a tasty, buttery, boozy (and, okay, occasionally healthy) bunch, where warmth, charm, and good company are as essential to the experience as a perennially filled glass."
May, 2018
Conde Nast Traveler
"Technically, Charleston is classified as a small city—but it's a mighty force on the nation's food scene. For years now it's known for its dynamic mix of offerings—classic Southern food, like Lowcountry cuisine and barbecue done at peak levels, alongside fresh Eastern seafood, and innovative kitchens with creative chefs who redefine what we think of as farm-to-table cooking."
April, 2018
TENNIS
"History buffs, shoppers and casual urban explorers will all find lots to love about a stroll or carriage tour around downtown Charleston. Cobblestoned streets, iron gates and blooming gardens serve as the perfect accents to the city's well-preserved architecture, with classic examples of Georgian, Victorian, Federalist and other historic mansions at every turn."
June, 2018
TASTE OF THE SOUTH
"Charleston has successfully evolved into a modern metropolis without sacrificing the rich history of its landscape or architecture. With a skyline punctuated by church steeples instead of high-rises and streets lined with grand Georgian homes, this popular South Carolina destination envelops you with the charm of its colonial past while delighting you with a seemingly endless array of noteworthy restaurants, boutiques and cultural opportunities."
April, 2018
Southern Living
“What sets Charleston apart - the real secret to the city’s centuries-spanning allure - is not just that it keeps offering more to visitors or that there’s always something new to discover here. It’s that there’s always something new for everyone to discover regardless of what you’re interested in, where you’re coming from, or what you’re looking to find.”
February, 2018
Travel & Leisure
"Charleston is an international food destination now, like Paris or San Sebastián, Spain. You can't walk half a block without stumbling on some inventive new oyster bar, café, or barbecue joint..."
March, 2018
ENDLESS VACATION
"People say when painter Alfred Hutty arrived in Charleston, he took one look at the steepled skyline, towering palmetto trees and wide waterfront and immediately telegrammed his wife: “Come quickly, have found heaven.” That was in 1919, but the Atlantic port is no less compelling today, arguably even more so thanks to a thriving food scene and a spate of new galleries and boutiques."
March, 2018
EBONY
“With fragrant magnolia trees lining cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, passing candy-colored 19th century mansions, Charleston, South Carolina looks as though it could be the set for a historic film” - EBONY
January, 2018
10Best.com
"Charleston is renowned for its Southern charm. Its lovely buildings are filled with graceful architectural details that conjure images of sipping sweet tea on a piazza on a sultry summer afternoon."
January, 2018
DUJOUR
"A mere two-hour flight from New York City, South Carolina's oldest and largest city Charleston is a perfect weekend getaway, especially for those who love to eat and drink, play golf, visit historic homes or just chill out."
November, 2017
BRIDES
"Think: Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and Lowcountry fare—everything from locally-caught oysters to slow-cooked pork. Add to that its enduring hospitality, laidback sensibility and walkability and it’s no wonder Chucktown is a tremendously popular travel destination—particularly for romantic getaways."
December, 2017
AFAR
"Downtown Charleston is a window into colonial America: cobblestone streets, jasmine-scented alleyways, antebellum buildings no taller than the church steeples that dot the city."
November, 2007
Town & Country
"...People are mesmerized by how interesting [Charleston] is—the architecture, the food, the entire environment... And because we lived in geographic and economic isolation for generations after the war along this coast, there’s a purity here that people like. Charleston is real.”
October, 2017
Conde Nast Traveler
Charleston, South Carolina Named No. 1 Small City in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler 2017 Readers Choice Awards. Charleston Voted No. 1 Travel Destination in the U.S. for the Seventh Consecutive Year.
October, 2017
Garden & Gun
"Following a decade of national praise and attention... it’s natural to wonder whether [Charleston's culinary] scene remains vibrant. Judging by the influx of mouthwatering barbecue and the prevalence of pickled shrimp and benne seed okra salad, the answer is yes. More than ever."
August, 2017
Travel + Leisure
"Experience the very best of T + L World's Best City - from boutique hotels as beautiful as jewel boxes, to restaurants and cocktails on the culinary cutting edge."
May, 2017
Marie Claire
"Charleston is one of the most charming cities. There, I said it. Small but urban, with a Southern something something that hasn't waned, the town has really come into it's own with more and more chic eateries and bars."
March, 2017
ReadCereal.com
"With ornate wooden house-fronts straight out of the 19th century and the warmest welcome this side of the Atlantic, you would be forgiven for thinking Charleston was frozen in time. Long the darling of the south, this settlement was among the most cosmopolitan of the colonies and a powerhouse economy of the early United States."
May, 2017
Martha Stewart Living
This old South Carolina city sparkles with history and natural beauty, but a new generation of hotels, restaurants, and shops has infused it with fresh energy. Hit our favorite spots to get your full of culture and style.
February, 2017
JetBlue Loves Charleston!
The historic streets of Charleston are perfect for pleasant detours. Charleston exudes charm and everything comes together to make it one incredible destination: antebellum houses with secret gardens, horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped trees, intricate ironwork, church bells ringing, amazing cuisine, and Southern hospitality. Plan your JetBlue Vacation to Charleston!
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December, 2016
Seattle Refined Loves Charleston: Part 2
Discover the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions found only in Charleston, South Carolina! To learn more about the city voted #1 in the United States by readers of both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, visit Charlestonly.com.
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December, 2016
Food Network
"Around the holidays, the quaint port city of Charleston, SC, transforms into a Christmas wonderland."
November, 2016
Seattle Refined Loves Charleston: Part 1
Discover the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions found only in Charleston, South Carolina! To learn more about the city voted #1 in the United States by readers of both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, visit Charlestonly.com.
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November, 2016
Travel + Leisure
"The Easter egg-colored row homes near Charleston’s historic waterfront have stood proudly since the late 1700's, surviving the Civil War and the reconstruction."
November, 2016
ChicagoTribue.com
"This Southern city boasts a deep bench of kitchen talent and a prolific pantry that capitalizes on its coastal location and mild climate, which means long growing seasons at fertile farms."
November, 2016
InStyle.com
"The Holy City has been the home of countless political and military figures, writers, artists, socialites, and of course one particular Bravo reality show, but it's the city's traditions, beauty, and endless array of venue options that make it the prime setting for your big day"
October, 2016
San Antonio
"This is the kind of Southern grace and hospitality that is standard in this old port city, a leafy haven by the sea that is home to stately and well-preserved architecture."
