Physical Therapy near Folly Beach, SC

Accidents are a part of life that can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it's at work, home, or on the road, injuries often follow. According to the CDC, there were more than 38 million injury-related visits to the ER in 2020. However, not all injuries require the same kind of treatment. Minor sprains and bruises can often be treated at home with rest, ice, and elevation.

More severe injuries require ongoing care like sports rehab and physical therapy in Folly Beach, SC. Physical therapy, which is a combination of physical exercises and education, has remarkable benefits for those who are injured or in constant pain. For many patients, physical therapy is the key to a pain-free life where joints and muscles don't ache and everyday activities are easy to accomplish without constant worry and debilitating pain. That's where Premier Physical Therapy shines â€“ to help you live life free of the aches and pains setting you back.

Service Areas

Premier Physical Therapy Working Together as a Team

Biomechanics is the scientific study of how we move. Our body is like a well-oiled machine, where each part works together in harmony. At Premier Physical Therapy, we have built a team that mirrors this approach - working together with you to ensure you can get moving ASAP.

While your diagnosis and symptoms provide us with a solid starting place to provide relief, we take a holistic approach to your treatment. We treat you as a whole person, ensuring that you can perform at your best when it comes to work, play, and everyday life. After all, God designed us to move as we please, which is why often prescribe exercise as the best medicine out there.

book an appointment

A Unique Approach to Physical Therapy in Folly Beach, SC

Premier Physical Therapy is not your ordinary physical therapy center. We separate ourselves from other physical therapy offices with an inherent belief that God's Will is to see each and every person suffering from physical ailments return to the best shape possible. We believe it's our job to make sure His Will is seen through. To ensure we do so, our physical therapy center is equipped with the most advanced technology and knowledgeable staff in South Carolina.

Some of the most popular services we offer at our physical rehabilitation office in South Carolina include:

Physical Therapy
Alter-G Treadmill
Aquatic Therapy
Sports Rehab for Athletes

Our Mission

At Premier Physical Therapy, we strive to use our abilities to help others and honor God. We believe that each person has unique gifts that they can use to make a positive impact in the world, and for us, that gift is the ability to heal and serve people through advanced physical

therapy techniques and technology. Whether you are dealing with a minor injury or a chronic condition, we are here to help you feel better and improve your overall well-being.

Now that you know a little more about our mission, let's take a closer look at the services offered at our physical therapy center.

Elevating the Art and Science of Physical Therapy in Folly Beach, SC

Our services are focused on helping individuals alleviate any physical discomfort they may be experiencing by working in tandem with their bodies. Physical therapy is a unique combination of both science and art, and our team of experts is well-versed in both aspects to ensure that regardless of your symptoms or diagnosis, you receive the best care possible.

Our understanding of human anatomy is second nature to us, but we also understand that each person's body is unique. Thus, we approach each case with a willingness to adapt and tailor our methods to your specific needs, enabling you to get back to living your best life once again.

Physical Therapy Customized to Your Needs and Goals

Premier Physical Therapy works with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that caters to your specific needs and objectives. Whether you are suffering from the fallout of shoulder surgery, knee replacement surgery, or your back has artificial discs, you deserve a customized rehabilitation plan.

That's why we create specialized plans for every one of our clients â€“ we never provide treatment based on someone's general characteristics or levels of pain. Plus, unlike many physical therapy centers, our team undergoes advanced training in the Mulligan Concept and McKenzie Method. The bottom line At Premier Physical Therapy, you can rely on receiving compassionate, complete support using the latest physical therapy techniques and equipment, such as dry needling.

We also utilize technologies such as the Alter-G Unweighting System and Pneumex Unweighting System.

The Pneumex unweighting system is designed to decrease pain and increase strength by providing controlled, precise, weightless motion for the spine or injured joint. Premier Physical Therapy is the sole provider in the Folly Beach, SC, area to offer this pain-free Pneumex technology.

Our physical therapy clinic provides relief for nearly every area of your body, including your:

Back
Shoulders
Neck
Jaw
Spine
Hips
Ankles and Feet
Knees
Elbows

Our team of practitioners also provides care for diseases and disorders, such as:

Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Plantar Fasciitis
Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic Pain Disorders
Parkinson's

From high-level sports injuries to painful sprains, you can rest easy knowing that relief is just around the corner when you book an appointment with Premier Physical Therapy.

