It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Morris Island Lighthouse gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Folly Beach, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Folly Beach County Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar or visit Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Folly Beach, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Folly Beach, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Folly Beach, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FOLLY BEACH — A storm system sliding along the Southeast has prompted the cancelation of at least one prominent fireworks display.The city of Folly Beach announced July 3 it would call off its evening fireworks show because of expected high winds, according to ...
FOLLY BEACH — A storm system sliding along the Southeast has prompted the cancelation of at least one prominent fireworks display.
The city of Folly Beach announced July 3 it would call off its evening fireworks show because of expected high winds, according to VisitFolly.com and the city's Facebook account.
The storm is expected to arrive mid-afternoon July 4 and has the chance of becoming a low-grade tropical depression in the coming days, the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center said in a press briefing July 3.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to extend into the early evening July 4 but lessen by sunset.
The National Hurricane Center suggested July 3 that the system has a 60 percent chance of developing into a tropical or subtropical depression through the next few days. A depression is a low-pressure area with thunderstorms and a circular wind flow with speeds under 39 mph, according to NASA.
Other fireworks festivals in the Charleston area have not announced cancelations as of late afternoon July 3.
FOLLY BEACH — Zeppoles were Kira Henderson’s first foray into doughnuts, a recipe she whipped up for her New Jersey-born fiancé. They turned out “horribly,” she recalled.But the Lancaster, Pa.-native didn’t stop there, even tho...
FOLLY BEACH — Zeppoles were Kira Henderson’s first foray into doughnuts, a recipe she whipped up for her New Jersey-born fiancé. They turned out “horribly,” she recalled.
But the Lancaster, Pa.-native didn’t stop there, even though her full-time job in health care analytics occupies the morning moments when baking typically occurs.
She called up her grandfather, whose farm is located in her hometown in eastern Pennsylvania. His Amish cookbooks proved to be one of two keys to doughnuts that months later started routinely selling out on Folly Beach.
The second is an unexpected but trendy ingredient: beef tallow.
In recent months, everyone from TikTok influencers to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has been touting the health benefits of frying in the fat trimmings of butchered cows. Many argue that the science behind those claims is shaky — but whether using it to cook french fries, chicken or doughnuts, most agree that the result can be a tasty surprise.
Henderson’s grandfather suggested she use beef tallow when he sent the cookbooks, but she wasn’t sold. She tried frying doughnuts in several other oils first, only to be disappointed by the flavor they produced.
When she finally tasted a batch dunked in bubbling beef tallow, she never went back. The not-so-secret ingredient has helped her new food truck, Island Acres Doughnuts, become a successful small business since it debuted on Folly Beach last fall.
Customers come mainly for the taste of the doughnuts themselves, whether they grab a half-dozen on the way to the beach or make a special trip. But some health conscious guests are seeking out her food truck specifically because she’s using beef tallow, Henderson said.
“People are drawn to that,” she said. “The flavor is just unmatched.”
It’s true — frying in tallow creates a light, airy pastry with just the right amount of chew. The yeasty texture toes the line between the kind of glazed treat you might find at Krispy Kreme and a classic cake doughnut.
And no, you won’t taste even a hint of meat in these doughnuts, which are hard to put down, even in this sticky, summer heat.
Henderson sells two types, sprinkling some in cinnamon sugar and coating the rest in a vanilla glaze. Most weekends, she sells about 300 within hours of opening the truck at 8 a.m.
“It’s just so fun to see people’s responses when they take a bite,” Henderson said.
Henderson and her fiancé roll the dough on Fridays and Saturdays, frying it fresh the morning of services prior to opening. The tallow is sourced from Pennsylvania, and the pair completes their prep work at a church on James Island.
Henderson envisions a future brick-and-mortar bakery downtown or on Folly Beach. If that goal were to come to fruition, you can guess what kind of oil she would use for frying.
Island Acres Doughnuts opens from 8-11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. For more information, visit islandacresdoughnuts.com.
South Carolina is truly a geographic marvel. The state has an intriguing mix of landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, coastal plains, and barrier islands. Throughout the state, you will find small towns that reflect this diversity, some shaped by ocean views, others by mountain air. Each one brings a unique personali...
South Carolina is truly a geographic marvel. The state has an intriguing mix of landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, coastal plains, and barrier islands. Throughout the state, you will find small towns that reflect this diversity, some shaped by ocean views, others by mountain air. Each one brings a unique personality to the table, whether through beachside art galleries, local breweries, or horse rescue sanctuaries. Planning a vacation soon? The following seven towns should be at the top of your itinerary.
