South Carolina's Best Fence Company for Privacy, Protection, and Peace of Mind
Most homeowners agree that one of the best-looking, multi-purpose additions to a house is having a quality fence installed around the property. When it comes to aesthetics, affordability, and practicality, few upgrades are as popular as a new fence. They help safeguard your property when you're away, can keep your kids or pets safe and sound in your yard, and even prevent neighborly hazards from happening.
When built by professional fencing contractors in Folly Beach, SC residential fences can add curb appeal and resale value to your home, too. Whether you're looking to secure farm animals or want a little more privacy from your neighbors, installing a fence is a great, useful idea. When it comes to investing in your home, it's important you work with a trusted fencing company with years of experience. That's where Five Star Fencing comes in.
Our top-rated fencing company has built a reputation for building the most durable, attractive fences in metro Folly Beach, SC. Our model is simple: give our loyal customers the highest quality fence products at reasonable prices, installed by reliable fencing contractors in Folly Beach. Unlike some fence installation companies, we have built our reputation on hard work and true value. We strive to go the extra mile for our clients and do so with a friendly smile and helpful advice.
When you hire Five Star Fence Company for your fence installation project, know that you are working with the very best in the business. We take our work seriously because you trust us with the privacy, protection, and curb appeal of your home or business.
Fencing Contractors
- South Carolina's Best Fence Company for Privacy, Protection, and Peace of Mind
- The Premier Residential Fencing Company in Folly Beach, SC
- The Most Popular Residential Fence Designs in Folly Beach, SC
- Benefits of Fencing in Your Residential Property
- The Top Commercial Fence Contractor in Folly Beach, SC
- Quality Workmanship. Unmatched Fence Installation in Folly Beach, SC
When you work with Five Star Fence, you can always count on:
- The Finest Construction and Fence Installation in Folly Beach
- All Jobs Completed with Workers' Comp and General Liability Insurance
- Residential and Commercial Fencing Services
- Prompt, Reliable Installation
- Long-Term Fence Dependability
- Fencing Options Like Aluminum, Privacy, Picket, Chain Link, & More
- Free Quotes
- Friendly Service
We're proud to offer the same level of service for all our customers - whether they have a large commercial fencing project to
complete or a two-bedroom home that needs a privacy fence.
The Premier Residential Fencing Company in Folly Beach, SC
Whether you're looking to define property lines, enhance your home's security, boost curb appeal, or all three, having a fence built for your home is a great choice. Whether you choose a classic picket fence or a sturdy aluminum alternative, Carlina Fence Company has the tools, experience, and expert team to install a high-quality fence for your home.
If you know that you need a new fence but are unsure of where to start with the process, ask yourself these questions:
- Where will your fence be placed? Backyard? Front Yard? Both?
- What are concerns will a fence help alleviate? Privacy Security? Curb Appeal?
- Do you prefer certain fencing materials like metal or wood?
- Do you want a certain kind of fence like chain link or picket?
- What is your budget?
Once you can answer one or two of those questions, it's time to give Five Star Fence Company a call. Our knowledgeable, friendly team of fencing experts can help narrow down your affordable fencing choices. When you're ready, we'll take a trip to your home and provide a thorough, hassle-free quote for your consideration. Once we know the details and scope of your fence installation, we'll get to work building you a beautiful, sturdy fence that will last for years to come.
But with so many different fence styles available, it can be hard to choose which fence will be the perfect fit for your home. To help you select the right fence, consider these popular styles:

The Most Popular Residential Fence Designs in Folly Beach, SC
Usually, fences fall into three categories: decorative, functional, and privacy. Whether your plan is to use your fence for pet safety, family privacy, or property lines, Five Star Fence has plenty of options to choose from. With a myriad of materials like aluminum, wood, and vinyl, you're sure to find the perfect fence style for you and your family.

Privacy Fences: A great privacy fence not only protects your family from the prying eyes of strangers. It can be great for security, too. Available in a variety of materials like vinyl and wood, privacy fences transform spaces like backyards into secluded hideaways. Ask Five Star Fence about decorative options, too, like post caps, coordinating gates, and lattice panel tops.

Picket Fences: If you want to capture the essence of Americana, a picket fence might be your best choice. One of the most beloved styles of all time, many picket fences come with heavy-duty vinyl and feature extra-wide posts with slimmer top and bottom rails. You can also choose from several stylish wooden picket fences to enhance your home's appearance.

