A Folly Kind of Wedding

January 21st, 2012

The new year has only just begun and it brought with it millions of newly engaged couples.

It’s safe to say that of those millions, a good handful or two will decide to start their lives together by getting married on Folly Beach.

Some people opt for traditional church weddings or quiet courthouse ceremonies, but others dream about the setting only the beach can provide. These people want to say their vows while waves softly lap at the shore and dolphins dive in and out of the water in the distance and for anyone who’s ever made Folly Beach a part of his or her heart and soul then it’s only natural that those people would want to include the beach on their special day.

Spring and summer are the most popular months for beach weddings, with autumn a close second, and while it seems like those months are far off, now is the time to plan.

Although a beach wedding seems pretty cut and dry in regards to what it means, tell that to all the different brides out there planning one.

Take a look at the two biggest concerns for couples to be:

Location: Getting married on the beach might mean different things to different people. Some might want to be barefoot in the sand and feel the water under their toes. Some might want to get married directly in front of their favorite rental home. Some might want to get married down on the beach by the Morris Lighthouse (we recommend doing it during low tide to maximize the amount of space on the beach for you, your wedding party, and guests; plus, it makes for a beautiful setting).

Some people might decide to get married at the Folly Beach County Park in one of the shelters. The county park offers day rentals or day and night rentals for a fee. Day rentals are $450. All day rentals, which are from 10 am to 11:30 pm are $825. Contact the state park for more information at (843) 795-4386.

Couples might also choose to get married in a church in Charleston and then have their reception in Folly Beach in a rental house or restaurant.

Price: Weddings can cost as little or as much as a couple wants to spend. Couples who want the full enchilada can use the Folly Beach Wedding Guide to hire stylists, wedding planners, caterers, photographers, and just about anything else necessary.

Lodging on Folly is all across the board. The Tides Hotel is the largest hotel on the beach and has affordable rates for just about any budget. In addition, FollyBeach.com offers listings for condos, beach cottages, modest homes, and high-end luxurious rentals with the best of everything. To view rental homes on Folly, click here.

It’s important to book lodging far in advance to ensure that the location of your dreams is available for the big day.

One of the biggest things couples need to remember before getting married is that they will need a marriage license. Licenses can be obtained for $70 from the State of South Carolina. Licenses are available in Charleston as the county courthouse located at 100 Broad Street, suite 469, anytime between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Contact the county courthouse at 843-958-5182 for more information.

There is a waiting period of 24 hours from the date the application is filed before couples can get their license. Also, for anyone out there with a case of puppy love, licenses can only be granted to couples 16 years of age and older. Be sure to bring photo ID to obtain a marriage license.

With all of that information in mind, planning a wedding might seem a little daunting, but FollyBeach.com makes it easy by listing all of the people, places, and businesses that can help make your big day go off without a hitch. Just click here and get started.

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Take to the Water with Affinity Charters

December 30th, 2011

It’s rare to meet someone who grew up on the coast that hasn’t built his or her life around the water, and Capt. John Ward Jr. is no exception.

Ward moved down to the Folly Beach area from Louisville, KY when he was just a little kid. He spent his free time out on the water fishing and playing water sports with friends and family. Now, he holds a 100-ton Masters License from the United States Coast Guard and owns and operators Affinity Charters, Folly Beach’s only inshore and flats fishing charter service.

Affinity Charters is most well-known for the world-class fishing trips Ward and his employees take customers out on off the coast of Folly Beach. Ward said he likes to practice catch-and-release fishing with customers to ensure the fish population in the area does not get depleted, but customers are welcome to take home their catch if they want.

Currently, if customers book a fishing trip with Affinity Charters, they’ll go out to the shallow water around the marshes and oyster flats where large schools of red fish can be found in the warm surface water.

Ward said that red fish are among customers most favorite to try and catch because they put up the most fight on the line. Ward also said that he can almost guarantee that everyone who goes out on a fishing trip with him will catch something any time of year.