Nicknamed ‘America’s Favorite Island,’ Hilton Head has consistently ranked as a favorite travel destination in the United States. There are 12 miles of white, sandy beaches to explore, with several public beaches, including Islanders Beach and Alder Lane Beach. Travelers looking to get out on the water can arrange a rental with Sea Monkeys Watersports, which offers paddle boards, kayaks, boats, and jet skis for rent. There are plenty of hotels and inns near the water as well. It is hard to go wrong with Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa, Hilton Head Island, a beachfront resort with golf courses, tennis, and pickleball courts within half a mile of the property.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is bursting with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Particularly known for being bike-friendly, the town is full of cyclists, many of them planning on visiting the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. This trail extends 22 miles, connecting Travelers Rest to the neighboring town of Greenville, with plenty of trailside restaurants, gazebos, and benches along the route. Table Rock State Park is also under a half hour’s drive from town, filled with hiking trails that wind past waterfalls, streams, and mountains. Heading back downtown after a day at the park, you have an excellent selection of restaurants and breweries to choose from. Swamp Rabbit Brewery is a great place to grab a beer, serving IPAs, Pilsners, Pale Ales, and Dunkels, among other craft varieties.
Beaufort is perfect for a laid-back vacation spent near the sea. The state’s most popular state park, Hunting Island State Park, is located less than half an hour southeast of Beaufort, promising all kinds of outdoor recreation. Throughout the island, visitors can explore thousands of acres of maritime forests and marshes, five miles of beaches, an ocean inlet, and a saltwater lagoon. It is also famously home to the Hunting Island lighthouse, a historic light that dates back to the 19th century. Travelers who want to spend their vacation fishing should consider a fishing charter with a local outfitter. Sea Island Adventures is a highly-rated option, with each charter led by a local, highly experienced captain. To learn more about Beaufort’s fascinating history, check out the Beaufort History Museum, which features both permanent and rotating exhibits. Permanent highlight Native American life, European exploration, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and more.
Famous for breeding thoroughbreds, Aiken is full of equestrian culture and history. The Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is located in town, showcasing photographs and trophies from some of the Aiken-trained horses that became national champions. Travelers can also visit Aiken Equine Rescue, the largest horse rescue center in the Southeast, which allows guests to tour its facilities Tuesday through Saturday, so no appointment is needed. Afterward, take in the area’s natural beauty at Hitchcock Woods & Gateway Park, a 2,100-acre forested preserve popular for horseback riding, hiking, and running. With 65 miles of sandy trails, there is plenty to see.
In the heat of the summer, Georgetown provides the perfect mix of activities to keep you cool. Travelers can avoid the heat by catching a movie at the Strand Theater, a historic theater that dates back to 1941, screening classic and independent films and documentaries. Afterwards, explore the waters on a cruise with Low Country Boat Tours, which offers barrier island tours and sunset cruises. To end the day, stop by one of Georgetown’s fresh seafood restaurants. River Room is a great choice, located right along the waterfront and serving a variety of dishes like spicy crawfish dip, seared rare tuna, oysters Rockefeller, shrimp and grits, and McClellanville Crab Balls.
Craving a vacation where you can disconnect? Edisto Island is largely undeveloped, offering quiet beaches and vast natural preserves. Edisto Beach State Park is a good place to start your trip, featuring more than 1,250 acres of nature, four miles of trails, and two oceanfront picnic shelters. You can also stroll a 1.5-mile, palmetto-lined beach in the park, perfect for seashell hunting or sunbathing. Travelers can also relax at Botany Bay, a 4,600-acre preserve with nearly three miles of remote, undeveloped beaches. Returning to town, you will find several mom and pop shops and boutiques to browse, such as Edisto Pavilion Beach Store, a beachfront gift shop that sells ice cream, t-shirts, beach towels, coffee mugs, and more.
Folly Beach is a coastal town with lots of artistic flair, offering the perfect mix of sunshine and local art. Travelers can start their trip by taking a stroll along the Fishing Pier, a famous landmark in town where people gather to fish and watch marine wildlife. There is also a restaurant on the pier, Pier 101, for hungry visitors. Afterward, head over to the Graffiti Walk, an interactive outdoor gallery where locals, visitors, and artists alike are welcome to add their own murals and messages. If you are seeking a unique souvenir to remember your trip, consider stopping by Folly Fossils N Art, an eclectic gallery and shop that sells shark teeth and beach-themed artwork.
With so much diversity, there is no doubt that South Carolina is full of places to explore. These seven towns are a great place to start. Places like Hilton Head are quintessential beach destinations, while other places, like Edisto Island, have a more remote feel, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature. You can be rest assured, however, that there is no wrong choice when it comes to places as remarkable as these.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach has opened a history museum that preserves the history, culture and heritage of the city and its community.The museum broke ground with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday. The museum’s mission is to preserve Folly Beach’s history of war, pirates, surfing and tourism throughout the years. They have been planning to build the museum and collecting artifacts and memorabilia for the past 10 years.The city of Folly Beach first announced it would build a history ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach has opened a history museum that preserves the history, culture and heritage of the city and its community.
The museum broke ground with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday. The museum’s mission is to preserve Folly Beach’s history of war, pirates, surfing and tourism throughout the years. They have been planning to build the museum and collecting artifacts and memorabilia for the past 10 years.
The city of Folly Beach first announced it would build a history museum last year.
Regina Anderson, chairman of the Folly Beach Historical Society, says she hopes residents and tourists will use the museum to learn more about the area’s history.
