Day Tripping or Vacationing on Folly, Charleston.com Salutes A Cornucopia of Things To Do When on 'the Edge of America'.

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment / Food & Beverage Writer

Although the Isle of Palms receives more foot traffic and attracts more vacationers due to the inclusion of Wild Dunes Resort, Charleston's two other beach communities are equally as welcoming. While neighboring Sullivans Island is considered a quieter beach town, it is Folly Beach with its laid back come as you are attitude that is slowly gaining more popularity from locals and out of towners.

Deemed the 'Edge of America', for decades Folly Beach was thought of as the low country's utopian seaside community, a town where the haves and the have nots rubbed elbows, flew under the radar, surfed, and invited weekend warriors to shag on the famed Folly Beach Pier during the summer months. However, with greater Charleston growing in population and popularity, the 'forgotten gem' once believed to be a 'hidden gem' is now beginning to sparkle like never before.

Incorporated as a town in 1938 and a city in 1973, Folly Beach exists under 13 square miles and is home to several surf shops, restaurants, bars, gift shops, and businesses, with a most of them situated along Center Street and or Ashley Avenue. While Folly Beach has lots to offer throughout the year, during the summer months (Memorial to Labor Day) the excitement and attraction for Folly explodes.

Located at 1100 W. Ashley Ave. on the west end of the island, Folly Beach County Park is a pristine family friendly public park situated nicely between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River. As a member of Charleston County Parks, the park provides seasonal lifeguards, a picnic area, snack bar, restrooms, and a boardwalk with ADA accessible ramps. Open 8am till sunset, their 225 parking spaces fill up quickly on the weekends.

On the opposite end of the island at 1750 E Ashley Ave. history buffs and preservationist might enjoy taking in Morris Island Lighthouse. While the 19th century structure is neither operational or open for tours, visitors can take in all its grandeur by parking along Ashley Ave. and walking just over a half mile. At 161 ft. the Morris Island Lighthouse remains the tallest lighthouse in South Carolina.

Those two landmarks (county park & lighthouse) bookend a thriving community called Folly Beach, which is home to several thousand residents who welcome locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sun and sand, as well as the 1050 ft. long Folly Beach Pier in the heart of the downtown area. 25 feet wide and 22 feet above sea level the pier is renowned for its epic ocean views, saltwater fishing, and for hosting monthly Friday night Moonlight Mixers during the summer, featuring oldies and shag music. A great way to gather with friends and watch the sunset while dancing the night away.

Built in 1985 the Tides Folly Beach, formerly Holiday Inn (no relation to the hotel chain) has become its own milestone along the front beach and the centerpiece of midtown Folly Beach. Taking choice words from their website the Tides Folly Beach is 'an escape like no other' with every room providing killer Atlantic Ocean views as well as private Juliet balconies, not to mention an oceanfront pool, a fitting spot for a frozen concoction. For an online look at this iconic hotel visit https://www.tidesfollybeach.com/

From long weekends to week long vacations Tides Folly Beach offer packages for young families or a couples getaway, with discounts on kayaks, golf carts, beach chair rentals, and hotel bucks for Roasted, their in-house coffee shop that just happens to serve up Starbucks Coffee. Ask for Penny at Roasted. With over 5000 sq. ft. of banquet facilities the Tides provides a memorable location for a summer wedding, family reunion or a corporate outing. Experience 'Ocean Everything' at The Tides. 

No need to venture far for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Tides Folly Beach offer two full scale restaurants each with their own unique flair. Blu Beach Bar & Grill just off the main lobby is where everyday comfort foods and epic views collide. Upscale diner dishes align the morning fare including buttermilk pancakes, breakfast tacos, omelets served with choice of grits, potatoes, fruit or salad. Light eaters may lean to granola & yogurt (fresh berries & local honey) or a cream cheese bagel.

Lunch and dinner mirror the same menu focusing on the four S's, i.e 'starters, soups, salads & sandwiches'. Maybe start with Crispy Cauliflower coated in cashews & lime in a poblano pepper salsa. Ooh la la! Blu serve a twin patty juicy Half Pound Burger with choice of American, Swiss, pepper jack or cheddar.

Missed breakfast or carrying a more hearty appetite. Both the 8oz filet mignon or 12oz ribeye come complete with an ample serving of roasted potatoes and asparagus. Seafood lovers have a choice of Atlantic Salmon or Grilled Shrimp in a wash of crab and madeira wine sauce, positioned nicely on your plate with a colorful mix of jasmine rice and seasoned spinach. 

