Last Updated: 9/6/18
It seems not a day goes by without the Holy City being given another award. It's getting harder and harder to keep track of how amazing our city is, so I decided to compile a master list for quick and easy referencing. In a nod to Stephen Colbert, Charleston's favorite son, I've borrowed (ok, stole) the title of one of his popular Colbert Report segments for the title of this list. So, without further adieu, here is "Who's Honoring Us Now..."
Click on the accolade to read more details:
2018
- # 1 Best City in the U.S. and Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best City in America for Economic Opportunity - Yelp
- # 1 Best Festival in the South: Spoleto Festival - Southern Living
- # 1 City in the South - Southern Living
- # 1 City with the Friendliest Small Businesses - Groupon
- # 1 Friendliest City in the South - Southern Living
- # 1 Prettiest City in the South - Southern Living
- # 2 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Spectator Hotel - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Best City in The South to Live in 2018 - Southern Living
- # 2 Best Festival in the South: Charleston Wine + Food - Southern Living
- # 2 Best Food City in the South - Southern Living
- # 3 Best Island in the Continental U.S.: Kiawah Island - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best Small City for 2018 - Resonance Consultancy
- # 4 Biggest "Boomtown" in America - Business Insider
- # 5 Best Beach in the South: Isle of Palms - Southern Living
- # 5 Best Job Market for 2018 - Zippia
- # 6 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: French Quarter Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 6 Best City to Retire - Wallethub
- # 7 Best American City for Travel Experiences - TripAdvisor
- # 7 Metro Area Where People Love Dogs The Most - LawnStarter
- # 8 Best Foodie City in the USA - U.S. News & World Report
- # 8 Best Resort Hotel in the American South: Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Travel + Leisure
- # 9 Best Restaurant in the South: Husk - Southern Living
- # 10 Best City in the World - Travel + Leisure
- # 10 Great Golf Destinations to Visit in 2018 - Golf Advisor
- # 11 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Spectator Hotel - Travel + Leisure
- # 11 Top Place to Eat in the US: 167 Raw - Yelp
- # 12 Southern Place To Visit Before You Die: Historic Downtown Charleston - Southern Living
- # 14 Top Place to Eat in the US: Halls Chophouse - Yelp
- # 18 Best Place to Retire - U.S. News
- # 27 Best Place to Live in America - Livability
- # 35 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs: Charleston Southern University - U.S. News and World Report
- # 38 Best Places to Live - U.S. News
- # 61 Best Hotel in the World: Spectator Hotel - Travel + Leisure
- # 94 Best Hotel in the World: Planters Inn - Travel + Leisure
- A- Grade from Renters: Apartment List
- Best Foodie Stay Finalist: Zero George - AFAR
- Best Fried Chicken in South Carolina: Boxcar Betty’s - Southern Living
- Best Hot Dog in South Carolina: Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. - People
- Best Mexican Restaurant in South Carolina: Minero - MSN
- Best Places to Move To - Thrillist
- Best Urban Oasis Finalist: Belmond Charleston Place - AFAR
- Bloody Mary Mix of the Year for 2018: Charleston Mix Bold & Spicy - New York International Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal in the National Mustard Museum's Exotic Mustard category - Burnt & Salty's Korean Mustard recipe
- Cocktail Bar of the Year: Living Room Bar at the Dewberry - Imbibe
- Dishes That Changed America: Husk's Carolina Gold Rice Pudding - Husk
- Gold Medal in the World Beer Cup's German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock category - Revelry Brewing's Smooth Like Jazz eisbock
- James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast - Rodney Scott
- James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program - FIG
- One of the 15 Most Noteworthy Museums Opening This Year: The South Carolina Historical Society - Architectural Digest
