Blue Highways by Tee Gentry – Folly Beach, South Carolina
The Edge of America
Folly Beach, South Carolina is one of the most popular beaches in the Southeast. Located just outside of Charleston, it’s often referred to as “The Edge of America.”
Two owners of a local sports shop came up with the nickname, trademarked it, and it has stuck ever since.
Folly Beach is a barrier island and has stayed pretty much the same over the years. It remains a laid back small town that happens to have a beach looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Life is slower on Folly. You’ll see that as you cross over the bridge and see an island-wide speed limit sign of 25mph. You don’t mind. That’s just the way things are on Folly. Life is slower.
Where to eat
There are so many great places to eat, such as the Crab Shack. It’s a small Center Street restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating only two blocks from the beach. It’s known for fresh seafood, but also offers hamburgers, pasta and more. Southern Living magazine named the Crab Shack one of the best seafood spots in South Carolina.
Another must stop is the Lost Dog Café, just off Center Street on West Huron Avenue. Lost Dog is the island’s favorite spot for breakfast with fresh roasted coffee and delicious menu items such as Folly’s Original Breakfast Burrito and the Whistlin’ Dixie Shrimp and Grits.
Yes, dogs are welcome here, too.
What to see
The Morris Island lighthouse, the tallest in South Carolina, is located on the north side of the island. The beach there is very secluded with dead trees making it look like it’s frozen in time.
It’s also worth walking down the graffiti trail to watch a sunrise or sunset. The trail, a closed piece of road, leads from the street to the beach and is covered with painted art and sayings – mostly positive. I did see one that referenced a relationship that ended badly, but I feel certain it will be covered with a bright heart soon enough.
The pier at Folly has just been rebuilt – for the third time since the 1930s – and reopened in late 2022. It extends over 1000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is a great place to go saltwater fishing, bird watch or just get your steps in while breathing the salty air.
What I missed
There are few sunset and dolphin spotting cruises that sail out of Folly. Some even combine the two. Dolphins in the sunset – like an airbrushed t-shirt come to life. That’s something I want to do next time I’m at Folly Beach.
