Charleston: America’s Favorite City
Charlestonians know that it’s not polite to brag, but it’s acceptable to beam with pride. When Charleston, South Carolina, collected the crown as “America’s #1 Favorite City” for the third year straight, we were exceptionally pleased. When we won the title again, we just had to share the news.
America’s Favorite City
“The people of Charleston are honored to once again be named Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice No. 1 Top U.S. City,” Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. said. “To be recognized for the fourth consecutive year is truly a testament to Charleston’s vibrant culture, genuine hospitality and wonderful people who make it such a special place to both live and visit.”
Incredibly, after tallying 76,659 votes in 2014, Charleston ranked No. 2 in the world, coming in a mere fraction behind Florence, Italy.
Charleston Charm
And there’s more. Charleston was named “America’s Most Charming City” in 2015 by popular vote among readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Singled out above New Orleans, Boston, San Francisco and other classically charming places, Charleston handily won public opinion over. Visitors to the city will find beautiful architecture, cobblestoned streets, quaint bookstores and shops, and little cafés in old neighborhoods that have found new life. And of course, Charlestonians are super-friendly and welcoming.
A Place for Love
Even the travel editors at Travel + Leisure magazine have noticed there’s something special going on in tourism to Charleston. “Consider yourself warned,” they write. “Charleston, SC, is hard to shake.” If you’re thinking about a romantic escape, look no further. Charleston scooped up the top pick on the Travel + Leisure reader survey for “America’s Most Romantic City.”
The editors at Fodor’s agreed, giving a knowing nod to Charleston as the only mainland USA destination on the 2014 list of “15 Most Romantic Getaways Around the World.” Nice job, Charleston, in leaving a lasting impression over such classically romantic places as Maui, Paris, the Italian Riviera and the Greek islands. Is it our verdant secret gardens, magnolia-lined streets, antebellum architecture, Southern charm? Or, perhaps it’s all that plus the lovely Charleston carriage tours. There’s no doubt that a few stolen kisses and proposals of matrimony have happened aboard our gorgeous horse and carriage rides.
Size Doesn’t Matter
In case you’re wondering where Charleston stands on the TripAdvisor rankings of the “Best Destinations in the U.S.,” we’re punching way above our weight, coming in at #3 behind New York City and Chicago. That’s quite an accomplishment for a city that is a good 200 places down the list population-wise.
Stayed tuned for next year’s results, and come see us, so you can cast a vote in the next round. Find us at Charleston Carriage Works and the best guides on our local Charleston carriage tours will show you what we love best about America’s favorite city.