Reduce Impacts and Reimagine Rehabilitation with the Alter G

The Alter G treadmill is a remarkable piece of technology that helps reduce the impact of exercise and aids in smooth rehabilitation after surgery or injury. It is especially useful if walking, jogging, or running causes pain during recovery from physical ailments. Alter G treadmills are preferred by leading medical professionals and the world's best athletes and sports teams.

Originally developed at NASA and tested at Nike's Oregon Research Project by America's top distance runners, the Alter G was considered revolutionary when first produced. Today, it remains incredibly effective and exists as the only FDA-approved device of its kind.

Top 3 Benefits of Alter G Treadmills for Physical Therapy in Charleston

One of the most common questions we get at Premier Physical Therapy about Alter G treadmills is whether they really work or not. We get it â€“ antigravity technology may seem out of place in a custom physical therapy program. The truth is that Alter G provides patients with an exciting, effective, and proven way to improve their workouts and recoveries. Here are just a few of the biggest benefits of using antigravity treadmills at our physical therapy office:

Running on a traditional treadmill is a popular exercise, but it can also cause harm to your bones, joints, and muscles due to the high stress and pressure on your body. Antigravity treadmills solve this issue by using unweighting technology to help users achieve their desired workout. The AlterG can unweight up to 80% of a user's body weight, reducing stress and shock on the lower body

By wearing specialized shorts and entering the air chamber surrounding the Alter G treadmill, the machine can be calibrated to pressurize the chamber and unweight users, allowing them to run without pain and without interfering with their natural gait mechanics. This technology isn't just for athletes. It can be used for a range of physiotherapy needs, whether you're recovering from knee surgery or simply want to run without harming your knees as much.

The Alter G treadmill provides a painless, low-weight exercise for patients in early recovery. Studies show it reduces muscle atrophy and swelling and improves post-surgery results. It helps you recuperate faster and improves cardio fitness, range of motion, and strength while reducing the harmful effects of gravity. Going through recovery doesn't mean you have to waste away on the couch. Instead, you can stay active and exercise with the painless treatment Alter G from Premier Physical Therapy in South Carolina.

The Alter G treadmill may sound intimidating, but it is a safe and comfortable experience for helping patients recover from injury or surgery. While using the Alter G, you will be surrounded by a safety bar that can be used for support and balance. A clinician from Premier Physical Therapy will be present to guide you through your run, adjusting your speed and pressure to create the ideal running experience. Patients who use the Alter G Treadmill can focus on getting the most out of their workout rather than worrying about falling or joint pain.

Stay Active with Aquatic Therapy

Depending on your pain symptoms and goals for physical therapy in Folly Beach, SC, aquatic therapy can provide your body with immeasurable benefits. It all starts when by heating our pool to 92 degrees, to maximize your workout and keep your muscles warm. In fact, at Premier Physical Therapy, we're proud to provide patients with the warmest pool in Charleston. When you use our aquatic therapy technology, you have access to two underwater treadmills and also a pair of swim jets. Plus, we can provide accessories such as weights, jog belts, steps, and even resistance bands.

Benefits of using our aquatic therapy clinic include

Decreased Muscle Guarding
Reduced Pain
Un-Weighted Joints
Much More

Why Choose Aquatic Therapy

5 Reasons to Consider Aquatic Therapy from Premier Physical Therapy

Aquatic exercises from our physical therapy office is about more than just swimming laps. It is an effective and safe form of physical therapy that uses evidence-based techniques to help you feel and move better, whether you're 25 or 65. Curious why you should consider this service? Keep reading to find out.

Reduced Risk of Falling

Certain patients who experience problems with balance and stability might not be suitable for physical therapy on land. However, aquatic therapy decreases the likelihood of falls and fall-related injuries, enabling them to exercise and recover in a secure environment. With time, balance issues can be resolved, and confidence can be regained.

Coordination and Balance Improvements

To piggyback off of our last point, aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy in Folly Beach, SC, that can help patients improve their coordination and balance. This, in turn, can reduce their risk of falls outside of the pool. The water used in aquatic therapy slows down movement and prevents falls, which gives patients the time they need to regain their posture if they get off balance. Research has shown that hydrotherapy can be particularly beneficial for older patients, as it can help them improve their balance and recovery. As a result, they may become less fearful of falling and more confident during physical activities.

