Folly Beach, South Carolina

FOLLY BEACH WAS NOT ALWAYS the laid-back beach town it is today.

In the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, carnival rides and big band leaders such as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey attracted crowds to the island now known as “The Edge of America” from up and down the East Coast. By day, visitors would lie in the sun and play in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. By night they would dance to some of the biggest names in music at the Atlantic Pavilion.

Folly Beach also played a role in producing a great American folk opera. George Gershwin holed up in a bungalow at 708 West Arctic while composing “Porgy and Bess,” which was first performed in 1935. He also reportedly judged a local beauty contest while he was in town.

Today, life on the island revolves more around the ocean than the arts. The Folly Beach Pier, built in 1995, draws anglers from around the world, and the Washout, on the northeastern end of the six-mile-long island, is the premier surfing site in the Southeast. The island also features a full service marina and boat landing.

Despite stories to the contrary, the island was not named in honor of a monumental mistake. During the Civil War, Union troops advancing on Charleston gave the island its name because they spent weeks clearing the dense folly brush that engulfed the island and provided cover for Confederate spotters. The name Folly certainly was an improvement.

Prior to the War Between the States, it was known as Coffin Island.

Just eight miles south of downtown Charleston, about a 15-minute drive, Folly Beach is ideal for those who enjoy the sun and surf in a laid-back environment that isn’t far from the dining options and entertainment offered in the more “civilized” world.

Folly Island, one of the barrier islands that hovers off the coast of South Carolina, still offers a unique alternative to the traditional family beach vacation. Located just ten miles from historic Charleston, its small town charm and easy going pace takes us back to our childhood and a forgotten era when neighbors were friends. On its ocean side the visitor can walk for miles on vast open public beaches, enjoying the thrill of viewing wildlife in its natural habitat. And, on the side bordering the Folly River, salt marshes stretch along the horizon creating a sanctuary for coastal birds and marine life.

Like many of its sister islands, Folly was home to native Americans prior to European colonization of the peninsula. Though it has grown in size to over 1500 permanent residents, it has been spared over-development. Accommodations are varied from quaint cottages dotted along the island's length to ultra modern beach houses. There is also a string of sleek condominiums along the Folly River that boast their own marina and docks. Located centrally, a newly renovated luxury hotel standing next to the new Charleston County Fishing Pier, completes the variety of available housing.

There is a dazzling array of recreational activities to choose from all day long. Perhaps you might enjoy jet skiing along the Folly River. Or, if you are a boat owner, take advantage of the public boat ramp. The beach itself offers the traditional water sports of swimming, surfing, wind surfing and kayaking. Or spend the day sunning, beachcombing, flying kites and picnicking. Fishing off the new 1/5 of a mile fishing pier or crabbing can fill the entire day or just a few hours. On the western tip of the island The Folly Beach County Park has always been a favorite for many visitors. It offers nearly a mile of beach front with lifeguards, dressing rooms, showers, rest rooms, picnic tables, a snack bar and a large elevated group shelter. Beach equipment can be rented daily. On the other end of the island "Surf's Up!" at the famous Washout surf zone, home to many local surfers and surfing tournaments. Get in on the action or enjoy just being a spectator while soaking up the rays.

Enjoy a wide range of fishing experiences that include surf fishing, river fishing and deep sea fishing. Several shops that carry live bait are located nearby. After a perfect sun filled day, take time to unwind in one of the many fine dining facilities located on Folly Beach. Whether you crave a full course seafood dinner or a quick and delicious snack, you'll find an exciting smorgasbord of dining delights to fit every budget.

When the founding fathers of Folly Beach changed the name of Coffin Island to Folly Island, they no doubt made life much easier for today’s real estate agents. Two accounts exist over how old Coffin Island gained its morbid moniker: the first is that a 1700 shipwreck near Folly’s coast caused bodies to wash ashore, the second, that shipping vessels headed into Charleston Harbor would first abandon their dead and dying crew on the island to avoid being quarantined. Whatever the reason for its old name, Folly prospered mightily once it was given its happier new title, quickly cultivating a reputation as one of Coastal Carolina’s best vacation spots.

The small island played a vital role in the War Between the States. In happier days, Folly served as an amusement area for Charlestonians and vacationers from out of town; such big names as Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey used to draw crowds to dances on the old Folly Beach Pier. Composer George Gershwin even stayed at Folly to soak up local color when composing the score to Porgy and Bess in the 1930s.

The ocean’s balmy temperature allows swimming nearly the year-round, and with the new, post-Hugo Folly Beach Pier stretching deep into the Atlantic, Folly also boasts an active, passionate fishing community. Local surfers generally consider Folly’s Washout area the best surfing in the Charleston area. Though the island is home to just over 2,000 people, Folly serves as a playland for all of Charleston.

Just fifteen minutes from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is ideally situated for those desiring a sunny, seaside retirement, yet concerned about straying too far from civilization. Admission to this easygoing community runs anywhere from $250,000 and up for a three-bedroom, three bathroom home.