Southern Living ranks Spartanburg among the best cities in the South. Here are the Top 10

Joanna Johnson, Spartanburg Herald-Journal
Updated ·6 min read

The southern charm is truly unique, offering hospitality that cannot be found anywhere else.

From the friendly people, delicious comfort food, picturesque landscapes and architecture to history that changed our nation, the southern states has something anyone can enjoy.

According to Southern Living Magazine, Spartanburg is the place to be, ranking third out of 25 places to visit. If you're wanting to visit to watch baseball with the new minor league team, or stay to pursue a career with Spartanburg Community College's 70 free programs, Spartanburg is the right place.

Here are the top 10 places to check out in the south next time you want to travel.

People gather in the heart of Bentonville, Ark. The city square features an historic courthouse, shaded park, shops and restaurants, including Table Mesa Bistro, where chefs serve updated traditional Latin cuisine.
People gather in the heart of Bentonville, Ark. The city square features an historic courthouse, shaded park, shops and restaurants, including Table Mesa Bistro, where chefs serve updated traditional Latin cuisine.

10: Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub with the influence of major attractions like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Peel Museum and Botanical Garden.

The booming culinary scene in Bentonville features a variety of popular spots that offer an experience you can't find anywhere else, including The Spark Cafe, Onyx Coffee Lab, The Hive and Eleven.

If you want to start your visit exploring the fine arts, check out the Walmart Museum or embrace the outdoors, Bentonville has you covered.

An image from Avalon, a mixed use development in Alpharetta, Georgia, that Mauldin has presented as a conceptual idea for the city's planned city center project.
An image from Avalon, a mixed use development in Alpharetta, Georgia, that Mauldin has presented as a conceptual idea for the city's planned city center project.

9: Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta's growth and development, particularly with the restoration of its downtown district and the addition of the Avalon center, showcases its commitment to creating a vibrant community.

Shopping is something you cannot miss out on, with Alpharetta's Avalon Center providing an abundance of activities and events, including over 50 retail stores for whatever your clothing taste may be, restaurants, a movie theater and a hotel to rest after a long day of exploration.

Alpharetta may be part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, however it has a charm of its own.

The Florida State Seminoles celebrate their victory over the Stanford Cardinal to claim the Women’s College Cup Championship title in Cary, North Carolina on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.
The Florida State Seminoles celebrate their victory over the Stanford Cardinal to claim the Women’s College Cup Championship title in Cary, North Carolina on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

8: Cary, North Carolina

First beginning as a small suburb of Raleigh, Cary has blossomed into a sought-after destination with diverse offerings, from local eateries and shopping spots to cultural experiences.

Visitors can catch a live performance at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, which has hosted artists including John Mayer, Darius Rucker and the Alabama Shakes. Surrounded by majestic pine trees alongside Symphony Lake, every show there is an unforgettable experience.

Late April also brings the Spring Daze Festival in Cary, a highly anticipated festival of local vendors, arts and crafts and live entertainment - underneath the shady canopy of Bond Park.

With its growing Hub and beautiful landscape, Cary offers a perfect mix of both atmospheres for any visitor.

National Corvette Museum
National Corvette Museum

7: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Bowling Green has been experiencing growth and development over the years, attracting students and companies on an international scale.

Visit the beauties of the National Corvette Museum, featuring over 80 verities of racing, prototype and glamorous Corvettes. If you need speed, you can also check out the auto events at the Beech Bench Raceway.

The addition of the AESC electric vehicle battery manufacturer and the upcoming riverfront amenities are sure to bring more prosperity and opportunities to the city.

John Potter, left, displays pioneer-era handmade brooms at Yesterfest 2023. Potter operates the Republic of Texas Broom Shop & 1800’s General Store in New Braunfels.
John Potter, left, displays pioneer-era handmade brooms at Yesterfest 2023. Potter operates the Republic of Texas Broom Shop & 1800’s General Store in New Braunfels.

6: New Braunfels, Texas

If you're seeking a slower, more relaxed place to visit then New Braunfels is the place to be.

The Comal and Guadalupe rivers cutting through town provide a charming natural backdrop, while the historic Gruene District adds a unique cultural element.

Founded in 1845 by German immigrants, New Braunfels offers historical elements that have been preserved for decades. Residents and visitors can receive a blend of scenic beauty and historical significance within the area.