Less Stress on Your Joints and Bones

When a patient is immersed in water up to their neck, their body weight is reduced by nearly 90%. This buoyancy helps to decrease the load on weight-bearing muscles, bones, and joints. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions or injuries, as landing on a hard surface could be unsafe or painful.

Improve Your Cardio

Exercising in a pool can significantly improve one's aerobic capacity and breathing, which in turn promotes overall health. In particular, engaging in aerobic exercise can lower the risk of coronary artery disease and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. This makes it an ideal form of physical activity for patients who require aerobic exercise but face mobility or pain issues that limit their ability to engage in land-based exercise.

Help Alleviate Swollen Joints

Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by fluids that are confined in a space. When a person undergoes aquatic physical therapy, the water surrounding their body exerts hydrostatic pressure. This pressure helps to improve circulation, reduce swelling, decrease joint stiffness, and increase overall mobility.

Custom Sports Conditioning and Strengthening

There's a reason why some of the best athletes in the world come to Premier Physical Therapy for help: We strive to combine the best staff with the best equipment you'll find in South Carolina or anywhere else. Our sports training program is tailored to meet the needs of athletes from any sport. It is designed to help prevent injuries and facilitate a quick return to the field.

Each workout targets speed, strength, power, agility, and weight loss, if necessary. You will have full access to our 5,000-square-foot facility, which includes an indoor, heated, saltwater aqua therapy pool to assist with soreness and improve flexibility. Before progressing to the next level, you will need to pass a functional exam with a specific goal in mind.

Some of the sports physical therapy programs we offer include:

Core Strengthening for Improved Performance Across Multiple Sports
Upper Extremity Conditioning for Softball, Baseball, Swimming, & Volleyball
Speed Programs
Vertical Jump Programs
Premier Pitching Academy Program
Golf Conditioning Program
Marathon, Triathlon, & Century Training Program

You with Our Health and Wellness Services

We believe that one of the best ways to maintain the gains you make with physical therapy in Charleston is to stay active and stay healthy once you're discharged from our physical rehabilitation in South Carolina. After all, regular exercise is often the best medicine you can take.

How does it work, you might be asking?

We offer you the opportunity to have unlimited visits to our 5,000-square-foot facility for an affordable monthly fee. You'll be able to schedule up to two weekly appointments for our heated pool and unlimited appointments for our gym facility. There are no lock-in contracts, and you can cancel anytime you'd like. Our facility is less crowded than regular gyms, and our therapists are always available to assist you. You'll feel comfortable knowing that if you have any questions or concerns, we're always here to help.

The Path to Pain Relief Begins at Premier Physical Therapy

If you're suffering from a physical ailment and would like to return to peak physical condition, Premier Physical Therapy is here to help you. From arthritis to Parkinson's and just about everything in between, our custom programs don't just provide relief from your symptoms â€“ they address the root causes of your issues. Our team of experts is incredibly well-versed in healing every area of the human anatomy â€“ from your feet to your shoulders. Contact our physiotherapy office today and let us help you become the best possible version of yourself.

book an appointment

Call: (843) 797-5167

Folly Beach sand renourishment will help protect against future storms

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – A renourishment project is underway on Folly Beach to protect island infrastructure from potential future storms.Major Patrick Ripton with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District said crews have been hard at work pumping in the sand and relocating it to restore the beachfront and dunes. And that sand is local – coming from the Folly River and distributed on the island.“This is one of the few places left that we can pull natural sand,” said Major Ripton. “It&r...

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – A renourishment project is underway on Folly Beach to protect island infrastructure from potential future storms.

Major Patrick Ripton with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District said crews have been hard at work pumping in the sand and relocating it to restore the beachfront and dunes. And that sand is local – coming from the Folly River and distributed on the island.

“This is one of the few places left that we can pull natural sand,” said Major Ripton. “It’s a fantastic opportunity, we don’t have the bring the sand in from far away.”

He explained that the work is adding depth to the beach and dunes, giving the area infrastructure security and protection of life if – or when – a hurricane or storm threatens the coast.

“Forecasts for this year suggest the storm season might be a little bit more amped up than it’s been in the last few years. But as always, the beaches are vulnerable and we need to continue to renourish them to make sure that they provide that support year after year,” he said.

