It may come as no surprise for alums, current students or recent visitors to the College of Charleston, but the fair city that our school resides in was recently named “World’s Best City” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. According to the magazine, Charleston is the first domestic destination to earn the coveted World’s Best City ranking, and for the fourth consecutive year, the readers of Travel + Leisure ranked the Charleston area the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada.

A wealth of art, restaurants, historic landmarks, and polite citizens ultimately put Charleston on top. Travel + Leisure editor Nathan Lump said, “Charleston is a remarkably dynamic place, so it’s no surprise that it has achieved its highest ranking ever in our survey as this year’s best city in the world. The city has managed to preserve all the qualities for which it is widely known—a prime coastal setting, historic architecture, friendly locals—while also nurturing a creative culture that is making it one of the most notable destinations for those who seek out interesting restaurants, bars, and shops that highlight a dedication to distinctive craft.”

And while we’re not saying it was in an inside job, the College does have an in with the photo editor at Travel + Leisure. Alum Skye Senterfeit ‘03 probably helped pick out the amazing photos used on the current World’s Best Awards site. Read all about how she got the job on The College Today.