September, 2016
Woodbury Magazine
"Charleston is fast on its way to becoming one of the country's most exciting southern cities. Blessed with a rich food scene, robust history, and a welcoming climate that beckons guests year-round, there's little doubt why the holy city was recently voted one of the country's best city destinations"
September, 2016
TravelAndLeisure.com
"Charleston's architecture, history, and food scene have earned the city a reputation as the quintessential Southern city - not to mention the top spot on Travel + Leisure's World Best Cities list."
August, 2016
STLToday.com
"About 30 minutes away from Kiawah is the city of Charleston, also known as the Holy City for its historic churches. We had only a day and half to spend here, but it could take a week to soak in the history, the flourishing culinary scene and the beauty"
August, 2016
WSJ.com
"The jewelry designer loves American history, and this popular southern city [Charleston] has so many stories to explore.''
August, 2016
WashingtonPost.com
"With apologies to Bruce Springsteen, I've seen the future of barbecue, and it is Charleston, S.C"
August, 2016
Wine Enthusiast
"A city beloved for its historic charm might not be front of mind for boundary-pushing beverage programs, but Charleston, South Carolina, has emerged as an epicenter of inventive bars and restaurants"
August, 2016
CMT Southbound Loves Charleston
CMT Southbound explores the Holy City through the culture, cuisine & sights.
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August, 2016
Buffalo Magazine
"If you love all things domestic, put Charleston's home tours on your bucket list"
July, 2016
ForbesTravelGuide.com
"There's a good reason Charleston is consistently ranked as one of the country's top destinations - from a bustling food and bar scene to hot hotel openings, history galore, and world-class shopping, you'll find something for everyone in the coastal South Carolina city."
July, 2016
Travel + Leisure
"At once gracious and hip, historic and fresh, Charleston is having its moment. Open the door to this stylish Southern belle of a city, and come see why so many of its boutique lodgings have been voted No. 1 Best Small Hotel by Travel + Leisure readers in the World's Best Awards of 2016 and recent years"
July, 2016
SAVEUR.com
"The Local Oysters at The Ordinary are the kinds of things God intended to be enjoyed alongside a glass of sancerre or champagne"
July, 2016
TravelAndLeisure.com
"The quiet, antebellum city of Charleston, in South Carolina, has long been creeping its way up the Worlds Best Cities list. From its No. 2 spot in 2015, the Holy City had only one place to go: up."
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July, 2016
TODAY Show
For the first time, readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Charleston, South Carolina the Worlds Best City in the 2016 Worlds Best Awards.
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July, 2016
Connect Magazine
"It's known as a destination for foodies and history buffs, but Charleston, South Carolina's unexpected art scene is what keeps conference attendees coming back for more."
July, 2016
DEPARTURES
"The Restoration, a boutique hotel that opened earlier this year in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, owes its existence to a curious fact: that the line for the 2013 Cartier exhibition at Paris's Grand Palais was too long"
June, 2016
Fodors.com
"Charleston has exploded as an enticing food destination, with innovative preparation of local ingredients like shrimp, wreck fish, okra, and Carolina Gold rice. The City is a fertile breeding ground for culinary experimentation, with its diverse cultural roots and year-round bounty of produce, seafood, and meat.”
June, 2016
AAA World
"For this is the sort of Southern Hospitality that comes naturally to folks here in Folly Beach, South Carolina, where life is laid-back, smiles are sincere and people don't think twice about helping complete strangers."
June, 2016
Artful Living
"In Charleston, Southern charm is a real concept: Locals are welcoming and open, eager to recommend their favorite haunts and inquire about yours."
June, 2016
Southern Living
"Southern Living Live is our way of acknowledging our readers' long love affair with Charleston (which we've put on the cover five times) and the way the city has always represented the best of the South."
June, 2016
Travel + Leisure
"The burger at Husk, in Charleston, South Carolina, has a great smoky beef flavor, and I love that they use American cheese. Not to mention the bun is perfect, because it smashes down just so."
May, 2016
The Telegraph
"The Magnolia Plantation - home to the oldest public gardens in America, situated along the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina - showcases a timeless vision of a romantic garden seeped in Southern charm"
May, 2016
Coastal Living
"Along just 3.3 miles of Atlantic shoreline at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, what this tiny community lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty and historic charm."
May, 2016
South Magazine
"Charleston has long been a colorful city of intrigue and frisson. Founded in 1670, this Southern city is defined by its cobblestone streets, its pre-civil war pastel-colored homes, and its atmospheric harbor alongside Waterfront Park."
May, 2016
Gluten-Free Forever
"Yes, the region's unofficial trademark dish, shrimp and grits, is gluten-free. But it's the natural Lowcountry beauty, distinctive architecture, and burgeoning (and GF-friendly) dining scene that make South Carolina's historic city one of our favorite places for a hearty helping of Southern hospitality"
April, 2016
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Traditionally known as the design district thanks to beautiful brick buildings, stunning churches, art galleries and housewares shops, Charleston has recently become a distinct culinary destination."
April, 2016
BRIDES
"More and more couples are spending their post-wedding vacay exploring the romantic open roads of the U.S. Here are some of the sexiest itineraries in our own backyard."
April, 2016
Architectural Digest
"It's not all sweet tea and pecan pie here anymore - Charleston also has a vital, burgeoning art and design scene."
March, 2016
Lonely Planet
"Its history, food and Southern graciousness are what makes Charleston one of the world's favorite cities. Take a fresh look at one of the South's most popular destinations."
March, 2016
Harper's Bazaar
"If the fashion world had a superwoman, it would most certainly be the owner behind Hampden."
March, 2016
Essentially America
"If Charleston, South Carolina, were to be cast as a character in Gone With The Wind, she would definitely be Scarlett O'Hara... beautiful, strong willed, entrepreneurial and a real survivor."
March, 2016
DEPARTURES
"The award-winning Southern chef [Sean Brock] tells us how to best experience the city he helped place on the culinary map."
March, 2016
American Way
"That's the foundation of Southern hospitality. People [in Charleston] actually care about the stranger who is passing by."
March, 2016
Marie Claire
"Indulge in your inner foodie at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, where you can take a pasta-making course, attend a wine tasting led by local sommeliers, or feast at one of the many decadent dinner events happening throughout the week."