If fishing isn’t your style, Affinity Charters also offers cruises, eco-tours, dolphin and/or bird watching tours, corporate trips, shelling trips, crabbing and shrimping trips, visits to the Morris Island Lighthouse, and just about anything else, all customers have to do is ask, Ward said.

Just recently, Ward said he has been taking customers out for skeet shooting and hunting trips now that winter is here and business is slow.

No matter what you want to do, Affinity Charters will do their best to make it happen.

Schedule your Affinity Charter here.

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New Year’s Eve Beach Bash at Tides

December 19th, 2011

The biggest party night of the year is right around the corner and there’s no better place to be than right here on Folly Beach.

If ringing in the New Year on the beach with good food, tunes, and drinks sounds like your idea of a great time, then you’ll want to make sure you’re at the New Year’s Eve Beach Bash hosted by Folly Beach’s Tides hotel.

This event promises to be the best party in town and is one of the only beach-front celebrations around. Plus, there’s nothing better than ending one year and beginning the next while partying on the beach.

This event starts at 8pm and features an open bar, lavish buffet, and plenty of music for party goers to get wild and crazy to. DJ C Nile will rock the lower floor of the Blu bar and restaurant while Tru Sol will be playing live music upstairs. A champagne toast and fireworks show will go on right at midnight to usher in 2012.

If you’re already staying at the Tides (and even if you’re not) tickets are $90 plus tax per person. Or, plan a trip now for two nights at the hotel and take part in the New Year’s Eve Beach Bash for just $659.

The party –and hangover recovery – will continue on New Year’s Day as a yummy breakfast buffet will be served. Then, from 1-4 take part in the oyster roast on the back deck. You’ll also get a chance to watch or take part in the Polar Bear Plunge – and if that doesn’t shock the effects of the previous night’s celebration out of your system nothing will.

To book reservations for this event click here!

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A Holly Jolly Folly Beach Christmas

December 6th, 2011

Spending the holidays on Folly Beach gives visitors a chance to get away from it all and enjoy a beach vacation with family, but it’s also just a short ride away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston and all it has to offer.

This guide will give visitors a chance to see what’s going on in Charleston if they want to come in off the beach and really get in to the Christmas spirit in town. There are activities for everyone from families to couples.

The Nutcracker…

To begin with, traditionalists will love the Charleston Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. This year is the 25^th anniversary for the Charleston Ballet Theatre. The CBT performance of the holiday favorite is done with a lowcountry flair and incorporates famous names and landmarks found in Charleston.

In addition, the adoptable dogs from the Charleston Animal Society will make appearances in the show and are available for adoring fans to meet before and after the performance.

The show can be seen at the Galliard Auditorium Dec. 10 at 7:30 pm and Dec. 11 at 3 pm. It’ll play again at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Dec. 16 at 7:30 pm and Dec. 17 at 3pm. Buy tickets online by visiting charlestonballet.org.

Dashing through the Snow… or Water

Sleigh rides are another holiday favorite, but here in Charleston, snow is a rarity. So instead of hitting the snow-covered fields while sipping hot chocolate on a sleigh ride singing carols, tour the Charleston Harbor on the Thriller. This one-hour tour aboard the high-speed boat popular for its Charleston cruises takes it down a notch and slowly travels through the harbor while tales of Charleston are told.

Tours depart from the dock next to Vickery’s on Shem Creek. The tours will operate daily from Dec. 15-31. Contact (843) 276-4203 for more information.

If your holiday isn’t complete without Christmas music then check out the Charleston Christmas Special at the Charleston Music Hall located at 37 John Street.

The show will be presented by Brad and Jennifer Moranz, Broadway veterans, and will feature two hours of traditional and contemporary holiday music along with Christmas-themed comedy acts. The show is appropriate for the entire family. For tickets contact 1-800-514-3849.

The beloved “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is another Christmas tradition that many people enjoy, but here in Charleston it’s done a little differently. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the “Dickens-Dinner” as told by Tim Lowry. Guests visit Circa 1186, the restaurant located in the old Wentworth Mansion, where they will hear the story while dining on a four-course meal inspired by the Dickens’ novel.

