An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living Consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents.

One of the best things about visiting or living in a city is that there is something for everyone. And this year’s reader-voted top Southern cities from our annual South’s Best awards have it all—arts and culture, fantastic food, sporting events, shopping—but still have a distinct energy and personality. From metropolises like Atlanta and Nashville to historic spots like Annapolis to coastal destinations like Tampa , these cities represent the wonderful diversity of our region.

20. Annapolis, Maryland Annapolis, MD Aerial View. Credit: © Paul Souders/Getty Images This historic coastal city dates back to 1649, and its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved and restored buildings feel like traveling back in time. But the area is filled with modern-day pleasures too, from stylish restaurants serving the freshest seafood to Main Street shopping to theater, music, and ballet performances. Explore Annapolis

19. Huntsville, Alabama Credit: Rob Hainer/Getty Images Home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Rocket City has made several national lists (including our own) of the best places to live in America. The combination of a low cost of living, high quality of life, and a thriving job market have put Huntsville in the national spotlight. Locals love the area’s greenways and parks; Lowe Mills ARTS and Entertainment, the biggest privately-owned arts facility in the South; and Campus 805, a dining and entertainment complex. Explore Huntsville

18. Tampa, Florida Credit: Robbie Caponetto Tampa is known for its beautiful bay and historic Ybor City, with its repurposed cigar factories. The city’s Cuban influence sets it apart from other places in Florida, as well as its nightlife, numerous museums, and RiverWalk, which connects several major attractions. Explore Tampa

17. Austin, Texas Credit: Gabrela Herman Part college town, part big city, Austin seems to get bigger and better each year. More than just a destination for barbecue, it’s home to award-winning restaurants and cuisines from around the world. Add to that live music, swimming holes, art, craft breweries, and independent shops and you’ve got a fantastic place to live or visit. Explore Austin

16. Birmingham, Alabama Credit: Getty Images We’re partial to Birmingham as it is the home of Southern Living, but readers love the Magic City as well. Downtown has a fresh buzz thanks to CityWalk, a 30-acre public space that includes a dog park, playground, and popular skate park. And the city’s dining scene continues to attract national praise. Explore Birmingham

15. Orlando, Florida Credit: Chris Sardinas/Courtesy of Visit Orlando Come for the theme parks, then prepare to be surprised by all that Orlando has to offer: beautiful lakes, globally-influenced food, boutique shopping, the lush, tropical plant-filled Leu Gardens, and a personality all its own. Explore Orlando

14. Franklin, Tennessee Credit: Courtesy of Visit Franklin Once considered a country getaway from Nashville, Franklin has fully come into its own as a city, while still holding onto its small-town appeal. The heart of Franklin is the walkable main drag in the downtown historic district, which is filled with small businesses, restaurants, and a beautifully restored vintage theater. This area is especially beautiful and festive in the fall, but there’s never a bad time to visit. Explore Franklin

13. Wilmington, North Carolina Credit: Courtesy of Wilmington & Beaches Voted our number one City On The Rise in 2024, this year, Wilmington made the leap onto this list. It’s no wonder this place is rising in popularity. It’s home to a lively riverfront and scenic historic district, beautiful gardens, and family-friendly attractions. Although there’s plenty to see and do right in town, multiple beaches are just a short drive away. Explore Wilmington

12. San Antonio, Texas Credit: Wynn Meyers San Antonio is best known for legendary sites like The Alamo as well as River Walk, where you can stroll or take a boat ride through the heart of the city. But venture a bit off the beaten path and you’ll discover plenty of things to love, like San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, The Witte Museum, and puffy tacos at Ray’s Drive Inn. Explore San Antonio

11. Athens, Georgia Credit: Robbie Caponetto College towns don’t get much more charming than Athens. Its small-town feel coupled with excellent restaurants, live music, and arts scene makes it a perennial favorite among our readers. Grab a croissant at Independent Baking Co., explore the Oconee Rivers Greenway, then catch a show at the Georgia Theater. Explore Athens

10. Lexington, Kentucky Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III Celebrating its 250th birthday this year, Lexington has long been a destination for horses and bourbon, but it offers so much more these days. (Although a visit to horse country is a must for the scenery alone.) Explore the area’s Shaker Village, drink and dine your way through the walkable downtown, or shop locally at Greyline Station. Explore Lexington

