Mortgage Broker Near Me Folly Beach, SC

You can find beach towns all over the Atlantic coast, but few have such a vibrant art, festival, and culinary scene as Folly Beach. This town, now home to just over 2,000 residents, has all kinds of quirky attractions to discover, including a graffiti walk, an annual mermaid-themed festival, and a weekly art village. If you are looking to experience some of South Carolina’s most eccentric energy, you will find it here in Folly Beach.

Folly Beach History

Although Folly Beach’s history dates back to a 1696 land grant from King William III, the British largely ignored the area over the years, seeing little commercial value in it. The Bohicket tribe remained on the island for many years afterward, until a growing European population in the Charleston area eventually forced them out. In the years that followed, the island saw all kinds of visitors, many of whom were shipwreck survivors who ended up there by pure chance. After the Civil War, people began to recognize the island’s potential as a vacation spot near the city, leading to the construction of the famous pier, along with a boardwalk, amusement rides, and shops. Today, countless visitors flock to Folly Beach each year for a much-needed escape.

Folly Beach Pier

Some towns have a park or plaza where residents gather. Folly Beach, however, has a pier. The Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier, located just off Arctic Avenue, extends 1,049 feet into the ocean, is 25 feet wide, and stands 22 feet above sea level. Day to day, you’ll see people birdwatching and strolling along the pier. It is also a renowned landmark in the Charleston area for saltwater fishing. If you are in need of some fishing gear, you can find rod rentals and bait at the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop at the entrance to the pier.

Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar is also a popular place to grab a bite, a casual dining spot with sweeping views that serves seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Depending on the time of year, travelers might be able to attend a special event. From May through September, the pier comes to life for the monthly Moonlight Mixers. This regular series celebrates summer with a live DJ, dancing, and drinks, and attendees of all ages are welcome.

Art & Music Scene

A lot of Folly Beach’s quirky character is expressed through its local artists and musicians. Travelers in Folly Beach should make sure to stop by the Folly Art Village, a weekly artisan market with local crafters and vendors that sell jewelry, hats, backpacks, mugs, cookies, home decor, and much more. Also outdoors, travelers will find the Graffiti Walk, an ever-evolving open-air art gallery that features layers of murals, paint, and personal messages that reflect the artistic spirit of both residents and visitors.

For souvenirs and art you can take home with you, like beachy paintings, locally made woodwork designs, or shark-tooth jewelry, Folly Fossils N Art offers plenty to browse. If you are craving some local live music, there are several venues around town that host performances on a regular basis. Sand Dollar Social Club is a popular venue. This local roadhouse has been in business for over 40 years and offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays. You can even join the club for a dollar.

Annual Festivals

While Folly Beach celebrates the classic holidays like the Fourth of July and Christmas each year, it also hosts some pretty unbelievable festivals. Each October, for example, the town comes together for Mermaids & Mateys, a two-day festival that celebrates the sea. During the weekend, the town shuts down Center Street to motorized traffic, filling it instead with food, drink, fashion, and arts and crafts vendors. There is also live music on several stages, a kids' zone, and other family-friendly activities. On Sunday, the entertainment moves to the beach for an exciting sand sculpting contest. This townwide love for the sea returns again in February, during the annual Sea & Sand Festival. Running for 33 years, this festival is the oldest in Folly Beach, offering another weekend full of family-friendly fun, artisan markets, and competitions in the sand.

If you are feeling particularly courageous, consider visiting Folly Beach during the Bill Murray Polar Plunge in January! This event, which commemorates one of Charleston’s funniest and most beloved residents, takes place along the beach at the Tides Hotel and offers commemorative t-shirts, a costume contest, and a plunge into the chilly winter waters of the Atlantic to ring in the new year. Each attendee is encouraged to come dressed up as their favorite Bill Murray character.

Culinary Scene

Despite its small population, Folly Beach has an impressively diverse culinary scene. Rita's Seaside Grille has a classic beach bar vibe you would expect in a town like this, and Jack of Cups Saloon is a local favorite, established in 2014 and serving dishes that are largely inspired by Asian and Indian cuisine. A few of the dishes on the menu include Thai Meatballs, Chana Masala, Green Curry Mac, and Le Blanc Curry. There is also an extensive wine and beer list for those seeking a drink to unwind. If you are craving tacos, meanwhile, make sure to check out Chico Feo. This hot spot, which has been in the community since 2013, is family-owned and operated, serving tacos, sandwiches, and many Caribbean-inspired dishes. It also frequently hosts live music events in the evenings, so make sure to check out their calendar before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Folly Beach is no ordinary beach town. A vibrant art and music scene, unique festivals, and eclectic restaurants have helped shape a quirky destination that offers more than just sandy shores. The town’s pier also serves as an important place for community building and entertainment. So if you are ready to shake up your travel routine a bit this year, make sure to keep Folly Beach in mind.

Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the South Carolina coast Saturday morning, prompting Tropical Storm Warnings across parts of South Carolina’s beaches and promising a stormy end to the holiday weekend.

Chantal has peak winds of 40 mph so far and is currently about 150 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, crawling forward to the north at about 2 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The tropical storm is expected to undergo a little more strengthening through the day Saturday before making an expected landfall on the northern South Carolina coast sometime Sunday morning.

“The number one impact by far will be the locally heavy rain, especially along and where the center comes on shore north of (Folly Beach) sometime late tonight, but more than likely, sometime Sunday morning, maybe before sunrise, maybe just after sunrise,” FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel said from Folly Beach. “It’s a broad center at this point.”

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from South Santee River, South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Tropical storm-force winds are expected in the warning areas starting Saturday evening and lasting into Sunday morning. Gusts to 40-45 mph are possible in the watch areas later Saturday.

“With that said, if you get a gust 40 to 45 (mph), it probably is not going to cause any structural damage, likely not to knock out any power, a little if any power,” Seidel said. “Once again, re-emphasizing the rain and then on these beaches, you’ll have the wave action and certainly the rip currents, especially on the South Carolina coast up towards, say, Wrightsville.”

In addition, heavy rains are across the coastal plains of the Carolinas into Monday, with widespread areas receiving 2-4 inches. Some isolated spots could get up to 6 inches of rain, the NHC says.

Chantal will even bring a minor storm surge to parts of the Carolina coasts.

“The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline,” the NHC said.

Peak surge could reach about 1-3 feet in the Tropical Storm Warning area, and about 1-2 feet in the watch area.

Heavy surf and life-threatening rip currents will be an added danger for those along the beaches in Chantal’s path.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

After more than 15 years, this popular Folly Beach bar and grill has traded its Blu reputation for a pink rebrand.

Since 2009, Blu Beach Bar & Grill has offered oceanfront dining and drinking for Folly Beach residents and visitors. Remaining under the same ownership of Avocet Hospitality, Blu has opened under a new identity: Pinky’s on the Beach, according to a news release.

“We wanted to create something truly shocking — something that would spark joy, laughter, and a sense of play the moment you walk through the doors,” Jon Weitz, a co-founder of Avocet Hospitality, said in the release. “And what better way to do that than with a whole lot of pink?”

Located within the Tides Folly Beach hotel, Pinky’s remodel will follow an eclectic and mismatched pink design, according to the release. Decorations will include pink Cadillac booths, a pink pool, pinball machines and a mural by Girls Who Paint.

Avocet partnered with Charleston-based designer Jay Fletcher to remodel the space, the release said.

“I’m so excited for the new space that our team has created. It feels like a mini-vacation — where people can kick back, sip something fruity, and just enjoy the moment,” Halee Brinson, food and beverage director for Tides Folly Beach, said in the release. “I think Pinky’s on the Beach is going to be a great addition to our community, for our Folly locals and our out-of-town visitors alike.”

Blu Beach Bar & Grill closed June 16-17 for the remodel, opening June 18 as Pinky’s on the Beach, according to the release.

Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall along the South Carolina coast early Sunday morning and continuing coverage has moved here.

Tropical Storm Chantal is now less than 100 miles away from the South Carolina coastline, with landfall expected on Sunday north of Charleston.

Rough seas and heavy rainfall are the greatest threats as the tropical storm moves ashore and rains itself out over the Carolinas.

Already, lifeguard organizations across the Grand Strand have reported performing rescues of those venturing into the rough Atlantic.

Chantal was reported to have maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect from South Santee River, South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina.

"The number one impact by far will be the locally heavy rain, especially along and where the center comes on shore north of (Folly Beach) sometime late tonight, but more than likely, sometime Sunday morning, maybe before sunrise, maybe just after sunrise," FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel said from Folly Beach. "It's a broad center at this point."

"With that said, if you get a gust 40 to 45 (mph), it probably is not going to cause any structural damage, likely not to knock out any power, a little if any power," Seidel said. "Once again, re-emphasizing the rain and then on these beaches, you'll have the wave action and certainly the rip currents, especially on the South Carolina coast up towards, say, Wrightsville."

In addition, heavy rains are across the coastal plains of the Carolinas into Monday, with widespread areas receiving 2-4 inches. Some isolated spots could get up to 6 inches of rain, the NHC says.

Flood Watches are in effect for several counties along the South Carolina-North Carolina border, where the combination of high tides and heavy rainfall could lead to poor drainage at times.

Chantal will even bring a minor storm surge to parts of the coast of the Carolinas.

"The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline," the NHC said.

Peak surge could reach about 1-3 feet in the Tropical Storm Warning area, and about 1-2 feet in the watch area.