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November 27, 2019November 27, 2019

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Cooper River Bridge Run

Runners… on your mark, get set, go! Every year, the Cooper River Bridge Run brings countless locals and visitors together to race across the most famous bridge in town. Challenge yourself to beat last year’s time or get competitive with your fellow runners as you make your way over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cooper River Bridge Run.

Start planning your Charleston Coast getaway when you access our complimentary Destination Guide! Inside, you’ll find a list of all of our favorite things to do and see during your trip to the Lowcountry.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Cooper River Bridge Run

The Cooper River Bridge Run is fun for everyone! Whether you prefer running or walking, you can participate in the run of the year. The race itself is a 10K, but you are welcome to walk it. All you need to do is register!

Registering for the Cooper River Bridge Run

Registering for the Cooper River Bridge Run is easy. You can do it all online! Local tip: To get the best price, you’ll want to register as early as possible. For example, if you register from June 1 to July 31, you can race for just $40. After February 1, the price goes up to $60 per runner.

The Course

The Cooper River Bridge Run shuts down the entire road on the course between Mount Pleasant and Charleston. You’ll start the run on Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, then run across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. From there, you’ll run through some of Charleston’s most popular streets: Meeting Street and King Street. You’ll end the race after six miles and head to Marion Square for the Finish Festival.

The Starting Line

Runners should park downtown and hop on one of the bus shuttles in the morning to be brought to the starting line on Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. That way, your transportation will be downtown when you finish! You must wear your racing bib to be allowed on the shuttle. Once you get there, you’ll line up based on the color code on your bib. Racers are lined up based on their estimated finishing times.

The Finish Festival

Celebrate your completion of the race at the Finish Festival! Marion Square will be packed with racers and their loved ones enjoying entertainment, vendors, food, and refreshments. It’s the perfect end to your race day.

Book Your Stay Today

Are you thinking about coming to town for the Cooper River Bridge Run? Stay with Charleston Coast Vacations! We have beautiful vacation rentals located all over the Charleston Coast. You’ll love coming home to a beach house after running the 10K. Treat yourself to a glass of wine on your porch overlooking the ocean to celebrate your success! Browse our properties and start planning your stay today.

November 21, 2019November 21, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, SEWE

Egret landing at Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Do you love wildlife and nature? You have to attend the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition this year! For three days, you can celebrate wildlife and nature through events, socials, fine art, and tons of exhibits. Thousands of locals and visitors of all ages look forward to this special festival all year. You won’t want to miss it! Learn about all the other things to do and see on the Charleston Coast when you access our complimentary Destination Guide.

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About the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, also known as SEWE, is three days full of incredible events that honor and celebrate the wildlife and nature of our area. We love this festival because it is not only entertaining, it’s educational, too! Have fun while learning about the need to protect our natural environment.

Getting Tickets

Tickets are easy to get– you can purchase them all online. If you’re looking to go to the main educational events, you’ll just need a general admission ticket. You can purchase a three-day pass or opt to choose which days you would like to attend the festival. Local tip: Kids under 10 don’t need a ticket to lectures, shows, and demonstrations– they’re free! Adults will need a general admission ticket to attend.

Educational Events and Exhibits

Learn something new during your vacation when you attend some of the events at SEWE. From a sheep herding demo to learning how to throw a cast net, you’ll get a true taste of the nature and wildlife in our area. Many of these events show how important all of this is to our fragile ecosystem and the steps we are taking for their conservation.

There are hundreds of exhibitors that participate in SEWE every year! Check out the full list of exhibitors to see who will be there.

Special Events

SEWE isn’t just about education– there’s plenty of entertainment, too! Everyone looks forward to the annual oyster roast, and there are plenty of other social events to attend. Find some unique art at the auction, or take your sweetheart on a date to one of the cocktail parties. Check out the events schedule and get your tickets!

Be a VIP

If you’re coming with a group and want to attend all that the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has to offer, VIP might be the perfect option for you. There are multiple VIP packages to choose from, and packages range from two to 10 badges. Arrive in style with the VIP shuttle, and make use of the VIP Lounge!

