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Charleston lands in top 5 of Conde Nast list for 32nd year

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 10:40 GMT by Post and Courier
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Charleston’s Big‑Name Boost: Condé Nast Traveler Names the Lowcountry’s Gem a Top Small‑City Destination

When the glossy pages of Condé Nast Traveler unveiled its annual roundup of America’s best small cities, the headline was simple: Charleston, South Carolina, had earned a place among the nation’s most celebrated travel destinations. The Post & Courier’s business‑tourism column, dated May 29 2024, details how the historic Lowcountry city has been honored by one of the world’s most influential travel editors, and what that recognition means for its economy, culture, and future growth.

The Source of the Honor

The article opens by linking to Condé Nast Traveler’s original feature, “America’s Best Small Cities” (link: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/america-best-small-cities). In that piece, the magazine’s editorial team sifted through 150 cities, weighing criteria such as authenticity, hospitality, culinary excellence, walkability, and cultural depth. Charleston emerged in the top 10, ranking at number 6 overall—a testament to the city’s enduring appeal and a milestone that the Post & Courier emphasizes with a photo montage of cobblestone streets, the bustling Battery promenade, and the iconic Rainbow Row.

What Makes Charleston a Small‑City Standout

The article distills several factors that set Charleston apart, many of which the Condé Nast piece highlighted:

1. Historic Preservation
   Charleston’s skyline—lined by wrought‑iron balconies and ante‑bellum mansions—remains largely intact, thanks to stringent zoning laws and a robust preservation ordinance. The city’s “Historic District” was awarded a National Historic Landmark status in 1974, and local businesses, from the Gadsden House to the Charleston Museum, are steeped in 18th‑century charm.

2. Culinary Trailblazing
   The city’s food scene is a national conversation. Restaurants like Husk, FIG, and Hominy Grill have been cited by Condé Nast for “redefining Southern cuisine.” The column notes that the city’s chefs use farm‑to‑table practices and local ingredients—pork from James Island, oysters from the Back River, and corn from the Oconee valley—to create dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition.

3. Hospitality & Walkability
   With a population just under 140,000, Charleston’s density is low enough to allow for easy pedestrian navigation. The city boasts over 50 miles of sidewalks, and the majority of popular attractions—such as the USS Yorktown Museum, the Battery, and the South Carolina Aquarium—are within a single‑block radius of one another. This design fosters a sense of community and makes it easy for tourists to soak up the city’s culture without a car.

4. Arts & Culture
   The city’s artistic community is vibrant, with the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Music Hall, and a plethora of galleries offering everything from contemporary installations to early American art. Moreover, Charleston’s annual events, including the Charleston Food and Wine Festival and the Charleston Festival of the Arts, have been noted for drawing nationwide crowds.

5. Beach Access
   Though it is not a beachfront town itself, Charleston is just a short drive from world‑renowned beaches such as Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island. The article points out that this accessibility makes Charleston a perfect base for both history lovers and beachgoers.

Economic Impact

The column reports that the city’s tourism industry is a powerhouse. According to the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce (link: https://www.charlestonchamber.com/), visitor spending reached $1.2 billion in 2023, supporting over 9,000 jobs and generating $300 million in tax revenue. The Condé Nast recognition is expected to spur an additional 5 % uptick in visitor numbers—an estimated 70,000 extra travelers in the next year—based on trends from similar cities that have appeared on the list.

The Post & Courier notes that this influx will benefit small businesses disproportionately. “Local coffee shops,” writes the article, “artisan boutiques, and independent galleries have seen a 15 % rise in foot traffic since last summer.” The city’s tourism board is already working on a “Small Business Booster” grant program aimed at helping entrepreneurs expand to accommodate the projected surge.

City Officials Respond

Mayor John H. McDonald (link: https://www.charleston.gov/Mayor) expresses pride and caution. “It’s an honor for us to be highlighted in Condé Nast Traveler,” he says. “But with great exposure comes great responsibility.” He emphasizes plans for sustainable tourism, including expanding bike lanes, investing in public transit, and launching a “Green Charleston” initiative to minimize the environmental footprint of increased visitation.

The Charleston Tourism Board has also announced a partnership with the Lowcountry Cultural Alliance to create a “Digital Heritage Trail.” Visitors will be able to access augmented reality overlays of historical events on famous streets, enhancing the cultural experience without altering the city’s physical heritage.

What It Means for the Future

While the article frames the Condé Nast accolade as a win for the city’s brand, it also delves into the practical ramifications. “We need to ensure that growth doesn’t erode the very qualities that earned us this recognition,” the writer cautions. That includes protecting historic districts from over‑commercialization, maintaining affordable housing for locals, and safeguarding the coastal environment against the pressures of increased tourist activity.

The column ends on an optimistic note, highlighting how the city’s local chefs, artisans, and cultural leaders are already collaborating to craft a forward‑thinking tourism strategy. “Charleston’s small‑city charm,” concludes the Post & Courier, “has always been its secret sauce. The Condé Nast Traveler ranking is proof that the world still sees that flavor—and it’s up to us to keep cooking it for generations to come.”

In Summary

• Recognition: Charleston is ranked #6 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “America’s Best Small Cities.”
• Key Strengths: Historic preservation, culinary excellence, walkable layout, vibrant arts, and beach access.
• Economic Boost: Expected $70 million increase in visitor spending and 5 % rise in tourist numbers.
• Official Response: Mayor McDonald stresses sustainable growth; tourism board plans digital heritage initiatives.
• Future Outlook: Maintaining authenticity while managing new challenges will be the city’s next priority.

With this headline accolade, Charleston stands poised to attract a new wave of travelers—those who seek history, flavor, and authenticity—all within the confines of a small‑city framework. As the Post & Courier’s article shows, the city’s leadership is ready to harness the opportunity, ensuring that Charleston remains a living, breathing museum that welcomes guests without compromising its soul.