9. Atlanta, Georgia Credit: Getty Images Like the best big cities, you can have a completely different experience every time you visit Atlanta. Take in an art exhibit at The High Museum of Art, see a show at the Fox Theater, drive along the famous Buford Highway and find restaurants serving nearly every type of cuisine. Or just wander from neighborhood to neighborhood along the Atlanta Beltline and let the city surprise you. Explore Atlanta

8. Chattanooga, Tennessee Credit: Robbie Caponetto A paradise for lovers of the outdoors, Scenic City is made for hikers, bikers, and kayakers. But even if you’re not the active type, Chattanooga’s aquarium and art museum, growing food scene, and gorgeous riverfront will win you over. Venture beyond downtown to the Bluff View Art District and NorthShore neighborhoods for even more fantastic views, plus shops and restaurants. Explore Chattanooga

7. St. Petersburg, Florida Credit: John Coletti/Getty Images St. Pete might not get as much attention as other places in the Sunshine State, but that’s not going to last much longer. The city, which has bounded back after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, is more than its beautiful beach. You can go to world-class art museums, kayak in a nature preserve, hit up your choice of craft breweries, and even catch a baseball game during spring training. This genuinely fun and funky place is a Florida gem. Explore St. Petersburg

6. Greenville, South Carolina Peace Center in Greenville, SC. Credit: Courtesy of Peace Center

No longer a hidden gem, Greenville has become one of the South’s favorite places to live and visit, especially for people who want the perks of a big city but a small town feel. Downtown is bustling and walkable with loads of great restaurants, the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail connects major attractions throughout the city, and outdoor adventures are just a short drive away. Explore Greenville

5. Nashville, Tennessee Credit: Rick Diamond / Staff / Getty Over the years, Music City has become so much more than its moniker. Of course, nothing compares to a concert at The Opry and Broadway is still rockin’ late into the night, but that’s just one side of this booming city. Nashville’s food scene has gained national attention, its neighborhoods beyond downtown (like East Nashville) are vibrant and worth exploring, and if you’re into sports, you can choose from football, soccer, hockey, and baseball. Explore Nashville

4. New Orleans, Louisiana Credit: Getty Images Everyone seems to have their own personal New Orleans story, and that’s a testament to how memorable and magical it is. The city’s food, music, culture, and history are unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re there for Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, or any other weekend, you’re guaranteed a good time and memories to last forever. Explore New Orleans

3. Asheville, North Carolina Credit: Cameron Reynolds This city has always been a meaningful place to our readers, and even more so after Hurricane Helene devastated the area in 2024. But Asheville proves that you can’t keep a good city down, as businesses, community leaders, and residents banded together to bring back their hometown and reopen it to visitors. If you love this place, there’s no better time to support it. And if you’ve never been, it’s a great time to discover it for yourself. Explore Asheville

2. Savannah, Georgia Credit: Robbie Caponetto There’s a photo-worthy view nearly everywhere you turn in Savannah, which is why it’s so easy to fall in love with this place. Wander the city’s squares and parks, explore its museums, shop in charming boutiques, and marvel at the dramatic moss-draped oaks. Explore Savannah

Georgia’s Hostess City is making headlines once again, named one of the top five travel destinations in the United States, praising the historic city for its walkability, Southern hospitality, and enchanting natural beauty.

Ranked fourth on Travel + Leisure’s list, Savannah earned a reader score of 86.64, standing out among national favorites.

Here’s where it is.

Best travel destination in Georgia

The magazine highlighted the city’s iconic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, its welcoming atmosphere, and its growing reputation for offering a thoughtful, inclusive approach to its complex history.

“This Southern city won top marks for its walkability, hospitality, and lush parks—all those live oaks dripping in Spanish moss certainly add to the atmospheric quality,” Travel + Leisure wrote.

Savannah’s historic downtown, with its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and 22 park-like squares, continues to charm travelers year after year.

In addition to being a visual feast, the city’s growing food scene and rich cultural experiences keep visitors coming back for more.

Top 10 cities in the US

Santa Fe, New Mexico New Orleans, Louisiana Charleston, South Carolina Savannah, Georgia Alexandria, Virginia Honolulu, Hawaii Greenville, South Carolina New York, New York Asheville, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois

For more information, visit travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-cities-us-11740107#toc-the-full-list.

Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

When choosing city escapes in the United States, travelers continue to seek destinations with pedestrian-friendly streets, dynamic arts and culture institutions, and excellent food. For many visitors, it was also important to have access to activities that suit everyone, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a multigenerational family. One quality that was rewarded time and again, no matter the location? A tangible sense of history, particularly in the city’s architectural identity.

Adobe house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. ivanastar/Getty Images

How Voting Works 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. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below: Sights/landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

The Southeast and the Southwest were well represented, with only one winner each for New England and the Midwest. Readers rewarded recent favorites of the past few years like Boston (No. 14) , San Antonio (No. 12), and Savannah (No. 4).

After dropping off in 2024, Asheville (No. 9) returned to the list, with visitors expressing love for the city and hope for its revival, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. One newcomer, Greenville (No. 7), made a strong debut, cementing the Southeast as a powerhouse region, with seven cities on the list. Across the board, voters rewarded cities with walkable downtowns and outstanding regional cuisine. And, this year, a new winner emerged, taking the top spot from Charleston for the first time in 12 years.

The Full List

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

The cityscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sean Pavone/Travel + Leisure

For the first time, this Southwestern city has claimed the top spot. Readers raved about the inventive New Mexican cuisine and the destination’s natural beauty—sitting at 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. Voters also appreciated the urban offerings, such as markets and art galleries. “Every trip exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover,” one repeat visitor said, adding, “Santa Fe offers a multi-layer experience.” Another summed it up well: Santa Fe is “a true gem of a place in America.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.80

T+L Reader Every trip exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover. — T+L Reader

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

The exterior of Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

There’s so much to love about the Big Easy—the jazz clubs, the festivals, the independent hotels—but our readers zeroed in on the city’s famous dining scene, which spans many traditions, including Creole and Cajun, barbecue, and French. “Some of the best food ever in New Orleans. I had the best crepe of my life in a local spot owned and run by one person,” commented one visitor. “The atmosphere is like no other city in the US and the food is outstanding,” said another.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 87.06

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Visitors enjoying the waterfront in Charleston, South Carolina. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

After 12 straight years at the top of the list, this coastal escape has moved into the third spot. Still, there’s much to adore about the Holy City, which is brimming with history and Southern hospitality. One reader was appreciative that the downtown retains its period charm. Visitors also praised the architecture: “Charleston’s laws of keeping every building under the height of its tallest church, keeps the city unique, quaint and charming,” said one reader.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.01

4. Savannah, Georgia

Iconic spanish moss oak trees in Savannah, Georgia. Kelsey Glennon/Travel + Leisure

This Southern city won top marks for its walkability, hospitality, and lush parks—all those live oaks dripping in Spanish moss certainly add to the atmospheric quality. Also noteworthy was the destination’s commitment to thoughtful storytelling about its past through walking experiences. “We took several tours that taught us a lot about history, and I was surprised at the inclusive and truthful manner in which it was presented,” said one voter.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.64

5. Alexandria, Virginia

Row of townhouses in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Grace Cary/Getty Images

Travelers love Alexandria’s proximity to Washington D.C., giving the coastal city its big-city polish, yet it still feels far enough removed from the fray. Also of note is the colonial architecture in Old Town, the Potomac River waterfront, shopping on King Street, and an emerging food scene.

Reader Score: 85.26

6. Honolulu, Hawaii

Rowers coasting by downtown Honolulu. Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

The Hawaiian capital is a “once in a lifetime area to visit,” according to one reader. That’s in part thanks to its breathtaking scenery, including the beaches of Waikiki or Hanauma Bay, and the iconic Diamond Head volcano. But the city’s appeal goes beyond the obvious: readers cited Honolulu’s cultural and historic attractions, like the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, as well as the diverse food scene, as reasons to plan a trip.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 84.47

7. Greenville, South Carolina

Overlooking downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Cameron Reynolds/Travel + Leisure

A newcomer to the list, this mid-size city was described as one of the South’s “best kept secrets.” Visitors appreciated the high number of locally-owned restaurants and the proximity to the outdoors—the Reedy River, which flows right through downtown, also provides a peaceful setting. “Greenville is the cutest little city,” said one reader. “It maintains a small town vibe but with big city offerings.”