Chain Link Fences: Chain link fencing is one of the most common, cost-effective ways to keep your property safe. Available in galvanized and aluminized options, you can also select vinyl coated colors like black and green. For extra security, Five Star Fence Company can install barbed wire and even automatic gates if needed.

Aluminum Fences: Often considered the ultimate combo of beauty, durability, and strength, aluminum fencing enhances your home's curb appeal and protects too. Warranted by the manufacturer for life, aluminum fences at Five Star Fence Company come in many colors and styles. We even have a variety of heights to pick from as well, including special order aluminum fences.

Wooden Fences: From heavy-duty lattice fences made with pressure-washed pine to traditional estate-style split-rail fencing, wooden fences are affordable and effective. But wood fences do more than fill a need - they add value and style to your home. Fenced-in yards are a hot commodity in today's real estate market and can boost the value of your home if you're looking to sell. In terms of ROI, wood fencing is near the top of the list. At Five Star Fence Company, our design team will work closely with you to install the wooden fence of your dreams.
Benefits of Fencing in Your Residential Property
Whether you're looking to build a new fence out of necessity or as a beautiful addition to your home,
you may not be aware that there are many more benefits to installing a fence around your property.

Residential Fencing Protects Your Landscaping: Most South Carolina homeowners know that high winds and heavy rains are a common occurrence in our state. Those winds and rain can have a hugely negative effect on your home's landscaping, which you probably worked hard to perfect. Luckily, installing a fence can help prevent strong gusts of wind and help keep rain runoff from flooding your property. What's more, a wooden or aluminum fence from Five Star Fence Company will complement your landscaping style while protecting your shrubs and plants.

Residential Fencing Protects Kids & Pets: We have had the pleasure of working with many homeowners over the years. One of the most-cited reasons we hear for installing a residential fence is to protect kids and pets. If you're concerned about your tiniest family members wandering outside or into a neighbor's yard, installing a fence is a great preventative decision. Fencing in your front or backyard can also help keep out animal intruders, whether it's your neighbor's pets or a wilder animal.

Residential Fencing Minimizes Unsightly Views: Residential Fencing Minimizes Unsightly Views: If your neighbor's home is not exactly fit for a postcard, don't stress out. Our residential fencing company in Folly Beach, SC can install a great-looking fence to minimize views of unkempt or unattractive areas beyond your property line. Our vinyl and wood fencing options are very popular for this purpose, creating a beautiful enclosure for your family to enjoy.

Residential Fencing Creates a Sound Barrier: Believe it or not, many vinyl and wood privacy fences are used as sound barriers. Busy communities or neighborhoods close to major highways suffer from noise pollution. The same goes for homes located near train tracks. If you're sick and tired of hearing the highway every time you try to take a nap, our wooden privacy fences can minimize the sounds polluting your property.
The Top Commercial Fence Contractor
in Folly Beach, SC
As a licensed, insured company with decades of commercial fence installation experience, it's no wonder South Carolina's most respected commercial entities trust Five Star Fence with their commercial fencing projects. While residential fencing can be nuanced, commercial fencing is inherently complex, with a number of factors at play, like bids, deadlines, and employee downtime.
Unlike some commercial fencers in Folly Beach, our team is dedicated to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. We know time is of the essence with your commercial project, which is why we work with your busy schedule to complete your project on time. Our goal is to go in and do our job professionally, accurately, and timely so your other subcontractors can begin their respective jobs.
Hiring a team of licensed, insured fencing contractors like you'll find at Five Star Fence ensures a proper return on your investment while protecting your property and employees.
If you're still on the "fence" about whether you should consider commercial fencing for your business or organization, contact our office today to learn more about the commercial installation side of our business. We'll take the time to explain our commercial installation process and help you choose the best fence for your business needs.

Frequently Asked Fencing Questions
At Five Star Fence, we do everything in our power to make your fence installation easy, streamlined, and effortless on your end. If you're considering a new fence installation, you probably have some questions about our process. To help address some of your concerns, here are answers to some of the most common questions that come across our desks.
Q. I need a fence installed for my home in Folly Beach. How long will it take?
A. A typical residential fence takes between two to four days to complete, depending on the size and build of your home. We will do our best to cater to your busy schedule and offer reliable fence installation services Monday-Friday. Should you have specific needs on the day of your fence installation, please let our staff know so that we can do our best to work with you.