- One of the 33 Incredible Springtime Adventures: Golfing at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island - Architectural Digest
- One of the 40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years: Husk - Food & Wine
- One of the 40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years: Husk - Food & Wine
- One of the 50 Best New Breweries in the Country: Munkle Brewing Co. - Beer Advocate
- One of the 10 Best American Bars: Proof - Spirited Awards
- One of the Best Fried Chicken Restaurants in America: Martha Lou's Kitchen - Thrillist
- One of the Top 10 Best Hotel Bars: The Living Room at The Dewberry - Spirited Awards
- One of the Top 10 Best Hotels Bars: Eleve at the Grand Bohemian - Spirited Awards
- People to Watch in 2018: The Cocktail Bandits (Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves) - Imbibe
- People to Watch in 2018: Angel Postell - Imbibe
- Best Brewery in South Carolina: Holy City Brewing - Southern Living
- Best Restaurant in the South: Husk - Southern Living
- Restaurants Every Cheese Lover Should Visit at Least Once: goat.sheep.cow. - Travel + Leisure
- South Carolina's Best Golf Course: The Ocean Course - South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel
- U.S. Cities That Have the Most Green Spaces - National Geographic
2017
- # 1 Best Small City in the U.S. - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 City in the U.S. and Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 American's Most Beautiful College Campus: College of Charleston - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 City in the South - Southern Living
- # 2 City in the World - Travel + Leisure
- # 3 South's Best Restaurants: Husk - Southern Living
- # 5 Most Popular State for New Residents - United Van Lines
- # 5 South's Best Resorts: The Sanctuary - Southern Living
- # 6 South's Best Islands: Kiawah - Southern Living
- # 6 South's Best Restaurants: Hominy Grill - Southern Living
- # 6 South's Best Shops: Charleston GardenWorks - Southern Living
- #7 Best BBQ Pork Sandwich in South Carolina: Poogan's Smokehouse - 10Best
- #7 Best BBQ Pork Sandwich in South Carolina: Swig & Swine - 10Best
- # 8 Best City for Retirement - GetRichSlowly
- # 8 South's Best Bars: The Bar at Husk - Southern Living
- # 8 South's Best Shops: The Commons - Southern Living
- # 8 South's Best Inns: The Inn at Middleton Place - Southern Living
- # 9 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: The Vendue - Travel + Leisure
- # 9 Best Island in the Continental U.S.: Kiawah Island - Travel + Leisure
- # 10 Best Beach for 2017: Kiawah Island’s Beachwalker Park - Dr. Beach
- # 10 Best Hotel in the U.S.: The Restoration - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 10 Ramen Bowl You Need to Slurp Right Now: 2Nixons - Tasting Table
- # 10 South's Best Breweries: Coast Brewing Co. - Southern Living
- # 10 South's Best Inns: Wentworth Mansion - Southern Living
- # 10 South's Best Restaurants: FIG - Southern Living
- #11 Best High School in America: Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston) - U.S. News & World Report
- # 12 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Zero George - Travel + Leisure
- # 17 Best Hotel in the USA: Wentworth Mansion - USA Today
- # 27 Best Places to Live in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report
- # 37 on the "Top 100 Places to Eat": 167 Raw - Yelp
- # 43 Best Restaurant in America: FIG - Business Insider
- # 72 on the "Top 100 Places to Eat": Hall's Chophouse - Yelp
- Best Burger of 2017: Tavern Burger at Little Jack's Tavern - Bon Appetit
- Best High School in South Carolina: Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston) - U.S. News & World Report
- The Best Hotel in South Carolina: The Restoration - Southern Living
- Best Mexican Restaurant in South Carolina: Taco Boy - MSN
- Best New Restaurants in America: Bar Normandy - Bon Appétit
- Best New Restaurants in America: Little Jack's Tavern - Bon Appétit
- Best New Restaurants in America: Rodney Scott's BBQ - Bon Appétit
