This article I am going to head down along the coast to our southern neighbor. I first heard of this place while watching a fishing program. The place is St. Simons Island. St. Simons Island is one of four barrier islands on the 100 mile-long coast of Georgia on the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers are drawn to the islands for their beaches, wetlands, sub-tropical forests, and water recreation every year. Its elite resorts are frequented by some of the nations wealthiest families.

The first inhabitants of St. Simons lived there during fishing season about 2,000 BCE. Later the island was inhabited by a coastal tribe of Indians who became known as the Timucuan and related groups called Mocama and Guale. They were present when the island saw its first Europeans, likely the Spanish, who founded missions there. With the establishment of Charles Towne, the Spanish influence on the island became threatened and English pirates terrorized the settlements along its coast. Eventually the Timucuans abandoned the island and were absorbed by the Yamassees in Florida. English colonists cultivated the island for rice and cotton that was worked by large populations of African slaves, who created the unique Gullah culture. The island since the early 20th century has been developed as a resort community.

Ocean Lodge, just a few short steps from the ocean, is detailed to give your stay the look and feel of being immersed in the traditions of Old World Italy. It has fifteen spacious and well-appointed ocean view guest rooms. Each room is detailed with the romance and mystique of European villas with a full kitchen, separate bedroom area, and beautifully furnished sitting space all open onto your own private verandahall. All are equiped with large-screen televisions and WiFi. Ocean Lodge also features a rooftop terrace and lounge.

Enjoy a massage from their certified massage therapist, take a bike ride on the beach, enjoy a workout, play a round of golf, or go boating. To top it all off, it is ideally located close to St. Simon’s finest restaurants, and the historic lighthouse. If you decide to venture away from all the luxurious amenities of Ocean Lodge, you can stroll about the shops in the quaint village of St. Simons. Read the reviews from Tripadvisor.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on vacation blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. Please become a follower and check out all the things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

The locals call it "The Edge of America". Geographically they are correct because Folly Beach is on the east coast shoreline of the U.S., which would put it on the edge. But I think the reference is to more than just its proximity.

Folly Beach is six miles of sand and surf sporting the longest fishing pier on the East Coast. When it comes to surfing many consider its waves to be the best on the East Coast. You can boat, fish, swim, bicycle, jet ski, parasail, and kayak, your choice. Its quaint seaside village includes small locally owned shops and a variety of casual dining spots and watering holes featuring the best of local entertainment. Conveniently located right smack dab in the middle of all these fabulous amenities is the Folly Beach Holiday Inn.

Newly renovated and rejuvinated, the Folly Beach Holiday Inn at One Center Street has been beautifully enhanced to an island hideaway offering new rooms, meeting spaces, and dining options that include the BLU Restaurant and Bar with indoor and outdoor bar areas, a patio, and an incredible view of the oceanfront. Very few restaurants in Charleston can boast those perks. It has a breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late night menu. Sunrise to sunset your dining needs are covered quite elagantly.

BLU Restaurant and Bar won the the title of Charleston’s Next Top Cocktail in January with a concoction called the Skinny Goose. The Tru Blu Martini and the Island Mai Tai are two other popular alchoholic blends. BLU was also Awarded Platinum Status, the highest level possible by the South Carolina Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative, a program designed to promote the use of local and sustainable seafood in South Carolina restaurants. Only five other Charleston restaurants carry the certification.

So, go ahead and take a sneek peak at the full menu of fresh local seafood showcasing the finest in contemporary coastal cuisine to whet your appetite. Then imagine a relaxing stroll on the beach to wet your feet, sunrise or sunset, it doesn't matter, and chase your blues away. No pun intended.-Vacation Rick Travel

Tru Blu Martini-Grey Goose Vodka, Hypnotiq, white cranberry juice, lemon twist
Skinny Goose-Grey Goose vodka, pomegranate juice, Triple Sec, and lime; the enticing drink also features VeeV Acai Spirit.

Folly Beach Events:
Bluegrass at Folly Beach Crabshack Jam every Thursday 7-10:30 pm. Bring your instrument down to Folly Beach Crab Shack and join in for an open jam hoe-down.
Moonlight Mixers Shaggin' on the Pier August 13 at 7-11 pm. Shag the night away at the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, where Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will be spinning the hottest oldies and beach music-$10.00 admission

Search Amazon.com for Folly Beach

Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick of Charleston. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and beyond.

The first beach I went to when I visited here was on the Isle of Palms or IOP. As you approach the island via the connector you get a impressive view from the bridge of the back waters and the ocean straight ahead. Finding a parking spot on Ocean Blvd by the pier is a challenge on a sunny, warm summer day when everyone has the same idea as you, going to the beach. The park lot fills up fast also.  Suggestion, get there early.