Reader Score: 83.91

8. New York, New York

People walking along the waterfront in New York City. Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Everyone wants to be a part of it—New York, New York. This East Coast city earns high marks year after year for its various dining options, museums, and the indefinable, electric energy of the city that never sleeps. And years later, it’s the theater scene that keeps people coming back for more. “To me, New York is the theater,” said one reader. “Can’t be beat for quality and variety—even the theaters themselves are beautiful,” said another.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 83.84

9. Asheville, North Carolina

Downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

After the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, this artsy mountain city has rebounded and is ready to welcome travelers. This year, readers praised the North Carolina city for its hiking trails, craft beer, and funky art galleries. “This city will need tourists more than ever,” said one frequent visitor, noting that they can’t wait to help the community they’ve “grown to love.”

Reader Score: 83.14

10. Chicago, Illinois

The waterfront in downtown Chicago. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Diverse, walkable neighborhoods, affordable museums, and a beautiful waterfront make this Midwestern city a constant crowd-pleaser. “Chicago is probably my favorite city in the U.S. The food, culture, museums, general cleanliness, shopping, and nightlife is as good as it gets,” sums up one visitor. “It’s also easy to stay on budget—just do your research in advance.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 83.04

11. Taos, New Mexico

Adobe houses in Taos, New Mexico. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure

For travelers looking for epic skiing, eclectic art galleries, and unique shopping, this laid-back town fits the bill. There’s a certain spiritual quality to the high-desert setting—artists like Georgia O’Keeffe were drawn here—that calls to those looking for a true retreat. Readers appreciated the destination’s peace and natural beauty, and several called out the unique cuisine, which is often found in low-key food trucks.

Reader Score: 82.80

12. San Antonio, Texas

The Pearl District in San Antonio. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

A longtime reader favorite, this city is praised for its pedestrian-friendly River Walk, historic sites like the Alamo, and the convenience of shopping and dining plazas. “There’s no place like San Antonio. History itself is dead-center in its beautiful downtown area!” said one visitor. Another traveler raved about the Hotel Emma, a boutique hotel in The Pearl—a former brewhouse that’s been converted into a thriving multi-use district with shops, markets, and entertainment spaces.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.68

13. Nashville, Tennessee

People walking down Nashville’s Broadway. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Day or night, it’s always a party in Nashville. For our readers, there’s simply no better place for live music, whether it’s country, blues, rock, or jazz. Must-visit attractions include the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and RCA’s Studio B, where Elvis recorded over 300 songs.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.34

14. Boston, Massachusetts

Store fronts in Boston. Kelsey Glennon/Travel + Leisure

“A beautiful historical city every American should visit!“ is how one reader described the staple New England city. “The history, architecture, museums, restaurants, and sports teams make it a city that has something for everyone,” said another. Also appreciated were the walkability, cleanliness, and family-friendly attractions, like the Freedom Trail, Museum of Science, and Fenway Park.

Reader Score: 81.34

15. Aspen, Colorado

The Silver Queen Gondola in downtown Aspen, Colorado. David Williams/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Readers raved about this mountain town’s natural beauty, and not just during ski season. Aspen’s year-round outdoor recreation, including the nearby Maroon Bells mountains with various hiking and biking trails, was a key selling point. Plus, the boutique shops and restaurants are a highlight, too.

Reader Score: 81.26

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Travel and Leisure ranked one city from each of the Carolinas in the top ten for U.S. travel destination for it’s natural beauty and food scene.

The city of Greenville in South Carolina was ranked number seven thanks to the Reedy River and restaurants owned by residents.

Within Greenville, Travel and Leisure said Hotel Hartness was ranked number ten in the top fifteen best resorts in the continental United States for its combination of southern hospitality and contemporary design.

Up in North Carolina, Asheville was ranked number nine for its trails, craft beer, and art galleries. Travel and Leisure also highlighted how Asheville has rebounded since the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

MORE NEWS: Upstate protesters gather while CA Gov. Newsom visits ahead of potential 2028 presidential run

Copyright 2025 WHNS. All rights reserved.

I’ve often traveled through Greenville, South Carolina, on the drive from Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, to visit my parents. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve purchased superior South Carolina peaches from the roadside stand next to the Spinx gas station in nearby Travelers Rest because I was wondering what to eat but drawing a blank. I won’t have that problem after this eating expedition because I have found that Greenville’s culinary offerings make it a place worth savoring.

