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This South Carolina Town Is The Top Travel Destination In The Country

Author Catherine Lane
Charleston, South Carolina, USA at Waterfront Park.

What an honor.  This South Carolina town has been named the top travel destination in the country. At this point is it even a surprise?  This is the 11th time Charleston, South Carolina has received this honor.

Charleston is not only known for being the best place to visit in the country, it is also known worldwide.  Charleston was one of two cities in the United States named among the 25 best cities in the world.  According to Travel and Leisure, Board Chair John Laverne from Explore Charleston says “We do not take for granted that it’s the readers – avid travelers – who determine the winners and that most cities in the country would love to be in our position.”

All those travelers mean big business for the Holy City.  According to tourism officials, Charleston raked 12.8 billion for the area in 2022. Tourism is credited for a quarter of that revenue.  There were more accolades for South Carolina.  Kiawah Island finished third on the list of the 10 best islands in the continental United States.

So why do so many people flock to Charleston?  Not only is it steeped in history, that history has been well preserved in architecture and ecology.  And as each year goes by, Charleston is becoming known more and more as a foodie town. Our family has vacationed in Charleston, South Carolina about a dozen times over the years.  We love to find one of the area’s Bed and Breakfasts in the historic district, park the car, and walk everywhere to art, history, and food.  For more information get all the details in Travel and Leisure right here.

7 South Carolina Restaurants Named With Best Shrimp and Grits in the World

Shrimp and grits are a southern staple. So I am not surprised that you can find some of the best shrimp and grits in the world right in South Carolina. As a Charleston girl, I can tell you that shrimp and grits is no joke. It is not only the brunch staple but also the must-eat whenever in Charleston. It’s something about Charleston cooking that just is good for the soul. According to food experts, South Carolina has more than one of the best shrimp and grits in the world. Can you believe it?

Taste Atlas gathered a list of some of the best shrimp and grits in the world. They have their top 10 which are home to the best shrimp and grits in the world according to food experts and 7 South Carolina locations made the top 10. That’s right, 7 out of the 10 places for shrimp and grits are right here in the Carolinas. How lucky are we? Not only are they South Carolina restaurants, but the majority are right in the Lowcountry of Charleston. So if you have never tried shrimp and grits before, now might be your time to give them a taste. Check out some of the best locations in the world for shrimp and grits.

  • 1. 82 Queen - Charleston, SC

    82 Queen is a Lowcountry favorite. This restaurant is serving up Lowcountry favorites from shrimp and grits and she-crab soup to fried green tomatoes and more! It is located in the heart of downtown and close to all of the shopping and fun that can be found on King Street. Enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner at this Charleston favorite whenever you are back in town.

  • 2. Hyman's Seafood - Charleston, SC

    Now Hyman’s Seafood is a popular place to eat whenever you are in Charleston. Located right off of the famous market, this Charleston restaurant is serving up plenty of Charleston favorites and serving some of your favorites. Tons of celebrities visit here and the artwork within the building will tell you who has been there. Enjoy shrimp and grits, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, crawfish, fish, and more!

  • 3. A Lowcountry Backyard - Hilton Head Island, SC

    Hilton Head Island surely serves up some great seafood classics as well in South Carolina. A Lowcountry Backyard is your home for great seafood, drinks, and music. Their shrimp and grits are a staple, but also serving up favorites such as crab cake, May River blue crab dip, Lowcountry boil, and more! Next time you head to Hilton Head this might be the place you need to check out.

  • 4. The Glass Onion - Charleston, SC

    The Glass Onion is a unique, homegrown, and local restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. They support local farmers and purveyors in the area to help keep things fresh and locally focused within the restaurant. Their shrimp and grits are one of their menu favorites. But, they are also serving up dishes such as deviled eggs, fried green tomato po boy, gumbo, and more!

  • South City Kitchen - Atlanta, GA

    South Carolina is not the only spot with some good shrimp and grits. Atlanta is serving up some bomb southern food over at South City Kitchen. With multiple Georgia locations, you can get a taste of shrimp and grits wherever you may be. Enjoy some of your other southern favorites like smoked lamb sausage, she-crab soup, collard greens, chicken livers, and more!

  • Page's Okra Grill - Mt. Pleasant, SC

    Now THIS is one of those spots that I will fight for to the death of me. Page’s Okra Grill is one of my all time favorite places to eat whenever I go back home. They have some of the best southern food, fresh seafood, fresh ingredients, it is beyond words. Honestly, everyone I know coming to Charleston for the first time this is one of the spots I tell them they have to check out. Great shrimp and grits, fried shrimp, mac and cheese, loaded fries, and more!

  • Brennan's of Houston - Houston, TX

    Brennan’s of Houston is located in Houston, Texas. I actually used to live there as well, but I have never heard of this spot so now I am intrigued to learn more. Their brunch menu online seems that they certainly have some great options to check out. From shrimp & grits to banana’s foster to soft shell crab and more! Yeah, next time I head to Houston I will be trying this place out for sure. 

  • Poogan's Porch - Charleston, SC

    Another Charleston restaurant. I am telling you, shrimp and grits is really a Charleston staple. Poogan’s Porch in Charleston is serving up shrimp and grits the right way. This southern restaurant has all of your favorites beyond shrimp and grits like pimento cheese fritters, fried pickled okra, catfish sandwich, chicken fried pork chop, and more. This is another one that I personally have not been to in Charleston, but it looks like I will be going next time I visit home.

  • Atchafalaya Restaurant - New Orleans, LA

    Of course New Orleans had to make this list. If there was one city I would say is like Charleston when it comes to food, New Orleans is it. Atchafalaya Restaurant is home to some of New Orleans favorite shrimp and grits. This unique spot offers menu items you may not have even thought of such as crispy gulf oysters, peaches & cream waffles, goat cheese salad, and more!

  • Husk - Charleston, SC

    Husk is one of those restaurants that we have seen before. They have been named one of Charleston’s best restaurants, best burger, and now top notch shrimp and grits. At this point, you can’t really be surprised about this one. Located in the heart of Charleston, this cute little dining spot is serving up big flavors for their guests. If you ever head to Charleston, add this to your list too.

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