Q. Another company told me that they don't use cement to secure posts in the ground. Is that true?
A. Absolutely not. Do not let anyone tell you that you do not need your posts cemented in the ground. At Five Star Fence, every post we plant is cemented into the ground, no questions asked. Depending on the type of fence that we're installing for you, your posts will be about 24-48 inches in the ground to ensure stability and durability.
Quality Workmanship. Unmatched Fence
Installation in Folly Beach, SC
Whether you need a new, beautiful wood fence to enhance curb appeal or an aluminum fence to help secure your residential property, Five Star Fence Company is here to help. After 28 years in the business, we have the knowledge and the experience to get the job done right. We pledge to provide you with honest work and the best fencing services in the Lowcountry. Contact our office today to get started on your free quote. Before you know it, your property will be a safer, more enjoyable place to spend time all year long.

Get a Quote
Latest News in Folly Beach, SC
13 Things To Do In Folly Beach, South Carolina
Betsy Cribb Watsonhttps://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-east/folly-beach-south-carolina
The spirited island hamlet south of Charleston shakes off mainland sophistication in favor of flip-flops and cash-only dive bars. In This Article It's only twelve miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygo...
The spirited island hamlet south of Charleston shakes off mainland sophistication in favor of flip-flops and cash-only dive bars.
In This Article
It's only twelve miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). Here's where to stay, eat, relax, and play in South Carolina's super chill surf town.
Where to Stay
Every single room at Tides Folly Beach comes with an ocean view. Perched at the end of Center Street, the town's main thoroughfare, the hotel is steps from both the beach and an array of local shops and eateries. For families looking to stretch out a bit more, there are a boatload of rentals to choose from: Opt for ocean-front properties that will sleep a crowd or cozy cottages with marsh and Folly River views. And for people who wouldn't dream of traveling without their four-legged companions, there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals too.
Where to Eat
You won't go hungry on this island. Lost Dog Café is a local staple, serving coffee and all-day breakfast; don't miss the eggs Benedict, which they top with fried green tomatoes. Fish tacos, Vietnamese-inspired lettuce wraps, and Cuban sandwiches all have a place on the colorful menu at Chico Feo, where the vibe is equally colorful. Don't let the easygoing atmosphere fool you: Rita's Seaside Grille is serious about its food...and its cocktails. Try one of the Signature Crushes, fruity sippers with flavored liquors that pack a punch. End the night at Sand Dollar Social Club, a dive bar where you're invited to come as you are, so long as you're a member; membership costs $1, so bring your cash (you won't find a credit card machine here).
Where to Relax
The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. Enjoy oceanfront views while lunching at BLU Beach Bar and Grill. At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak. Several guided tours leave from Folly Beach to visit Morris Island for shelling, photography, and lighthouse history. The historic lighthouse is not open for viewing. How close you can get to the lighthouse depends on the tides.
Where to Play
For those looking to build an action-packed itinerary, there are plenty of activities that highlight the destination's natural beauty: Book a guided kayak tour or rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the tidal creeks; stop by McKevlin's Surf Shop, South Carolina's oldest surfing outfitter, before catching some of the area's best waves at The Washout; and plan to make a trip with your fishing poles to check out the beloved Folly Beach Pier that has reopened after extensive renovations.
Fish story: a storm, 2 friends and a massive tarpon wrestled to shore off Folly Beach pier
Shamira McCrayhttps://www.postandcourier.com/environment/fish-story-a-storm-2-friends-and-a-massive-tarpon-wrestled-to-shore-off-folly/article_7bc45700-1432-11ee-bfe0-2ff0b91acd78.html
FOLLY BEACH — Phillip Sullivan knows the fishing gets good when storms approach the Charleston coast.So on the blustery afternoon of June 19, he had several rods out at the end of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, including three king rigs with multiple hooks meant to hook something big.Menhaden was the bait of choice on that gloomy day. Sullivan and his fishing partner James Strange were really hoping to snag a king mackerel.But as the storm rolled in, the two realized they’d gotten more than they bargained for....
FOLLY BEACH — Phillip Sullivan knows the fishing gets good when storms approach the Charleston coast.
