Move over, bigger Southern cities. These NC spots are ‘on the rise,’ magazine says
North Carolina is home to two of the South’s best up-and-coming cities, a lifestyle magazine says.
Southern Living named Wilmington and Winston-Salem among the regional destinations that are “on the rise.” The list was a tribute to cities that the magazine said are sometimes overlooked but are making names for themselves.
“These growing cities have burgeoning food scenes, blossoming downtowns, and enough cultural and outdoor activities to fill a weekend itinerary several times over,” Southern Living said. “In other words, they’re basically the Goldilocks of cities: not too big, not too small, and just right.”
Wilmington made the list, getting nods for its nearly 2-mile Riverwalk and proximity to popular beaches.
In addition to historic buildings, “find modern amenities such as boutique hotels, cocktail bars, and waterfront amphitheaters hosting frequent music festivals and live shows,” Southern Living said in its report.
Winston-Salem also earned a spot for its amenities, including parks, restaurants and bars. Several attractions are in the city’s Innovation Quarter, home to companies and living spaces, according to the magazine.
“The ingenuity of the city’s Moravian founders has translated into a community of young entrepreneurs and creators who spurred a live-work-play revolution,” Southern Living said. “That spirit is most apparent at Innovation Quarter.”
It’s not the first time a North Carolina city has been recognized as a trending place.
In October, Airbnb named Durham among the nation’s hottest travel destinations as people flock to smaller cities for a change in scenery during the coronavirus pandemic, McClatchy News reported. Health officials have warned that taking trips may increase chances of spreading or contracting COVID-19.
On the most recent Southern Living list, other cities in the top 10 were Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Greenville, South Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Lexington, Kentucky; Norfolk, Virginia; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Waco, Texas.
The magazine didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ requests for additional details Thursday.
This story was originally published March 11, 2021 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Move over, bigger Southern cities. These NC spots are ‘on the rise,’ magazine says."