The wine selection at Blu is easily one of the most extensive on Folly Beach. Close to four dozen red, white, rose, and sparkling wines to please the palate. You can sip them slowly alongside domestic, imported, and local craft beers on the adjoining open air tiki bar and patio. An ideal setting for a frozen Ocean Potion or Folly Crush. To cruise their overall menu visit https://www.blufollybeach.com/

Want a grand view of the pier while enjoying a chill, waterfront pub serving casual seafood favorites, sandwiches, burgers, and pop in your mouth handheld starters, than drop anchor at Pier 101. Just one minute from the lobby the Old Fashioned Diner Burger is Pier 101's version of the ever popular smashburger, and an ideal compliment to their signature lager or any of the half dozen local brews from Revelry, Palmetto, Coast, and Holy City Brewing. 

The Crab Dip, Homemade She Crab Soup or their Pier Shrimp & Grits (blanketed in tasso ham gravy, tomato & parmesan) offer a distinct taste of Charleston. Sharing a lite bite with cold brew, maybe opt for the Bang Bang Shrimp (fried Shrimp in a sweet & spicy sauce) served over slaw, or the oversized Pier Pretzel, a soft and salty edible that comes with queso and spicy mustard for dipping. Yummy times two!

Whether you delight in fruity adult beverage on the rocks or frozen, Pier 101 list over a dozen signature cocktails on the drink menu. Two of their most popular include the aptly named Sunburn, a blend of jalapeño infused Astral, Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, fresh tangerine juice, an grenadine. It will refresh and tantalize the taste-buds.

The Kokomo is an ideal frozen beach themed potent potable, layered in Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka, Blue Chair Bay, Key Lime Rum Cream, and piña colada mix. A bit chill and a great way to sit on the sunlit deck and watch the waves. Enjoy live music Friday 4-7pm and afternoons on Saturday and Sunday. Cast your line in at https://www.pier101folly.com/

On Folly Beach for a day, a weekend, or longer than there are a variety of food & drink options available. And if you're staying at the Tides than leave the car in parking lot because just about everything and anything is within a few minutes walk.

Step away from the sand and the surf and explore the 'concrete jungle' on the 'edge of America'. The two or three block radius surrounding Center Street is over-run with surf shops, beach rental stores, gift shops, a bevy of upscale dive bars and seaside grills.

Located at 106 E. Hudson Ave., Lowlife Bar is the one place you can fill up on food & drink behind the only place you can fill up your tank (Circle K) on Folly. Lowlife is the quintessential 'laid back beach bar' where they focus more on their rotating signature retro-themed cocktails than any other adult beverage. Quite the oxymoron. Don't fret the serve up classic Hamm's & Miller Lites in cans, alongside a decent variety of local craft brews on tap. 

Chow down on brunch (10-3pm) everyday at Lowlife. Charleston favorites include a Pimento Cheese Plate and Chicken & Waffles. However, if you want to go whole hog or in this case whole beef, locals agree the Mother's Double Cheeseburger is the ultimate smashburger. Served with waffle fries and homemade sliced dill pickle it's a minimum six napkin delight. Excellent value at $16. Locally sourced food, nightly specials, and weekend music, Lowlife is just a half block off the beaten path. Take a trip to the other side at https://www.lowlifebar.com/

If you want to engulf yourself in the true bohemian vibe that is Folly Beach than take the plunge at Planet Follywood. The clever name alone draws regulars and beach visitors to this come as you are dive bar. Family owned and situated at 32-A Center Street, Planet Follywood made its Folly Beach premier back in 2004, and continues to serve up great tasting appetizers, baskets, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Their Nathan's Hot Dog Basket screams summer and boardwalks. Two all beef juicy hot dogs grilled with chili & onions served with fries for just $11. Awesome! Planet's Beer Battered Pickles (full-sized spears) with ranch dressing make for a nice snack or a shared appetizer. The Dagwood Club is a meat lovers triple threat (ham, bacon, & turkey) stacked on three toasted brioche slices. 