So on the blustery afternoon of June 19, he had several rods out at the end of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, including three king rigs with multiple hooks meant to hook something big.
Menhaden was the bait of choice on that gloomy day. Sullivan and his fishing partner James Strange were really hoping to snag a king mackerel.
But as the storm rolled in, the two realized they’d gotten more than they bargained for.
The pair of Charleston locals wasn’t just fighting against time, they ended up in a skirmish with a massive silver tarpon.
Tarpon, a species already known for its size, strength and fighting ability, usually appear in Charleston-area waters when the temperatures get warm. They average about 100 pounds off our coast, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
SC Climate and Environment News
The fish have hard mouths, almost like concrete, said Matt Perkinson, a saltwater fishing outreach coordinator for DNR. If a tarpon bites the bait, more than likely, it’ll spit the hook.
“Getting it to your boat without breaking the line or spitting the hook is an accomplishment,” Perkinson said.
Sullivan said all three of his king rigs bent off at the same time on June 19. He lost two of the fish, but gave the other rod a little pressure. That’s when he saw it.
“This tarpon skies out of the water and it starts jumping acrobatic-like, doing flips, goes towards the beach and starts running it,” Sullivan said.
He fought the fish from the pier for about one hour and 15 minutes as it continuously ran from the beach to the end of the 1,049-footlong structure. The rain never let up, hitting like pins and needles with lightening all around.
Sullivan ultimately dropped the rod down to Strange, who was in the ocean below, for a better chance of getting hands on the fish, which he did, physically pushing it to shore from behind in the surf.
Every month, we receive questions and concerns from people in and around Charleston related to flooding, government regulations and sea-level rise. We read every single one. Now we will answer some of them in the pages of The Post and Courier. Our Rising Waters Q&A will appear every other Monday, starting Oct. 23. Email your questions to tcox@postandcourier.com.
This month, you asked us about tree removals on Johns Island and the effectiveness of manufactured oyster reefs. Here’s what we found out.
Why have officials decided to cut down trees on Johns Island?
On Oct. 4, the City of Charleston’s Board of Zoning Appeals–Site Design approved requests to cut down 20 trees, most of which are on Johns Island.
The trees now are associated with three different projects. For the West Ashley Chick-fil-A, two tree removals were requested, and the BZA approved one. For a school district building on Johns Island, eight were requested, and the BZA approved five.
The removal of 14 more were approved for The Grove, an affordable-housing development on Johns Island. Developers justified the tree removal by citing the site’s proximity to wetlands, the high density of trees and stormwater management requirements, which all limit flexibility to design around the trees. The city wants 90 new affordable units created on the site.
The BZA approved the request to ax all 14 trees.
Trees, especially the “grand” trees defined by diameters 24 inches or greater, can soak up 4,000 gallons of water a year. One concern is that replacing trees with water-repellent surfaces tends to increase flood risks.
Where to Eat Well at Charleston’s Beaches
Erin Perkinshttps://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-charleston-beach-restaurants-folly
Many of those visiting Charleston know that downtown is a hot spot for restaurants, but where should folks visiting one of the local beaches eat? From barbecue to noodle bowls, these island eateries can offer a wealth of choices for the hungry wave jumper or sunbather. Read MoreEater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. ...
Many of those visiting Charleston know that downtown is a hot spot for restaurants, but where should folks visiting one of the local beaches eat? From barbecue to noodle bowls, these island eateries can offer a wealth of choices for the hungry wave jumper or sunbather.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
Before a day at Folly Beach, frequent visitors know to hit up Lost Dog for brunch. The cafe has something for everyone on the menu, from huevos rancheros to fresh fruit parfaits. Relax with a mimosa before hitting the waves and sand.
Full of surfers and deal-seekers, Folly Beach stop Jack of Cups offers filling curry nachos, dahl, and curry meatballs. The menu is a mash-up of different cuisines from across the globe, including nods to the South, which is always good while sipping a few craft beers.
Self-proclaimed “chill ass bar,” Lowlife offers expertly crafted cocktails, queso, local shrimp rolls, double cheeseburgers, and more in a hip and lively beach space. Lowlife also serves brunch every day of the week, so it’s like a vacation within a vacation.