Book Your Stay for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Are you ready to attend the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition? Make Charleston feel like home when you stay in a vacation rental! Don’t settle for a typical chain hotel when you’re in a place as unique as the Charleston Coast. Stay right on the beach with Charleston Coast Vacations! Browse our properties to start planning your getaway. We have everything you need for the vacation of a lifetime. We can’t wait to host you!

November 14, 2019November 14, 2019

Yum! Here’s What You Need to Know About Charleston, SC, Restaurant Week

It’s no secret that thousands of people flock to the Charleston Coast every year to experience our famous Lowcountry cuisine. With so many restaurants to choose from, it’s impossible to try them all! If you consider yourself a foodie, make sure to plan your vacation during Charleston, SC, Restaurant Week. This event only happens twice a year, and you’ll get multi-course meals for a great price. Start planning your Charleston getaway today when you access a copy of our complimentary Destination Guide!

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About Charleston, SC, Restaurant Week

Charleston, SC, Restaurant Week gives you the excuse you’ve been waiting for to go to all those restaurants you have been wanting to try out. Participating restaurants usually offer a special lunch and dinner menu that has been designed to give you a taste of their fare. Plus, these multi-course meals are always a great price. We recommend going with a group of friends or someone you know won’t mind sharing a little bit. That way, you can each get something different and try them all!

Local tip: Don’t feel like you are just limited to their multi-course menu. Most restaurants still offer their regular menu, and you can also order restaurant week items à la carte.

Lunch Menus

Restaurants participating in Restaurant Week lunch usually create a menu with two courses to choose from. You’ll get an appetizer and an entree!

Dinner Menus

The restaurants in Charleston go all out for this special week. The dinner menu usually consists of three courses: an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Don’t worry– portions are controlled so these three courses won’t be too much food. If you’re too full, just take your dessert to go!

When Is Charleston, SC, Restaurant Week?

There are actually two Restaurant Weeks here! One is in September and the other is in January. The dates change every year, so make sure you check before making your plans. Plus, Restaurant Week lasts a little longer than a week. It’s usually about 10 days!

Who Is Participating?

From the city to Folly Beach, the entire Charleston area participates in our Restaurant Week! Dozens of restaurants join in every year, and you can see exactly who is taking part on the Restaurant Week website. As the week gets closer, the restaurants begin to release their menus. Take a peek and choose which ones you want to try out!

Book Your Restaurant Week Getaway Today

Are you ready to dine on the Charleston Coast? Book your getaway with Charleston Coast Vacations for our Charleston, SC, Restaurant Week! From Isle of Palms to Folly Beach, we have homes located all over the area. Browse our vacation rentals to start planning your getaway, pick your favorite, and book your stay. We can’t wait to host you in one of our beautiful vacation homes.

November 8, 2019November 8, 2019

Foodies, This Is Why You Need to Go to Taste of Folly

The Charleston area is known for its incredible cuisine. Thousands of food connoisseurs visit our area each year to experience our local restaurants. If you consider yourself a foodie, make sure you’re in town for the Taste of Folly. This food-centered event showcases the beach town with an emphasis on food. Start planning your Charleston getaway today when you access our complimentary Destination Guide. Inside, you’ll find even more restaurants to check out!

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About Taste of Folly

We can’t wait for Taste of Folly to come to town every year! Not only does this annual event exhibit all the food this beach town is known for, it also showcases other local businesses. You’ll truly get a taste of Folly! Walk around to the vendors, have a few bites from Folly-based food vendors, do a little shopping, and relax in front of the live bands.

When Is Taste of Folly?

Taste of Folly takes place every year at the end of January. For the exact dates, you can check Folly Beach’s events page!

Where Is Taste of Folly?

Taste of Folly is right in the center of all the action on Folly Beach. Center Street is shut down and transformed into this awesome event. There are tons of businesses along Center Street you’re welcome to explore, and other vendors and artists set up along the main drag.