February, 2016
Brit + Co
"Get ready for some seriously gorgeous floral delights with a dose of fascinating history [in Charleston]."
February, 2016
Antiques Roadshow
"Antiques Roadshow was glad to be back in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina!"
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February, 2016
Boston Herald
"...Our minds are dreaming of that gorgeous Southern city by the sea once again."
February, 2016
Sunday Times Travel Magazine
"In the sleepy colonial corners of Charleston... grand plantations are scattered with ancient oak trees, so densely laden with veil-like moss."
February, 2016
Southern Living
"With her flickering lanterns, cobblestone streets, exquisite mansions, and manicured flower boxes, Charleston, South Carolina, is a timeless beauty."
January, 2016
Boston Herald
"Escape the cold and check out the rich history, robust dining scene, bustling nightlife and delightful adventures [in Charleston]. And while other flowers are still resting, camellias are blooming."
January, 2016
Travel + Leisure
"It's easy to understand what consistently attracts travelers to the South Carolinian harbor city: brightly painted houses, streets lined with gnarled oak and jasmine trees, countless art galleries, and award-winning restaurants serving lowcountry cuisine."
January, 2016
Travel + Leisure
"There's no wrong time for a trip to Charleston, which makes sense given the city has taken top honors in T+L's World's Best Awards for the past three years."
January, 2016
AFAR
"Charleston is a city of palmetto tree-lined streets straight out of the 19th century, polite locals in khakis or pearls, and a well-observed cocktail hour. Traffic is regularly held up by horse-drawn carriage tours, and the city's emphasis on preservation makes each average house worthy of its own history lesson."
December, 2015
Conde Nast Traveler
"Gentle beaches, nature adventures, and activities to wear everyone out: These are the themes across the 20 best U.S. islands for families, as chosen by our readers."
December, 2015
Destinations
"Mount Pleasant has, in its own right, numerous attractions, fantastic lodging and dining choices, and outdoor recreation opportunities that are compelling."
November, 2015
The Everygirl
"Charleston is one of those cities that embodies everything about Southern hospitality. The quaint streets, the history, and above all, the kindness of its residents promise to make any trip there one to remember."
November, 2015
Yachting
An appetizer fit for the world's most powerful man. A little-known island escape. Strange water mammals. For Yachtsmen, this is the Charleston you never knew, from the inside out.
November, 2015
Bergdorf Goodman
"With three centuries of heritage, incredible dining and a thriving shopping scene, it's no wonder Charleston is constantly voted among the best places to visit in the United States."
October, 2015
Time Out
"Downtown [Charleston] practically oozes picturesque Southern charm, with its cobblestone streets and rows of pastel homes."
October, 2015
Garden & Gun
"Music has taken singer-songwriter Darius Rucker all over the world, but the Charleston native has always been happiest with his feet on Lowcountry soil."
October, 2015
Conde Nast Traveler
Known for rich history, well-preserved architecture, a celebrated restaurant community and mannerly people, the Charleston area has been recognized as the No. 1 Small U.S. City for the fifth consecutive year by Conde Nast Traveler 2015 Readers' Choice Awards.
October, 2015
Travel + Leisure
"With unrivaled antebellum architecture and a long, winding history that underlies its genteel charm, Charleston is a modern-day mecca for art, music, and food."
October, 2015
The Charlotte Observer
"From tidal tributaries to the Atlantic, the pristine waters surrounding Charleston produce a bounty of fresh seafood, including shrimp, fish, oysters, clams and crabs."
September, 2015
Travel + Leisure
"From historic homes and architecture, a thriving culinary scene, to its stylish locals, there are many reasons why T+L readers named Charleston the Number One City in America for 2015."
August, 2015
Orbitz
"Start your exploration of Charleston with a morning stroll at White Point Gardens, historic Battery and Rainbow Row and stop to chill at the Waterfront Park."
August, 2015
Food & Wine
"Food & Wine's readers named Charleston the most exciting up-and-coming restaurant city. We couldn't agree more."
August, 2015
WestJet Magazine
"I love the American South, but nowhere moreso than the Carolinas, and most especially Charleston. It was in Charleston where I tasted my first authentic fried green tomato, swooned over the fluffiest biscuits I've ever encountered and ate boiled peanuts like nobody's business."
July, 2015
People
"Traveling with kids can sometimes mean missing out on the best a destination has to offer, but for Charleston, South Carolina, it's a prime reason to visit."
July, 2015
MAXIM
"The food is superb, the weather is sultry, the women are beautiful, and the cocktails are strong [in Charleston]."
July, 2015
Brand USA Chef Vignette: Marc Collins
"Luscious - the best word I can say to describe this city and its culinary history. We, here in Charleston, truly love life."
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July, 2015
Palm Beach Illustrated
"With a penchant for low-country decadence, chef-driven ingenuity, and a citywide reverence for all things delicious, Charleston's secret recipe for experiential gastronomy unfolds at its top restaurants."
July, 2015
Travel + Leisure
"Travel + Leisure showcases the greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more - as voted by you."
June, 2015
The Post and Courier
"But golf is very much in the fabric of Charleston, with the first golf clubs and balls shipped to America, specifically Charleston, in 1739."
June, 2015
The Telegraph
"The grand, antebellum mansions and pastel-washed clapboard houses, the gas-lit back alleys and clip-clopping carriages conspire to lull you into the delightful delusion that your aircraft has traversed not just the Atlantic but the centuries."
May, 2015
CBS News Sunday Morning
"All of the basket makers are artists. No matter how they work on their baskets, they're considered artists."
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May, 2015
CBS News Sunday Morning
"Charleston has the oldest historic district in the country. It has carefully preserved the city's grand public buildings, as well as the mansions along The Battery, and of course the famous Rainbow Row."
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May, 2015
New York Magazine
"With a slew of innovative chefs and stylish inns for both sleeping and noshing, the graceful South Carolina city [of Charleston] is a bona fide dining destination."
May, 2015
New York Post
"Charleston, SC, is one of the country's most charming - and well-mannered - cities... and with a booming dining scene, plus the draw of the artsy Spoleto Festival, there's never been a better time to head to the Lowcountry."
May, 2015
Town & Country
"From where to stay, dine, and soak up all that Southern sunshine. This is your ultimate guide to Charleston."
May, 2015
Departures
"The dining scene in this southern charmer has reinvented itself with a slew of new options for cocktail hour and beyond."
