South Carolina City Is Best In The Country For The 11th Year In A Row

In the Carolinas, there are many cute, festive, quaint cities to visit. But there's one city in South Carolina that seems to rise above all others year after year. Travel & Leisure has just come out with their 'World's Best Awards for 2023'. Their list ranks the best cities, hotels, airlines, and more. One South Carolina city has topped their list yet again this year.

According to the magazine, Charleston, South Carolina is the 'Best City in the U.S.' for 2023. This is the 11th year in a row the historical city has topped the list. And for good reason. There are so many different things to see and enjoy in Charleston.

If you've never visited Charleston, you need to put it on your 'must see' list. Although it's been quite a while since I've been, it's a gorgeous place! You can spend an entire day just walking around and looking at the beautiful homes there. The homes, known as Charleston-style homes, are built in a variety of architectural styles, but share a similar interior layout. Almost all of the homes are on narrow lots and are at least two stories. Many of the homes are brightly painted, which adds to their charm.

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Charleston, it reminds you of an older time. Almost every home has a huge porch, usually in front. Most homes have long porches on the first and second floors. It's very Southern. Along with the very Southern homes, there's very Southern food.

In 2000, I got married to my first husband in Charleston. After we were married, we eloped, we had dinner at the famous Magnolia Restaurant. It was amazing! I had the best shrimp and grits! The restaurant has been serving amazing Southern food for over 30 years. Just looking at the menu makes you hungry. It's a must visit when you travel to Charleston.

The Charleston City Market is another place to visit when walking around Charleston. At the market, you'll be able to find lots of arts and crafts that are local to the area. You can't leave the market without purchasing a sweetgrass basket. For more than 300 years, people in Charleston have been weaving the baskets and they're gorgeous. They are made with locally harvested bulrush and they last forever!

In addition to all of the local artisans, there's food to enjoy as well. Grab a cup of coffee while walking around the market and grab yourself a Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. If you've never tried these, omg! These biscuits melt in your mouth. You can also find the biscuits in the freezer section of your local Harris Teeter or Publix. I've found them at Publix. I'll get some Publix Chicken Tenders and put them inside a Callie's biscuit. Heaven!

There are so many things to do in Charleston, that I can't list them all here. It's a great city for a weekend getaway. There are numerous historic hotels to stay in that are full of Southern charm.

Here's the complete list of Travel & Leisure's 'Best Cities in the U.S.:

You can see the 'Best Cities in the World for 2023' list and Travel & Leisure's other 'Best' lists here.

Shrimp and grits are a southern staple. So I am not surprised that you can find some of the best shrimp and grits in the world right in South Carolina. As a Charleston girl, I can tell you that shrimp and grits is no joke. It is not only the brunch staple but also the must-eat whenever in Charleston. It's something about Charleston cooking that just is good for the soul. According to food experts, South Carolina has more than one of the best shrimp and grits in the world. Can you believe it?

Taste Atlas gathered a list of some of the best shrimp and grits in the world. They have their top 10 which are home to the best shrimp and grits in the world according to food experts and 7 South Carolina locations made the top 10. That's right, 7 out of the 10 places for shrimp and grits are right here in the Carolinas. How lucky are we? Not only are they South Carolina restaurants, but the majority are right in the Lowcountry of Charleston. So if you have never tried shrimp and grits before, now might be your time to give them a taste. Check out some of the best locations in the world for shrimp and grits.

82 Queen is a Lowcountry favorite. This restaurant is serving up Lowcountry favorites from shrimp and grits and she-crab soup to fried green tomatoes and more! It is located in the heart of downtown and close to all of the shopping and fun that can be found on King Street. Enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner at this Charleston favorite whenever you are back in town.

Now Hyman's Seafood is a popular place to eat whenever you are in Charleston. Located right off of the famous market, this Charleston restaurant is serving up plenty of Charleston favorites and serving some of your favorites. Tons of celebrities visit here and the artwork within the building will tell you who has been there. Enjoy shrimp and grits, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, crawfish, fish, and more!

Hilton Head Island surely serves up some great seafood classics as well in South Carolina. A Lowcountry Backyard is your home for great seafood, drinks, and music. Their shrimp and grits are a staple, but also serving up favorites such as crab cake, May River blue crab dip, Lowcountry boil, and more! Next time you head to Hilton Head this might be the place you need to check out.

The Glass Onion is a unique, homegrown, and local restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. They support local farmers and purveyors in the area to help keep things fresh and locally focused within the restaurant. Their shrimp and grits are one of their menu favorites. But, they are also serving up dishes such as deviled eggs, fried green tomato po boy, gumbo, and more!

South Carolina is not the only spot with some good shrimp and grits. Atlanta is serving up some bomb southern food over at South City Kitchen. With multiple Georgia locations, you can get a taste of shrimp and grits wherever you may be. Enjoy some of your other southern favorites like smoked lamb sausage, she-crab soup, collard greens, chicken livers, and more!

Now THIS is one of those spots that I will fight for to the death of me. Page's Okra Grill is one of my all time favorite places to eat whenever I go back home. They have some of the best southern food, fresh seafood, fresh ingredients, it is beyond words. Honestly, everyone I know coming to Charleston for the first time this is one of the spots I tell them they have to check out. Great shrimp and grits, fried shrimp, mac and cheese, loaded fries, and more!

Brennan's of Houston is located in Houston, Texas. I actually used to live there as well, but I have never heard of this spot so now I am intrigued to learn more. Their brunch menu online seems that they certainly have some great options to check out. From shrimp & grits to banana's foster to soft shell crab and more! Yeah, next time I head to Houston I will be trying this place out for sure. 

Another Charleston restaurant. I am telling you, shrimp and grits is really a Charleston staple. Poogan's Porch in Charleston is serving up shrimp and grits the right way. This southern restaurant has all of your favorites beyond shrimp and grits like pimento cheese fritters, fried pickled okra, catfish sandwich, chicken fried pork chop, and more. This is another one that I personally have not been to in Charleston, but it looks like I will be going next time I visit home.

Of course New Orleans had to make this list. If there was one city I would say is like Charleston when it comes to food, New Orleans is it. Atchafalaya Restaurant is home to some of New Orleans favorite shrimp and grits. This unique spot offers menu items you may not have even thought of such as crispy gulf oysters, peaches & cream waffles, goat cheese salad, and more!

Husk is one of those restaurants that we have seen before. They have been named one of Charleston's best restaurants, best burger, and now top notch shrimp and grits. At this point, you can't really be surprised about this one. Located in the heart of Charleston, this cute little dining spot is serving up big flavors for their guests. If you ever head to Charleston, add this to your list too.