Small US cities with big flavor: These NC, SC cities are in the top 5

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• Asheville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina, are recognized for their thriving arts and culture scenes, vibrant downtowns, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Both cities offer a unique combination of scenic beauty and exceptional food experiences.

The size of a city shouldn’t determine its wow factor; destinations like Asheville and Greenville, South Carolina, prove that less can be more.

Despite faring on the smaller side, visitors keep returning to each city for their widespread appreciation of arts and culture, exciting downtowns, and idyllic location near the Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for a scenic drive.

But we can’t forget one of the best experiences that the Carolinas have to offer ― finger-licking good food.

And neither can Food & Wine, which added each city to its roundup of 11 small U.S. cities with big flavor (one of these topped the list at No. 1).

Here’s what the publication had to say about each city’s cuisine.

Asheville ‘blends Appalachian roots with contemporary creativity’

Asheville’s streets are paved with the arts, from locals selling homemade jewelry and glass creations to sculptures and murals adorning the walls of buildings. So it’s no surprise that Asheville’s food is akin to works of art, too, which is probably why the city landed at spot No. 1 on Food & Wine’s roundup.

“Cooks here marry heritage with invention, turning peak-of-season produce into artful plates,” the publication said.

Hungry visitors strolling through this Foodtopia (Asheville’s nickname, for good reason) should consider visiting Filipnx restaurant Neng Jr.’s or Good Hot Fish, a chef-run counter serving up fried Carolina seafood. For “refined takes on mountain fare,” try driving out to Black Mountain’s Hell or High Water.

Greenville a ‘rising destination for curious eaters’

Greenville ranked No. 5 on Food & Wine’s list, noted for being an area where food is prepared from the ground up. Bobby’s BBQ was praised for its juicy brisket and smoked turkey, while Topsoil and Fork and Plough were highlighted for their farm-to-table menu selections. Of course, the city’s downtown was also raved about.

“Downtown, cuisine from 34 countries spans five continents, adding global dimension to this Southern palate, ” said Food & Wine.

Food & Wine’s Top 11 small cities with big flavor

• No. 1: Asheville
• No. 2: Burlington, Vermont
• No. 3: Covington, Kentucky
• No. 4: Fredericksburg, Texas
• No. 5: Greenville
• No. 6: Healdsburg, California
• No. 7: McMinnville, Oregon
• No. 8: Oxford, Mississippi
• No. 9: Santa Fe, New Mexico
• No. 10: Traverse City, Michigan

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]