How to Get Tickets

You can purchase tickets to Taste of Folly in advance or at the door. Part of the ticket price goes toward a cocktail competition– you get to taste samples and vote on the best cocktail!

The Entertainment

You’ll never be bored at Taste of Folly! There are tons of traditions that festival-goers look forward to every year. The chili cookoff and hotdog eating contest are fan favorites, and the kids will love the carnival games. Grab a drink and a bite to eat, then make yourself comfortable by the stage to listen to live music.

Is It Family-Friendly?

If you’re wondering if the Taste of Folly is family-friendly, you’re in luck! It is! Locals and visitors of all ages love Taste of Folly– there’s truly something for everyone. There are even fun activities that have been designed to keep your little ones busy. Plus, everyone loves food!

Book Your Getaway Today

Did you know that the Charleston Coast has beautiful weather year-round? Taste of Folly might be a little chilly in January, but it’s still warm enough to have a festival outside. Just pack a jacket and you’re good to go! If you’re planning on attending the festival, consider one of our rentals just moments away on Folly Beach. Or, you can browse all our listings! We have gorgeous properties located all over the Charleston Coast, and we’re sure we can find one for you and your family. From waterfront homes to villas perfect for two, we’ve collected some of the best rental properties in the area.

October 25, 2019October 25, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About the Lowcountry Oyster Festival

If there’s one thing we love here in the Lowcountry, it’s oysters! September through April are “oyster months,” and they’re full of events that celebrate this delicious treat. One of our favorites is the Lowcountry Oyster Festival! Every year, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens puts on the oyster event of the season. You won’t want to miss it! Start planning your Charleston getaway today when you access our complimentary Destination Guide.

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About the Lowcountry Oyster Festival

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival consists of seven hours of oyster-filled fun. As the biggest oyster festival in the world, you can expect plenty of activities. Watch live music, participate in contests, and, of course, eat some oysters. See for yourself why it was named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society!

The Activities

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy throughout the day! Grab a drink and relax as you watch live music– there are always a few great local bands that play. Then, make sure you’re around for the oyster shucking and eating contest! You’ll be amazed by how many oysters the participants can eat. You can even sign up to participate. It’s always a highlight of the festival!

Food

There’s more than just oysters at the festival! Yes, you can eat your fair share of this delicious seafood, but there are plenty of other options. The “food court” is made up of local restaurants cooking up some of their best dishes. Not only do you get to eat delicious cuisine, but you also get to learn about our restaurant scene, too!

Drinks

For some, drinking and oysters go together like peanut butter and jelly. Enjoy wine and a selection of domestic and imported beers.

Where Is the Lowcountry Oyster Festival?

The festival takes place at the beautiful Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. This particular plantation is known for the crazy events they hold throughout the year! Here are directions to the festival.

When Is the Lowcountry Oyster Festival?

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is always at the end of January and usually takes place on the last weekend of the month. Check their website for the most accurate date.

Getting Tickets

We recommend purchasing tickets for this event in advance since it is very popular– plus, you get a better deal. You can easily get tickets online! If you love oysters, you can get a VIP ticket. VIPs have their own tent with unlimited oysters, food, and beverages.

It’s for a Good Cause!

Did you know that the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is also a charity fundraiser? The festival benefits The Ronald McDonald House, Hollings Cancer Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Charleston County Schools Science Materials Resource Center.

Book Your Getaway Today

Are you planning on attending the Lowcountry Oyster Festival? You’ll need a place to stay! Make our coast feel like home with you stay with Charleston Coast Vacations. Our vacation rentals are located all over the Charleston area. Browse our properties and start planning your getaway today!

October 16, 2019October 16, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About the Folly Beach Christmas Parade

shopping at the Folly Beach Christmas Parade

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Well, as much as it can in South Carolina! Just because we have pleasant weather year round doesn’t mean that we don’t have plenty of holiday spirit. The Folly Beach Christmas Parade is known for bringing holiday cheer to the island! Start planning your holiday getaway when you access our complimentary Destination Guide.

