The August 2009 issue of Outside Magazine includes a list of “The Best Small Towns: Our Favorite Adventure Burgs,” and two Southern cities–including Charleston–are included.

Charleston, South Carolina
Chucktown is affordable (median home price, $235,000) and small (pop. 110,000) but comes with the vitality of a metropolis, thanks to its kaleidoscopic heritage and a happening downtown. And since it sits at the confluence of the Cooper and Ashley rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s also prime watersport territory: There’s sailing in the harbor, sea-kayaking through the marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway, and surfing at Folly Beach.

Other best small towns include: Salida, Colorado; Leavenworth, Washington; Alpin, Texas; New London, Connecticut; Taos, New Mexico; Ashland, Oregon; Ely, Minnesota; Yellow Springs, Ohio and Boone, North Carolina.

Thanks Outside!