Folly Beach
Live Pain-Free Without Surgery or Strong Medications
843-258-5401Chiropractor Near Me Folly Beach, SC
Back pain is no laughing matter, especially when it affects every aspect of your daily life. For many Americans, that's reality - estimates show that almost 16 million people in the US have chronic back pain problems. These are people who have trouble with everyday chores and activities, like driving to work, cooking dinner, and playing with their children. For some, chronic back pain affects their ability to put food on the table and support their families.
And while back problems manifest in physical pain, there's the mental side of the issue too. When you can't live a normal life, anxiety and depression can set in, creating a problem that leads to life-changing medical treatment through addictive medicines and invasive back surgeries. Fortunately, a more reliable, less invasive solution exists for people suffering from issues like pinched nerves, sciatica, lower back pain, and bulging discs.
Seeing a chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC, from Back 2 Health Physical Medicine may be the long-term answer to your back pain problems. To understand the benefits of seeing a chiropractor, it's important to first understand what chiropractic care can do for your body.
- Live Pain-Free Without Surgery or Strong Medications
- Chiropractor Near Me Folly Beach, SC
- What are the Benefits of Getting Adjusted by a Chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC?
- The Most Effective Chiropractic Adjustments Explained
- Consider These Surprising Chiropractic Facts
- The Back 2 Health Chiropractic Difference
What is Chiropractic Care?
The foundation of chiropractic care comes from the idea that a healthy spine leads to a healthy body. The nerves near the vertebrae that make up the spine can quickly become squeezed when they are out of alignment, leading to a lot of discomfort. The pain and other problems caused by this misalignment can be reduced by restoring natural alignment.
To do so, a chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC, uses time-tested techniques and a small amount of concentrated pressure to relax joints that have become frozen in troublesome positions, encouraging the natural movement of each vertebra. When the spine is properly aligned, the spinal nerves can transfer signals to and from the brain normally, resulting in a healthy spine and a healthier individual.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Spine Health
Spine health is critically important for every person on earth, as it protects your nervous system and ensures it functions normally. When your spine is degraded, dysfunction often follows, leaving your nervous system lacking and unable to perform at the highest level. On the opposite side of the coin, a flexible, strong, healthy spine with fluid joint motion and proper curvature better protects your nervous system.
Think of it like this: when your spine is misaligned or unhealthy, information from your brain to your nervous system can flow without interruption. But when there's a "kink" in the spine, those communications slow down, almost like when a video is buffering online, and you have to wait for playback. That's where a chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC, can be incredibly helpful because they can help correct spinal issues and, by proxy, maintain your nervous system.
When your spine is strong and healthy, it provides numerous benefits, including:
- Better Shoulder Support
- Greater Range of Mobility
- Enhanced Quick Movement Control
- Body Frame Support
- Easier to Run, Walk, Bend, and Rotate
- Optimal Nervous System Functionality
What are the Benefits of Getting Adjusted by a Chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC?
At Back 2 Health Physical Medicine, our chiropractors use a variety of adjustment techniques to provide relief from back pain. Some adjustments use a manual approach that involves a "popping" sound, while others do not. No two patients are exactly the same, so we use the techniques that we believe are best for each patient. Some people worry that popping noises during adjustments can damage their spines. However, this noise, known as cavitation, is simply gas released from a joint and is perfectly normal.
In fact, stretching can cause your skeleton to "pop" without you even hearing or feeling it. There are other adjustment techniques that use instruments, specific movements, or a chiropractic table to align the spine. The risk of injury from chiropractic adjustments is negligible when seen by a trained and licensed professional. Chiropractic adjustments are far less risky than many other basic medical procedures. The truth is that the chiropractic profession has an excellent safety record and very high patient satisfaction and is one of the few choices that patients have for non-invasive treatment.
Benefits of chiropractic adjustments can include:
- Pain Relief
- Stress Relief
- Better Food Digestion
- Help with Pregnancy Symptoms and Birthing
- Reclaim Athletic Ability
- Recover from Sports and Car Injuries
- Alternative to Surgeries and Prescription Painkillers
The Most Effective Chiropractic Adjustments Explained
Chiropractic adjustments are drug-free, all-natural, non-invasive techniques that grant patients more mobility and less back pain. These adjustments also help maintain your spine health. As we mentioned above, when your spine is aligned correctly, your nervous system works as it should, and back strain can be reduced and even eliminated. If you're interested in restoring your mobility and joint function and eventually enjoying a healthier range of motion and less back pain, it's time to see a chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC.
The Chiropractic Doctors of Back 2 Health Physical Medicine are experts at locating and analyzing the improper placement of the vertebrae and correcting back issues, enabling the body to return to its proper alignment. This is key in correcting the "vertebral subluxation complex," which can interfere with your body's normal functioning and long-term health.