The area by the pier near Coconut Joe's has always been my favorite. When not taking in the rays there are alot of little shops in that section to peruse and a couple of places to get a refreshment or an ice cream cone. If you desire a brew, go to the upper deck of Coconut Joe's. There is generally live music and a beautiful view of the beach and ocean. An even better time is towards the evening when the sun is going down.

IOP was originally named Hunting Island and then Long Island. It was purchased in 1899 by J.S. Lawrence, who renamed it the Isle of Palms. Seewwee Indians originally occuppied the island and the only other occupants were the pirates who buried their treasures for safekeeping in the deserted dunes and woods. It remained without permanent inhabitants until the late 19th century when the island became recognized by locals of the area as a refuge from the summer heat and tempo of Charleston. Breach Inlet, separating IOP and Sullivan's Island, was the point of departure for the CSS Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. Numerous ships have sunk off the shores of its beach and during Hugo the barrier island was under water. The Isle of Palms Beach and Racquet Club was built in 1975 and later renamed The Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club in 1984 and today is simply called Wild Dunes.

Vacation home rentals on the beach are plenty and spacious from condos to cottages, to oceanfront mansions. There are five different hotels and resorts on the island to choose from when looking for accommodations for a night or several. If you like water sports, the IOP Marina has everything you need and fishing charters too. We rented kayaks at the marina and paddled around the intercoastal waters of the island. You get a good look at the villas and mansions along the waterways and a enjoyable dose of nature.

Wild Dunes, Charleston's Island Resort,  is a 1,600-acre oceanfront paradise that features championship golf, nationally ranked tennis, one of the nation's top-ranked family recreation programs, over two miles of pristine beach, and four outstanding resort restaurants. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, check out the IOP and its seven miles of beach. Map and location.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article first published by Rick Dunbar on Vacation Rick blog. Check out previous entries and subscribe.

Top down drive to the beach weather is here. Folly Beach is a favorite destination for sun bathers and surfers alike. Locals refer to it as the "Edge of America", which makes sense since it is on the coast of Eastern United States. It is more than just sand to park yourself on to get a tan or a place to catch a curl in the wild blue, it is rich with history, good food, and good times.

When we think of the word folly foolishness comes to mind as a likely meaning, but folly actually is an English word meaning an area of dense foilage. Folly was referred to as "Coffin Land" on a 1780 map, but a map dated 1800 shows "Coffin Land" as the western end of Folly Island where the State Park is now. It was customary for ships with plague or cholera victims to leave the ill travelers on barrier islands before they entered the Charleston port and pick them up later if they were still alive. The ship Amelia wrecked on Folly Island while sailing from New York to New Orleans in 1832. In 1930’s the new Atlantic Pavilion, Boardwalk, Pier and Oceanfront Hotel were built, but in 1957 The Oceanfront Hotel and Pavilion and Joe’s Restaurant burned. The Holiday Inn now stands on the spot. The island played a part in the Civil War. The first surfboard on the island was introduced by Pat Thomas.

Now the fun begins. If you like to fish there is a 1,045 foot fishing pier that hosts fishing tournaments...and you can rent everything you need at the shop on the Pier. Plenty of sand to place you towel or chair upon to take in the rays or read a book. If you are so inclined, take a walk to the tip of the island past the state park and watch the fast moving currents flow in and out of the channel. You may catch a glimpse of a dolphin cruising the rapidly surging waters appearing as if it is stationary in the current. If you have a boat or a jet ski, beach it on the backside of the island and have a picnic. The surfing is some of the best on the east coast and Folly hosts a number of surf events throughout the year.

Looking for a place to stay for more than a day? Accommodations range from charming cottages, modern beach houses, to affordable condominiums and a luxury hotel. You can stay at Water's Edge Inn, top rated by Conde Nast Traveler, or the Holiday Inn. Plenty of ocean front vacation homes to choose from for the all-around package.

When hunger strikes you after a day on the beach there are a variety of restaurants such as Rita's Seaside Grille, Locklear's Beach City Grill, Folly Beach Crab Shack, and BLU Restaurant with an ocean view and delectable food. Folly Beach recreational activities include kayaking, jet ski rentals, parasailing, boat charters, and whatever else.

Charleston is only minutes away with one of America’s premier downtown historic districts. Angel Oak Park, just a short drive from Folly Beach, is home to "the oldest tree east of the Mississippi." Well, you get the picture. Visit Folly Beach for a day or a week. You may see me there, Vacation Rick. Please don't forget to say hello, southern style.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on Vacation Rick blog. Check out all my past blogs or just say hello.-Visit Vacation Rick Travel