The ‘Holy City’ – Charleston, SC – Wins Again!

Sunset on the Battery

I have to admit that I am a little partial to Charleston.  As a native South Carolinian, and a former student at the College of Charleston, I have certainly spent a lot of time in the ‘Holy City’ exploring its streets and alleyways and getting to know its quirks and secrets. Over the past twenty years Charleston has grown, changed, and evolved into an incredible destination point for travelers. Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and excessively polite people, Charleston has received a large number of accolades over the past years. With its great rice plantations and important role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, Charleston is filled with historical firsts.

Latitude Lane off East Bay Street

Founded in 1670 as Charles Towne in honor of King Charles II of England, Charleston adopted its present name in 1783. The city moved to its location on Oyster Point in 1680 from a location on the west bank of the Ashley River. Charleston possesses a unique history of people, culture, traditions, architecture, and natural beauty like no other city in the United States.

Wrought Iron by African American craftsman such as Philip Simmons

For the third consecutive year, Charleston has been ranked in the Top Travel Destination list of 2013 by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Last year Charleston achieved a first place rank but this year found it sliding to a fifth place tie with San Sebastian, Spain. The lovely colonial town of San Miguel de Allende located in Central Mexico took top honors. Comments from the magazines readers about Charleston included “magnificent bed and breakfasts, amazing shopping, and ‘insanely nice’ locals.” And even though the city is small compared to New York, you will never be lacking with its excellent, diverse restaurant choices. From downhome Southern to Gullah to fusion, some of the top chefs in the country serve up delicious dishes in Charleston.

Charleston Style Single House

This award follows on the heels of Travel and Leisure’s top US Cities number one ranking for 2013.  If Charleston is not on your destination list, believe me, you are missing out on a one of a kind experience.

Ansonborough Door

Other Top Condé Nast Traveler cities include:

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Budapest, Hungary
3. Florence, Italy
4. Salzburg, Austria
5. Charleston, South Carolina, United States
6. San Sebastián, Spain
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Rome
9. Siena, Italy
10. Québec City

Do you have plans to add Charleston to your destination list? Have you found out why it is called the Holy City?