This step back into time takes place at 6:30 pm on December 14. The cost is $70 per person and does not include tax, gratuity, and beverages. The attire for this event is business casual.

For a more all-encompassing version of “A Christmas Carol” check out Charleston Stage’s performance at Dock Street Theatre. This show plays daily until Dec. 18 and is suitable for all ages. For more information about tickets contact the Dock Street Theatre at (843) 577-7183. Tickets range in price from $22 to $52 and the show is suitable for all ages.

Kill two birds with one stone with any of the following walking tours that highlight the history of the decorated homes and gardens throughout the city. The “Christmas in Charleston Tea Party” is hosted by Laura Wichmann Hipp who takes visitors to the private homes and gardens of her friends so that visitors get a taste of downtown Charleston living. These aren’t ordinary houses either; these homes include some of the most beautiful historical homes in the city.

The tours are daily from 9:30 am to 12:30 and end with a home-cooked Lowcountry meal in Hipp’s home overlooking the Ashley River.

Another tour that offers an authentic Charleston flare is the Christmas in Charleston Tea Party. This tour leads guests through the oldest sections of downtown Charleston and explores hidden gardens and passageways. This tour culminates with a Christmas-themed mid-morning tea in a garden in the elite South of Broad region of town.

Contact (843) 722-1779 for more information.

Another popular walking tour is offered by Charleston Strolls. This tour leads visitors through St. Michaels Church, private neighborhoods decorated to the nines with holiday flair, and many other historic places. Call (843) 766-2080 for more information.

Lastly, no Christmas vacation is complete without cruising around viewing Christmas decorations, which is what the James Island County Park hosts the annual Holiday Festival of Lights. This is festival offers a three-mile drive through stunning light displays, but that’s not all. In addition there are train rides, walking trails, gingerbread houses, sand sculptures, carousel rides, climbing walls, a candy shop, marshmallow roasts, and more. This event provides the Charleston area with the closest thing the city will ever get to a winter wonderland.

The cost is $12 per car and additional events cost extra. Entry is free with eight Greenbax. Contact (843) 795-4386 for more information.

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Charleston Holiday Boat Parade

November 30th, 2011

If Santa could do things differently he’d ditch the sleigh and come by boat. Nobody understands this more than all the Charlestonians and visitors who come out year after year to watch the annual Holiday Parade of Boats.

Saturday, Dec. 3 will mark the 31^st parade in the Charleston Harbor. Vessels of all styles and sizes will be decked out with twinkling lights, ornaments, and all kinds of Christmas fanfare as they make their way from Patriot’s Point in Mt. Pleasant to the harbor.

The parade begins at 5 pm and ends in the Ashley River at about 7:30 pm, weather, currents, and tides permitting. At 6:45 pm, there will be a fireworks display over the harbor.

To view the parade, visit Waterfront Park, USS Yorktown, or secure a spot on the Battery to watch the boats cruise by.

Want to be a part of this nautical holiday tradition? Contact the Parade of Boats coordinator Ray Swagerty at (843) 724-7414 or email swaggertyr@charleston-sc.gov. All captains and crews of the holiday boats will be able to participate in the Captain’s Party after the parade where awards will be given out for the best boats in the harbor.

More Holiday Fun

If you want to make a day out of getting into the holiday spirit, visit Marion Square at 4:30 – 6 pm for the lighting of the 60-foot official Christmas tree for the City of Charleston.

This official tree-lighting ceremony is a time-honored tradition perfect for families. Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley, Jr. and the one and only Santa Claus will be present at the event.

Look for a complete guide to Charleston’s holiday events in an upcoming blog on FollyBeach.com

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December Fishing Report

November 29th, 2011

While traditionally this season conjures up thoughts of the holidays, don’t write off fishing until the Spring. One of our fisheries’ greatest phenomenon is taking place as the temperature drops. Redfish are building into huge schools sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Casting into a pod of redfish so big it looks like a dark cloud in the water will make any angler’s heart skip a beat.