- Best Ramen in South Carolina: CO - Mental Floss
- Gold Medal Special Barrel-Finished Bourbon: Virgil Kaine's Ashcat Blended Bourbon Whiskey - San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Great American Beer Bars: Edmund's Oast - CraftBeer.com
- One of America’s 38 Essential Restaurants: Bertha's - Eater
- One of America’s 38 Essential Restaurants: The Grocery - Eater
- One of the Best Doughnut Shops in America: Glazed Gourmet - Extra Crispy
- One of the Most Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Eli's Table - OpenTable
- One of the Most Exciting Restaurant Openings of 2017: Tu - Food and Wine
- One of The South's 38 Essential Restaurants - Bertha’s Restaurant - Eater
- One of The South's 38 Essential Restaurants - FIG - Eater
- sofi Gold Award in Cold Beverage, Drink, and Cocktail Mix Category - Bittermilk's No.5 Charred Grapefruit Tonic with Bulls Bay Sea Salt
- sofi Bronze Award in Cold Beverage, Drink, and Cocktail Mix Category - Bittermilk's No.2 Tom Collins with Elderflower & Hops
- South Carolina's Best Hot Dog - Jack's Cosmic Dogs - FirstWeFeast
- Steakhouses That Are Worth the Splurge - Hall's Chophouse - MSN
- Top Attraction in South Carolina: Middleton Place - TripAdvisor
2016
- # 1 World's Best City - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 City in the U.S. & Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best City for Culture in the United States - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best Small City in the U.S. - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 City in the Country for Dogs - Realtor.com
- # 1 Friendliest City in the U.S.: Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Best City for Pet Travelers - GoPetFriendly.com
- # 1 Best Steakhosue in America: Hall's Chophouse - Yelp
- # 2 Best American City for Food - Travel & Leisure
- # 2 Best Islands in Continental U.S.: Kiawah Island - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Destination of the Year - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best East Coast Beach: Folly Beach - 10Best
- # 4 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the U.S.: Hall's Chophouse - TripAdvisor
- # 4 Best Hotel in the U.S.: French Quarter Inn - TripAdvisor
- # 5 Best Bar in the South: The Bar at Husk - Southern Living
- # 5 Best City to Spend a Weekend In - Thrillist
- # 6 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the U.S.: Charleston Grill - TripAdvisor
- # 6 Best U.S. Restaurant for Budget Dining: Brown Dog Deli - TripAdvisor
- # 9 Best U.S. Destination - TripAdvisor
- # 10 Best Hotel in the South: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Travel + Leisure
- # 13 Best Bar in the South: The Griffon Pub - Southern Living
- # 15 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: French Quarter Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 15 Most Charming Small City in America - RentLingo
- # 16 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the U.S.: Circa 1886 - TripAdvisor
- # 18 Best Japanese Restaurant in America: O-Ku - New York Post
- # 19 Best Place to Live in the U.S. - U.S. News and World Report
- # 20 Best City to Retire: Bankrate
- # 22 Best Bar in the South: The Cocktail Club - Southern Living
- # 23 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the U.S.: FIG - TripAdvisor
- # 33 Best Bar in the South: The Belmont - Southern Living
- # 33 America's Best Cities to Live: 24/7 Wall St.
- # 36 Best Bar in the South: Surf Bar - Southern Living
- One of America's Best New Restaurants: Short Grain - bon appétit
- One of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in America - Conde Nast Traveler
- One of the Best Coastal Cocktail Bars: Edmund's Oast - Coastal Living
- One of the Best Restaurants in America: FIG - Eater
- One of the Flat-Out Sexiest US Cities for a Weekend Getaway: Thrillist
- One of The South's Best New Restaurants: Little Jack's Tavern - Southern Living
- South Carolina's Strangest Spirit: High Wire Distlling's Southern Amaro Liqueur (Playboy).