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About the Folly Beach Christmas Parade

Santa Claus is coming to town! Every year, locals and visitors gather along the sides of Center Street for the Folly Beach Christmas Parade. Attendees get to see floats and colorful holiday displays pass by. This parade is family-friendly– children love getting candy and treats handed to them from the floats!

When Is the Folly Beach Christmas Parade?

The Folly Beach Christmas Parade takes place every year on the second Saturday in December.

Where Is the Folly Beach Christmas Parade?

The parade begins on Second Street and West Ashley Avenue before continuing onto Center Street.

After the Parade

After the parade is over, make sure you head to Folly River Park to continue the festivities! Finish your holiday shopping at the Arts & Crafts Show. Local artisans and crafters offer a variety of handcrafted items for you to browse. It’s the perfect place to get a unique gift you won’t be able to find anywhere else!

After you’ve done your shopping, warm up by the fire and roast a marshmallow or two. Then, go meet Santa Claus and the mayor of Folly Beach! Mrs. Claus might even be there, too.

Consider Heading to the James Island County Park Festival of Lights

The festivities don’t stop at the Folly Beach Christmas Parade! There are plenty of other ways to celebrate the holidays, and one of the best is located on the island neighboring Folly Beach. The James Island County Park Festival of Lights is a must-see during the holiday season. Colorful, themed displays are created from millions of tiny lights. There’s a driving portion and walking portion, and both are magical! Then, you can walk through Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland to shop, eat, roast marshmallows, and meet Santa Claus. We recommend grabbing a hot chocolate and exploring!

Book Your Holiday Getaway Today

Are you ready for the holidays in the Lowcountry? Make Charleston Coast Vacations your home for the holidays. We offer vacation rentals all along the coast. If you’re planning on going to an event like the Folly Beach Christmas Parade, consider a property on Folly Beach to be close by. Or, you can browse all our rentals!

October 9, 2019October 14, 2019

How to Have the Best Charleston New Year’s Eve

couple celebrating Charleston New Year's Eve

10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1! Happy New Year! A Charleston New Year’s Eve is always magical, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Waking up in Charleston on January first is always a great way to start off the new year! Here’s our list of all the things you can do to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. Start planning your holiday stay when you get a copy of our complimentary Destination Guide!

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Where to Spend Your Charleston New Year’s Eve

Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop

If you’re staying on Folly Beach for New Year’s Eve, consider a night out on the town ending with the Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop. This annual event is fun for all ages, and the mature crowd takes advantage of the bars on the main street of Folly Beach. At 11:59, make sure you’re at the drop site! Just like the famous Times Square Ball Drop, a pair of massive flip flops slowly drop as attendees countdown to midnight.

Yorktown Countdown

Ring in the new year on a boat! The Yorktown Countdown is one of the highest-rated ways to spend your Charleston New Year’s Eve, and when you go, you’ll see why. Indulge in delicious Southern cuisine, a top-shelf bar, and incredible live entertainment. A large, heated tent is stationed on the deck so you’ll keep warm, but you’re welcome to go out and revel at the Charleston skyline, harbor, and Ravenel Bridge.

Snyder Grand Ball

If you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up, head to the Snyder Grand Ball. Attire is black-tie optional, and this swanky event is held at the SC Aquarium. Attendees can expect a full open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and fantastic live entertainment.

Charleston Wonderland

For an over-the-top New Year’s Eve, make sure you get tickets to Charleston Wonderland. Here, everyone is a VIP! Not only does this event offer the biggest New Year’s countdown and balloon drop in the Southeast, the entertainment is also award-winning. See performances by acrobats trained by Cirque Du Soleil, enjoy live bands, dance to DJs, and more!

Have a Relaxing New Year’s Eve at Your Beach House

Sometimes, the best way to ring in the new year is to enjoy some quality time with your friends and family. Spend the night in playing board games and watching the ball drop on TV– it’s so much more relaxing! Take a walk on the beach before the sun goes down, then settle in for a night of fun.