The South Carolina statehouse, where Gov Henry McMaster delivered his "last call" executive order speech during a COVID press conference at the State House in Columbia, S.C. Friday, July 10, 2020. Beginning Saturday, July 11, 2020, South Carolina's 8,000 restaurants, bars, breweries and other establishments will be ordered to stop serving alcohol nightly at 11 p.m., Gov. Henry McMaster said at the press conference.

5: Columbia, South Carolina

The capital city and home to the University of South Carolina and located in the heart of South Carolina, you can find cheering Gamecocks fans and a unique charm at every corner in Columbia.

Engage in the rich culture, art and natural history of the Palmetto State at the South Carolina State Museum, featuring four floors of permanent and changing interactive exhibits.

You can even check out the Soda City Market every Saturday on Main St. in Columbia. This giant market features over 400 vendors throughout the year, selling a wide range of unique antiques, handcrafted products and homegrown produce.

4: Huntsville, Alabama

Also known as the Rocket City, there is so much to love about this "claim-to-fame" city. Huntsville's association with NASA and space exploration has certainly left a significant mark on its identity and reputation.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center stands as a living testament to the city's role in advancing space technology and exploration.

For foodies who love to travel, Huntsville is the place for you. Enjoy and savor the different cuisines of Huntsville with the daytime food tour.

Hundreds march down Main Street during the Upstate Pride Festival's annual march in downtown Spartanburg on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. This year the festival was moved from Barnett Park to downtown to improve accessibility.
Hundreds march down Main Street during the Upstate Pride Festival's annual march in downtown Spartanburg on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. This year the festival was moved from Barnett Park to downtown to improve accessibility.

3: Spartanburg, South Carolina

One of the fastest-growing cities with local and national establishments, Spartanburg offers visitors and residents an unforgettable experience.

Spartanburg is a city that embraces its beauty with a variety of outdoor activities, from listening to live music and enjoying a local brew at the outdoor bier garden, Fr8Yard, or wandering around the enchanted Hatcher Garden to observing the vibrant flowers and woodland areas.

Everyone seems to be happy and eager to celebrate something in Spartanburg, with festivals occurring regularly. Members and allies of the LGBTQ+ celebrate a week of Upstate Pride, parading in bright colors and uplifting one another. Indulge and celebrate diversity at the International Festival, highlighting over 75 countries.

You can even see your favorite performers and artists at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, who've welcomed icons including Billy Idol, Taylor Swift, Kevin Hart, Gladys Knight and more.

Take it from me, I moved here from Mississippi and haven't left. There is something new to explore every day.

Recording Artist Bobby Rush performs during the Music City Root's Tribute to Sam Phillips at The Factory At Franklin on February 3, 2016 in Franklin, Tennessee.
Recording Artist Bobby Rush performs during the Music City Root's Tribute to Sam Phillips at The Factory At Franklin on February 3, 2016 in Franklin, Tennessee.

2: Franklin, Tennessee

Move over Nashville, because Franklin is the new place to be in Tennessee. The preserved and restored buildings in the downtown area of Franklin, along with the local shops and restaurants, create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Relax and unwind with a twist at the Noble Springs Goat Farm. Just a short drive from downtown Franklin, Noble Springs gives visitors the unique opportunity to visit the milking parlor, cheese-making facility and cuddle with baby goats, adding an interactive element to the experience.

Kenneth Myers and Rosalyn Henderson-Myers in Wilmington, N.C., in 2021.
Kenneth Myers and Rosalyn Henderson-Myers in Wilmington, N.C., in 2021.

1: Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington's picturesque scenery and rich history have attracted filmmakers for decades, nicknaming the town as "Hollywood East."

The upcoming additions of rentable houseboats on a riverfront, the opening of Hotel Lela Wilmington and a 55-room addition to Arrive Wilmington will provide visitors with a variety of accommodation options to choose from.

This port city has a beautiful atmosphere to explore, with tours inside Battleship North Carolina, the first of ten fast battleships to join the fleet in World War II. If you're into chills and thrills, listen to the haunting stories with the "Port City Paranormal."

Joanna Johnson covers community news for the Herald-Journal. Reach her via email at jjohnson@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Southern Living declares Spartanburg among the 'Best Cities in South'