- Top Hundred Restaurants in American for 2016: Halls Chophouse - OpenTable
- Top Ten American Cities With the Coolest Architecture - Thrillist
- Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns in America: Sullivan's Island - Coastal Living
- Waterfront Restaurants That Don't Suck: Tavern & Table - Men's Journal
2015
- # 1 Best Small City in the U.S. - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Best Bar Food in the South: Pickled Shrimp at Edmund's Oast - Southern Living
- # 1 Best City in the U.S. and Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Most Romantic City in the World - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Mid-sized City Where Millennials Are Moving To - Headlight Data
- # 2 Best City in the World - Travel + Leisure
- # 6 Best Hotels in the U.S.: The Restoration on King
- # 2 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: French Quarter Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Most Romantic City in the South - Huffington Post
- # 3 Best Destination in the U.S. - Trip Advisor
- # 3 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Planter's Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best Food City in America - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 4 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: The Vendue - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Coolest Town in the U.S.: North Charleston - Matador Network
- # 5 Best Island in the Continental U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Minor League Market: The SportsBusiness Journal
- # 6 Best Resort in the South: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
- # 6 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S. & Canada: Kiawah Island - Travel + Leisure
- # 6 South's Best New Hotels: Regatta Inn - Southern Living
- # 8 Best Islands in the U.S.: Kiawah Island
- # 7 Best Southern Cocktail Bar: The Cocktail Club - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 7 South's Best New Hotels: Andell Inn - Southern Living
- # 13 Best Hotels in the U.S.: Wentworth Mansion
- # 18 Most Inviting Drinking Patio in America: Edmund's Oast - Thrillist
- # 19 Best City in the U.S. Where You Can Find a Job Right Now: Trove
- # 19 Best Resort in the Continental U.S.: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Travel + Leisure
- # 6 Best Resort in the South: Wild Dunes
- # 35 Best Hotel Worldwide: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- # 74 Best Taco in America: Braised Pork Taco from Fuel - The Daily Mail
- # 35 Best Hotel Worldwide: French Quarter Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 38 Best Best Place to Live in the U.S. - 24/7 Wall Street
- # 50 Best U.S. City To Hold a Meeting in: Cvent Inc.
- America's 103 Most Beautiful Dishes: The Drawing Room's Sea Urchin Custard - Grub Street
- America's 103 Most Beautiful Dishes: FIG's Soft-Shell Crab Spaghetti - Grub Street
- America's Hippest City: The Daily Mirror
- America's Most Charming City: Travel + Leisure
- Best Beer Bars in America: Edmund's Oast - Thrillist
- Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in America: Eli's Table - Huffington Post
- Best Steakhouse in South Carolina: Hall's Chophouse - Business Insider
- One Hundred Best Beer Bars in America: Closed for Business - Draft
- One Hundred Best Beer Bars in America: Craft Conundrum - Draft
- One Hundred Best Beer Bars in America: Oak Barrel Tavern - Draft
- One of the Best New Restaurants in America: Leon's Oyster Shop
- One of the Most Colorful Cities In The World: Conde Nast Travler
- One of the Tastiest Soul Food Spots in the U.S.: Martha Lou's Kitchen - The Daily Meal
- South's Best Restaurants: Husk - Thrillist
- South's Top 50 Best BBQ Joints: Home Team BBQ - Southern Living
- Ten Best Oyster Houses in the South: Bowens Island Restaurant - Southern Living
- Top 25 Retirement City - Forbes
- Ten Best Oyster Houses in the South: The Ordinary - Southern Living
- Destination for travelers to set their sights on in 2015 - LA Times
2014
- # 1 Best Architecture/Cool Buildings in the U.S.: Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best City in the U.S. - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Best City in the U.S. and Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best Sandwich Shop in America: Butcher & Bee - Thrillist