Book Your Charleston New Year’s Eve Getaway Today

Are you ready for your Charleston New Year’s Eve? Book your Lowcountry getaway today! Charleston Coast Vacations offers vacation rentals all along the coast; whether you’re looking to be on Isle of Palms or Folly Beach, we have the perfect rental for you. Browse our properties and start planning your getaway today!

October 4, 2019October 10, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About the Charleston Reindeer Run

Located along the coast of South Carolina, Charleston is one of the hottest travel destinations right now. With world-class cuisine, an exciting nightlife scene, gorgeous beaches and marshland, and many historic sites, this charming city has tons to offer. Thanks to the area’s mild climate, it’s the perfect place to visit all year long. The summer can be hot, but the winter offers respite while still staying relatively warm. Escape the cold this holiday season and visit Charleston! There are dozens of great holiday festivities for you to participate in including the annual Charleston Reindeer Run.

Thinking of coming to Charleston? Check out our complimentary Vacation Guide for a list of things to do and see here!

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Participate in the Charleston Reindeer Run

The Race

The Charleston Reindeer Run always takes place at the beginning of December, right at the start of the holiday season. Intended for the entire family, this event includes a 5K run through the downtown area of Charleston. The run begins at 9 a.m. on the corner of Queen Street and East Bay. Runners follow a route through downtown passing iconic areas and gorgeous, traditional Charleston houses along the way. After the race, treat yourself to a refreshing drink in the Beer Garden or grab a bite to eat at one of the many downtown restaurants. While the race itself is a thrilling way to spend the day, the most exciting part of the event is the costume contest. Throw on your best holiday getup and enter in one of the four categories: adult individual, child individual, group, and dog.

The Charities

This exciting and festive event is also a part of a greater cause. The Charleston Reindeer Run was started in 1998 and has since made a major impact on the community. The event has helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The proceeds for the run are split between MUSC and the Charitable Society of Charleston, which donates large sums of money towards the hospital.

Other Great Holiday Events

When visiting Charleston for the holiday season, you’ll discover dozens of great things to do with the entire family. Don’t miss the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This dazzling display of festive lights amazes visitors every year. At the event, you can also make a stop in Santa’s Village to roast marshmallows, snack on a sweet treat, and, of course, visit Santa Claus himself. Throughout the holiday season, you can also embark on a festive holiday carriage ride or visit the beautifully lit Christmas tree in the middle of Marion Square. If you’re bringing the entire family with you, be sure to plan on attending the Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade.

Unwind in a Charleston Coast Vacations Rental

During the holidays, there’s no better way to spend some quality time with the family than with a winter getaway. If you’re planning to attend the Charleston Reindeer Run this year, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. Charleston Coast Vacations rentals are available from Folly Beach to Dewees Island. If you don’t want to leave your furry friend at home, you can even rent one of our pet-friendly properties! Make the smart decision and book your stay with us.

Check our availability and start planning your Charleston getaway!

September 25, 2019September 25, 2019

Relax on Vacation With the Best Yoga in Charleston

When you’re on vacation, your number one priority should be to relax. Yoga is an ancient practice that has been proven to have countless health benefits, and it’s the perfect way to rejuvenate while on vacation. From sunrise classes outside to extraordinary studios, enjoying yoga in Charleston is an excellent activity during your Lowcountry getaway! Here are some of our favorite places to practice.

4 of the Best Places to Enjoy Yoga in Charleston

1. Community Yoga | West Ashley

Directions to Community Yoga

Community Yoga is a beautiful studio located in the West Ashley section of Charleston in the Avondale neighborhood. This area is known for its gorgeous murals that line the streets, quaint restaurants, breweries, and shops. Spend the day exploring, then take a class at the studio! They offer a variety of classes, and a drop-in class is $18.