“It’s not just a vacation spot and even for the residents, it’s not just their memories,” Anderson said. “Every generation has different memories of how special Folly Beach is and I think it’s important to understand how other people see history and how they experience the same place.”
The first display at the museum is “Surfing on the Edge,” which explores the origins of surf culture on Folly Beach from the early 1960s to the current charitable organizations that have grown out of that culture.
Richard Beck, former mayor of Folly Beach and board member of the Folly Beach Historical Society, says surfing is part of Folly’s character.
“You can’t separate surfing from the character of Folly Beach,” Beck said. “There are hundreds of people that are surfing and have stories to tell, so we hope to be able to include as many as would like to have their stories included.”
Future exhibits include the city’s role in the American Revolution, the Civil War and World War II; the history of the Folly Beach pier; the impact of hurricanes on Folly Beach; and the area’s history with pirates and criminals.
“The idea of rotating exhibits is cool because the people who are volunteering and providing things for this exhibit are very different from the ones that’ll be in the next one,” Anderson said.
Dozens attended the grand opening that featured three panel discussions, including one on the pioneers of surfing on Folly and the Southeast Coast, another on the story of the 1976 civil rights lawsuit against the City of Folly Beach, which had restricted surfing to the Washout and another on all the organizations grown from surf culture.
The panel on surfing on Folly Beach featured four panelists who have been surfing in the area since they were little: Foster Folsum, Nanci Polk-Weckhorst, Dewey Mauldin and Jack Tripp.
They all shared stories about surfing the waves when many didn’t think you could surf them. When they first began surfing, there weren’t even leashes attached to the board to help capture the board after a wave. They watched the area grow in surf culture with surf shops and meetups to surf in groups.
Nanci Polk-Weckhorst told the audience how she used her mother’s ironing board when she began surfing.
“We used to steal it out of the beach house and my father would push me in the waves and it didn’t surf real well, but it was something to do,” Polk-Weckhorst said. “Then, finally, my brother and I went down and bought our own surfboards. That’s when I fell in love with it and never looked back.”
Polk-Weckhorst then went on to win surfing competitions, be inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame and became one of the best surfers on the East Coast.
She says the historical society did an excellent job at telling the story of surf culture on Folly Beach.
The new museum is located at 55 Center Street in the community center and library building and is now one of the first things you see when you cross the bridge into Folly Beach.
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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Over 250 women from across the country are participating in an all-women surf competition on Folly Beach this weekend called the Wahine Classic.The longest-running women’s surf competition on the East Coast is celebrating its 23rd anniversary on a mission to provide participants with a weekend of surf competition, camaraderie and female empowerment.“If you come to the washout at any other day during the year, you will not see just girls in the water,” Nicole Elko, Folly Beach Wahine ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Over 250 women from across the country are participating in an all-women surf competition on Folly Beach this weekend called the Wahine Classic.
The longest-running women’s surf competition on the East Coast is celebrating its 23rd anniversary on a mission to provide participants with a weekend of surf competition, camaraderie and female empowerment.
“If you come to the washout at any other day during the year, you will not see just girls in the water,” Nicole Elko, Folly Beach Wahine Classic director, said. “This gives us a chance to show the little girls, their moms, or grandmas winning a surf contest to have that accessibility to a sport that generally isn’t as welcoming.”
The contest started at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and will end on Sunday afternoon.
With 20 divisions ranging in age and skill level, the classic’s purpose is to increase access to surf culture for women. The youngest surfer this year is three and the oldest is 75.
Event organizers say the mission is to showcase the strength and potential within women of all ages through surfing. It’s also a sport they say is male-dominated.
Out of 3.8 million surfers, 65% are male and 35% are female, according to the Surf Industry Members Association.
At the event, that number is 100% and it’s a reason why Kristin Tanner says she decides to compete every year. She has been competing since her first year.
“There’s something about having other women in the water that just is beautiful,” Tanner said. “More and more girls are getting out here every day and I hope it continues to multiply.”
Carmen Politis, a 10-year-old from Wilmington, N.C., is one of the participants competing in the classic. She says she loves the opportunity to surf with new girls and finds it inspiring to see women all around her.
“I just love the ocean and the beach and getting to surf with your friends,” Politis said. “It’s my favorite contest of the year.”
The Folly Beach Wahine Classic organization will also be giving back to local ocean-based nonprofits like Waves 4 Women, Surfrider Foundation and the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network.
“Giving back to the community is really what this is all about,” Elko said. “Everyone is really excited about bringing up the next generation of surfer girls.”
More women’s surfing organizations are popping up across the country to increase women’s representation in the sport. Waves 4 Women provides community and connection through the power of surfing and is based on Folly Beach.
“Women and girls are the future of surfing, so it’s important that we encourage them however we can,” Emmie Coler, volunteer and intern with Waves 4 Women, said. “As women, we tend to take on a lot. We tend to take on everyone else’s problems, but when we’re in the water, it’s just us and our board.”
The semi-finals and finals begin on Sunday, with one of the biggest prizes being a $1,000 cash prize for the pro-division.
To learn more about the Folly Beach Wahine Classic, click here.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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