Celebrating 60 Years: Southern Living Reveals 2026 South's Best Award Winners
Southern Living, a beloved authority on Southern culture and lifestyle, has recently announced the winners of its tenth annual South's Best Awards, celebrating a remarkable 60 years in publication. The April 2026 issue, set to hit newsstands on March 20, features a comprehensive look at the standout cities, culinary delights, and tourist destinations in the southern United States.
This year’s esteemed list was determined by the magazine's dedicated readers, who shared their preferences and favorite experiences. Charleston, South Carolina, clinches the top spot once again as the South’s Best City, marking an impressive decade in this distinguished ranking. The picturesque city is favored for its vibrant culture, storied history, and an unparalleled culinary scene that reflects the unique flavors of the South.
The awards cover a plethora of categories including Top Beach Getaways, Classic Restaurants, New Hotels, Inns, Florida’s Best Barbecue Joints, and even Top Golf Destinations, a new addition this year focused on showcasing premier golf locales across the South.
Among the highlights, the Golden Isles in Georgia is celebrated as the Top Beach Getaway, inviting visitors with its azure waters and stunning coastlines. The South's Best Cities list showcases other notable locations, such as:
Additionally, the Top Golf Destinations list reveals fan favorites, such as Pinehurst in North Carolina and Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, both renowned for their captivating courses that entice golf enthusiasts.
The culinary landscape is also in focus, with the South's Best Barbecue Joints being highlighted, which pays homage to the region's barbeque culture. Across various states, readers have voted for:
Southern Living's Editor-in-Chief, Sid Evans remarked, "Over the past 60 years, we've learned that our readers truly know the South best. They highlight the destinations and experiences that make this region unique and special."
In conjunction with the unveiling of the South's Best Awards, this issue of Southern Living introduces a refreshed layout, blending contemporary charm with the magazine's rich storytelling traditions. The redesign aims to reflect the essence and sophistication of a modern South, appealing to both loyal readers and newcomers alike.
To explore the full results of Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards, including detailed lists and methodologies, interested readers are encouraged to visit SouthernLiving.com. This year marks a significant milestone not only for the magazine but also for the communities it represents, making it a must-read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Southern culture and charm.
This year’s esteemed list was determined by the magazine's dedicated readers, who shared their preferences and favorite experiences. Charleston, South Carolina, clinches the top spot once again as the South’s Best City, marking an impressive decade in this distinguished ranking. The picturesque city is favored for its vibrant culture, storied history, and an unparalleled culinary scene that reflects the unique flavors of the South.
The awards cover a plethora of categories including Top Beach Getaways, Classic Restaurants, New Hotels, Inns, Florida’s Best Barbecue Joints, and even Top Golf Destinations, a new addition this year focused on showcasing premier golf locales across the South.
Among the highlights, the Golden Isles in Georgia is celebrated as the Top Beach Getaway, inviting visitors with its azure waters and stunning coastlines. The South's Best Cities list showcases other notable locations, such as:
- - Savannah, GA
- - Asheville, NC
- - Nashville, TN
- - New Orleans, LA
- - Lexington, KY
- - Wilmington, NC
- - Chattanooga, TN
- - Greenville, SC
- - St. Petersburg, FL
Additionally, the Top Golf Destinations list reveals fan favorites, such as Pinehurst in North Carolina and Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, both renowned for their captivating courses that entice golf enthusiasts.
The culinary landscape is also in focus, with the South's Best Barbecue Joints being highlighted, which pays homage to the region's barbeque culture. Across various states, readers have voted for:
- - Alabama: Dreamland Bar-B-Que (Tuscaloosa)
- - Arkansas: Wright's Barbeque (Johnson)
- - Florida: Big John's Alabama BBQ (Tampa)
- - Georgia: Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island)
- - Kentucky: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn (Owensboro)
- - Louisiana: The Joint (New Orleans)
- - Mississippi: The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs)
- - Missouri: Jack Stack Barbecue (Kansas City)
- - North Carolina: Lexington Barbecue (Lexington)
- - Oklahoma: Swadley's Bar-B-Q (Bethany)
- - South Carolina: Lewis Barbecue (Charleston)
- - Tennessee: Peg Leg Porker (Nashville)
- - Texas: Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
- - Virginia: Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que (Williamsburg)
- - West Virginia: Rollin' Smoke BBQ (Charleston)
Southern Living's Editor-in-Chief, Sid Evans remarked, "Over the past 60 years, we've learned that our readers truly know the South best. They highlight the destinations and experiences that make this region unique and special."
In conjunction with the unveiling of the South's Best Awards, this issue of Southern Living introduces a refreshed layout, blending contemporary charm with the magazine's rich storytelling traditions. The redesign aims to reflect the essence and sophistication of a modern South, appealing to both loyal readers and newcomers alike.
To explore the full results of Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards, including detailed lists and methodologies, interested readers are encouraged to visit SouthernLiving.com. This year marks a significant milestone not only for the magazine but also for the communities it represents, making it a must-read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Southern culture and charm.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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