Tag: Charleston

The Happiest City in the South: What to See in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, has long captivated travelers with its storied past, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal landscapes. While tourists frequently leave the city with fond memories, recent data suggests locals have even more reason to smile, as per this travel blog article from Southern Living. According to a WalletHub study ranking the happiest cities in the United States, Charleston secured the 14th spot overall—and the highest rank among Southern cities.

Researchers analyzed 182 of the largest U.S. cities based on 29 key indicators of happiness, including well-being, employment, and community engagement. Charleston ranked particularly well in emotional and physical well-being and income levels, affirming what many already know: this historic port city offers a joyful and fulfilling lifestyle. For those eager to explore Charleston, there’s no shortage of compelling landmarks, engaging activities, and natural beauty to enjoy.

Begin your visit with a journey back in time at Fort Sumter, a national park located in Charleston Harbor. Accessible only by ferry, this historic site marks the location where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Booking the earliest tour gives visitors a chance to participate in raising the American flag alongside park rangers—an experience both moving and memorable.

Another essential stop for history enthusiasts is the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, built in 1820 and preserved to reflect life in antebellum Charleston. Unlike many restored homes, the Aiken-Rhett House was left largely untouched, preserving not only the grandeur of its main rooms but also the enslaved quarters on the property. This approach offers a more complete picture of the past, allowing for a deeper understanding of the city’s layered history.

Those drawn to the arts should carve out time to visit the Dock Street Theater, nestled in the French Quarter. Originally opened in 1736 as the first building in America constructed solely for theatrical performances, the theater was rebuilt in the early 1800s and revived again in the 20th century. Today, Charleston Stage brings the space to life with more than 100 live performances annually. The venue itself, with its rich architectural charm, is a spectacle worth experiencing.

For a closer look at Charleston’s artistic soul, head to the Gibbes Museum of Art. This institution, established in 1905, houses over 7,000 works of art spanning from the colonial period to the present. The Mary Jackson Modern and Contemporary Gallery highlights both local and regional artists, reflecting diverse perspectives and a profound connection to the South.

No visit to Charleston would be complete without immersing yourself in the city’s celebrated culinary scene. Tucked away on a quiet side street, Chez Nous is a hidden gem that offers an ever-changing, handwritten menu inspired by European flavors. The setting feels like a quaint escape, and the concise daily offerings—two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts—encourage sampling every dish.

Beyond food and history, Charleston offers immersive experiences that let visitors feel part of something larger. Stepping aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, a decorated aircraft carrier turned museum, is one such opportunity. Docked atPatriots Point, this legendary ship participated in World War II, the Vietnam War, and even the Apollo 8 space mission recovery. For a truly unique visit, consider booking an overnight stay through the Yorktown’s Operation Overnight program.

Whether you’re soaking up panoramic harbor views, walking cobblestone streets lined with live oaks, or diving deep into the region’s artistic and historical narratives, Charleston delivers a well-rounded and fulfilling travel experience. It’s not just a city of beauty and charm—it’s a place where happiness seems embedded in the rhythm of daily life.

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Top City Hotels in the U.S. According to Travel + Leisure Readers

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks for readers’ opinions on various travel related subjects. Those opinions are then used to create “Best” lists to guide readers when planning a trip. One of those categories is Best City Hotels, and this year’s top winners did not disappoint.

Readers were asked to choose their favorite city hotels based on certain characteristics, some of which are location, amenities, facilities, and overall value. Here are the top winners, according to this Travel + Leisure article.

The Lowell, New York City

Located in the heart of Manhattan on the Upper East Side, The Lowell has easy access to the posh shops of Fifth Avenue, the major fashion houses of Madison Avenue, and the calming retreat to nature that is Central Park. This is one of the main reasons the hotel is so popular with travelers. Of course, the luxury the hotel provides doesn’t hurt either. Established in 1927, The Lowell has a timeless elegance and grace that is perfectly reflected in its gold, cream, and white color scheme. The Lowell is small for a New York hotel, with just 74 rooms and suites across 17 floors, but many visitors preferred the cozy atmosphere this creates. The hotel even boasts wood-burning fireplaces, which are pretty rare in New York, landscaped terraces overlooking the city, and afternoon tea in the Pembroke Room.

The Loutrel, Charleston, South Carolina

The Loutrel, named for the famous landscape architect Loutrel Briggs, is a 50-room contemporary boutique hotel with a prime location just outside of the residential historic district of Charleston. The hotel just opened in November of 2021 but has already made quite an impression on travelers. Paying homage to Briggs, who designed about 100 private gardens in the area starting in the 1920s, the hotel outfits every corner with greenery and flower arrangements. Rooms are clean and minimalist with floor to ceiling windows. The rooftop terrace is the crown jewel of the hotel, and guests can expect to be wowed by the views of the historic French Quarter any time of day or night.