As a restaurant critic and a mom, I have two essential criteria for a Southern road trip: There must be good dining options and lots of activities. Greenville has both, including plenty of museums with exciting exhibits and established restaurants in every category, whether it’s barbecue or fresh regional cuisine. There are imports from other Southern cities and towns, but Greenville has a distinct personality all its own. Here are the things to do and places to eat in Greenville.

What To Do

Get Serious About Cooking

Ruth Doyle of The Cook’s Station. Pulled Brisket Sandwich at The Cook’s Station. Ruth Doyle of The Cook’s Station. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Pulled Brisket Sandwich at The Cook’s Station. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

The Cook’s Station presents a hyper-Southern array of products showcased next to top-of-the-line BlueStar ovens for those who have food and cooking on the brain. Its newest location on Buncombe Street in downtown Greenville sells kitchen gadgets and goodies that you never even knew you needed. Want to shop for a while? Grab a glass of Champagne from the wine bar or a sandwich at the cafe.

www.thecooksstation.com, 515 Buncombe St., Greenville, SC 29601

Enjoy The City’s Green Spaces

Falls Park on the Reedy is a park located right downtown featuring a uniquely curved, single-side support suspension bridge overlooking a waterfall. It’s a beautiful park to enjoy a walk or bike ride and work up an appetite for the restaurants nearby. If you’re looking for more exercise, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile paved multi-use path that travels along the Reedy River and an old railroad corridor, eventually connecting to the nearby city of Travelers Rest. Check the website before you head out on the trail as cleanup is still underway from Hurricane Helene damage.

greenvillesc.gov, 206 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit

Find A Festival

Downtown is a central hub for activities in Greenville most Thursdays and Fridays. NOMA Square hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the year. Traveling in late spring? Artisphere is a celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts in May, while Jazz Fest takes place along Main Street during summer. The lineup features swing, funk, smooth jazz, Latin jazz, and more.

nomasquare.com, 220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

artisphere.org, 101 B Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601

visitgreenvillesc.com

Appreciate The Arts

Greenville is home to many performing arts spaces that provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy live theater, a performance by the symphony orchestra, or a ballet. The Peace Center is a 6-acre downtown destination for catching outdoor concerts or a Broadway show. Visit the Greenville County Museum of Art to see a nationally acclaimed collection of American art from Federal portraits to modern masters. Highlights include an extensive collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth and works by South Carolina artists.

peacecenter.org, 300 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

gcma.org, 420 College St., Greenville, SC 29601

Learn About Local History

Near the art museum in Greenville’s Heritage Area, the Upcountry History Museum captures the history and cultures of the upper part of the state in a series of eye-catching exhibits. This museum also brings in traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian and other museums that will satisfy history buffs and entertain children.

upcountryhistory.org, 540 Buncombe St., Greenville, SC 29601

Tour Shoeless Joe Jackson’s Home

Baseball fans can tour the final home of Shoeless Joe Jackson across from Fluor Field, the minor league home of the Greenville Drive. The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library displays artifacts and photos to preserve the legacy of the “greatest natural hitter to ever play the game.” You can also stop by his grave at Woodlawn Memorial Park, where fans often leave baseballs and other memorabilia.

shoelessjoejackson.org, 356 Field St., Greenville, SC 29601

milb.com/greenville, 945 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Meander Through The West End

In the West End of downtown close to Fluor Field, you’ll find Gather GVL, an outdoor food court of multicolored shipping containers. It’s home to 13 businesses serving everything from giant artisan doughnuts at HenDough to Maine-style lobster rolls at The Lob Father. As you walk down Augusta Street, you’ll see cute boutiques like Augusta Twenty selling brands like The Great and Rag and Bone, plus locally made jewelry.

gathergreenville.com, 126 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601

augustatwenty.com, 26 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601

Where To Eat

Savor Fresh Pasta

Jianna’s Respect Your Elders cocktail. Jianna chef Michael Kramer. Jianna’s Respect Your Elders cocktail. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Jianna chef Michael Kramer. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

After a day of shopping, lunch at Jianna is a wonderful way to recharge. Fresh pasta is the first thing you notice as you climb the pastel green stairs to the Italian eatery, which looks out onto Falls Park on the Reedy. If the weather permits, take a seat on the patio. Order the tender and light chicken piccata or any of the homemade pasta dishes. Each is sauced with a deft hand and is even better complemented by wine—you are on vacation, after all.

