A Folly Good Time-Folly Beach, SC Near Charleston

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 foliage. 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 was built on the spot. The island played a part in the Civil War--first shots of the American Civil War fired by Citatel Cadets on Morris Island. 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 tournament and you can rent everything you need at the shop on the Pier. There is plenty of sand to place your 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 Tides; Charleston's only full-service oceanfront hotel. Also, 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.

Lahaina Inn Resort-Fort Meyers Beach, FL

Aloha from Vacation Rick at Fort Meyers Beach, Estero Island, FL. We are staying at the Lahaina Inn Resort for this week. Beautiful location, right on the beach, can see dolphins swimming by right from the porch of the condo. The resort could use some upgrades, but you can't beat the location if you like the sun, the beach, and fishing. Excellent for beach walkers and joggers. The pools are small, just good for a quick dip to cool off from the hot sun.
The first night we were here, Friday, we ate at the Fish House in the Fishtale Marina with the Jones'. The drinks were good, they didn’t skimp on the alcohol like some places do. The food was, read between the lines, very pricy. Although, my wife said her steamed oysters were very good. Wish I could say the same for the grouper. The evening progressed into cards and conversation. Since the Fish House, it has been just good old condo cooked meals and a couple of barbecues.
Saturday and Sunday there were showers off and on. Our check in on Saturday wasn’t until 3:00 in the afternoon so, to kill some time, we took a walk in a new park and saw the local wildlife, aligators and such. On Sunday, we went and saw the movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still". What a mistake. I liked the old movie. They should have stuck with the original story line. The weather has been beautiful since.
Every Monday morning the resort prepares a breakfast for all the guests, nothing big, just scrambled eggs, ham, pastries, and juice. Wednesday we went to The Olive Garden. I always enjoy their Belini peach iced tea. Good service and descent food.
Fishing has been good. I have caught a variety of fish. The tan is well on its way. All in all, it has been mainly sitting in the sun, dips in the pool to cool off, walks in the surf, sudokus, and fishing. Throw in there a couple of rented DVD movies from Blockbuster. Side note, waiting on Wendy hand and foot. Ha! Ha!
That's all for now. Our next stop is Weston, Fl. We will be staying at the Vacation Village at Weston. We will catch you later!
Do you have vacation plans, check out Vacation Rick's travel site.

Disney's Pleasure Island phased out-New Attractions Planned!

Pleasure Island of Walt Disney World that caters to young and restless clubbers, has been phased out and is being retooled or "reimagined."
The Downtown Disney area will have new shopping areas, eateries and other attractions.
The 8 Trax, The Adventurer's Club, Mannequins Dance Palace, BET Sound-Stage Club, Motion and The Comedy Warehouse are now closed.
New features are being added, including attractions such as a hot-air balloon and a dinosaur-themed area. But mostly, Pleasure Island will be changed into an eating and shopping area.
A Disney spokeswoman said, "It's been a very smooth transition. We made the announcements early enough in June to provide pass-holders a long enough time to make arrangements."
The changes are based on surveys taken where people responded with a desire for more broad-based dining and retail opportunities.
Attractions being tweaked or added include T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, scheduled to open late 2008. The dinosaur-themed family eatery will serve lunches and dinners featuring life-sized animated dinosaurs.
Several new restaurants opening early 2009 in Downtown Disney will feature Central and South American cuisine, specialty drinks and live music along a lake waterfront.
All of this is being done to introduce more family oriented entertainment.
Pass-holders to Pleasure Island have can get a refund on their passes, a prorated amount. Go to any guest relations location or vacation planning booth at Disney World or call (407) 827-2281.
Holders of premium annual passes will be able to play a round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course for the inconvenience. To make tee times, which are required, premium pass-holders can call (407) 939-4653 or go to http://www.disneyworldgolf.com/.