A Tale of Four Cities
How Charleston compares to its neighbors
BY ALYSHA TAMAYO AND MICHAEL MONTGOMERY
A fun day at the beach with waves crashing around you and your friends? Or a quiet, relaxing trip in the mountains? Catching a Dawgs game and a show at the Georgia Theatre? Or strolling down a cobblestone road gazing at grand Oak trees? However you choose to spend your downtime, these three cities have plenty to offer.
Athens, Georgia
This town, the birthplace of music icons such as the B-52s and R.E.M., was named the “#1 college music scene” by Rolling Stone in 2003. Its iconic music scene is also thanks to the highly praised Georgia Theatre, which has hosted hits like The Police and Widespread Panic. Despite the city’s thriving music scene, Athens is more than just an incubator for bands. Home to the University of Georgia, Athens welcomes nearly 34,400 new residents every year. Downtown Athens feels like a condensed version of Charleston, with restaurants, music and a college-friendly atmosphere. Fun fact: More than 30 fiberglass bulldogs have been built in downtown Athens since 2003. Do a scavenger hunt and take pictures with all the bulldogs that protect the “Classic City.”
Charleston, South Carolina
With recognition as not just the top city in the U.S. but also best in the world by Conde Nast Traveler's Reader’s Choice Awards, Charleston has exploded as a major destination. It has a bustling urban core filled with everyone from college students, businesspeople and tourists, a laid-back beach scene and pristine plantations within a 20-minute drive from the city center. Spend a lazy Saturday afternoon scouting for shells on Sullivan’s Island, then head downtown for a concert at the Music Farm. With the College of Charleston and The Citadel, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Charleston School of Law all downtown, the city has a youthful energy. Fun fact: The first game of golf in the United States was played in Charleston on Sept. 29th, 1786.
Asheville, North Carolina
If beach, shopping and historic views aren’t your scene, then this laid-back town is probably your best bet. Asheville was by Rolling Stone as the “New Freak Capital of the U.S.” The new-aged hipster city is filled with art. With colleges such as Mars Hill and Warren Wilson College, Asheville is a destination for students and young professionals. Attractions like the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Mountains have only added to Asheville’s popularity. The unique and lively culture within Asheville’s city limits is what makes it such an attractive place to visit. Fun fact: Asheville has been named the top beer city in the United States three years in a row (2010, 2011, 2012), tying with Grand Rapids, Mich., in 2012.
PHOTO BY MELISSA DELANEY
Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia
Charleston
122,689
Athens
116,084
Asheville
84,458
Savannah
139,491
Pop Figures
The population within city limits of
Charleston, Athens, Asheville and Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s most recognized gem is River Street. You can view the massive cargo ships coming into port, stroll along the bumpy sidewalks made of ancient brick or window shop along the many shops. You can easily spend a weekend exploring this charming, mysterious city, made famous by the hit novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Savannah was named one of the top 10 trendiest cities to visit by The New York Times, and it has a vibrant art scene that’s influenced by the Savannah School of Art and Design. Fun fact: . Its St. Patrick’s Day parade rivals those in New York, Boston and Chicago.