MEET CHARLTON SINGLETON By age three, Charlton Singleton was already listening to his older siblings’ lessons and intuitively playing the melodies on the family piano—an early sign of his natural gift. Growing up on the outskirts of Charleston in a close‑knit community, Charlton was shaped by two powerful influences: the church and music. The son of a preacher, he made his stage debut at four, singing “Amazing Grace” at his father’s church. Beyond piano, he cultivated skills on organ, violin, ce

Thank You for Voting! For the fourth consecutive year, Charleston has once again been named the #1 Best U.S. City in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Editor‑in‑Chief Pilar Guzmán appeared on CBS This Morning to announce the winners this year. “It’s a very exciting time for Charleston,” Guzmán said. “The little city that could…a jewel box—a thriving food scene paired with historic charm. It’s one of America’s most beloved cities.” Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. echoed that sentiment: “Th

Charleston’s historic streets, framed by pastel‑colored Antebellum homes and blooming trees, create a postcard‑perfect backdrop. Charleston’s charm makes it a magnet for travel writers, so we hosted nine seasoned bloggers to experience its allure up close. Grace Atwood, Stripes & Sequins I fell in love with the city and all of the amazing people I met. It broke my heart a little to leave (and head back to cold, crowded New York.) But I’ll be back. There’s still so much to do and see. Lucky

Toronto, Canada’s most populous city with 2.6 million residents, is also the country’s cultural hub—140 languages are spoken here. In contrast, Charleston, a Southern gem, hosts roughly 5% of Toronto’s population and recognizes only two languages: English and Gullah. While their skylines differ—Toronto boasts one of the world’s tallest towers, and Charleston’s horizon is framed by historic church steeples—both cities share a vibrant, award‑winning culinary scene that keeps locals and visitors co

For the next five days, Travel + Leisure invites you to vote for the world’s best destinations, hotels, and travel brands. If Charleston is your favorite Lowcountry gem, this is your chance to help it shine. Cast your vote before the March 2 deadline: CLICK HERE! In 2014, Charleston earned the distinction of #1 City in the United States and Canada. The city’s Planters Inn was honored as the #1 Top U.S. Small City Hotel (under 100 rooms). Readers’ enthusiasm also propelled the French Quarter Inn,

Spring has arrived in Charleston, bringing vibrant colors and the resonant chimes of church bells.Spring Blossoms in Charleston: A Scenic Sunday StrollEnjoy a leisurely walk along historic streets, where blooming flowers and the gentle ringing of bells create a tranquil morning atmosphere.

Charleston Crowned the Top City in the U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure’s 2015 World’s Best Awards We’re thrilled to announce that Charleston, South Carolina, has once again been named the No. 1 city in the United States and Canada in Travel + Leisure’s 2015 World’s Best Awards. This marks the third consecutive year the city has earned the title, a testament to its unrivaled blend of historic charm, culinary excellence, and Southern hospitality. We extend a heartfelt thank you to every voter

Charleston’s storied past, well‑preserved architecture, thriving restaurant scene, and welcoming residents have earned it the top spot as the U.S.’s #1 Small City in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards—its fifth consecutive win. Readers vote across categories such as Arts & Culture, Friendliness, Scenery & Sights, Restaurants & Food, Accommodations, Shopping, and Value. The 2015 awards drew a record 128,000 ballots, the highest number in the 28‑year history of the contest. Charlest

Capture your favorite holiday moments and enter the #ChristmasInCharleston15 photo contest for a chance to win a Charleston‑themed gift basket valued at more than $1,500. From November 27 to December 14, upload your photos to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag them with the contest hashtag. Encourage family and friends to vote on our Facebook page – the image with the most votes takes home the prize. Tag your images with #ChristmasInCharleston15 to qualify. Bulls Bay Charleston Sea Sa

Southwest Airlines will commence weekly Saturday non‑stop flights between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Denver International Airport (DEN) starting June 11, 2016. CEO Helen T. Hill of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau remarked: “Denver has long been a strategic focus for Southwest’s service to Charleston. The pair is now the largest city pair in the region without nonstop service.” She added that the Saturday service could transition to daily once the market’s via