These schools form as the redfish’s metabolism slows down with the dropping water temperature and they seek protection in numbers from the faster dolphins. The redfish will try to stay in as shallow water as possible and come up onto the flats at low tide in hopes of evading their predator. In addition, on sunny days, the mud flats will hold a few extra degrees of temperature which attracts these schools as well.

As you might expect, these fish are spooky and if chased will not eat. Once a school is located, it is often best to wait until the school eventually comes close to you. There is nothing more effective now than a chunk of cracked blue crab putting out a scent trail in the water. Rig these baits with a size 3/0 circle hook and it is imperative that the hook point come cleanly out of the bait. Put the rods in a holder and wait until the reel starts singing before you pick it up.

Bait isn’t the only way to catch these redfish. Fly fishermen have an advantage here as flies can land softly and quietly. Darker flies have been working the best with a size #2 black wiggler drawing some fantastic strikes. Should black not work don’t be afraid to rotate over to a size #2 white/chartreuse clouser minnow. As always, aim towards the edges of the school; a cast right over the middle will send the fish running for cover.

Sheepshead, also available, have begun their seasonal migration offshore although there will still be some stragglers around. You’ll want to target these fish around barnacle covered pilings or docks. Fiddler crabs and pieces of oyster have been working well. Suspend your bait vertically next to pieces of structure using a small sinker weight a short distance above your hook. The bite of these fish, sometimes referred to as “convict” fish because of their black stripes, can be difficult to detect. Given their fight and taste though, anglers find them well worth the challenge.

See you on the water!

Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.

Tags: Folly Beach Fishing, Folly Beach Fishing Charters, Folly Beach Fishing Report
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Spending Thanksgiving on Folly Beach

November 28th, 2011

Spending Thanksgiving on Folly Beach is a special tradition for a number of families, and this year was no different. Standing barefoot on Folly, especially on a crystal clear day, is of course something to be very thankful for.

If you enjoyed the holiday with us this year or in years past, we would like to hear all about it. How many years have you been giving thanks on Folly? Where do you stay and who joins you? Any special stories or things you are most thankful for?

Have photos you’d care to share? You upload them here.

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November Fishing Report

November 1st, 2011

Fishing in October was superb and anglers can expect November to be just as good if not better. Cold nights serve as a reminder to fish that they had better eat now or it will be a long few months ahead. As usual, artificial lures become very effective for both redfish and trout. Take advantage of those sunny days and go catch a mess of fish!

Targeting the rapidly growing schools of redfish is a popular pursuit this time of year. We’re starting to find schools of fifty or more redfish. Darker colored artificials remain the most productive patterns especially those with some sparkle. A significant majority of the time we are using flutter hooks that have a weight on the shank that makes the lures dart and dive. You’ll want to flick your rod tip to really make that lure dance. Scared bait fish rarely flee in a straight line!

It’s hard to think of a better way to catch a trout than with a live shrimp rigged on a popping cork. I’ll attach a two foot leader to the cork and a size 1 circle hook on the other end. Cast along grass banks, over oyster beds and at creek mouths and watch for that cork to dive under! It’s so hard to do but when that cork drops, reel the fish tight and let the circle hook do the work. Using a big hook set will sometimes rip the bait right out of the fish’s mouth.

Fly fishing has been better at low tide than at high tide. Even when we could find plenty of redfish up in the grass, they just didn’t seem to be that interested. On the other hand, you could watch pods of fish race each other to eat a fly on the flats. Not unlike artificials, flies in darker colors, especially black, proved to be the most effective. Remember when casting to a school of redfish, try to land your fly on the edges so as to not spook them.

See you on the water!