A visit to Taco Boy is all about the experience. The interiors are lively and full of fun details. It offers a long list of tacos with unexpected fillings, like the Korean beef tacos stuffed with kimchi and grilled flank steak or the sauteed shrimp tacos come with ancho chile yogurt sauce and cabbage. On a nice day, enjoy the patio with a few friends and a frozen screwdriver to go with the other selections.
Spanish for "the ugly boy," Chico Feo makes for a super chill stop after a day on the beach. The eatery feels like visiting a friend’s backyard. The menu is a mix-up of warm weather favorites from across the globe, like Cuban beans and rice, bun cha, and plenty of tacos.
Bert’s Market isn’t a restaurant, but it is an icon on Folly Beach. The 24-hour corner store is well known as stop for made-to-order sandwiches and just about everything else you need for a day at the beach. Bert’s puts it best: “Patronized by freaks, surfers, skaters, crunks, retirees, tourists, stoners, day trippers, hippies, hipsters, and regular folk, Bert’s is the rockingest grocery in town.”
Dining at Sullivan’s Fish Camp is like stepping onto a sailboat out of the 1970s. The retro-chic restaurant is one of the chicest on the island. The menu includes fish camp classics, like peel-and-eat shrimp and smoked fish dip, paired with more modern offerings, like a tuna smash burger or Nashville hot grouper cheeks.
Diners can eat pizza, pasta, and fresh seafood just a few steps from the ocean. From the skilled hands of executive chef Jacques Larson, the Obstinate Daughter offers a stunning dining room to spend visit for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Visitors should order a craft cocktail, a few oysters, and try the ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu at least once.
Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island is always packed with friends and families ordering pulled pork plates and catching a game on the televisions. The smoked wings with Alabama white sauce are addictive, as are the frozen boozy Gamechanger cocktails.
Cozy bistro High Thyme offers a more upscale experience than most beach-goers expect. Guests visit this Middle Street restaurant for celebratory dinners and Sunday morning brunches. Find dishes like mussels in a coconut chili broth, cioppino, three-meat bolognese lasagna, lamb meatballs, and more comforting dishes.
Contemporary Italian eatery Coda del Pesce sits right on the beach at Isle of Palms. Customers can watch the ocean while ordering from chef Ken Vedrinski’s seafood-filled menu. Make reservations early for dishes like the snowy grouper with peanut potatoes, grapes, and Castelvetrano olives.
Before a day at Folly Beach, frequent visitors know to hit up Lost Dog for brunch. The cafe has something for everyone on the menu, from huevos rancheros to fresh fruit parfaits. Relax with a mimosa before hitting the waves and sand.
Full of surfers and deal-seekers, Folly Beach stop Jack of Cups offers filling curry nachos, dahl, and curry meatballs. The menu is a mash-up of different cuisines from across the globe, including nods to the South, which is always good while sipping a few craft beers.
Self-proclaimed “chill ass bar,” Lowlife offers expertly crafted cocktails, queso, local shrimp rolls, double cheeseburgers, and more in a hip and lively beach space. Lowlife also serves brunch every day of the week, so it’s like a vacation within a vacation.
A visit to Taco Boy is all about the experience. The interiors are lively and full of fun details. It offers a long list of tacos with unexpected fillings, like the Korean beef tacos stuffed with kimchi and grilled flank steak or the sauteed shrimp tacos come with ancho chile yogurt sauce and cabbage. On a nice day, enjoy the patio with a few friends and a frozen screwdriver to go with the other selections.
Spanish for "the ugly boy," Chico Feo makes for a super chill stop after a day on the beach. The eatery feels like visiting a friend’s backyard. The menu is a mix-up of warm weather favorites from across the globe, like Cuban beans and rice, bun cha, and plenty of tacos.
Bert’s Market isn’t a restaurant, but it is an icon on Folly Beach. The 24-hour corner store is well known as stop for made-to-order sandwiches and just about everything else you need for a day at the beach. Bert’s puts it best: “Patronized by freaks, surfers, skaters, crunks, retirees, tourists, stoners, day trippers, hippies, hipsters, and regular folk, Bert’s is the rockingest grocery in town.”
Dining at Sullivan’s Fish Camp is like stepping onto a sailboat out of the 1970s. The retro-chic restaurant is one of the chicest on the island. The menu includes fish camp classics, like peel-and-eat shrimp and smoked fish dip, paired with more modern offerings, like a tuna smash burger or Nashville hot grouper cheeks.
