Гринвилл вошел в топ-3 лучших городов США для посещения в 2026 году по версии CNN Travel

The Holy City is sharing its limelight with the Upstate. Greenville got a major nod from CNN Travel, landing at No. 3 on the publication’s list of “America’s best towns to visit in 2026.” The Upstate city was one of 10 destinations selected by CNN Travel editors who evaluated factors including attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, identity, accessibility and “wow factor.” CNN highlighted Greenville’s parks and trails, urban renewal, food scene and small-town feel, pointing to Falls Park and the city’s urban waterfall as major draws. The publication also praised the city’s transformation over the past several decades, calling it a “50-year overnight success story.” Greenville ranked behind Sarasota, Fla., at No. 1, and New Haven, Conn., at No. 2. Bethlehem, Pa., and Fort Collins, Colo., rounded out the top five. CNN’s list was based on nominations from readers and staffers, with editors narrowing the field to 10 finalists. “Greenville, South Carolina, sets a scene that many American towns are starving for — a return to the vibrant street life that died in the second half of the 20th century as downtowns hollowed out with the growth of the suburbs and their air-conditioned shopping malls,” CNN wrote about the city in the profile. Charleston, meanwhile, did not make CNN’s 10-town list, despite its status as one of South Carolina’s best-known tourism destinations. It’s not uncommon for both South Carolina cities to be in the spotlight. Charleston has been a longtime contender in Travel + Leisure's annual list of America's Best Cities top 5 list, and has been joined by Greenville in recent years, which has also made the list at No. 10. The recognition comes as Greenville continues to draw national attention for its downtown revitalization, walkability, outdoor recreation and growing food scene. Greenville shared the news with a caption thanking CNN for featuring “the natural beauty and intentional planning that made our city what it is today.” It included a shoutout to local businesses Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery and Coffee Underground, which were among several mentioned in the story. Some celebrated the recognition and debated what makes the city so appealing, while others joked about Charleston’s omission — or offered a familiar warning to anyone thinking about moving there: “We’re full.” The sentiment speaks to a larger tension Charleston has wrestled with for years. National recognition can be a point of pride and attract new visitors, but it can also fuel the growth that some residents worry can change the character of the city. Greenville County welcomed more than 7 million visitors last year, generating an economic impact of $2.5 billion, according to data from VisitGreenvilleSC. In Charleston, tourism has grown into a $14.3 billion industry that welcomes 7.9 million visitors to the region each year. That’s why Charleston leaders plan to overhaul tourism policies for the first time in more than a decade in an effort to “balance visitor growth with residents’ quality of life.”