South-Carolina
Greenville, Spartanburg among top 5 friendliest cities, towns in the South, says Southern Living

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When it comes to living in the South, most southerners would bet on their town being the friendliest.
This is due to the tradition of southern hospitality being passed on from friends and family to neighbor and stranger. Down in these parts, you can expect to make friends while running your daily errands. Southerners love to meet new people, and they are not afraid to chat up a storm, whether it’s while waiting in line at the grocery store or walking your dog around the neighborhood.
While there are many charming cities and towns in the South that keep up with the tradition of southern hospitality, there are only a few that made Southern Living’s recent list.
SC cities on Southern Living’s friendliest list
South Carolina dominates the top of Southern Living’s 15 Friendliest Cities in the South analysis. Charleston ranks No. 1, while Greenville is No. 3. Here’s what Southern Living had to say about these cities.
No. 1 Charleston
Charleston is a favorite among Southern Living readers, and the magazine says it has topped the annual list “for more years in a row than we can count on one hand.” It cites the city’s dining, waterfront views and architecture as standout features. But what about friendliness? One reader was quoted in the article: “I was walking down King Street with my family, and it started pouring rain. A perfect stranger stopped in his car, handed us an umbrella, said ‘Welcome to Charleston,’ and drove away.”
No. 3 Greenville
One thing Southern Living said it liked about Greenville is that it still feels like a small town with its walkable downtown. It singles out Falls Park on the Reedy River as a distinguishing feature of the city. Southern Living also mentions the Swamp Rabbit Trail: “Time in the great outdoors is good for the soul, so maybe that’s what makes Greenville locals so sunny? A leisurely bike ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail … could turn even the deepest of frowns upside down.”
∎ No. 1: Charleston, South Carolina
∎ No. 2: Savannah, Georgia
∎ No. 3: Greenville, South Carolina
∎ No. 4: New Orleans, Louisiana
∎ No. 5: Nashville, Tennessee
∎ No. 6: Wilmington, North Carolina
∎ No. 7: Asheville, North Carolina
∎ No. 8: Franklin, Tennessee
∎ No. 9: Lexington, Kentucky
∎ No. 10: Lafayette, Louisiana
∎ No. 11: Chattanooga, Tennessee
∎ No. 12: San Antonio, Texas
∎ No. 13: Austin, Texas
∎ No. 14: Bentonville, Arkansas
∎ No. 15: Cary, North Carolina
SC towns on Southern Living’s friendliest list
Beaufort and Spartanburg are two S.C. towns that made appearances; Beaufort ranked No. 2 out of 20 Friendliest Towns in the South, while Spartanburg came in at No. 4. Here’s why the magazine recognized these towns as some of the friendliest.
No. 2 Beaufort
The city of Beaufort, located on Port Royal Island, is mostly known for its beaches and antebellum style mansions such as the John Mark Verdier House Museum. It is also known for the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront, which looks over the Beaufort River and Woods Memorial Bridge. Southern Living has listed the city on its South Best Awards several times throughout the years. But what is it that makes the city a friendly place?
“I’d prefer to keep it a secret, but y’all have let that cat out of the bag. The city itself is like a warm hug, her people are icing on the cake,” said one Southern Living reader. “Folks greet each other on the street, share stories over ice cream cones on benches, kids play and engage in the riverfront park, folks will scooch over a seat or two to make room for others. It’s just a lovely corner of home in this crazy world.”
No. 4 Spartanburg
Earlier this year, Spartanburg made Southern Living’s Best Cities on the Rise list due to its population growth and upcoming development projects. Readers of the magazine enjoy living in the Upstate city and appreciate the well managed city service and helpful employees.
One reader said: “They have great shopping downtown and friendly staff. The library is fantastic and worth visiting to look around. The staff there is also helpful with local history. Everybody says hello on their walking trail, families stop to chat and let their kids play on the trail. All around great experience.”
Another reader shared they have been “warmly welcomed at every turn” since retiring to the city.