The Diversified Adjustment
Used by almost every chiropractor, this technique is very common and used for three primary reasons:
- Restoring Spinal Alignment
- Ensuring Healthy Mobility and Movement
- Repair Dysfunctional Joints
Using extreme precision and targeted thrusts, chiropractors use this adjustment when a patient's range of motion is affected by misaligned bones and joints. It is also helpful for spinal realignment.
Spine Mobilization
Also called manual therapy or spinal manipulation, this adjustment is utilized by chiropractors and physical therapists alike. Though this technique is considered a manual therapy like the Diversified adjustment, more stretching and less rigorous thrusting motions are involved. This chiropractic technique helps relieve joint pressure, improves nerve functionality, and reduces inflammation.
The Activator Adjustment
In this method, your chiropractor uses a spring-loaded handheld device to apply gentle impulses to affected areas and vertebral segments of your spine. By applying this technique to targeted areas across your body, you can benefit from less back pain, fewer headaches, and a range of other conditions. The Activator is also great for patients who want to avoid large, forceful adjustments or movements.
Flexion Distraction Adjustment
Using a specialized table that flexes and distracts your spine in a rhythmic motion, this technique works best for disc injuries that cause uncomfortable symptoms like leg and back pain. Patients often love this style of adjustment when they are recovering from a recent injury or are extra sensitive to other chiropractic techniques.
Cervical Spine Decompression Technique
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae and discs, several muscles, and eight pairs of spinal nerves. When poor posture or injury compress your cervical discs, the pressure can herniate your discs, which is an excruciating condition. When you have a herniated disc, pain radiates down the backs of your arms and can even cause numbness. While some patients opt for surgical spinal decompression, it should only be used as a last option, as it doesn't always help with pain relief and can cause other areas of your spine to degenerate.
At Back 2 Health Physical Medicine, our highly-trained chiropractors can perform non-surgical spinal decompression, using gentle stretching and traction to decompress your spine. This non-invasive option releases disc pressure and has been shown to reverse disc herniations when applied soon after an injury.
Is Cervical Spine Decompression Painful?
While some patients may experience slight discomfort as their spine stretches, it's much less painful than surgical options. When finished, many patients notice immediate results, while others need a few sessions to experience relief. When combined with ongoing chiropractic care and a customized exercise program from Back 2 Health practitioners, spinal decompression can be very effective.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's important you make an appointment with a chiropractor soon, as you may qualify for spinal decompression:
- Frequent Headaches
- Nerve Root Impingement
- Herniated or Bulging Discs Discovered in Imaging Tests
- Chronic Pain, Numbness, Fatigue, or Tingling
- Neck Stiffness
- Lack of Flexibility
Consider These Surprising Chiropractic Facts
Information from the American Chiropractic Association tells us that three in four people that visit a chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC describe their experience as "very effective." That's not a bad batting average. Whether you're suffering from chronic back pain that has plagued you for years or have recently been in an auto accident, your chiropractor can help you get back to living a normal life with little downtime and recovery.
Surprisingly, though, many people don't know that great chiropractic care goes beyond your spine and neck. Here are a few interesting facts to consider when seeing your chiropractor, which may end up benefitting your overall health.
Pregnancy Benefits
There's a misconception that chiropractic care isn't meant for pregnant women. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, chiropractic adjustments can benefit pregnant women. With the proper techniques, a woman's pelvis and uterus can be rebalanced, creating more room for baby and mom. This can help facilitate a healthier birth and can reduce lower back pain in pregnant women.
More Than Back Pain Relief
Yes, your chiropractor is probably your go-to source for back pain relief. But did you know that chiropractors can help with insomnia, digestive problems, headaches, anxiety, and more? During your appointment at Back 2 Health Physical Medicine, talk to your chiropractor about your wellness and health goals. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Illness Prevention
Yes, you read that right. Professional chiropractic care can help you fight off illnesses because adjustments often decrease inflammation and boost brain activity. When that happens, your immune system benefits. A more robust immune system means fewer sore throats, colds, and stuffy noses.
Those Aren't Back Cracks
If there's one thing chiropractors are "known" for, it's cracking backs. But when a chiropractor makes adjustments, and you hear a popping noise, it's not because your back is cracking. It's because built-up gas in your joints is being released, almost like gas from a soda bottle. This gas release actually alleviates uncomfortable pressure and can help move your skeletal structure into optimal alignment.
Yes, They're Doctors
One of the biggest myths about chiropractors is that they're less trained and less qualified than MDs. The truth is that chiropractors spend as much time studying and refining their skills in school as medical doctors. The difference is that medical doctors focus on surgery and pharmaceuticals, while chiropractors focus more on neurology and nutrition.
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FREE CONSULTATIONThe Back 2 Health Chiropractic Difference
Are you suffering from headaches and sleepless nights because your muscles are strained? Are you unable to work or put food on the table because of a pinched nerve? Do you have trouble completing everyday tasks because you lack mobility? No amount of over-the-counter or even prescription pain pills can provide a long-term solution for such issues. Fortunately, seeing a Back 2 Health chiropractor in Folly Beach, SC, can provide the long-lasting relief you need.
