Jolly at Folly Beach, SC

If you're looking for an east coast beach with a bohemian vibe, check out Folly Beach in South Carolina. Located about 11 miles south of Charleston, Folly Beach sits on the southern tip of a 7 mile long strip of land called "Edge of America" by the locals. Maybe because it was my first post pandemic vacation, maybe it was because I discovered shark teeth hunting, or maybe it was because of its 1960's aura, but I loved my week on Folly Beach. The facades wore their patina like a pair of comfortable, broken-in, vintage jeans. The sunshine warmed my heart and the ocean cleansed my soul.

60's Surfer Vibe

While lying on the beach, I noticed several people walking the shoreline and every now and then bend down and pick something up, inspect it, and walk away with it. Several people were more than willing to share their time and knowledge with me. They were hunting for sharks' teeth. Teeth found on Folly Beach are either sand tiger, bull, lemon or reef sharks. They are black due to fossilization and are between 10,00 to 1,000,000 years old. With a few lessons from them, my nephew and I decided to try our luck. After proudly running to the "experts" several times with what I thought was a shark's tooth, I was disappointed to discover they were broken shells. Finally, success! We had five confirmed sharks' teeth.

Breakfast

Flaming Margarita from Wiki Wiki Sandbar

Taco Boy - Octopus Constructed from Trash Found on the Beach

We stayed near downtown Folly, which I highly recommend as it is an easy walk to restaurants for food and drinks, drinks, drinks. The Washout and Loggerhead's Beach Grill have live music. Seitu Solomon often plays at Loggerhead. His Caribbean beat adds to the beach ambiance. Wiki Wiki Sand Bar serves drinks topped with a flaming lime. A flaming drink is always a hit! Have breakfast at Rita's. Stay away from Snapper Jack's. Not only was its low quality obvious when looking at its state, but as we sat down, even the waiter warned us. He actually told us the kitchen was a disaster. We quickly left. You will find a little of everything at Bert's Market...groceries, 6-tap beer growler station, wine, deli, frozen food, an ice cream counter, subs made to order, and musical supplies. Yes, that's right, musical supplies! They are open 24/7 because you never know when you will need an E-string for your guitar.

And, of course, there's the beach. After 28 months of construction and at a cost of 14 million, a new pier will open the spring of 2023 with an observation deck, a gift shop, and restaurant. Bring your Costco Tommy Bahama beach chair, lunch, a book, and soak up the sun. Take a walk and hunt for shark teeth. You'll find people very willing to share a few tips on how to find them. Watch the surfers. Be amazed at the speed and accuracy of diving pelicans. Look out for jumping silver fish and dolphins. But mostly, relax. Listen to the surf and find your inner peace at this small, laid back, hippie, beach town.

Remember to bring your tie-dyed shirts.