Accolades for Charleston in 2008

As 2008 closes, Charleston can look back on a year of top accolades from some of the most trusted names in tourism.

Despite slumping attraction numbers and paltry hotel occupancies, those who came enjoyed themselves. Here are some of the highlights, broken down by category.

Best in show

-- Travel + Leisure named Charlestonians America's friendliest people, and the magazine's readers ranked the city the No. 4 in America in its "World's Best Awards."

-- Charleston stole from New York the No. 2 spot in Conde Nast Traveler's Top 10 Travel Destinations in the U.S. The magazine's same Readers' Choice Awards ranked Kiawah Island the second-best island in North America.

-- Parade Magazine named Charleston one of the five Great American Cities.

Because life is uncertain

-- Luxury travel expert Andrew Harper put Charleston in the 10 Places in America to See Before You Die.

-- Yahoo.com ranked Charleston the No. 3 spot on a similar, before-you-die list.

For all seasons

-- Southern Living lauded the city as its top Spring Vacation Destination.

-- Orbitz.com ranked Charleston the sixth fastest-growing city in the U.S. for a winter getaway.

Special interest

-- Golf World's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards put Kiawah Island Golf Resort as the best resort course in the U.S. It ranked Charleston and Kiawah Island as No. 1 among top golf destinations in North America and Europe.

-- Charlotte Parent magazine called Charleston the best Family Weekend Getaway.

-- American Style Magazine ranked Charleston the sixth best arts destination among mid-size metropolitan cities.

-- Cottage Living put Noisette in North Charleston as one of America's 10 best neighborhoods.

Speaking of awards

Four South Carolina properties earned AAA's Five Diamond rating for 2009 and accepted the designation at an awards ceremony in North Carolina last week. Fewer than 0.3 percent of AAA's annual inspections across the country prove worthy of the rating.

This year's recipients are all repeat honorees: Wentworth Mansion, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Woodlands Resort and Inn and The Dining Room at Woodlands.

Home-grown tourists

With all these awards and rankings, now might be a good time to see what the fuss is about.

Throughout January, residents can visit 37 local attractions and receive dining discounts at 24 restaurants with the Be a Tourist in Your Own Town pass. It costs $20 per person or $50 for a family of four.

Drayton Hall estimates that, historically, more than half of its January visitors are pass holders.

Tickets are available online at beatourist.net, 853-8000 or official visitors centers in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston or Kiawah Island. All pass holders must have a Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester ID for admission.

Reach Allyson Bird at abird@postandcourier.com.