Tags: Folly Beach Fishing, Folly Beach Fishing Charters, Folly Beach Fishing Report
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October Fishing Report

October 3rd, 2011

Cool days and lower water temperatures are setting our fishery on fire! Redfish and trout know they need to eat heartily now or go hungry over the winter. Fortunately, our waters are teeming with shrimp and mullet encouraging these fish to strap the feedbags on. If you have put fishing on hold for the rest of the year, get your tackle out and hit the water – you won’t regret it!

Redfish have begun to start schooling up as usual during this time of year. It has made for some fantastic fishing on the flats. On several charters, we’ve watched packs of redfish with their backs out of the water rushing up and down the banks chasing bait. Sometimes, the action has been so frenzied that birds will hover overhead picking up the scraps. Water clarity has been mixed so we’ve been casting darker artificial lures at these schools. Black with gold flakes has been a particularly productive color.

For trout, artificial paddle tail lures have begun to really produce. We fish them on a 1/4oz. jighead and vary the rate of retrieve. Again, we’ve been staying with darker bodies and Bass Assasain’s Chicken On A Chain or D.O.A.’s Fiji Chicken both work well. To make that jighead even more attractive, try putting a piece of shrimp on the hook. You can use pieces of live or frozen shrimp and it will put a scent trail on your lure that is hard to resist.

At the end of September, we had some massive tailing tides with high tides over seven feet. It made for a great opportunity for fly fishermen to stalk redfish up in the grass. The standard spoon fly with a good weed guard worked best. Watching redfish explode in a foot of water when they eat your fly is downright heart stopping. It can take lots of casts to get just one fish but it is worth the effort. Note that we have another series of big tides at the end of October.

See you on the water!

Tags: Folly Beach Fishing, Folly Beach Fishing Charters, Folly Beach Fishing Report
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September Fishing Report

August 31st, 2011

Fall is finally here! The fine fishing that accompanies this change in season has already begun. No more need to be on the water at first light to scratch out a few hours of fishing before the hot temperatures turned the bite off. Anglers can expect all species of fish to feed more aggressively. And, oh yeah, there will be much less traffic on the water to boot!

Recently, we’ve been casting artificials to redfish on the flats at low tide and found them to be finicky. So, back to the tried and true cracked blue crab. Set up your boat a good distance from the school and wait for the redfish to come back to you. We’ve been using size 3/0 circle hooks and it’s really important to make sure the hook point comes out nice and clean from the crab to ensure a good hook set. It’s best to put the rod in a holder and only pick it up once the drag starts singing.

The topwater trout bite has really been smoking first thing in the morning. A creature of habit, I usually start with super spook jr’s. My favorite colors are black head/ chartreuse body and silver shad. If these aren’t working, I’ll switch over to a lure with a slimmer profile like Yo Zuri’s banana boat. Remember to alternate your rate of retrieve until you find one that works. As an added bonus, we’ve been having big redfish bull rush these lures and absolutely crush them.

The flounder season has been one of the better ones in recent memory. Finger mullet fished under a popping cork has been working very well. Some of our best bites have come at low tide either around rock piles or along sandy bottoms. It hasn’t been unusual for a client to tell me they are stuck on something only to watch the rod tip start dipping up and down. Several flounder in the 3-4lb. range have made it into the boat recently.

Fly fishing has been best during big high tides or “tailing tides” when the redfish are way up in the grass. This produces very exciting fishing as anglers can see the backs and tails of redfish as they put their noses in the mud to forage for crabs. Spoon flies have been particularly effective and we’ve been using Dupre’s spoon fly in their root beer color quite often. When casting to redfish, remember to lead the fish by several feet, hitting them square on the head will cause them to spook and race away.

See you on the water!

Tags: Folly Beach Fishing Charters, Folly Beach Fishing Report
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A Folly Kind of Wedding

Take to the Water with Affinity Charters

New Year’s Eve Beach Bash at Tides

A Holly Jolly Folly Beach Christmas

Charleston Holiday Boat Parade

December Fishing Report

Spending Thanksgiving on Folly Beach

November Fishing Report

October Fishing Report

September Fishing Report

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