- # 1 Best Island in the U.S.: Kiawah Island - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Best Romantic Escape in the U.S.: Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Planters Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Friendliest City in the U.S.: Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Friendliest City in the U.S.: Pure Wow
- # 2 Best Antique Stores in the U.S.: Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Best Beach Resort in America: The Sanctuary - Condé Nast Traveler
- # 2 Best City in the World - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 2 Best City in the World - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Best Girls' Trip: 10Best.com
- # 2 Best Island in the World: Kiawah Island - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 2 Best American City for a Relaxing Weekend: Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: French Quarter Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Best Hotel in the U.S.: French Quarter Inn - Trip Advisor
- # 2 Best Tennis Resort in the World - Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Tennis Resorts Online
- # 2 Most Exciting Mid-Sized City in the U.S.: Movoto Real Estate
- # 2 Most Romantic Cities in America: MissTravel
- # 3 Best American City for Peace & Quiet: Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Best Historical Sites in the U.S.: Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Best Oyster Bar in America: The Ordinary - The Daily Meal
- # 3 Most Attractive People in the U.S.: Travel + Leisure
- # 4 American City with Notable Restaurants: Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best American Cities for Foodies: Condé Nast Traveler
- # 4 Best American City for Cleanliness: Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best American City for a Girlfriend Getaway: Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best American City for Public Parks/Gardens: Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best Midsize Cities for College Graduates: MyLife.com
- # 4 Best Restaurant in the U.S.: Halls Chophouse - Trip Advisor
- # 4 Best Southern Restaurant: The Obstinate Daughter - Southern Living
- # 4 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Best Small Hotel in the U.S.: Restoration on King - Trip Advisor
- # 4 Best Tennis Resort in the World: Wild Dunes Resort - Tennis Resorts Online
- # 4 Most "American" City: WalletHub
- # 4 Most Romantic Getaway in the World: Fodor's
- # 4 Safest City in America: Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Best American City for Brunch: Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Best Macaroni and Cheese in America: Crave Kitchen + Cocktails - The Daily Meal
- # 5 Best Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Market Street Pavilion Hotel - Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Most Stylish American City: Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Top Island in the U.S.: Kiawah Island - Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Most Unexpected City for the Perfect Date - DatingAdvice.com
- # 6 Best City for Pet Lovers to Meet: PetSmart/Match
- # 7 Best American City for BBQ: Travel + Leisure
- # 7 Best Southern Restaurant: Edmund's Oast - Southern Living
- # 8 Best Food Neighborhood in America: Upper King Street - Thrillist
- # 8 Most Run-Worthy Bridges in America: Ravenel Bridge - Emaxhealth
- # 9 Best Beach in the Nation: Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island - Dr. Beach
- # 11 U.S. City That Is Driving The Future: Business Insider
- # 12 Best Luxury Hotel in the U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Trip Advisor
- # 12 Best Restaurant in the U.S.: Circa 1886 - Trip Advisor
- # 12 Best Restaurant in America: Husk - The Daily Meal
- # 12 Hot New Burger for Labor Day Weekend: Bacon Egg & Cheeseburger - Edmund's Oast
- # 12 Most Amazing Places Uncle Sam Could Send You: Huffington Post
- # 13 Best Hamburger in America: Husk Cheeseburger - The Daily Meal
- # 13 Best Destination in the U.S.: Trip Advisor