May, 2015
Chicago Tribune
"[Charleston] is the land where menus populated with regional favorites... are luring food lovers from around the world."
April, 2015
Travel Channel
"The surrounding barrier islands and beaches of Charleston have their own Southern charm, and give adventurous travelers a chance to escape the city."
April, 2015
Orlando
"Charleston offers all the elements for a perfect getaway - history, beauty, culture, quirkiness and amazing cuisine."
April, 2015
Washingtonian
"For all [Charleston's] historic allure, with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriage tours, and stately homes, there's innovation in the air - and on the plate."
March, 2015
The Tennessean
"Some vacations require lots of planning, but to enjoy Charleston, all you have to do is show up."
March, 2015
Office with a View
"With its beautiful beaches, quaint Antebellum neighborhoods, and historic landmarks, it's no wonder Charleston, South Carolina is consistently named one of the top destinations in the country."
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March, 2015
HLN's Social Life Part 2
"There's a charm about this place, and I get it! [Charleston] definitely earned it's reputation as 'American's Friendliest City.'"
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March, 2015
HLN's Social Life Part 1
"The [Charleston] City Market is about the converging of cultures that exists in this town."
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March, 2015
domino
"domino hits the road for the historic Holy City to explore its splendid architecture, scenic landscapes, and unrivaled food scene."
March, 2015
Southern Living
"...walking through Charleston is something to be done with all the senses. You need to smell the salt air, hear the clop clop of horse hooves on cobblestone streets, see the afternoon light hitting the church steeples."
March, 2015
Vanity Fair
"With its acclaimed restaurants, soul-stirring landscapes, vibrant culture, and exquisitely preserved Antebellum wonders, Charleston, South Carolina, exudes a gravitational pull for travelers as the one American South city they absolutely, positively, must visit."
January, 2015
Draft
"...as a sophisticated culinary scene emerged and a few beer-friendly bills from the Statehouse led to seven more craft breweries, three brewpubs and dozens of shops and restaurants devoted to beer-with plenty more on the way."
January, 2015
Andrew Harper Traveler
"Here, refined manners, Southern hospitality, and historic preservation reign supreme."
December, 2014
SouthPark
"Charleston's illustrious history, dining, and shopping make the southern city an ideal escape for the holiday season."
December, 2014
AAA Living
"Nestled on a peninsula in South Carolina's Lowcountry, Charleston is a coastal gem."
December, 2014
Southern Living
"In Charleston, South Carolina, Christmas is celebrated with pecan roasts aplenty, bourbon-spiked eggnog, and loads of antebellum charm. It's time to deck the halls, Lowcountry-style."
November, 2014
Conde Nast Traveler
"It's an abundance of top restaurants, easy day trips to beautiful beaches, and a slower, graceful way of living."
November, 2014
Travel + Leisure
"Oak-lined streets, historic row houses, and creative Lowcountry cooking- South Carolina's oldest city has charm to spare."
November, 2014
Instyle
"Celebrate America's yummiest holiday with twists on tradition, care of top chefs in new culinary cities like Charleston, S.C. and Nashville."
November, 2014
Coastal Living
Kelly Kleisner of The Macintosh shares her recipe for Almond-Pear Pie with Coastal Living.
November, 2014
South
"End the day like a local by taking a pub and brewery tour of Charleston. Get the chance to see and hear the stories and gossip that go along with their long-standing tradition."
November, 2014
Condé Nast Traveler
Charleston, South Carolina, Named No. 1 Top City in the U.S. and No. 2 Top City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
October, 2014
Wake up with Al
AFAR magazine names Charleston among the spookiest cities to visit.
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October, 2014
Fox News
"Charleston to me is like the diamond of South Carolina...it's old and it's historic and there is so much to do and so much history there and I just love it."- Lee Brice, Country Music Singer
October, 2014
CBS This Morning
Charleston has been voted #1 U.S. City by Conde Nast Traveler 2014 Readers' Choice Awards!
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October, 2014
The Travel Channel
The Travel Channel shares the Charleston area's local hangouts in "Charleston: Top 10 Locals List."
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October, 2014
Travel + Leisure
"You can wander with your sweetie on the old streets of this city and find tucked-away gardens—the feeling of romance is alive and well."
October, 2014
AAA World
"Charleston is, indeed, a welcoming, sophisticated city steeped in storied architecture, intriguing history, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, and attractions and events galore- surrounded by unspoiled beaches and complemented by pleasant weather much of the year."
September, 2014
U.S. Airways magazine
"Picturesque Charleston charms with its three hundred year-old cobblestone streets woven between confection-colored Antebellum mansions, flowering trees showering the sidewalks with colorful petals, and church steeples- not skyscrapers- dotting the skyline."
September, 2014
Outside
"The South's coolest city oozes hospitality and has one of the country's finest culinary scenes."
August, 2014
National Geographic Traveller
"Brace yourself for a proper Southern feast. With buttermilk pie, spicy fried chicken, sticky barbecue ribs and Mexican-style clams on the menu, this charming South Carolina city in the Lowcountry has seriously good taste."
July, 2014
The Weather Channel
Watch Sarah Spagnolo of Travel + Leisure share the results of the 2014 World's Best Awards.
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July, 2014
10Best.com
"Charleston, a much beloved coastal South Carolina city, boasts an array of classy stays perfect for couples who are visiting with romance in mind."
July, 2014
Good Morning America
Lara Spencer and Amy Robach, co-hosts of Good Morning America, choose Charleston as their favorite place.
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July, 2014
Forbes.com
"But most of all, Charleston oozes historic charm, from its cobblestone streets and centuries old architecture to its many important sites."
July, 2014
MSNBC Morning Joe
Morning Joe announces that Charleston was named the named the No. 1 destination in the U.S. and Canada for the second consecutive year in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards!
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June, 2014
10Best.com
"Charleston and romance go together like Chicago and deep-dish pizza. Something about this historic, seaside South Carolina city just attracts love-seekers."
June, 2014
Athens Banner-Herald
"This city, which once made South Carolina the economic jewel of the colonial empire, has recurring emotional influences. A brief respite here leaves you pining for a return."
June, 2014
The Weather Channel
Watch Travel + Leisure's Sarah Spagnolo talk summer travel destinations with The Weather Channel including Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
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June, 2014
The Manual
"Charleston is well known for its’‘moonlight and magnolias’past, but today the little town is jostling with bigger cities because of its’ young and vibrant scene."
