Southern Living announces the winners of its seventh annual South’s Best Awards, recognizing readers’ favorite Southern destinations and experiences. In-depth coverage of the winners appears in the April issue of Southern Living, available March 17 and on SouthernLiving.com here.
This year’s South’s Best Awards survey results reveal the Top 50 Southern Small Towns, plus the best Cities, Hotels, State Parks, and BBQ Joints. The special double issue features Southern Living’s first-ever celebrity cover for the South’s Best issue with NBC TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb sharing her love for the city of New Orleans. Featured on the flip cover is St. Augustine, Florida, which was ranked the number one Small Town in the South.
“In a year when more people than ever are traveling and moving to the South, we wanted to put a spotlight on small towns in this year’s South’s Best Awards,” said Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living. “These are the hidden gems our readers picked for their character, charm, and unmistakable Southernness. We’re also thrilled to have Hoda Kotb sharing her longtime connection to New Orleans as a cover story. This whole issue is about the places we love, and in Hoda’s case, the city clearly loves her back.”
From the story:
1. St. Augustine, Florida
“In this town founded in 1565, you’ll encounter the past and present around every corner. Step back into the 1600s at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and then enjoy the area’s up-and-coming dining scene and its many craft breweries and distilleries. “
Highlights of Southern Living’s 2023 South’s Best Awards survey results are as follows:
1. St. Augustine, FL
2. Beaufort, SC
3. Gatlinburg, TN
4. Dahlonega, GA
5. Blowing Rock, NC
6. Fairhope, AL
7. Tybee Island, GA
8. Sanibel, FL
9. Folly Beach, SC
10. Fredricksburg, TX
11. Beaufort, NC
12. Hendersonville, NC
13. Abingdon, VA
14. Helen, GA
15. Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL
16. Bluffton, SC
17. Eureka Springs, AR
18. Ocean Springs, MS
19. Hot Springs, AR
20. Mount Dora, FL
21. Harper’s Ferry, WV
22. Oxford, MS
23. Chincoteague, VA
24. Bardstown, KY
25. Laurel, MS
26. Berea, KY
27. Leipers Fork, TN
28. Wimberley, TX
29. Middleburg, VA
30. Lewisburg, WV
31. Broken Bow, OK
32. Natchitoches, LA
33. St. Francisville, LA
34. Guthrie, OK
35. Paducah, KY
36. Fernandina Beach, FL
37. Port Aransas, TX
38. Mountain Home, AR
39. Dunedin, FL
40. Covington, LA
41. Georgetown, SC
42. Williamsburg, VA
43. Round Top, TX
44. Jonesborough, TN
45. Boone, NC
46. Thomasville, GA
47. Bay St. Louis, MS
48. Shepherdstown, WV
49. Danville, KY
50. Opelika, AL