Diners can eat pizza, pasta, and fresh seafood just a few steps from the ocean. From the skilled hands of executive chef Jacques Larson, the Obstinate Daughter offers a stunning dining room to spend visit for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Visitors should order a craft cocktail, a few oysters, and try the ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu at least once.
Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island is always packed with friends and families ordering pulled pork plates and catching a game on the televisions. The smoked wings with Alabama white sauce are addictive, as are the frozen boozy Gamechanger cocktails.
Cozy bistro High Thyme offers a more upscale experience than most beach-goers expect. Guests visit this Middle Street restaurant for celebratory dinners and Sunday morning brunches. Find dishes like mussels in a coconut chili broth, cioppino, three-meat bolognese lasagna, lamb meatballs, and more comforting dishes.
Contemporary Italian eatery Coda del Pesce sits right on the beach at Isle of Palms. Customers can watch the ocean while ordering from chef Ken Vedrinski’s seafood-filled menu. Make reservations early for dishes like the snowy grouper with peanut potatoes, grapes, and Castelvetrano olives.
Folly Beach offers fun and serenity all at once
John Ramseyhttps://www.postandcourier.com/mycharleston/folly-beach-offers-fun-and-serenity-all-at-once/article_578fd0d2-e857-11ed-b920-f3e300d9cc84.html
People like to call Folly Beach the “fun” beach, and maybe it is, especially if you’re visiting for the restaurants and bars.But there’s also a measure of serenity here if you know where, and when, to look.Here’s the best way to find it: Get here early; 7 a.m. should work — before the traffic on the only road in and out becomes a nightmare.Bring the dog if you have one: From May through September, they’re allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.Check the tides ...
People like to call Folly Beach the “fun” beach, and maybe it is, especially if you’re visiting for the restaurants and bars.
But there’s also a measure of serenity here if you know where, and when, to look.
Here’s the best way to find it: Get here early; 7 a.m. should work — before the traffic on the only road in and out becomes a nightmare.
Bring the dog if you have one: From May through September, they’re allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Check the tides online before you arrive: at high tide, part of this walk is underwater.
Park in the grass just outside Folly Beach County Park. Make sure your tires aren’t on the pavement or you’ll have a ticket when you get back.
Take a right when your feet hit the sand.
Keep going, past the pelicans flying so low they could dip their toes in the water, past the last jetty trying to keep the sand from washing away.
Before you’ve walked a mile, you’ll reach a bend in the beach. This is the spot.
To the left, waves lap at the coast. To the right, still water.
It feels like you’ve reached the end of the ocean. Or the beginning.
Sit in the sand. Before you head back to civilization, let the scene wash through your eyes and into your body.
Explore
The Washout
Head to the other end of the island if your companion is a surfboard instead of a dog. A spot off East Ashley Avenue known as The Washout is a favorite for surfers. A bit farther along the street, a paved trail covered in graffiti leads to a small beach with views of the Morris Island Lighthouse.
If you’re brave enough, join the kite surfers being pulled along the water on windy days, sometimes soaring high above the surface before splashing back down.
Folly Beach pier
The pier reopened in December 2022 after a two-year, $14 million rebuild. It’s 1,049 feet long. The pier has been a part of Folly Beach — you can’t miss it if you head toward the sand — since the 1930s. Pay $5 for an all-day fishing pass or just walk to the end and listen to the water.
The pier is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Eat and drink like a local
Lost Dog Cafe
For brunch, the go-to meal for late sleepers or early drinkers, try Lost Dog Cafe. Located in a former laundromat on West Huron Avenue, you can find breakfast and bloodies on the menu all day. Try a breakfast burrito, or grab some fried green tomatoes and a chicken salad croissant from the lunch menu. And like many other eateries in Folly, your dog is welcome to join you.
Jack of Cups
A favorite of The Post and Courier’s food editor, Jack of Cups on Center Street has a menu built for the adventurous eater. Boasting a bevy of vegetarian options on a menu the owners describe as “globally inspired,” the kitchen also cranks out dishes you probably never come across at home: Among them: Cap’n Crunch deviled eggs, dill pickle soup and unicorn pop rock cheesecake.
The Bounty Bar
Created by the owners of The Royal American in Charleston, The Bounty Bar on Center Street aspires to serve “better than it has to be” bar food. It’s open until 1 a.m. daily and has you covered whether you’re craving seafood, chicken or steak.
