For more than 30 years, Conde Naste Traveler has polled readers about their travel experiences in their annual Readers Choice Awards. And for what may be the first time ever, the number one and number two friendliest cities in America are both in South Carolina – and we couldn’t be more filled with pride. If you love South Carolina, then you undoubtedly love the top winners, too.
Coming in at number two, Charleston certainly deserves its top spot.
In the survery, Conde Naste Traveler asked readers specific questions about travel experiences, like 'did a local go out of their way to give directions?"
And 'did you get good vibes from the people around you?' (But of course they did!)
It's easy to stroll along the Battery in the historic district and look up at the oversized verandas on the enormous waterfront homes and imagine yourself sitting up there, gazing out over the water. It's a great feeling!
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Plus, Charleston just has so many things to see and do, both in and just outside the city.
Greenville is a very walkable city. Park your car and everything is within reach. There's no need to shuffle the car from one part of the city to another to experience the charm of downtown.
Another is the enormous 32-acre Falls Park on the Reedy.
Some years ago, Greenville made the wise decision to take a sore spot along the Reedy River and turn it into a showstopping green space with a river-wide waterfall at its center. Add in the famously curved Liberty Bridge overlooking the waterfall and you've got an irresistibly gorgeous place to hang... right at the end of Main Street.
Without a doubt, Charleston and Greenville deserve the top two spots in the Conde Naste Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards this year. Whatever you do and wherever you may travel this year, add these two cities to your bucket list.