- # 13 Most Romantic Restaurant in America: Circa 1886 - ProFlowers
- # 14 Best City in the World for Theatre: PolicyMic
- # 17 Best Small Hotel in the U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Trip Advisor
- # 18 Best Hotel in the World: French Quarter Inn - Trip Advisor
- # 19 Best Hotel for Romance in the U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Trip Advisor
- # 20 Best Resorts in the U.S.: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 20 Best Small Hotel in the U.S.: Zero George - Trip Advisor
- # 21 Best Ribs in America: Home Team BBQ - The Daily Meal
- # 24 Best French Fries in America: The Blind Tiger - The Daily Meal
- # 25 Best Hotel in the U.S.: Wentworth Mansion- Conde Nast Traveler
- # 26 Best Hotel in the World: Planters Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 28 Best Island in the World: Isle of Palms - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 29 Top Resort in the U.S.: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Travel + Leisure
- # 34 Best Restaurant in America: Husk - Business Insider
- # 39 Best Restaurant in America: FIG - The Daily Meal
- # 40 Best Taco in America: Tempura Shrimp Taco, Taco Boy - The Daily Meal
- # 47 Best Burger in America: The Hop Frog from Poe's Tavern - The Daily Meal
- # 48 Best Steakhouse in America: Oak Steakhouse - The Daily Meal
- # 62 Best Restaurant in America: Hominy Grill - The Daily Meal
- # 80 Best Restaurant in America: McCrady's - The Daily Meal
- # 94 Best Pizza in America: Ciccio Pizza from Monza - The Daily Meal
- America's Best Bourbon Bars: Husk - The Bourbon Review
- America's Best Chicken Wings: Husk - epicurious
- America's Coolest Rooftop Bars: Stars Restaurant & Rooftop Bar - Travel + Leisure
- Beer Bar of the Year: Edmund's Oast - Imbibe
- Best American Cookbook: The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen - International Association of Culinary Professionals
- Best Beach No One Knows About: Sullivans Island - GQ
- Best Beaches in the South: Folly Beach - 10Best.com
- Best Beaches in the South: Isle Of Palms - 10Best.com
- Best Beaches in the South: Kiawah Island - 10Best.com
- Best Bed-and-Breakfasts in America - The Elliott House Inn - USA Today
- Best Beers Under $10: Westbrook Brewing Company's Gose - People
- Best Bottle Shops in the U.S.: Charleston Beer Exchange - RateBeer
- Best Chefs of The American South: Jeremiah Baco - Best Chef's America
- Best Chefs of The American South: Sean Brock - Best Chef's America
- Best Chefs of The American South: Mike Lata - Best Chef's America
- Best Craft Beers in the South: Coast Brewing Company's 32/50 Kölsch - Southern Living
- Best Craft Beers in the South: Westbrook Brewing Company's White Thai - Southern Living
- Best Donut Shops in America: Glazed Gourmet - Thrillist
- Best Family Getaways: Kiawah Island - Travel + Leisure
- Best Fried Chicken in the U.S.: Husk - Food and Wine
- Best Fried Chicken in the U.S.: Jestine's Kitchen - Food and Wine
- Best New Bars: Warehouse - Garden & Gun
- Best New Bars in America: Edmund's Oast - Thrillist
- Best New Hotels in the World: Zero George - Condé Nast Traveler
- Best New Restaurants in the Country: Indaco - Modern Luxury
- Best New Sour Beers in the World: Westbrook Brewing Company's Gose - Serious Eats
- Best Pizza Shops in American: EVO - Thrillist
- Best Places to Retire - Forbes
- Best Small Batch Spirits in the South: High Wire Distilling Co.'s Rhum Agricole - Southern Living
- Best Southern-style Biscuits: Husk - 10Best
- Best Southern-style Biscuits: The Original Ms. Rose’s Fine Food and Cocktails - 10Best
- Best Suburbs for Retirement: Mount Pleasant - Forbes
- Best Whiskey Bars in America: Husk - Thrillist
- Best Wine Restaurant (USA): Husk - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
- Brave Campus for LGBT Students: College of Charleston - The Advocate/Campus Pride
- Bronze Certificate for Dark Lager Beer: Westbrook's Dark Helmet - RateBeer
- Bronze Certificate for Traditional Beer: Westbrook's Gose - RateBeer
- Bronze Certificate for Traditional Beer: Westbrook's Gozu - RateBeer
- Diners' Choice Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America: O-Ku - OpenTable
