Southern Living announces the winners of its eighth annual South’s Best Awards, recognizing readers’ favorite Southern destinations and experiences.
For the eighth year in a row, Charleston, South Carolina has been voted the South’s Best City, and for the first time, Wilmington, North Carolinaclaims the top spot for the South’s Best City on the Rise. In-depth coverage of the winners appears in the April issue of Southern Living, on sale March 22 and on SouthernLiving.com here.
This year’s South’s Best Awards survey results reveal the South’s Best Cities on the Rise, plus the Best Cities, Best Small Town in Every State, Best New Restaurants, Best BBQ in Every State, and more. The special double issue’s cover features Matthew and Camila McConaughey talking about family, their connection to Texas, and the creation of their tequila brand, Pantalones.
“From the beaches and charm of Wilmington, North Carolina, our top city on the rise, to the hidden desert gem of Marfa, Texas, this year’s South’s Best Issue celebrates the places and experiences that define our beloved region,” said Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living. “We’re thrilled to have Matthew and Camila McConaughey on our cover, whose love of the Lone Star State embodies the spirit of the South’s Best Issue.”
Highlights of Southern Living’s 2024 South’s Best Awards survey results are as follows:
South’s Best Cities – Top 10
1. Charleston, SC
2. Savannah, GA
3. Nashville, TN
4. New Orleans, LA
5. Asheville, NC
6. Greenville, SC
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Austin, TX
9. Raleigh, NC
10. Orlando, FL
See the full list here.
South’s Best Cities on the Rise – Top 10
1. Wilmington, NC
2. Franklin, TN
3. Spartanburg, SC
4. Huntsville, AL
5. Columbia, SC
6. New Braunfels, TX
7. Bowling Green, KY
8. Cary, NC
9. Alpharetta, GA
10. Bentonville, AR
See the full list here.
Best New Restaurants – Winner in Each State
Alabama: 1856 (Auburn)
Arkansas: Nosh Nola (Bentonville)
Florida: Norman’s (Orlando)
Georgia: Brochu’s Family Tradition (Savannah)
Kentucky: House of Marigold (Louisville)
Louisiana: Miss Shirley’s Chinese Restaurant (New Orleans)
Maryland: Little Donna’s (Baltimore)
Mississippi: Sambou’s African Kitchen (Jackson)
North Carolina: Salted Melon (Charlotte)
Oklahoma: Nātv (Broken Arrow)
South Carolina: Vern’s (Charleston)
Tennessee: The Pink Hermit (Nashville)
Texas: Veracruz Fonda (Austin)
Virginia: Birdie’s (Richmond)
West Virginia: The Vandalia Co. (Charleston)
For methodology and more results from Southern Living South’s Best 2024 survey, including the full lists in every category, visit SouthernLiving.com.
Written by SouthernLiving.