Don’t miss your chance to help Charleston retain its title as America’s premier travel destination for the fourth straight year in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Awards. “Seeing Travel + Leisure readers recognize Charleston’s unique blend of world‑class cuisine, historic architecture, and unmatched hospitality is truly rewarding,” says Nathan Lump, Editor‑in‑Chief of Travel + Leisure. Join the movement—cast your vote for Charleston today! Plan a trip to experience why Charleston tops the l

Looking for a daily dose of #MondayMotivation? Explore the most captivating Charleston hotel Instagram accounts that capture the city’s unique charm. From the eclectic vibe of Grand Bohemian Hotel to the serene greens of Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the cozy legacy of Planters Inn, the boutique elegance of The Restoration Hotel, the historic allure of The Spectator Hotel, and the modern flair of Zero George—each profile offers a fresh perspective on the Lowcountry. What’s your favorite Charleston

After checking in, indulge in Charleston’s renowned cuisine right from your hotel. From rooftop terraces to lush courtyard cafés, we’ve curated the 16 best on‑premise dining spots in the Lowcountry, featuring Palmetto Café & Charleston Grill at Belmond Charleston Place, Élevé at Grand Bohemian, Swamp Fox at Francis Marion, The Ocean Room, Jasmine Porch, Loggerhead Grill at The Sanctuary, The Atlantic Room, Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Grill 225 at Market Pavilion, The

We’re proud to announce that Charleston, South Carolina has been voted the #1 small‑city destination in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards. For the sixth consecutive year, Charleston has topped the list. A record 300,000 readers participated, awarding the city a stellar 90.25 points across culture, friendliness, atmosphere, dining, lodging, and shopping. “Condé Nast Traveler’s readers are among the world’s most discerning, and Charleston’s hospitality continue

Heirloom recipes anchor holiday traditions, and Charleston’s rich culinary heritage comes alive when friends and family gather around the table. From hot‑from‑the‑oven cheese straws at cocktail parties to the tradition of eating collard greens on New Year’s Day—believed to bring prosperity—food is central to the charm of a Charleston Christmas. One of the Lowcountry’s most cherished rituals is gathering around the table to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. That’s why we asked Tara Guérard

We’re delighted to share that Charleston, South Carolina has been crowned the “Best U.S. City” in AFAR’s inaugural Travelers’ Choice Awards. This honor reflects the voices of thousands of travelers who celebrated Charleston’s charm, history, and hospitality. Thank you to every voter for making this milestone possible. We look forward to welcoming you to a city that’s truly bucket‑list worthy. Explore Charleston deeper with AFAR Journeys – curated itineraries that give you insider access to the c

Charleston’s cultural fabric is richly threaded with Gullah heritage, a legacy of African roots that permeates its cuisine, language, and artistry. Below are 14 must‑visit locations where you can experience the depth of Gullah culture, from historic plantations to museums and artisan workshops. Aiken‑Rhett House The oldest preserved home in Charleston, Aiken‑Rhett House showcases the Gullah influence in its architectural details and original furnishings, offering guided tours that highlight Afri

Charleston’s 300‑year legacy is inseparable from its military heritage. Below, we highlight the city’s most emblematic military sites: Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter National Monument, the Charleston Navy Base and Naval Shipyard Memorial at North Charleston Riverfront Park, and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The first settlement, founded at Charles Towne Landing in 1670, featured a wooden stockade that deterred attacks from native Americans and Sp

The Charleston region is a living museum, where antebellum mansions, period antiques, paneled ballrooms, and formal gardens showcase the opulence of colonial wealth. As one of the nation’s largest and most impeccably preserved historic districts, downtown Charleston carries the designation of National Historic Landmark. Below are the city’s most iconic treasures you’ll want to visit: the Aiken‑Rhett House, the Charleston Museum, the Edmondston‑Alston House, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Nath

Charleston’s cobblestone streets, stately mansions, and picturesque waterfronts have earned the city a place on Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Most Romantic Cities” list and Food & Wine’s “World’s Most Romantic Cities” list. Whether you’re strolling past historic landmarks or sipping a sunset cocktail, the city’s charm sets the scene for a honeymoon that feels both intimate and unforgettable. Start planning your Holy City honeymoon by exploring eight of Charleston’s most romantic suites: Fult