- Elegant U.S. Mansion Hotels: Wentworth Mansion - CNN
- Global 5 Star Rating: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Forbes Travel Guide
- Global 5 Star Rating: The Spa at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island - Forbes Travel Guide
- Global 4 Star Ratings: Multiple Venues - Forbes Travel Guide
- Great Streets in America: King Street - American Planning Association
- Hottest BBQ Joints Across the U.S.: Swig & Swine - Zagat
- Hottest French Restaurants in America: Brasserie Gigi - Zagat
- The Imbibe 75: Edmund's Oast - Imbibe Magazine
- The Imbibe 75: High Wire Distilling Co - Imbibe Magazine
- Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2014: Chez Nous - Eater
- Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2014: Edmund's Oast - Eater
- Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2014: Leon's Oyster Shop - Eater
- Must-Eat Breakfast Sandwiches: Scrapple Sandwich from Two Boroughs Larder - Serious Eats
- New Ice Cream Destinations That Will Save You from the Summer Heat: Beardcat's Sweet Shop - Eater
- Southeast's Best City for Dogs: Dog Fancy
- The 10 Southern Chefs to Watch: Josh Keeler (Two Boroughs Larder) - Zagat
- The 10 Southern Chefs to Watch: Jason Stanhope (FIG) - Zagat
- The 10 Southern Chefs to Watch: Josh Walker (Xiao Bao Biscuit) - Zagat
- The Foodist's “10 Favorite Oyster Bars Across America”: The Ordinary - Bon Appétit
- The South's Best New Social Clubs: Básico - Southern Living
- Top 100 Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in America: The Granary - OpenTable
- Top Destination for 2014 - Telegraph Travel
2013
- # 1 Best City in the U.S. - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Best City in the U.S./Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Best Small City for Starting Over - CreditDonkey.com
- # 1 Best New Restaurant in the South: The Ordinary - Southern Living
- # 1 Friendliest City in the U.S. - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 1 Literary City of the South - Publishers Weekly
- # 1 Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Market Street Pavilion Hotel - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Sandwich in America: P.I.E. Bake Shoppe - Restaurant Hospitality Magazine
- # 2 Best City for History Buffs - TravelNerd.com
- # 3 Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Most Charming Accent in America - Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Most Important Restaurant in the U.S.: Husk - Bon Appetit
- # 3 Best Small City For Young Entrepreneurs - Under30CEO.com
- # 3 Best Whiskey Bars in America - GQ
- # 4 Best Farmer's Market in America: Charleston Farmers Market - SHAPE
- # 4 Best Hamburger: Husk Cheeseburger, Husk - Bon Appetit
- # 4 Best Resort in the South: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 4 Diners' Choice Best Restaurant in America: Halls Chophouse - OpenTable
- # 4 Drunkest City in the U.S. - The Daily Beast
- # 4 Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: French Quarter Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Tastiest Ribs in America: Home Team BBQ - USA Today/Daily Meal
- # 4 Top Island in the World: Kiawah Island - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 5 Best City in the World - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 5 North America's Great Waterfronts - USA Today
- # 5 Tastiest Town in the South - Southern Living
- # 7 Best American City for Hipsters - Travel + Leisure
- # 7 Best City in the World - Travel + Leisure
- # 7 Most Outrageous Food at a Minor League Ballpark - USA Today
- # 7 Small City Hotel in the Continental U.S.: Planters Inn - Travel + Leisure
- # 9 Best New Hotels 2013 - Travel + Leisure
- # 10 America's Best Beach: Kiawah Island's Beachwalker Park - Dr. Beach
- # 11 Best Burger in America: Husk Cheeseburger - The Daily Meal
- # 11 Best Ice Cream City in America - Travel + Leisure
- # 11 Best Minor League Market in America - SportsBusiness Journal
- # 12 Hottest Coffee Shop in U.S.: Black Tap Coffee - Eater
- # 12 Most Outstanding Restaurant: The Ordinary - GQ
- # 17 America's Best Beer Cities: Travel & Leisure
- # 15 Best Steakhouse in America: Oak Steakhouse - The Daily Meal