June, 2014
Wall Street Journal
"An Island-Hopping Southern Seafood Crawl from the bottom of Georgia up to Charleston, S.C., stopping for luxe lodging and delicious, dicey seafood shacks along the way."
June, 2014
The New York Times
"Like us, they were pursuing a favorite Charleston pastime: eating and drinking from morning until night."
June, 2014
New York Post
"Chefs are embracing farm-to-table cuisine, small-batch distilleries are popping up, and humble Lowcountry ingredients are being used in innovative ways."
June, 2014
2014 Summer in the South: Charleston, S.C.
Summer Guide to Charleston from Southern Living.
June, 2014
Travel + Leisure
"Long before he agreed to take over as host of the Late Show, Stephen Colbert was just another Charleston boy- swimming, fishing, and skateboarding down the quiet streets of what he recalls as a "sleepy Southern town." Today, the South Carolina city is still one of his favorite vacation spots."
May, 2014
Conde Nast Traveler
Kiawah Island's Beachwalker Park named among Dr. Beach's "Best Beaches in America."
May, 2014
Virgin Atlantic
"Charleston has been described as a city set in a garden, and it’s easy to see why. No matter the season, greenery and flowers envelop Charleston in a lovely mix of artful design and haphazard beauty."
May, 2014
NBC Today
Watch Chef Frank McMahon of Hank's Seafood and Brasserie Gigi prepare dishes for Mother's Day.
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May, 2014
The Daily Telegrah
"The home of Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, and the eponymous twenties dance, Charleston is a wonderful city of contrasts."
May, 2014
Movoto
"Crab soup, cobblestones and anything iron wrought. These are only three things that will earn your way into a Charlestonian’s heart."
May, 2014
L.A. Travel
"With every invitation from our newfound Charleston friend to return, I realized that indeed, Charleston had stolen a piece of my hear. Even now, I am drawn to return and renew my love affair with this charming city. That's what's to love about Charleston."
May, 2014
Travel + Leisure
Charleston named #7 among "America's Best Cities for Barbecue" by Travel + Leisure.
April, 2014
Kentucky.com
"In a brief visit, I realized that there are lifetimes worth of things to see, do, taste and hear in this place where I might have grown up."
April, 2014
Los Angeles Times
"Southern hospitality is not a myth, they insisted, as they extolled the beauty of the area and its vigorous dining and bar scene."
April, 2014
Forbes.com
"At street level, though Charleston is a very worldly city, but in a manner that vibrantly mixes past and present."
April, 2014
The Sydney Morning Herald
"History dwells in this city's stones and bricks, but also seems to hang in the air, which in summer is humid and heavy with the scent of magnolia."
April, 2014
ESPN 2
"If you cannot find something to do in Charleston everyone you better stay home. You've got the scenery, you've got the beaches, tennis, and golf, and culinary delights."
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April, 2014
Flower
"Step into this charming Southern city's most glorious private and historic properties with the Historic Charleston Foundation's Festival of Houses and Gardens."
April, 2014
Southern Living
"We couldn't have asked for a more poetic start for our journey than the sign on Highway 171 welcoming us to "the Edge of America," the tagline adopted by the laid-back community of Folly Beach..."
April, 2014
Nashville Lifestyles
"When it comes to South Carolina, Charleston may be the state’s crown jewel. But 25 miles outside of the city’s confines, a very different—and magical—world awaits: the coastal refuge of Kiawah Island."
March, 2014
Q by Equinox
"Follow our guide for a wholesome and active visit to this culinary destination."
March, 2014
Latitudes
"A stroll through the scenic gardens of Charleston's antebellum plantations reveals serene and riotous beauty: rainbow-hued azaleas, camellias and roses; fruit trees; bird species; and other natural delights."
March, 2014
Money
"With Southern food becoming increasingly popular in cities like New York and L.A., chefs in Charleston are drawing nationwide attention."
March, 2014
Southern Lady
"With a rich history written into its well-preserved architecture, moss-covered gardens, and quaint cobblestone streets, this charming South Carolina port town also boasts a cutting-edge food scene, fine-art galleries, and chic shopping districts."
February, 2014
USAToday.com
"Beyond an impressive assortment of chefs and personalities (Andy Ricker, Nancy Silverton, Charleston's own Sean Brock), many consider the star of the festival to be Charleston itself -- the historic city provides a variety of atmospheric event spaces such as the Old City Jail and the William Aiken House."
February, 2014
Harper's Bazaar
Harper's Bazaar shared a slideshow of photographer and vintage lover Angela Pham's visit to the Charleston area.
February, 2014
New York Daily News
"Long regarded as one of the great, traditional food cities of the south, Charleston has gone into culinary overdrive lately. New, innovative restaurants are popping up all over, transforming the local dining scene into one of the most dynamic in the region."
February, 2014
Make it Better
"Whether you're planning a romantic weekend for two or a getaway with the girls, the charming intercoastal city of Charleston, South Carolina may be the perfect place to relax, unwind or fall in love again."
February, 2014
SouthPark
"It's one of the country's most romantic cities. It's easy to see why, really. After all, once you begin strolling hand in hand by oversize pillared porches and onto centuries-old cobblestone walkways between the Palmetto-lined streets, there's a good chance you'll find yourselves alone-no screaming kids, no deadlines. Just you."
January, 2014
Virgin Atlantic
“Situated in South Carolina’s bucolic Lowcountry, the Charleston area is a veritable living museum, thanks to pretty, preserved antebellum public buildings, mansions and plantations, lamp-lit cobblestone streets, the restored Historic Charleston City Market, and renowned restaurants serving farm- and sea-to-table southern cuisine the way it was prepared in the Lowcountry centuries earlier.”
January, 2014
Food & Wine
The cooking school at Zero George Street was named among the best new cooking classes.
January, 2014
Condé Nast Traveler
The Charleston Place Hotel, French Quarter Inn, HarbourView Inn, John Rutledge House Inn, Market Pavilion Hotel, Wentworth Mansion, Planters Inn, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and the Restoration on King were all included on the 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.
January, 2014
Virgin Atlantic
"Jazz may not have been born in Charleston, but there’s no denying the lowcountry’s impact on the genre. Today, jazz is celebrated throughout Charleston. We’ve selected a few of Charleston’s best jazz bars to give you a flavour of this city’s infectious music scene."