Folly Beach suffered severe erosion when Hurricane Ian struck the area in late September 2022 and worsened during Tropical Storm Idalia last summer.

“The beach is improved but let’s remember that this is done to protect infrastructure. We’re building dunes and building beach to protect the infrastructure of the beach from storms and possible, I hate to say this, but hurricanes. That’s what you build dunes for, that’s what you build a beach for. The side effect is you get a good beach for tourists to come hang out at,” said Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin.

The Army Corps of Engineers works with local beaches and towns to provide federal assistance in their efforts to make sure beaches are renourished and robust. A contract for the project was awarded in January.

Mayor Goodwin said the renourishment project is everlasting.

“This has been in process since 1990, I think is when they first started, so it’s a continuous process. Just when you think you’ve finished one renourishment — you don’t wake up tomorrow and say alright I’ve got a break for six years or four years, no, you wake up the next morning and start for the next renourishment. So, it’s never-ending,” he said.

While beach leaders know the project is an inconvenience for all visitors, they said the work is short-term. “Once it’s done, we’ll have a beach that provides a lot more protection to infrastructure and life here on the island,” said Mayor Goodwin.

He said there is plenty of free access for the public to use while crews have a beautiful beach to work on. “It’s great for everybody all the way around,” he said.

Renourishment work will not happen over Memorial Day weekend. People can visit the town’s website to find progress and see where work is being performed so, generally, they’ll know where to go to enjoy sand and sun without construction.

The project aims to be completed by the end of August.

Folly Beach renourishment project expected to begin within month

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) – A collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Folly Beach with hopes of repairing beaches in the area after storms created erosion is beginning within the month.The Folly Beach renourishment project was announced back in January with the price tag of $18 million to protect future coastal storm damage, dredge the Folly River and place material on Bird Ke...

The Folly Beach renourishment project was announced back in January with the price tag of $18 million to protect future coastal storm damage, dredge the Folly River and place material on Bird Key.

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Friday that the project will begin within the month and be completed before the 2024 peak hurricane season.

“The nor’easter did increase the erosion on the island; so at the end of the day, when we design the project, we had to increase our quantities,” Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Wes Wilson says. “The last time that we did a Folly Beach renourishment project of this scale was in 2018 due to impacts from Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma. That was a similar project and scope, scale and complexity.”

The project was awarded to Gator Dredging which will place 1.3 million cubic yards of sand on the beach. The amount is equivalent to 130,000 dump trucks.

“The contractor, depending on how much sand they need to place in each section, typically is in a 500-foot section between two and five days. Areas of the beach that are more eroded, they’re typically spend more time in it, but areas that look kind of healthy from an erosion standpoint, they’ll move pretty fast through,” Wilson says.

Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin said the beach needs to be built back up so tourists and locals can enjoy the entire beach.

“It’s very important. Every beach renourishment is very important from the standpoint of it protects the infrastructure of the beach, it protects the homes and protects the roadways,” Goodwin says. “The real importance of it is to build up a system for protection from storms.”

The project is completely funded by the Corps of Engineers, removing the burden of paying for the renourishment from Folly Beach.

“That money would go to beach renourishment, scraping or placing sand,” Goodwin says. “This money, we say this time, is in the pot for repairing the beach of the next storm and the storms after that.”

Portions of the beach will be closed throughout the project’s duration. Click here to see where construction is currently taking place.

“Safety is one of our primary concerns on the project. We encourage folks to do avoid the sections that are closed during the active construction,” Wilson says.

SC has 2 of the best spots for an adults-only spring break, Southern Living says. Take a look

Two South Carolina communities made Southern Living’s 15 best places to go on spring break.Spring break for adults that is.The magazine suggested Folly Beach and Beaufort would be ideal for an adults-only getaway, calling spring break a school-year tradition they wouldn’t mind keeping.Also naps.“If you’ve got kids, give them a week of adventure at one of the South&rsq...

Two South Carolina communities made Southern Living’s 15 best places to go on spring break.

Spring break for adults that is.

The magazine suggested Folly Beach and Beaufort would be ideal for an adults-only getaway, calling spring break a school-year tradition they wouldn’t mind keeping.

Also naps.

“If you’ve got kids, give them a week of adventure at one of the South’s many camps, or better yet, send them to Camp Grandma.”