- # 16 Best Resort in the South: Wild Dunes - Conde Nast Traveler
- # 27 Top Resorts in the Continental U.S.: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Travel + Leisure
- # 77 Best Hotel in the World (tie): Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Wentworth Mansion - Conde Nast Travler
- # 99 Best Hotel in the World: John Rutledge House Inn - Conde Nast Travler
- # 77 & # 85 Best Food Trucks in America - The Daily Meal
- America's Best Bakeries: Sugar Bakeshop - Travel + Leisure
- America's Best Chicken & Waffles: Early Bird Diner - Travel + Leisure
- America's Best Sandwiches: Bacon of the Month BLT from Ted's Butcherblock - Travel + Leisure
- Best Breweries of 2013: Westbrook Brewing Co. - Paste Magazine
- Best Girlfriend Getaway Cities - Yahoo! Shine
- Best Historic Homes for the Holidays: Boone Hall Plantation - 10Best.com
- Best New Restaurants: The Ordinary - Bon Appétit
- Best New Restaurants: Xiao Boa Biscuits - Bon Appétit
- Best New Restuarants in the World: The Ordinary - Condé Nast Traveler
- Best Shopping Cities in the World - U.S. News & World Report
- Best Steakhouses in America: Oak Steakhouse - Travel + Leisure
- Best Tapas Restaurants in the U.S.: Barsa - Travel + Leisure
- Best Urban Distilleries in America: High Wire Distilling Co. - Fodor's
- Best Vegetarian Restaurants in U.S.: Dell'z Uptown - Travel + Leisure
- Best Wine Restaurant (USA): Charleston Grill - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
- Best Wine Restaurant (USA): Circa 1886 - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
- Best Wine Restaurant (USA): Husk - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
- Coolest Bowling Alleys in America: The Alley - Travel + Leisure
- Diners' Choice Top 100 Best Restaurants in America: Charleston Grill & Peninsula Grill - OpenTable
- Most Haunted Cities - Family Circle
- Must-Have Burger: Husk - Forbes
- Nations Top 100 Restaurant Bars: O-Ku, Social Restaurant and Wine Bar, and Stars Restaurant - OpenTable
- Restaurant Neighbor Award (SC): High Cotton - National Restaurant Association
- Top Sandwich Spots List: Butcher & Bee - Bon Appetit
2012
- # 1 Destination in the World - Condè Nast Traveler
- # 1 Top U.S. City - Condè Nast Traveler
- # 1 Fine Dining - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Romantic Escape - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Residents Proudest of their City - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Best Dressed City in America - Travel + Leisure
- # 2 Antique Store Shopping - Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Architecture/Cool Buildings - Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Best Hotel for Foodies: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- #4 Best City in the U.S. & Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Most Attractive Locals - Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Island in the Continental U.S. & Canada: Kiawah Island- Travel + Leisure
- #12 Hotel in the World regardless of city size: Wentworth Mansion - Travel + Leisure
- Top Small City Hotels: Wentworth Mansion (# 1), Market Pavilion Hotel (# 4), Planter's Inn (#7) - Travel + Leisure
- Best Places to Spend Christmas - Travel + Leisure
- Best Sushi Restaurants in the U.S.: O-Ku - Travel + Leisure
2011
- # 1 U.S. City - Condè Nast Traveler
- # 1 Best New Restaurant in America: Husk - Bon Apetit
- # 2 Best City in the U.S. & Canada - Travel + Leisure
- # 3 Antique Store Shopping - Travel + Leisure
- # 4 Flea Market Shopping - Travel + Leisure
- # 5 America's Friendliest Cities - Travel + Leisure
- # 5 Cool Architecture/Buildings - Travel + Leisure
- # 6 Residents Proudest of their City - Travel + Leisure
- # 7 Most Attractive Residents - Travel + Leisure
2010
- # 1 America's Most Attractive Residents - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 America's Friendliest Cities - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Bed & Breakfasts/Inns - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Noteworthy Neighborhoods - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Antique Store Shopping - Travel + Leisure
- # 1 Stylish + Boutique Hotels - Travel + Leisure
-- Photo credit