Eight signature burgers on the menu including the Cool Runnings which provides a zesty Jamaican flair. All are great paired with a cold brew. A $7 menu for Lil’ Planets (kids). Karaoke, Bingo, and live music on a weekly basis. Serving breakfast Fri-Sun (8-11am), and open until 2am to satisfy the late night munchies. Beam down to this planet at https://www.planetfollywood.com/

Just across Center Street there are three well trafficked beach bars. 11 Center St. is home to Coconut Joe's. Although the Folly Beach location doesn't have the same history as their Isle of Palms (1997) establishment, Coconut Joe's is still one of the 'friendliest places on the beach'. And while they are every bit a coastal cabana, offering up their famous Beach and Carolina Burgers, Coconut Joe's take it up a notch when it comes to their southern and seafood menu items.

Not many so called beach bars serve Grouper & Shrimp Plates or Fried Crab Cake Platters. Coconut Joe's do their best to cater to a wide variety of tastes offering up everything from a grilled ribeye in garlic butter to Bahi Fish (Mahi) Tacos. However, if you want to enjoy a true Charleston treasure I recommend their Shrimp & Grits, an overly ample serving of garlic shrimp sautéed with kielbasa sausage, and mixed bell peppers, surrounded by cream sauce on a bed of pimento cheese grits. Southern to the max! 

Coconut Joe's cocktails are freakin' awesome. I strongly recommend the Strawberry Daiquiri, the Mad Mango, or if you love chocolate (who doesn't) than order the Dirty Banana (Toppers Banana Cinnamon Rhum, Toppers Mocha Mama, sweet cream & chocolate swirl). Think of it as an adult milkshake. Ultra yummy!. Dine indoors, on the covered deck, or their second level open air patio. Soak up the sun and the fun at https://www.coconutjoesbeachgrill.com/folly-beach

15 Center Street is the current home to The Bounty Bar, a Folly Beach dive bar with a good bit of funk. Opened in 2022, Bounty is the kid brother to downtown Charleston's famed Royal American, carrying their older sibling's burger and patty melt menu, alongside a bevy of dive bar favorites like Bobo Crispy Wings, Frito Pie, House-made Jerky and their namesake Bounty Barbecue Pork Plate complete with mac n' cheese, slaw, Texas toast & pickles. Adding an iota of class to Bounty they carry a pretty decent French Onion Soup. Oui, oui!

Every menu item at The Bounty Bar just so happens to go with their extensive cold brew list. 15 plus beers in cans, as well as another five on tap including PBR, Shock Top, and a variety of choice crafts and IPA's. Sip on a 22 oz. frozen signature punch laced with your choice of rum, tequila, or vodka for just $12, or enjoy a triple threat flight for $14. 

Their Dark & Stormy cocktail concocted from Gosling's Dark Rum, Ginger Beer and lime has become an adult three B 'beach bar beverage'. Offering surf and turf edibles alongside potent potables, The Bounty Bar promise to keep 'the weird' on Folly Beach. Think of them as an old-school neighborhood tavern. Come as you are and don't wait for a server. Find a table and order at the bar. Drop in where patrons drop out at https://www.thebountybar.com/

Covering a whole city block at 41 Center St., The Washout Beach Eats & Grill embodies the overall sentiment that is Folly Beach carrying the same name as the island's preferred surfing spot. With its roots dating back to a long forgotten Esso gas station in 1974, the former Grill on the Edge slowly evolved into a seaside gathering place, where islanders and visitors alike enjoy epic drinks, local seafood, and undoubtedly some of the best live music on Folly.

The Washout's distinctive menu is loaded with everyday beach bar favorites that cater to a wide variety of surfer appetites. Their half pound namesake burger allows for five different cheese options. The New England style Lobster Roll, Seared Tuna Wrap, and the Fried Shrimp Basket appeal to seafood lovers. The familiar $7 kids menu (grilled cheese, fingers, corndogs, & mac 'n cheese bites) are wallet friendly for parents. If you have 'room in your tummy for something yummy' then you can complete your meal with either Key Lime or Reese's Peanut Butter Pie. The Seasalt Caramel Cheesecake is equally tempting. 

