An Unforgettable Experience: A first look at Folly
Entering Folly Beach for the first time, you drive over the Folly River and one of the initial idyllic images greeting you are the boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders enjoying a beautiful day on the water.
When you cross the bridge you pass by the charming main downtown strip of Center Street, highlighted by the bright facades of its restaurants, shops and bars.
On any given summer or holiday weekend, these streets are bustling with locals and tourists alike, taking a brief respite from the sun and sand to indulge in some food and beverages or shopping.
Once you arrive at the Beachfront area you glimpse Tides Folly Beach, Charleston’s only full-service oceanfront hotel. Nearby is the Folly Beach pier, a great place to soak up the breathtaking scenery, whether it’s watching a sunset, going fishing or viewing the sea birds.
Cruise a little further down the beachfront toward the north end of Folly and you can park and stroll down to see the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, one of the most photogenic landmarks on the island. If you’re lucky you might even encounter one of the local aquatic mascots, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
We’d like to know about your initial impressions of exploring Folly. Leave your comments below and tell us what stands out about your Folly experience. When did you first visit, who were you with and what was the occasion?
Comments
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Alicia Bushman December 12, 2013
My husband was assigned to Joint Base Charleston in March of 2010 though December 2010. Our first beach we visited was Folly, and only visited one other, but ALWAYS went to Folly. It became out weekend retreat and our 'let's go for a walk on the beach this evening" place to go. We made a lot of memories there, and I miss it SO much. It was the first time I had moved away from my family, and I would go there and just walk and find peace, a peace I can say I have never found anywhere else. I feel like Folly was there for me with her open arms, soothing my soul on days I thought were not possible. For that I will always be grateful. I hope to go back, soon. I keep dropping hints to my husband that as soon as he is back from his Deployment, and the kids are out of school, he should put in for a transfer and move back. It makes sense, right?
DukeFan December 12, 2013
I interviewed for a job in Charleston back in December of 1989. I thought what would help me make up my mind is what I thought of the beaches. My idea of a nice beach is if I can find shells. As I drove by the washout, from my car I could see a big shell lying on the beach. I knew this was going to be the beach for me. Of course, that was back in the day when it didn't cost you a fortune to walk on the beach.
Nkaelin8 December 12, 2013
When I visited College of Charleston as a senior in high school in 1998. My dad, stepmom, two sisters and my mom all visited with me and we ate at the restaurant on the pier. It was a really windy, rainy night, but we took some of my favorite pictures with my little sister there. It will always be my favorite beach when we visit the area.
Christine January 04, 2012
July 4th weekend 2011. Has become my most favorite beach vacation ever! Will continue to come back as often as I can afford to. Just an AWESOME PLACE!!! Went with my mom and fiance. We did get married this year and so much wanted to do so on Folly but things didn't work in our favor. Maybe our anniversary!!! Love Ya Folly Beach.
Susan Harbin January 04, 2012
I first saw Folly when I was 9 yrs. old. I had a grandmother that lived in Charleston. My father would bring us down from Virginia every year to see her and we would stay at Folly. These trips started a life long love affair with FB. It is 50 years later. Going now has gotten more difficult because it is hard to afford for someone on a limited income, even when sharing the cost with my sisters. But, as soon as Spring starts to arrive, I get the FB itch. The tradition of going has been carried on by our children and now our grandchildren. Last summer, I "baptized" my tiny grandson into the Folly tradition with Folly water.