2. Yoga Factory by Yoloha | James Island

Directions to Yoga Factory by Yoloha

Located on James Island just minutes from Folly Beach, Yoga Factory by Yoloha offers classes for all levels of yogis. You can easily fit one of their classes into your schedule– they offer them throughout the entire day. They also have a few classes on their deck, so you can be outdoors while you stretch, relax, and get your workout (weather permitting)!

3. Powerflow Yoga | Mount Pleasant

Directions to Powerflow Yoga

Powerflow Yoga is an excellent studio in the Park West neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. They offer a variety of hot, warm, and cool classes that will rejuvenate your body and mind. The owner describes their practice as “a studio with a soul,” and you’ll see why when you take a class. Plus, there are special workshops such as sound baths, self-defense, and seasonal offerings. There are a handful of restaurants right next door and across the street, so you can grab a bite after you practice!

4. Yoga Daily | Mount Pleasant, IOP Connector

Directions to Yoga Daily

Yoga Daily is conveniently located right on the Isle of Palms Connector so you have easy access from our Isle of Palms vacation rentals. They offer a new client special that is perfect for vacationers: you can get an entire week of unlimited yoga for just $35. Check out their schedule and take some classes during your Charleston coast getaway!

Book Your Lowcountry Getaway Today

Are you ready for a vacation on the Charleston coast? Experience everything our area has to offer. From afternoons at the beach to yoga in Charleston, you’ll be able to fill your days with countless activities. Browse our vacation rentals to start planning your getaway. We have properties all along the Charleston coast– all you have to do is choose where you want to stay! From laid-back Folly Beach to family-friendly Isle of Palms, you’ll want to come back to your vacation rental year after year. We can’t wait to host you!

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September 17, 2019September 17, 2019

Why You Need to Attend the Flip Flip Drop on New Year’s Eve

You’ve probably heard about the annual Times Square Ball Drop. Did you know that Folly Beach, South Carolina, has its own version each year? Spend New Year’s Eve on the Charleston coast when you attend the Flip Flop Drop on Folly Beach. Make it a tradition and come back year after year!

What Is the Flip Flop Drop?

Did you ever think you could count down to the new year as a giant pair of flip flops slowly falls from the air? You can at the Flip Flop Drop! Every year, more than 1,000 locals and visitors gather together to watch the illuminated pair of flip flops ring in the new year. Then, have a night out on the town at the many bars and restaurants of Folly Beach!

Everything You Need to Know About Folly Beach’s Annual Flip Flop Drop

Your Itinerary for the Night

9:30 p.m. – The Flip Flops Are Hoisted

Every year, the famous flip flops make their debut around 9:30 p.m. Then, it’s time to have some fun before they drop! Center Street is closed to traffic, and there is a DJ, live music, and family-friendly activities to enjoy.

Many of the restaurants on Folly Beach offer special menus, drinks, and pricing for this event. There is even live music at many of these venues! Go bar hopping or out to dinner, but make sure you’re ready before midnight. You’ll want to make your way to the flip flops with plenty of time to see them drop.

11:59 p.m. – The Flip Flops Start Dropping

There’s nothing like the energy in the air when the flip flops start to drop! Just like the Times Square Ball Drop, the flip flops start slowly dropping at 11:59. Count down to midnight as they make their way down!

12:00 a.m. – Fireworks Show

Immediately following the drop, the sky illuminates with a fireworks show to celebrate. Stay and watch before deciding whether or not to end the night.

Many of the bars and restaurants on Folly Beach stay open later than usual so you can continue with your celebrations. Keep in mind that after midnight is best enjoyed by adults only.

Where Is the Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop?

The Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop is on Center Street in Folly Beach. The entire street gets shut down for this festival!

Book Your New Year’s Eve Getaway Today

Ring in the new year in the Lowcountry! Charleston Coast Vacations has a variety of homes just moments away from the Flip Flop Drop. Browse our rentals on Folly Beach to start planning your holiday getaway, or opt to browse all our homes located across the Charleston Coast. We have properties that all vary in size and location, so we are sure we have the perfect one for you! We can’t wait to host you for the holidays.

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