If The Washout is your destination watering hole, than they carry all your favorite domestic and imported beers including Blue Moon, Landshark and everyone's island favorite Red Stripe. Cool mon! Red and white wine by the glass or the bottle. Perhaps their 'Day Drinkin' menu reflects the laid back Folly Beach vibe best, especially the Sand In Your Toes a delightful blend of Cruzan Coconut & Mango Rum, orange, cranberry, & pineapple juice. A total chill. Their open air patio is pet friendly. Wash in to The Washout at https://follywashout.com/

13B Center Street is less a hidden gem and more a hidden oasis. Home to Folly's only brewery, Revelry Brewing invite patrons to 'feel the breeze and taste the beer'. Simply stated, Revelry Brewing is a beer lovers craft brew sanctuary. Their modern sunlit weather protected tasting room pours up over a dozen of their preferred beers on tap, allowing for another 10 in cans, with at least a half dozen available to-go out the door. IPA's, lagers, stouts, and Irish Reds fill their beer menu. 

Not a beer fan or feeling something different, Revelry serve up premier wines from California, France, and Italy, as well as hard ciders. Got the munchies? Their un-authentic Italian inspired Americana menu comes complements of Bounty Bar next door. Share-ables, sandwiches, and salads cover most of the bill of fare, including a Cornmeal Fried Shrimp Basket. Their La Farfalle Meatball Smashburger and Porcini Rubbed Prime Rib Cheesesteak are all the rave. Brewing up a storm at https://revelrybrewingco.com/folly-beach/

Charlestonians have come to appreciate the scratch-made Mexican-inspired cuisine that is Taco Boy. Their flagship location was born on Folly Beach in 2006 and relocated into their current three story tree house at 106 East Ashley Avenue. Exceptional customer service aside, Taco Boy is known for hot tacos and cold margaritas. Eclectic and imaginative, everything at Taco Boy from their colorful menu to their bright bohemian decor reflects an offbeat atmosphere.

A dozen plus signature tacos including Firecracker Shrimp and Kimchi Beef make up the menu alongside scratch made guacamole, street corn (on or off the cob), enchiladas, and quesadillas. Ample rice bowls begin with Mexican rice, roasted corn, avocado, citrus slaw, queso fresco, and roasted pepitas in a crispy tortilla bowl. 

Hell yeah Taco Boy celebrate agave in liquid form. A bevy of tequilas and mezcals straight up or laced in your preferred cocktail. Mexican beers, local brews, wine by glass or bottle. Enjoy adult refreshment in the Octopus bar featuring a soaring upcycled octopus. Ingenious eight times over! Patio dining, roof top deck, event space, and weekend DJs. Open 11am-10pm daily for lunch and dinner, at Taco Boy it's always five o'clock on Folly Beach. Affordable! Bask in the good times at https://www.tacoboy.net/location/folly-beach-taco-boy/

Open since 2014 Jack of Cups Saloon has become one of the preferred eateries for locals on Folly Beach. Asian and Indian inspired flavors catering to vegans and vegetarians, with a few dishes that have meat in them. An eclectic mix of soups, salads, sides, pasta, and comfort from lands unknown and alien planets. Dine on Peanut Ginger Soup, Asparagus & Strawberry Salad, Kimchi Grilled Cheese, an Impossible Spring Burger, Kate's Red Beans & Rice, or their namesake meatballs. 

Craft beers from Charleston, Charlotte, and Brooklyn. Jack of Cups cocktails curated by their bar manager Ian Condon resemble a pop and rock playlist. Signature drinks include 'Hooked On a Feeling', 'Night Moves', 'Rich Girl', 'I Will Survive', and 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. Nicely positioned at 34 Center St. with a sun-drenched backside courtyard, Jack of Cups is the perfect definition of how small square spaces fit well in the Folly stratosphere. Fill your cup at https://www.jackofcupssaloon.net/

If you're looking true Italian food, than look no further than Alfredo's On Folly. Located a stones throw off Center at 106 West Hudson, Alfredo's is the place for nine (count 'em), nine authentic home-made pastas and six (count 'em), six home-made sauces. While several Italian eateries offer tomato, beef, and alfredo sauces, Alfredo's adds amatriciana, carbonara, and almond arugula pesto (olive oil based with puree of arugula). Alfredo's On Folly easily defines the term 'hidden gem'.

After running Bacco Italian in Mt. Pleasant for 15 years, owner Mike Scognamiglio decided to scale back. While Alfredo's may not sparkle like a five star restaurant, the menu items Mike serves up resemble five star quality. Have a hankering an Italian Club, Chicken Parm panini, or perfectly crafted Gnocchi (house-made ricotta & flour dumplings), than Alfredo's has you covered. Open for lunch and dinner during the summer, Alfredo's offers a few additional brunch items on Friday and Saturday including sweet and savory crepes, cheese and meat frittatas, as well as a super moist Baba Rum Cake. 

