My Laidback Lowcountry Haven

May 18, 2020 Chanel Leitch

The Folly Beach ‘Take-Over Post’

by Chanel Leitch

The first time I ever set foot on Folly Beach, I knew this place was special. Kevin and I are so blessed to be able to travel around the world and live in Europe. Still, if I had only one place to ever visit or possibly even live, I think it just might be Folly. Strange to say when the mountains and Tuscany are only a few short hours away. And sexy Spain is around the corner. I mean, let’s be honest, Folly isn’t the prettiest beach or even an idyllic setting of beach dreams. Quite the contrary. It’s small, in some places, run-down, and one could say somewhat “redneck.”

Most people come to Charleston and enjoy the upscale restaurants, beautiful southern homes, and exceptional shopping. And don’t get me wrong, we like those things too. It’s why we make arriving in Folly a full-day affair, starting in Charleston, where we hit all of our favorite restaurants and bars. But the thing is, once you cross over the marsh and bridge to Folly, you likely won’t leave again until it’s time to return home. There are very few restaurants, little to do and only 1 main block in the whole town. You’d think it’d get boring. Yet this surfer beach has a magnetic draw. Even thinking about it brings a smile to my face. You see, this is where I find I’m my best self. My true being, where my inner hippie, southern heritage, and water loving-self come to simply SLOW DOWN and CHILL OUT. The sun seems just a bit brighter, the air a bit warmer and life just a bit simpler. There is nothing like it. At least not from my perspective. It’s where I’m the happiest, where I heal and where I am reminded what life is really about - friends, family, and the feeling of connectedness.

Some of our best memories are at Folly with each other and with our family and friends. It’s here Kevin climbed his first and last palm tree (not recommended by the way), where we fell in love with quality tequila (this may be connected to climbing a palm tree), where we watched our siblings get married, where we’ve laughed multiple times until we cried, celebrated big birthdays, splashed with nieces and nephews, shared our deepest fears and secrets, made a baby and also lost one. It’s where we’ve loved, healed, and where we still find our center.

So yeah, we may be biased but for a good reason.

Ok, so enough with the sappy stories. If you’ve never been to Folly, just what exactly is a must?

Bert’s Market

This hippie market is by far the hippest market on the planet. With local brew, homemade sandwiches, basics, and let’s be honest, the best staff. It’s the first place we visit when arriving on the island and where we often tend to go because it’s just such a cool place. And the good news, it’s open 24 hours... got the munchies in the afternoon and want a cold beer and a homemade sandwich? It’s here. Still tipsy and wanting a late-night snack? Yup, they have you covered. As their signs and staff say, “We may doze, but we never close.”

Taco Boy

I’ll be honest, I’ve had better tacos. And I’ve certainly had better service. But if you want a cool vibe, super margaritas, and just a relaxed atmosphere. This is your spot. We have spent way too many hours and calories here – usually at the bar or on the back porch. There just isn’t anything like Taco Boy. And I take it back...when the tacos are on point, they are some of the best!

St. James Gate

This was added recently to our list of favorites. It’s an Irish bar, at a beach. Doesn’t make sense? We agree. But still, it’s got the best frozen Irish coffees (that’s right, I said ‘frozen’), fantastic blood orange margaritas (getting a theme here?), and tasty bar food.

Low Life

Our last trip was the first time we experience Low Life because it’s very new to Folly. But the name gives you a good sense of the vibe. Super beachy, very chill, and the best cocktails hands down. Try the Pluff Mudslide. “Pluff” is the stinky mud in a marsh. The Charleston area is known for many surrounding wetlands. Marshes are beautiful but can be quite smelly (ask my brother-in-law Brad, he agrees). Sounds yummy right? Haha. It’s actually one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. You can drink it with breakfast, at lunch, on its own, or anytime you feel like drinking something fun. It’s a better version of chocolate milk, and we will be trying to recreate it very soon.

See this map in the original post

Cocktails and Carry-Ons