December, 2013
New York Daily News
"To get a taste of Southern hospitality, there's no better place to visit than Charleston, S.C."
December, 2013
Hot Springs on the GO
"From plantation estates and historic houses to cannons and coastal forts, the city has a colorful history as rich as its food."
December, 2013
Condé Nast Traveler
"Charleston sits on a peninsula surrounded by barrier islands. It's often veiled by a hazy golden light that can make the cityscape- pastel two-story houses all in a row, interrupted every so often by a pointy church spire- look as if it had been painted in watercolor."
November, 2013
New York Times
"Soak up the city's charm on two wheels, savor some shrimp and grits, then take in the view from a rooftop bar."
November, 2013
Kate Spade New York
"The original cobblestone streets and gas-lit alleys of the French Quarter define this historic district."
November, 2013
Conde Nast Traveler
For the third consecutive year, Charleston has been named the #1 U.S. City with an overall score of 83.2 from the Culture, Friendliness, Atmosphere, Restaurants, Lodging, and Shopping categories.
November, 2013
The Huffington Post
"There’s a reason Charleston has been voted America’s Best City three times over: the grits are spicy, the weather is warm, and the people are oh-so charming. This ain’t a resort town either, ya’ll-- the city’s got a history as rich as a biscuit covered in gravy."
October, 2013
Today Show
Family Circle magazine's Senior Associate Editor, Danielle Blundell names the Charleston area among America's Most Haunted Cities.
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October, 2013
The Charlotte Observer
"Charleston is known for rich history, celebrated restaurants, and great shopping. Keep these allures in mind, turn down the temperature a little, and it's ready for your winter visit."
October, 2013
Girlsgetaway.com
"With its rich history, Charleston, SC is ripe for haunted happenings."
October, 2013
Today Show
"Charleston - this is the third time in a row for Charleston. It has a population of 125,000. It's really got it all- Fantastic climate, 79 degrees and sunny today, historic, very beautiful, increasing number of fantastic restaurants."
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October, 2013
Ocean Home
"Historic architecture and contemporary icons merge perfectly in Charleston, South Carolina."
September, 2013
Associated Press
"...head through the tidal flats of the South Carolina Lowcountry to Charleston, about a two-hour drive away."
September, 2013
The Atlanta Journal - Constitution
"Think of the Palmetto State as a lavish quilt of culture."
September, 2013
Latitudes
"Few luxury golf resorts can match the picturesque beauty of those found on the islands just outside Charleston."
September, 2013
Southern Living
Southern Living names The Ordinary the best new restaurant in the South.
September, 2013
Family Fun
"It's part edgy beach town, part southern belle preservation society, with history that hits kid-friendly high notes and food that's adventurous but grounded in down-home roots."
September, 2013
Bon Appétit
"We've always loved the palmetto-lined streets and legendary Lowcountry cooking this city offers. But the real draw is a booming restaurant scene that has made it the South's most exciting food destination."
September, 2013
Olive
"They call this the Holy City because of the number of churches gracing its street corners. These days, though, the city's restaurants could be its new tabernacles- for Charleston truly has become a venerable place to worship."
August, 2013
Martha Stewart Living
Charleston, South Carolina: Long known for its rich history, antebellum architecture, and genteel residents, this Low Country capital is quickly gaining a reputation as a culinary hot spot.
August, 2013
Birmingham Magazine
"Charleston is a city that mixes world-class quality with Southern home tradition. Its streets are lined with foodie-favorite restaurants, and one of its best offerings is Low Country fried fish. It boasts the art galleries and specialty stores of any modern city, but evidence of its 300-year history can be found on every corner."
July, 2013
Travel + Leisure ranks Charleston #1 City in the U.S and Canada
"Charleston really pulled it out this year...readers love it for the friendliness of the people, the antebellum charm of the beautiful historic buildings, and incredible local food scene. If you haven't had Sean Brock's food you must go to Charleston immediately!"
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June, 2013
The Huffington Post
"I am happy to report that in Charleston, South Carolina, unlike many American cities where it's sometimes hard to find anything original, it's hard to find anything that's not completely one-of-a-kind."
May, 2013
TODAY Show
"Let's talk a little bit about Charleston, South Carolina. We had such fun...It's so much better than advertised in all of the brochures. You read about how beautiful and great it is and then you get there and it is so much better than everything I read!"
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May, 2013
TODAY Show
"We're back in Charleston, South Carolina at the beautiful College of Charleston campus...it is so great to be in the South...We have had the best time in Charleston. It's one of the most charming places in the whole country."
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May, 2013
TODAY Show
"KLG and Hoda are live from Charleston! The ladies are touring Charleston, S.C. this week! They hit the town by horse-drawn carriage, enjoying the historic city market and plantation house Drayton Hall… all while dressed as Scarlett O'Hara. When in Rome, you know?"
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May, 2013
Travel + Leisure
Charleston, South Carolina: It's easy to love antebellum Charleston, with its scented gardens and live oaks, starched demeanor and polite exchanges of the day.
April, 2013
The New York Times Style Magazine
"By rediscovering the glories of Lowcountry cooking, Charleston put itself on the culinary map."
April, 2013
Better Homes & Gardens
"Founded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina bills itself as "where history lives." Even cooler: You and the kids can live that history for yourselves at Middleton Place, a former plantation that's been transformed into a living history museum." Read more on Middleton Place and resident potter, Jeff Neale: www.charlestonly.com/blog
April, 2013
Southern Living
"While the Holy City is packed with antiques-filled B&Bs, few properties have been able to give the obligatory nod to Charleston's rich history without losing their sense of self."
April, 2013
Nashville Lifestyles
"For a weekend getaway that involves unforgettable meals, shopping, and wandering quaint cobble-stoned streets, Charleston should be on your radar."
April, 2013
U.S. Airways
"Charleston is an exciting food city, dotted with more fabulous restaurants than you can shake a fork at."
March, 2013
New York Times Magazine
"We went looking for spring, Mark and I, down in Charleston, S.C. a stunning city, rich with history both sad and ecstatic, in a region that offers a tremendous bounty of fresh ingredients and regional flavors."
March, 2013
Southern Living
"Charleston: With a flourishing arts and fashion scene and centuries old deep seated tradition, this coastal Atlantic town is elegant to its core."