Southern Living’s 20 Friendliest Towns in the South
∎ No. 1: Covington, Louisiana
∎ No. 2: Beaufort, South Carolina
∎ No. 3: Fairhope, Alabama
∎ No. 4: Spartanburg, South Carolina
∎ No. 5: Oxford, Mississippi
∎ No. 6: Southport, North Carolina
∎ No. 7: Round Top, Texas
∎ No. 8: St. Augustine, Florida
∎ No. 9: Fredericksburg, Texas
∎ No. 10: Laurel, Mississippi
∎ No. 11: Carolina Beach, North Carolina
∎ No. 12: Eureka Springs, Arkanas
∎ No. 13: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
∎ No. 14: Hendersonville, North Carolina
∎ No. 15: Williamsburg, Virginia
∎ No. 16: Ocean Springs, Mississippi
∎ No. 17: Auburn, Alabama
∎ No. 18: Paducah, Kentucky
∎ No. 19: Henderson, Kentucky
∎ No. 20: Fernandina Beach, Florida
Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for June 9, 2025

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at June 9, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing
30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 9 drawing
Midday: 2-5-5, FB: 8
Evening: 7-8-9, FB: 7
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 9 drawing
Midday: 4-8-6-5, FB: 8
Evening: 7-4-7-8, FB: 7
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 9 drawing
Midday: 06
Evening: 04
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from June 9 drawing
09-20-24-33-36
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 9 drawing
01-07-24-50-59, Powerball: 11
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South-Carolina
Festival has 75,000 sunflowers on 6 acres at Denver Downs’ 140-acre farm, what to know
A festival with 75,000 sunflowers spread across six acres within an expansive 140-acre farm will be the featured attraction at the seventh annual South Carolina Sunflower Festival in Anderson County.
Visitors to the Denver Downs Farm, located at 1515 Denver Road, during the festival can take home sunflowers, enjoy live music, capture photos, visit local vendors, and experience special attractions, according to Catherine Garrison Davis, co-owner of Denver Downs.
“Sunflowers just make people happy, and we love sharing that happiness with our guests from all over the region who come to celebrate the beautiful flowers throughout the summer,” Davis said. “We can’t wait to see all the smiles and share our love for sunflowers during the festival.”
Festival dates are June 13-15 and June 20-22.
Sunflower festival tickets: What to know?
Here is what you should know about sunflower festival ticket prices.
- Admission tickets are available online.
- Purchase your tickets online for $21.55, saving 35% off the gate price of $33.95.
- Dogs on leashes are permitted to attend; however, they must be admitted separately for a $10 fee.
Visitors can also participate in the U-Pick experience, where they can gather a large bucket of sunflowers for $28.95.
Sunflower Festival attractions
Sunflower festival activities run from Friday to Sunday, while the sunflower fields are open daily.
Monday through Thursday, the sunflower fields are open for photos and picking from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Time slots for Sunflower Festival activities are listed below.
- Fridays, 4 to 9 p.m., barnyard activities, 4 to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., barnyard activities, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., barnyard activities, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy the Jumbo Jumping Pillow, ride the Barnyard Express Zipline, or challenge themselves on the Rope Course, human football, tricycle races, the climbing wall, sunflower fields, the mountain slide, paintball gallery, jumping pillow, ball zone, dodgeball, the gaga pit, and the Double D Gem Mine.
Additionally, there will also be farm animals including goats, mini horses, chickens, and our new Jersey calf.
Along with the bright yellow and black sunflowers, attendees will be treated to a few surprises, such as exotic sunflower varieties they may have never seen before, Davis said.
Denver Downs Farm is showcasing a diverse range of sunflower varieties, including the Firecracker, the Teddy Bear, and the Sunrich Lime. Visitors will also encounter Vincent’s Choice, Sunbright Supreme, Double Quick Orange, Pro-Cut Gold Lite, and Pro-Cut Red.
Sunflower Festival vendors
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of South Carolina with a variety of local vendors offering a range of food options, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers.
Festivalgoers can indulge their sweet tooth with funnel cakes and snow cones, or quench their thirst with Denver Downs lemonade. They can also try Silo Sangrias or Flower Frose from the Vine and Barrel Beer Garden.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.
South-Carolina
SCHP: 3 dead after multi-vehicle wrong-way crash on I-85 in Spartanburg Co.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports a multi-vehicle crash on I-85 killed three people on Sunday.
SCHP said a 2015 Honda Sedan was traveling the wrong way on I-85 North around 12:15 a.m. when it hit a 2019 Toyota Sedan head-on near mile marker 75.
The Honda driver and the two occupants of the Toyota all died at the scene, according to troopers.
The Honda also hit a 2024 Ford Expedition, but its driver and five passengers were not injured, troopers said.
The victims of the crash have not yet been identified.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office are continuing their investigation.
Copyright 2025 WHNS. All rights reserved.
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