Staying on Folly and looking for something unique to do. Mike offers 'make your own mozzarella' classes for groups of six or more. Call ahead for take out or dine in and enjoy a variety of beers, fruity wines, or a Bellini cocktail during brunch. If you're on this laid back island town and your palate craves affordable upscale Italian, Alfredo's On Folly welcomes you. Discover your 'mangia moment' at https://alfredosonfolly.com/

Rita's Seaside Grille is a bit of an enigma on Folly. They are a grill, and at 2 Center St. they are definitely seaside. However, as part of the Hall's Management Group which includes one of Charleston's top steakhouses, Rita's offers an elevated dining experience like no other on Folly Beach. In other words, at Rita's you're getting a taste of downtown Charleston without leaving Folly Beach. While you can order anything you want off the lunch and dinner menu from 11am until 10pm daily, it is during brunch and the dinner hours where Rita's shine.

Pop in just after 8am up till 11am and savor a Seaside Omelet (shrimp & crab, peppers, pepper jack cheese) or their heavenly Brioche French Toast (crispy apple-wood smoked bacon, Vermont maple syrup). Maybe kick start your morning with Shrimp & Grits. We're talking an all-around deluxe menu. Midday you can enjoy a half pound cheeseburger, an Allen Brothers prime beef Steak Dog (a meal onto itself), or their extra cool and refreshing Cobb Salad. 

Imagine this scenario. You've had a quick breakfast, snacked throughout the day, and are looking to enjoy a sumptuous meal after a long outing on the beach. You've showered, got somewhat dressed up, and you and your better half are ready for Oysters on the Half Shell, perhaps hickory slow-smoked, double cut pork chops, or a melt in your mouth 8oz Allen Brother filet, surrounded by garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, in compound butter. Eating light, start with a cup or bowl of Crab Bisque laced with sherry and scallions. Crafts, drafts, select wines, and cocktails. But if you just want to get your chill on, trust me order a frozen Miami Frizzle. Enjoy a picturesque look at https://www.ritasseasidegrille.com/

Aptly named after Hocus, the mischievous disappearing family pet, Lost Dog Cafe has been serving up breakfast and lunch to Folly locals since 2002. After a few years on Center St. they expanded, transforming an old laundry into a community gathering space. Now at 106 W. Huron St., Lost Dog continue to put their own spin on southern and southwestern staples including Whistlin’ Dixie Shrimp & Grits, Huevos Rancheros Grande, and Folly's Original Breakfast Burrito. 

At lunch enjoy Miss Rosa's own Chicken Salad Croissant, a delicious Sit Up & Beg Bacon Cheese Burger, Blackened Salmon BLT Wrap, or the Good Dog Good Dog featuring an all beef Boar's Head. Darn tootin' you can dine like native Charlestonians if you opt for a bowl of She Crab Soup or the Fried Green Tomatoes with Cajun mayo. You can wet your whistle with bloody Mary's, mimosas, a variety of coffees and teas. Lost Dog Cafe definitely has a Folly Beach vibe. Eat on the porch or in the courtyard. Come to where everybody is barking about at https://lostdogfollybeach.com

As you can see there is a plethora of food & beverage on Folly Beach. But what about pizza. You're not going to find any of the chain pizza places on Folly however there are a couple of options available if you savor real pizza.

Slice of Folly (16B Center St.) serve up slices of cheese and pepperoni pizza from noon until 9pm most days except Tuesday. Pop in to cure the munchies or maybe order a whole pie to take back to the room. They offer a meatball sub, garlic sticks, gluten-free options, and baked fresh giant cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Discover a new favorite at https://www.sliceoffollymenu.com/

Like your pizza and cold beer with a side of people watching? Locals flock to Woody's Pizza at 39 Center St. for subs, salads, and specialty pizza they can enjoy on Woody's open air patio. Their Meathead pizza is a carnivores pleasure topped with pepperoni, sausage, meatball, ham, and bacon. 