March, 2013
Fox & Friends
"And live this morning from Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most fantastic towns in all of America, you can see Anna Kooiman is live."
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March, 2013
Architectural Digest
"Coursed by palmetto-lined promenades and graced with some of America's best-preserved historic architecture, Charleston, South Carolina, still bows to traditions-from Sunday suppers to sweet tea and pralines-while keeping up with the 21st century. The city is bursting with cosmopolitan energy..."
March, 2013
Philadelphia
"It hit me, as I strolled through Charleston’s gas-lit and cobblestoned French Quarter, that everything I loved about this unapologetically historic city was something I love about Philly as well: contained streets, colorful rowhomes, horse-drawn carriages bearing infatuated tourists, and the sense that for all its designer boutiques and craft cocktail bars, the city still hums with its own heritage."
March, 2013
Departures
"Chef Mike Lata and I are standing in pluff mud on an oyster bed near Dewees Island just off Charleston, South Carolina, when he pops open an oyster with his pocketknife, hands it to me and says, "Here, eat that." I slurp it right from the shell. It's tender, salty and delicious, with just a hint of that Lowcountry mud. Lata watches for my reaction as if it's a dish he's been preparing all day. "The secret to an oyster is to serve it quickly," he says, prying one open for himself. "That way there's no time for it to lose its sense of place. A great Charleston oyster should taste like Charleston."
March, 2013
Latitudes
"Look toward the sky from virtually anywhere in the Charleston Historic District and chances are you'll see a steeple. Towering spires decorate the skyline of South Carolina's oldest city, marking religious institutions that hold centuries of stories and an assortment of rich American history."
March, 2013
Bon Appétit
Husk restaurant named among The Top 20 Most Important Restaurants in America.
February, 2013
New York Post
"Turns out, Charleston is truly a “best of” the South: Flickering gas lamps adorn pastel, antebellum mansions; cobblestone streets offer views of colorful, formal gardens; horse-drawn carriages clip-clop alongside cars; and polite shopkeepers..."
February, 2013
Boston Globe
"A visit to the Holy City, so named for its historic houses of worship, pulls you back in time. Horse-drawn carriages transport tourists along cobblestone streets flanked by centuries-old, beautifully preserved, and impeccably manicured gardens and homes, many open to the public. From land, you can gaze across the harbor to Fort Sumter, where Union soldiers suffered the first hit in the Civil War. But Charleston comes with a fast-forward button, too. Lowcountry cuisine keeps raising the bar, and a new wave of boutiques and bars buoy several neighborhoods. Mix it all together for heavenly results."
February, 2013
Vogue
"Halfway through our baking, I telephoned Peninsula Grill in Charleston and inquired about their celebrated Ultimate Coconut Cake, which I had tasted on my previous trip to the city."
January, 2013
Delta Sky
Charleston, South Carolina: Why Now? With James Beard award-winning chefs at the helm, this sleepy Southern town is waking up hungry-and drawing tourists and foodies alike.
January, 2013
NPR
To tell us all about the Elvis Presley milkshake is Chef Sean Brock, owner of the restaurant Husk and McCrady's in Charleston, South Carolina. It's something he concocted to share with his staff as a treat. It goes great with cheeseburgers, he says.
December, 2012
Martha Stewart Weddings
Weeks were spent criss-crossing the States in search of just the right spot. Ultimately, they were drawn to Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its grace and hospitality, it also has an up-and-coming gastronomic scene, which appealed to these foodies.
December, 2012
Southern Living Weddings
Charleston, South Carolina, effortlessly merges the hip with the historic. That blend of old and new gets a spotlight with this basket's fun mix.
November, 2012
Today Show
Willie Geist talks with Conde Nast Traveler editor, Lisa Gill about the 25th annual reader's choice awards: "For the 2nd year in a row the top city in the U.S. and now top in the world is Charleston, S.C."
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November, 2012
Virtuoso Life
"Indeed, a hum of creative energy pulses throughout the city, from the cool new boutiques to the fanciest of kitchens that draw on the city's distinctive mix of English, French, African, and Caribbean influences."
November, 2012
Conde Nast Traveler
Columbia to Charleston, South Carolina: "Like Tuscany in the '80's and California a decade ago, The American South is in the grips of what one cultured gastronome in the food-obsessed city of Charleston described to me as "a culinary boom of epic proportions."
November, 2012
Mpls. St. Paul
"Charleston...is a jewel box of a period piece. Less green than industrious, it's filled with genteel old Southerners but is also thick with youth."
October, 2012
CBS This Morning
"Charleston...it's haunted and they've got lots of tours."
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October, 2012
The Guardian
"A food revolution in Charleston, US: Charleston is gaining a reputation among food lovers for its expertise with slow-cooked traditional southern food."
October, 2012
Four Seasons
Going the whole hog got James Beard– nominated chef Craig Deihl into sausage-making. “I bought a whole pig, and from that point, not only did I buy the whole pig, but I had to make use of the whole pig,” says Deihl, of Cypress restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina.
October, 2012
Coastal Living
The Ocean Course: Kiawah Island Resort, Kiawah, S.C.: The PGA, one of golf's four majors, was played here in August, cementing Kiawah's position as one of the most respected and all golf communities on the Eastern Seaboard- with an arsenal of award-winning courses by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Fazio. Pete Dye's starkly pretty Ocean Course is scary-good-stunning, daring, boldly featured, and nearly impossible to play.
October, 2012
Martha Stewart Weddings
Charleston, S.C. is featured as a destination wedding in the special travel issue of Martha Stewart Destination Weddings Magazine.
September, 2012
The Dish
"In 2009, Mike Lata won the James Beard award for Best New Chef in the Southeast. His Charleston, S.C. restaurant, FIG, which stands for Food Is Good has received many rave reviews over the years. This December, he and his partner will open The Ordinary, an oyster bar and seafood hall. He joins us with his ultimate dish: baked sea bass and capers inlet clams."
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September, 2012
Martha Stewart Weddings
"Southern hospitality meet Hollywood glamour: Historic Charleston was the charming setting for the heartfelt nuptials of actress Eva Amurri and sports commentator Kyle Martino."
September, 2012
Southern Charmer
"It's part edgy beach town, part southern belle preservation society, with history that hits kid-friendly high notes and food that's adventurous but grounded in down-home roots."
August, 2012
Today Show
"Kiawah Island- this is an island and a resort that Travel + Leisure readers are obsessed with. They love Kiawah Island- always voting it number 1 in our World's Best Family Destinations."