Pendry Chicago, Chicago

Located in the 1929 Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building, Pendry Chicago is a contemporary boutique hotel that offers luxury comforts and impressive city views. The rooms are elegantly decorated in black and white, an aesthetic that is fitting for the time period it honors. Customer service is the hotel’s specialty and concierges famously keep on top of guests’ needs through texting. The hotel also houses many popular restaurants and bars, such as the French restaurant Venteux (French for “windy”), the cocktail bar Bar Pendry, and the rooftop bar Chateau Carbide.

 Riggs Washington D.C., Washington, D.C.

The Riggs Washington D.C. is a city hotel located in the building that used to house The Riggs National Bank. It is one of the last remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in the area, and the architecture makes quite a statement. Regular roomsfeature statement wallpaper and upholstered headboards designed by the firm Voutsa. There are also four suitesinspired by four First Ladies that each have fun and unique details. The hotel has guests covered for food and drink with Cafe Riggs, a restaurant that’s open all day, and Silver Lyan, a bar housed in what used to be the bank’s vault. The hotel also has a prime location in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown area, making shopping, dining, and museum visiting very accessible.

These fine city hotels offer the best in luxurious accommodations, delicious food and cocktails, and guest services sure to make anyone feel spoiled. They also have prime locations with killer views. According to Travel + Leisure readers, travelers should not miss an opportunity to check these hotels out for themselves.

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Best Cities for a Weekend Escape

The best vacations are those that allow you to simply escape and forget about the stresses of home, and oftentimes a weekend getaway is the perfectly sized taste of that vacation that still lying in wait.  Thanks to U.S. News, this list of the best weekend escapes can help you enjoy yourself and survive a little longer until your next trip.

This list, takes into account such contributing factors like affordability, entertainment options, accessibility, as well as votes from their readership to determine which United States cities are ideal for a weekend getaway. Though, it should be noted to always travel safely by remaining masked, socially distanced, and compliant with travel advisories and Center of Disease Control guidelines. It’s good practice, especially given recent events to check with the U.S. Department of State before traveling.

New York City

Perhaps America’s most famous city; NYC is (of course) impossible to catch all of in a year, though its density of culture, events, cuisine, lodging, etc make it perfect for a weekend escape. Visitors can come to the big apple by plane, train, or automobile to experience the various indoor attractions like museums and theatrical productions as well as the outdoor sights like Central Park and the High Line. With so many options, unpredictable weather will simply become a nonissue. Add in a dash of history by taking the ferry to Ellis Island and the famed Statue of Liberty, or take in authentic culture with New York pizza and bagels before heading home.

Montreal

Often missing from traditional beach-laden weekend escapes, old-world charm goes a long way, and thankfully, it’s front-and-center in the Canadian city of Montreal, which only sits 50 miles north of the U.S.-Canada border. Travelers can stroll up and down cobblestone streets that are lined with various eateries and quaint boutiques perfect for window shopping in Old Montreal. If you find yourself in Montreal during a time in which nice weather is present, head out to the sprawling, vast Mount Royal Park for a leisure-filled bike ride, guided hike, or quiet picnic to find a moment of nature and respite in a city so exciting.

Seattle

The Pacific Northwest’s crown jewel, the city of Seattle offers residents and travelers iconic, picturesque sights like Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks coffee shop, and the famous “gum wall,” and that’s all within a five block radius. Head out a little farther and you can visit the Space Needle or a hike in Discovery Park or on the nearby Mount Si. No matter the weekend, be sure to pack away an umbrella and raincoat, as Emerald City weather is as misty and rainy as it is unpredictable.

Charleston

This treasure of a South Carolina city is #2 on the U.S.News list of the best weekend escapes, sandwiched between New York City and Chicago, so if you haven’t been privy to the wonders of this quaint, southern delight, allow yourself to be enlightened. The city boasts accommodations of Spanish moss-laden bed and breakfasts, cobblestone-laden streets, and street lamps that are lit by gas, thus making you feel as though you’ve stepped into another time period or an alternate reality. Spend an afternoon or a whole day strolling along the waters of The Battery, taking memorable photos of the colorful, historic homes along Rainbow Row, surveying the decadently low country cuisine or the vibrant exciting Charleston City Market. Lastly, brave a trip off shore by signing up for a woat tout or wading in the ocean on Sullivan’s Island for an unforgettable experience.

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