The White is ricotta based, with their namesake Woody a supreme delight (pepperoni, sausage, meatball, mushrooms, onions, green pepper, black & green olives). The Goodfella is a classic Italian sub. Take a trip to yesteryear with a root beer ice cream float. Open 5-11pm weekdays and at 11:30am on the weekend. Do Woody's at https://dowoodyspizza.com/

Gotta have your coffee fix! You don't need to be staying at Tides to walk into Roasted where they offer pastries and Hershey Ice Cream bars along with Starbucks coffees. But if you're out in town there's always Center Street Coffee (18 Center) creating caffeine concoctions from locally roasted beans, as well as crafting hot and cold espressos. The adjoining Dolce Banana Cafe specialize in dozens of frozen yogurt flavors besides providing fresh made pastries for your caffeine fix. Follow the intoxicating aromas to http://dolcebananacafe.com/

After operating a well trafficked coffee stand on Folly beginning in 2022, two long time surf enthusiasts opted for a brick & mortar location at 113 E. Ashley Ave, where Dead Low Coffee pour up their own blends of brewed coffee potions. I recommend the Banana Hammock smoothie. The right blend of coffee, banana, and peanut butter. You'll go nutty over it.  Feeling a tad hungry, they offer vegan and gluten free baked goods beside avocado toast, chia pudding, and acai bowls. Open 7-3pm daily. Take a trip to coffee nirvana and get fully  caffeinated at   https://www.instagram.com/deadlowcoffeeco/?hl=en

If you're out on Folly for a long weekend or week's stay, and grow tired of the beach or maybe chasing a few raindrops there are other options especially for parents of young kids. Not only is Coconut Joe's a friendly food & beverage destination, but on their second floor they house Joe's Arcade, the only full scale gaming center on Folly. Sip on a cocktail while little ones are actively engaged.

Have an hour to kill during your stay of Folly and enjoy an adventurous escapade, test your code-breaking, problem-solving, combination-cracking skills at Escapade Folly, the island's only escape room. Love a puzzle? Are you the most clever in your group? Two separate (Pirates Folly & Wizards Lair) experiences await you and your friends, as together you seek to escape in 60 minutes or less, or be marooned on Folly forever. Buccaneers and magicians of skill levels welcome at https://www.escapadefolly.com/

Taking a break from long walks on the beach, and maybe want to check out the island or spend more time on the water while in the water, than make your way over to 109 E. Ashley Ave. and check out all the gear Folly Beach Wind Land & Water Sports has to offer. Rent an E-Bike and enjoy the wind in your face as you take an afternoon ride to the lighthouse. Perhaps you and your spouse would prefer to cruise the Folly River on a standup paddleboard. They provide tours! 

Land paddling boards, surfboards, boogie boards, skim-boards and more. They have every type of board that will keep your group from becoming 'bored'. Paddle with the dolphins in a Kayak or take the kids surf fishing. Land, sea, and river thrills await you at Folly Beach Wind Land & Water Sports.  A fun filled veteran and family owned Folly Beach business. Catch the breeze at https://windlandwatersports.com/

Want the thrill of a modern day dune buggy or to release your inner Harley Davidson than trek on over to Folly Beach Moped Rentals and rent a 3-wheel coupe car or moped. Like a bike feel with a bit more balance, they offer trikes (great for beginners) and they even rent LSVs (low speed vehicles) that are really cool street legal golf carts. Rent by the day or by the week. The 'Anvil' might be the coolest  ride on the beach.  They are wheels up at 20 Center Street and online at https://follybeachmopedrentals.com/

If you're a 'surfer dude', need a new board, or just want to check out the latest surfing accessories than there are a couple of shops on the main drag you might want to hang ten at. By far McKevlin's at 8 Center St. is the predominant surf shop in all of Charleston. For nearly 60 years family owned McKevlin's has weathered physical and political storms, yet they remain strong and are an advocate for surfers, as well as one hell of a store for surf enthusiasts. Catch a wave at https://mckevlins.com/

Just up the street Ocean Surf Shop is owned and operated by career surfers. Whether you want to surf the sea or roll along the sidewalk they have you covered. Ocean sell everything from surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, and skim boards to skate boards and body boards. These surfer dudes walk and talk surfing. Find them under the the big yellow surfboard at 31 Center Street or by surfing online at https://www.oceansurfshop.com/

Vacationing on Folly Beach for a few days, staying at the Tides or a rental house and need groceries. Locals who don't want to cross the causeway back to the mainland usually find all they need to fill the pantry and fridge at Bert's Market. While they are convenient (202 E. Ashley Ave.) they are far from your run of the mill convenience store, offering up everyday staples, and organic provisions alongside fishing supplies. Bert's carries over 100 local and micro brews in the beer cave and 200 selections of fruit of the vine on the 'Wall of Wine'. 