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August, 2012
HLN
Much of the history of towns like Charleston is bound up in the culture of its Gullah community, but Brown couldn’t find a tour that specialized in introducing people to that side of the city. So he started one.
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August, 2012
TNT
"Charleston, South Carolina: Here you will discover a remnant world of the bygone Old South. The time worn cobblestone streets, the preserved antebellum homes, the unspoiled Atlantic beaches. History lives here."
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August, 2012
US Airways
"A rising star, Mike is the chef and co-owner at FIG (Food Is Good) in Charleston, South Carolina. He won the 2009 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast."
May, 2012
Wall Street Journal
Horse-drawn carriages still roll past pristine, prettily hued antebellum homes. Craggy live oaks shade the streets, and Confederate jasmine perfumes the air...But despite its slow-paced gentility, Charleston i s no relic-not with the authentically preppy boutiques arts festivals that bring together everything from modern dance to bluegrass music...and chefs who take local staples like shrimp, grits, and rice to new heights.
April, 2012
Harrod's
Southern Comfort: Roll up your chinos and kick back in style in this season’s American-inspired leisure separates
August, 2012
Hemispheres
"Older than the United States itself, the Rutledge House is the perfect spot for History Channel devotees, architecture buffs and people who want to be able to say that they and George Washington have eaten breakfast in the same place..."
July, 2012
Wake Up with Al: The Beauty of Charleston
"Travel + Leisure Digital Projects Editor Sarah Spagnolo stops by to talk about one of the top destinations in North America, Charleston, S.C."
July, 2012
Vogue
"Charlestons farm to table hero Sean Brock is leading a revival in traditional Southern cooking Jeffrey Steingarten pulls up a chair."
July, 2012
OutServe
"Behind the wrought-iron gates and shy, sideways-facing entries of opulent 250-year-old homes lies a colorful city with regionally renowned cuisine, hot beaches, and the subtly, snarky charm of the old South."
June, 2012
Men's Health
"A journey of a thousand meals begins with a single bite, and if there is a better bite than Brock's crispy pig-ear lettuce wraps, I have yet to sink my teeth into it."
May, 2012
No Reservations: Catching Yellow Fin Tuna
"Tony and fellow chefs [Sean Brock] witness a new way of fishing while in Japan."
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May, 2012
AFAR
"Bars reinvent Southern spirits, boutiques showcase new spins on cotton, and the annual Spoleto Festival (May 25 through June 10) draws world-class actors, dancers, and musicians."
May, 2012
Food and Travel
"Charleston has always drawn admirers but its appeal lies deeper than its perfectly groomed streets."
April, 2012
Museum Mysteries: H.L. Hunley
"Charleston, South Caroina: It was in this bustling port city that the Civil War began...What happened to the Hunley and it's crew?"
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March, 2012
National Geographic Traveler
"Charleston's stately manors still gleam, but indie shops and top chefs give the city fresh polish."
January, 2012
Morning Joe at the Mills House in Charleston, S.C.
"Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert joins Morning Joe on set in South Carolina to discuss his exploratory committee to run for United States of S.C., and his recent team-up with Herman Cain."
November, 2011
Charleston: Tour the No. 1 travel destination
"Jeff Glor takes a tour of Charleston, S.C., a city full of old southern style, charm, and hospitality that was most recently voted as the No. 1 travel destination among cities in North America."
November, 2011
Insider's Charleston
"As the home of Ft. Sumter, Charleston took center stage during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War this year. But mostly the city looks toward the future. In the last few years, it's cosmopolitan restaurant and cultural scenes have flourished."
September, 2011
Bon Appetit
Bon Appetit named Husk Best New Restaurant in America for 2011. Chef Sean Brock, who won the 2010 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southeast Award, opened Husk in November 2010.
September, 2011
The New York Times
"On the June morning when the Great Hall at the Charleston City Market, in Charleston, S.C., reopened to the public after an 18-month renovation, spotting the locals amid the vacationing throngs was easy."
September, 2011
Sophisticated Living
"Even though I left Charleston a few months ago, it is still with me. I am not talking about the indelible memories, photographs or souvenirs picked up along the way, but rather the few pounds I happily acquired over a week of overindulging in some of the best cuisine I have experienced in recent memory."
May, 2011
Saveur
"If you think of fried food as cloddish, you need to eat seafood in the Lowcountry. Because the freshest oysters, shrimp, and flounder have always been so readily available, local cooks have evolved a style of cooking that's as exquisite as tempura, the point being to halo flavor rather than to smother it." Click the cover to read more.
May, 2011
Southern Living
Read the May issue to discover "Five Farm-Fresh Treats" available at the Charleston Farmers Market as well as the Black Guinea Hogs favored by Chef Craig Deihl of Cypress. Click the thumbnail to read more.
May, 2011
Everyday with Rachael Ray
"Charleston is having a moment. And it has almost everything to do with food. A fresh spirit has swooped in and lit up the town's restaurant scene, where chefs are breaking ground by, first and foremost, celebrating Southern tradition and homegrown ingredients." Click the cover to read more!
May, 2011
Travel + Leisure
Matt and Ted Lee, cookbook authors, offer their perspective on the Charleston area in the May issue of T+L. Click the cover to read more.
April, 2011
Wine Enthusiast
"A crop of winecentric bars and cutting-edge restaurants give visitors a taste of luxurious Lowcountry living in this charming coastal city." Click the cover to read more.
April, 2011
Smithsonian
"On the afternoon of April 11, 1861, a small boat flying a white flag pushed off from the tip of the narrow peninsula surrounding the city of Charleston." Click the cover to read more.
March, 2011
Style
"Our hungry correspondent takes a culinary tour of Charleston and finds Food Network stars at every stop." Click the cover to read more.
January, 2010
Southern Living
The Charleston area earned several nods in the January 2011 issue of Southern Living. Click the cover to read highlights from the issue.
October, 2010
Woman's Day
A great itinerary for a visit to the Charleston area in this issue of Woman's Day. Click the cover to read highlights from the issue.
September, 2010
Food & Wine
Chef Sean Brock earns high praise for his pulled pork in this issue of Food & Wine. Click the cover to read highlights from the issue.
August, 2010
Outside
Outside named Charleston as one of the nation's top 25 Best Small Towns. Click the cover to read highlights from the issue.