Top of the adult spring break list was St. Petersburg, Florida, where “you get the best of many worlds — gorgeous white-sand beaches, a charming historic district, vibrant art, and delicious food — in this classic old Florida city.”

Number 2 was Folly Beach, which Southern Living called “the true gem.”

“Skip the crowds congregating around (Charleston’s) Rainbow Row and set up your own personal oasis on Folly Beach’s sandy shores,” Southern Living said.

Here are the activities the magazine suggests: watch surfers, paddle tidal creeks, fish from the Folly Beach Pier.

“It stretches 1,000 feet into the ocean and gives Folly Beach its nickname as the Edge of America,” the magazine said.

Originally constructed of Palmetto logs, the pier has had many lives. Most recently, it was rebuilt with pre-stressed concrete piles and reopened the day after Christmas in 2022.

Of Beaufort, Southern Living says, “this part of the South is especially lovely in the spring.”

The draws for an adult-only break? Hunting Island State Park, oak-lined streets of historic homes, fresh seafood, stunning sunset over the marsh.

“You’ll be planning your return trip before you’ve even made it halfway through your stay,” the magazine said.

Also on the list are:

#3 New Orleans “brings the party”

#4 95-mile Crystal Coast, North Carolina and its wild horses

#5 Texas Hill Country “grown-up grape juice”

#6 Little Torch Key America’s only private island resort Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

#7 Jekyll Island, Georgia “nature filled”

#8 Louisville, Kentucky before the Derby, see rolling green hills, bourbon distilleries, and historic Whiskey Row

#9 Amelia Island, Florida “little slice of untouched heaven” just outside the traditional raucous spring break locales

#10 Asheville, North Carolina “everything a great mountain town should be — beautiful and bucolic with just the right amounts of quirk and artsy funk”

#11 Austin, Texas “hits the senses immediately with its musicians and cosmic cowboys, flashing neon and brightly colored murals, tacos and barbecue, and quite the rebellious streak”

#12 Bardstown, Kentucky Bourbon Capital of the World’s 11 distilleries

#13 The Florida Keys 44 islands connected by the 113-mile-long Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West tiki bars to snorkeling

#14 Ocean Springs, Mississippi “artsy little Coastal Mississippi beach town”

Folly Beach short-term rental ordinance has first reading before council

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Folly Beach revisited its short-term rental ordinance, with its first reading before the council at Tuesday’s meeting.This time last year, the city voted to cap rentals like condos and Airbnbs to 800 across the island, but some residents still have concerns.Residents are divided about the ordinance.Some are still concerned about the r...

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Folly Beach revisited its short-term rental ordinance, with its first reading before the council at Tuesday’s meeting.

This time last year, the city voted to cap rentals like condos and Airbnbs to 800 across the island, but some residents still have concerns.

Residents are divided about the ordinance.

Some are still concerned about the rental cap affecting potential investments while others approve of the cap and feel it prevents disruptive renters.

During the work session the council clarified the language as far as how many nights a property can be rented for, waitlist and rental license requirements, and adding definitions to the ordinance to give it more structure.

What did not change was the cap of 800 for short-term rentals.

“This is an ordinance, and it’s like all ordinances everywhere. It never goes away, it’s always there. It can be amended many, many times going forward,” Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin said. “As time goes on, and you see where you are and you say okay, well, A is not really where you want to be. We want to be over here at C. So, you can make an amendment to get you where you need to be.”

Last year more than 1,200 people turned out to vote for or against the short-term rental cap. Ultimately, 655 residents voted for the cap and 577 against it.

Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin was among those who voted for the cap.

It will take several years for current short-term rentals to dwindle down to 800 from either people selling their property or no longer renewing their licenses.

“We’re trying to create a balance, and this is a compromise so everybody is not happy as you heard some of the council people alluded to that tonight,” Goodwin said. “Give a little take a little. Nobody’s going to be completely happy with what you’re doing, but that’s what happens and in politics that’s probably the best place you can be.”

There will be a second reading next Tuesday to discuss any further amendments.

8 Charming Small Towns in South Carolina — From the Mountains to the Beach

These quaint communities in South Carolina are a testament to the state's rich history.When you think of South Carolina, you likely picture pastel-colored homes in Charleston or the Grand Strand's golden sandy beaches. But what if we told you there's more to the state beyond its big cities?I spent the first 22 years of my life in the Palmetto State, and while I love revisiting Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia, South Carolina's small towns and secluded islands are well worth a stop, whether on a day trip or as your main dest...