Chico Feo
Head to Chico Feo on East Ashley Avenue for tacos, beer and live music. Check their calendar for musical performances. Or show up on a Monday for soapbox night, when you can sign up to take the stage and show off your talent, whether it’s singing, spoken word or parlor tricks.
Shopping
If you need groceries or a quick snack, try Bert’s Market on East Ashley Avenue.
A smattering of surf and beach shops in the heart of town will have everything you need for a day on the beach, including the towel or sunscreen you accidentally left at home.
While you’re indoors — easily the worst place to be at Folly Beach — you can also pick up some souvenirs for the family members who couldn’t join you.
If you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, there are some rules you should remember:
No alcohol, glass containers, plastic bags, balloons, Styrofoam, open fires, fireworks or littering.
Surfing without a leash is prohibited. From May 15 to Sept. 15, surfing is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West. From Sept. 16 to May 14, surfing is allowed in any area. It is prohibited within 200 feet of the fishing pier.
Stay off the dunes and use public walkovers.
To protect sea turtle hatchlings, no lights are allowed that illuminate the front beach between 10 p.m. and dawn from May 1-Oct. 31. For a full list of beach rules, check visitfolly.com.
Reach John Ramsey at 843-906-9351. Follow him on Twitter @johnwramsey.
Food editor Parker Milner contributed to this report.
New ordinances could affect number of short-term rentals on Folly Beach
Sean Mahoneyhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/new-ordinances-could-affect-number-of-short-term-rentals-on-folly-beach
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The debate on short-term rentals is once again heating up on Folly Beach. Residents say proposed amendments approved earlier this year could add dozens more rentals to the area.Folly Beach residents voted to cap short-term rentals to 800 in February. It was nearly a year-and-a-half-long debate th...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The debate on short-term rentals is once again heating up on Folly Beach. Residents say proposed amendments approved earlier this year could add dozens more rentals to the area.
Folly Beach residents voted to cap short-term rentals to 800 in February. It was nearly a year-and-a-half-long debate that seemingly came to a close.
But now, residents are worried new amendments to the ordinance proposed by city councilmembers could increase the number of short-term rentals beyond the cap approved earlier this year.
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The first amendment would allow short-term rental owners who were not renewed by the deadline this year, but paid taxes on the property previously, to have a chance to apply for license renewal.
The second amendment says if an investor got a short-term rental license approved for a construction project before the ordinance was passed on February 7th and hasn't received their certificate of occupancy, they could get approval for a license after the deadline as well.
Right now, there are dozens of rentals on the waitlist. Folly Beach residents say this would only create more of a backlog and could open the door for many more short-term rentals on the island.
“It just means if you pay your taxes, you could then get a license. It could be hundreds more, and basically take us to the same position we were before the cap, where there was no limit on short-term rentals," said Ann Peets, president of the Folly Beach Residents Association. "It takes it back to them being really a dominant force on the island over the residents."
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Councilmembers DJ Rich, Billy Grooms and Adam Barker proposed these amendments. News 4 reached out to each one of them for comment but did not receive a response.
Peets and other residents plan to propose some alternatives at the city council meeting on Tuesday, which they believe could help clear the backlog.
Peets says since there are already tons of homes on the waitlist, promoting alternatives like 72-day rentals or long-term rentals on the island could cut down on the number of investors aiming to get STR licenses.
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But more importantly, she says the city could avoid these headaches by just having more transparency of its enforcement. Peets claims it would shorten the waitlist and also improve compliance throughout the island.
“We want to see them move to the next phase where that enforcement really is starting to happen, where they are going in and basically issuing violations when they happen, not just nice warnings that don't result in anything and that really rewards the people that do a nice job in terms of property management," Peets said. "They can have a great investment rental that is a good community player and really moves it, moves them up in the list and makes them thought of most positively on the island."
Folly Beach mayor Tim Goodwin says to stay in good standing and adhere to the enforcement of the ordinance, owners must keep business and rental licenses up to date, know who they rent to, and avoid violating the city’s strike system.
The amendments will have their first reading at the Folly Beach city council meeting Tuesday night at 7 o'clock.
The debate over short-term rentals is taking shape across the country. Locally, Sullivan’s island and James Island have both discussed short-term rental bans at recent council meetings.
Nationally, Dallas became the first city to ban short-term rentals last week.
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