Seeking a chill locale? Head to SC’s Folly Beach
COLUMBIA, S.C. —
Laid back, eclectic, edge of America, Folly Beach has been called any number of things.
Now comes Travado with a new moniker — hippies’ hideout.
Folly Beach was included on a list of 25 hippie locales in the U.S. The company said Asheville, North Carolina, was the No. 1 hippie spot.
But Folly Beach? In staid South Carolina?
Travado said “this place is so far out that you might not even realize you’re still in South Carolina!”
While people lived on Folly Island since the late 1600s, it has been an official township for almost 50 years. It’s celebrating its 50th birthday next Sept. 22-30. They’re planning to close streets, shag into the night on the pier, show off classic cars and stage a prom-themed gala.
The island name is from the Old English word “Folly,” meaning a place wild with trees and undergrowth. It is a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River. It bills itself as one of the last true beach towns in America, home to about 2,400 permanent residents.
Travado said, “Folly Beach is prime real estate for surfing, so the town attracts all sorts of laidback, beach bum types — perfect for any hippie at heart!”
Folly is also known for sunsets and sea turtles who nest on the island from
May 1 to Oct. 31. Downtown includes locally-owned stores, seafood restaurants and nightlife.
Travado again: “After a day of surfing, you might even find that a drum circle has spontaneously coalesced on the shore. And don’t forget to give Bert’s 24-hour market when the munchies hit at strange times!”