These quaint communities in South Carolina are a testament to the state's rich history.

When you think of South Carolina, you likely picture pastel-colored homes in Charleston or the Grand Strand's golden sandy beaches. But what if we told you there's more to the state beyond its big cities?

I spent the first 22 years of my life in the Palmetto State, and while I love revisiting Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia, South Carolina's small towns and secluded islands are well worth a stop, whether on a day trip or as your main destination. And don't worry — you'll find sweet tea, Southern hospitality, and a wide range of stunning landscapes all over the state. After all, our old license tags used to read: "Smiling faces, beautiful places."

We rounded up small towns in South Carolina with around 15,000 residents or less, excluding some slightly larger favorites like Hilton Head Island and Bluffton (which are worth visiting, too). So, whether you're looking for a mountain getaway or a beach vacation destination without the crowds, here are eight of the best small towns in South Carolina.

Sullivan's Island

A short drive from downtown Charleston, Sullivan's Island is one of the best beach towns in South Carolina. The 2.5-mile-long island is known for historic Fort Moultrie (with ties to the American Revolution and Civil War), a charming main drag, and pristine beaches unsullied by high-rise hotels or tourist traps. The appropriately named Middle Street — located in the center of the small island — is home to popular restaurants like Poe's Tavern (an Edgar Allen Poe-themed eatery with incredible burgers), Home Team BBQ, and The Obstinate Daughter.

Travelers Rest

The Upstate South Carolina region is dotted with lakes and rolling green hills in the shadow of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Travelers Rest (or simply "TR") offers a dose of small-town living and outdoor adventure within 10 miles of the charming city of Greenville. Before you go hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking, fuel up at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse, and end your day with a pint at Swamp Rabbit Brewery. Less than 20 minutes outside of town, Hotel Domestique offers a taste of the Tuscan countryside in South Carolina with beautiful grounds and accommodations overlooking the rolling hills and mountains.

How to Take the Ultimate South Carolina Road Trip

Georgetown

South Carolina has plenty of lovely coastal small towns, including Georgetown, located between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. It's the third-oldest town in the state, so there's plenty of history to explore, plus local shops and restaurants on Front Street. Go for a stroll along the Harborwalk to admire views of the sparkling water, grab lunch on the patio of Georgetown Corner Tavern, and try the pralines at Sweeties Homemade Ice Cream and Sweets.

Edisto Beach

The small town of Edisto Beach on Edisto Island is great for a laid-back coastal vacation. One of South Carolina's Sea Islands, Edisto is situated between Hilton Head and Charleston, and has beautiful beaches, including picturesque Driftwood Beach. Visit the Edisto Island Museum to learn about the history and culture of the island's Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans who remained on the southeastern coast of the United States. You won't find many large hotels in the area, so opt for a rental and enjoy the serene atmosphere and seafood restaurants.

Kiawah Island

Another barrier island on the South Carolina coast, Kiawah offers seafront serenity with an upscale twist. The primarily privately owned island is home to Kiawah Island Golf Resort, known for its championship golf courses, and The Sanctuary, a beachfront luxury hotel. Nearby Freshfields Village offers shopping (with lots of resort wear to choose from) and a range of restaurants.

Newberry

Located in the state's Midlands region, between Greenville and South Carolina's capital city, Columbia, Newberry has a quintessential small-town feel. The well-preserved downtown area features an opera house, antique shops, locally owned restaurants, and more. Plus, it hosts festivals throughout the year, including the annual Oktoberfest, Christmas in Newberry, and Pork in the Park events.

Beaufort

Down in the Lowcountry on Port Royal Island, Beaufort is another historic coastal town. It dates back to 1711, making it South Carolina's second-oldest city after Charleston. You can experience history firsthand by learning about Gullah culture at historic sites or on a tour, visiting ruins and old homes, and more.

Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island, tucked between Savannah and Hilton Head on the coast, is the ultimate escape when you really want to get away from it all. Only accessible by boat, the island retains its small-town atmosphere. You'll find a handful of cafes and restaurants, local artisans' shops, and the Daufuskie Island Distillery, which offers a range of tasty spirits such as a delightful Kona coffee rum. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including dolphins and turtles, along the sandy shoreline.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.