How about a breakfast bagel or sub sandwich. Bert's Wooden Spoon Deli creates one of a kind wraps, croissants, and paninis made with antibiotic, hormone free meats and cheeses from Applegate Farms. Nutritious and delicious. Damn straight you can get a burger & fries. Bert's Market has been welcoming freaks, geeks, skaters, surfers, hippies, tourists, and day trippers for decades. The may doze but they never close! Check out the rockingest grocery on Folly at https://bertsmarket.com/

While the Tides might be a historic centerpiece hotel on Folly Beach, there are a few other options to rest your head. The Regatta Inn is more a traditional bed & breakfast. Located at Sunset Cay Marina, Regatta Inn was lauded by Southern Living Magazine as on of the Best New Hotels in the South for 2015! Decadent breakfasts, nautical themed rooms, and breathtaking views of South Carolina’s coastal waterway are just a few of the many generous amenities at Regatta Inn. 

Enjoy complementary golf cart shuttles around town, cornhole, yoga in the courtyard courtesy of Sun & Sol Yoga, all before watching the sun go down at their Twilight Lounge or on the Sunset Terrace. Want to make it a bit more intimate, every room or suite at The Regatta offers a private porch or balcony. Take in all the revelry Folly Beach has to offer, but when it's time to relax in luxury than return to the Regatta Inn where they cater to adult only guests. If you 'gotta Regatta' visit https://www.regattainn.com/

Don't care for an ocean view, perhaps want a little more bang for your buck, than maybe stay at Folly Inn at 87 Center Street which allows for sunset views over Folly River. Spacious pet friendly, king studios and suites with balconies. They are a stylish boutique hotel within walking distance of the heart of Folly Beach. Check in at https://www.hotelfolly.com/ Their sister property Vera Hotel, a pastel colored pet-friendly boutique hotel sits in the heart of Folly Beach at 105 East Huron Ave. Browse their king sized rooms at https://www.verahotel.com/

Looking to rent a colorful 3 or 4 bedroom house on Folly just minutes from front beach and all the action. Let the fine folks at   https://www.follyvacation.com/folly-beach-vacation-rentals#q=%3A find the right property for you. Or let Carolina One, who have an office on Center Street locate the ideal getaway home for your family. Maybe one with a spectacular view. They know Folly, https://www.carolinaonevacationrentals.com/folly-beach We're not done yet. From cozy villas to oceanfront luxury homes, Dunes Properties has vacationers covered at https://www.charlestoncoastvacations.com/vacation-rentals/folly-beach-vacation-rentals/

Forgot to pack your swimsuit, beach towels and toys for the kids, or maybe just need a new beach chair or boogie board. Native, Palms Apparel, and Mr. John's have you covered and are conveniently located on Center. Three family owned beachwear essential and gift stores where you can find affordable cover-ups, designer sunglasses, and Folly Beach souvenirs.

If the ladies in your party are looking for a local artisan gift boutique than look no further than Folly Sol, where owner and craftswoman Joey creates one of a kind necklaces, rings, earrings, and coastal themed coasters. Be sure to check out her patina collection. Joey turns shells into works of wearable art. Shop in person at 113A E Ashley Ave or online at https://folly-sol.square.site/

While a bulk of the regular Folly Beach events take place away from the summer months, their annual July 4th Fireworks show has become a must see spectacular. The annual Folly Beach Wahine Classic is now in its 22nd year, and unites female surfers of all ages. This years two day event begins on July 27th. Join in the camaraderie by visiting https://follywahine.com/

Whether you're out for a long summer day, weekend getaway, or maybe a seven day vacation with family or friends, there is tons to do on Folly Beach. Enjoy sand and surf, paddleboard the river, fish off the pier, take the kids to Joe's Arcade, rent mopeds or E-Bikes. There is something for everyone to enjoy on Folly, including a cornucopia of food & beverage destinations that appeal to every palate. 

Heed my advice when you're making that last stretch from the mainland on to Folly Beach. You're entering the 'ultimate laid back chill zone', so do your best to leave all your troubles, anxieties, and pressing concerns aside as you exit James Island, and just enjoy your time, however long it is on the 'edge of America'. The few things we missed in our salute to Folly Beach hopefully can be filled by visiting the town's website at https://visitfolly.com/