jiannagreenville.com, 600 S. Main St., 2nd Floor, Greenville, SC 29601

Graze And Nibble

Mix and match shareable plates from the “Graze and Nibble” menu at The Lazy Goat. Don’t want to share? Try an entree like Confit Duck Leg & Purple Potato Gnocchi or Tunisian Pork Tenderloin instead. This Mediterranean fusion restaurant also boasts a great view of the city from its open-air patio.

thelazygoat.com, 170 River Place, Greenville, SC 29601

Expand Your Palate

San Pedro’s Fiesta chicken sandwich at Califas. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

In recent years, the city’s food scene has expanded its borders, both geographically and culturally. There’s everything from Aryana Afghan Cuisine, which serves home-cooked traditional meals with local ingredients, to tacos at Califas, a strip mall spot that started as a pop-up serving trendy birria (a slow-cooked meat filling). Califas’ owner, Erika Dila, hails from Culver City, California, hence menu items with names like Sunset Boulevard and Palm Springs. The classic Heavenly Delicious Birria Tacos is a perfect benchmark for how this dish should taste, and the crispy tortilla shell and gooey strings of melted white cheese make it way too fun to eat. Dip it into the accompanying consommé (cooking liquid) for a saucy treat.

aryanagreenville.com, 210 E. Coffee St., Greenville, SC 29601

eatcalifas.com, 30 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615

Enjoy Award-Winning Cuisine

Meat and cheese plate from The Anchorage. Swordfish from The Anchorage. Meat and cheese plate from The Anchorage. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Swordfish from The Anchorage. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

Neighborhood favorite The Anchorage was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2018. Enter through Taxi House Wines, which sells a fun assortment of the bottles served at this bi-level eatery. Although the cocktails with whimsical names like Kermit the Fizz are delightful, wines match the incredible menu best. Delicious options might include a handcrafted cheese plate with silky smooth bourbon-liver mousse or a thick slab of North Carolina swordfish with fresh greens and fried garlic.

theanchoragerestaurant.com, 586 Perry Ave., Greenville, SC 29611

Explore Nearby Travelers Rest

Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest. Trio of Spreads and Chicken Liver Pâté at Topsoil Restaurant. Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Trio of Spreads and Chicken Liver Pâté at Topsoil Restaurant. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

It would be hard to discuss the culinary scene in Greenville without mentioning the town of Travelers Rest, which is about 9 miles away and growing into a powerhouse with strong ties to the land. There you’ll find Topsoil Kitchen and Market. As soon as you see the door handles, which are cast from metal to look like curled carrots (with tops intact), you’ll know this is a place that takes the earth seriously. Committed to farm-to-table cuisine, chef Adam Cooke was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2020.

Baguettes are for sale near the hosting stand, but save yourself for the jaw-dropping ways this kitchen spins ingredients, such as a plate of za’atar-roasted carrots and beets served with chard hummus and cilantro pesto. If you’re lucky, you might catch the homemade raspberry doughnuts; they’re slightly sweet, a little tart, and pure love in each warm bite.

travelersrestsc.com

topsoilrestaurant.com, 13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest, SC 29690

Topsoil Restaurant’s fresh bread. Brunch at Topsoil Restaurant. Topsoil Restaurant’s fresh bread. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Brunch at Topsoil Restaurant. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

Where To Stay

Overlook The River At A Luxury Hotel

Credit: Courtesy of Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville

For a luxury experience, stay in the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, one of Marriott’s Autograph Collection hotels. The moody green decor and lodge-like lobby fit right in on the Reedy River, a view you can take in from your oversized windows or private balcony. Enjoy top-notch dining and a full-service spa at the hotel.

marriott.com, 44 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601

Find Convenience At A Downtown Hotel

Wondering where to stay? The Westin Poinsett is a stalwart on Main Street, located just one block from the Peace Center. The AAA Four Diamond hotel is steps from shopping and food. With luxury linens and bath, you won’t want to leave the comfort of your room. Head downstairs for a meal, or order room service.

marriott.com, 120 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Rest Up In The Heart Of Downtown

If you like something more contemporary, the AC Hotel Greenville has a rooftop area ideal for special events. The hotel emphasizes the area’s history and features art from local artists. End the day at the patio of the tapas bar for cocktails and Spanish-Mediterranean bites.

marriott.com, 315 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601