At our chiropractic office, doctors and practitioners take an integrated approach to chiropractic care and back pain relief. Our goal is to restore proper alignment to your spine to accelerate your recovery time and prevent further injury. If chronic back pain has taken over your life, it's time to visit our chiropractic office in South Carolina.
It all starts with a comprehensive exam performed by one of our chiropractic doctors. Once your evaluation is complete, our team creates a personalized treatment plan created for your body, not someone who matches your age and weight. That way, our chiropractors can address the underlying causes of your symptoms instead of masking your pain.
From simple chiropractic adjustments to more involved spinal decompression solutions, your chiropractor will work tirelessly to heal your back and body so you can live a normal life free of pain and mobility problems. If you're ready to give your back the attention it needs, your recovery starts at Back 2 Health Physical Medicine. Contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.
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Latest News Near Me Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach transforms into a food lover’s paradise for annual “Taste of Folly”
Victoria Blairhttps://www.live5news.com/2026/01/18/folly-beach-transforms-into-food-lovers-paradise-annual-taste-folly/
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — Folly Beach was transformed for its annual “Savory Saturday” event for Taste of Folly, bringing food and fun to the community.“Get a nice sampling of what this town has to offer. You know, we’ve got a very collection of food all over every part of this town. So we would finally like to show off as well,” co-owner of Planet Follywood DJ Rich said.Over 80 vendors and local restaurants turned the streets of downtown Folly into a food lover’s paradise.&ldqu...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — Folly Beach was transformed for its annual “Savory Saturday” event for Taste of Folly, bringing food and fun to the community.
“Get a nice sampling of what this town has to offer. You know, we’ve got a very collection of food all over every part of this town. So we would finally like to show off as well,” co-owner of Planet Follywood DJ Rich said.
Over 80 vendors and local restaurants turned the streets of downtown Folly into a food lover’s paradise.
“Food is another way of bringing people close, and when you’re eating good food and talking to good people, just makes for a good experience,” Marquise Bowens, chef and James Island resident, said.
There was plenty of seafood, different cuisines and even bacon on a stick.
“Places offer discounts to feature things, and you get to sample all kinds of different options from different restaurants you wouldn’t normally have. So you really find out what your town has to offer, and you get to go back and check it out more, you know, throughout the year,” Rich said.
“I’m passionate about cooking, and it makes me happy that they love it,” China King, owner of Sweet but Not So Sweet Gourmet Brownies, said.
And Taste of Folly didn’t just offer food; there were plenty of art and clothing vendors, too.
“We just wanted to find ways to kind of boost the economy and help all of our hard-working businesses out here,” Kelly Travers, Folly Association of Business Event Coordinator, said.
And local businesses say events like this help during the off-season.
“Business is down, you know, in January. It’s just really a kind of a boring month after the holidays. So it’s always nice to get a little boost with these street festivals,” Rich said.
While business was flowing, kids got to make pasta and play pots and pans percussion, and live music kept the energy high all day. There was even a hot dog-eating competition.
“There’s all kinds of small businesses out here, food to taste, talent to show, and it’s just a really fun environment,” Emma Amman, chef juggler of Good Clean Fun, said.
Taste of Folly showed how food can bring the community together, making a positive impact all around.
“This is our livelihood. We do this 24/7,” King said.
“My neighbor set up next to me here has been my neighbor for over 30 years, too, and she’s an artist as well. So, it makes for a great day,” Kelly Cane Wood, owner of UTH Art, said.
The 11 Best Things To Do In Folly Beach, South Carolina
Betsy Cribb Watsonhttps://www.southernliving.com/folly-beach-sc-6536705
It's only 12 miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, the super chill surf town is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). ...
It's only 12 miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, the super chill surf town is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). Here's where to stay, eat, relax, and play in Folly Beach, South Carolina.
Where To Stay
For a feels-like-home experience coupled with the charm and convenience of a boutique hotel, book The Regatta Inn. Complimentary breakfast and happy hour are provided daily, plus a free shuttle to the beach. Its best amenity of all, though, is the view: a spectacular vantage of Folly River and the surrounding marshland.
, 64 West 9th Street Extension, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Every single room at Tides Folly Beach comes with an ocean view. Perched at the end of Center Street, the town's main thoroughfare, the hotel is steps from both the beach and an array of local shops and eateries. There's plenty on-site for a relaxing getaway, including a heated oceanfront pool, tiki bar and lounge, and a beach bar and grill.
, 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Looking for a stay with a kitchen and living space that feels like a home away from home? For families looking to stretch out a bit more, there are a boatload of rentals to choose from: Opt for oceanfront properties that will sleep a crowd or cozy cottages with marsh and Folly River views. And for people who wouldn't dream of traveling without their four-legged companions, there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals too.
Where To Eat
You won't go hungry on this island. Fuel up for the day at Lost Dog Café, a local staple that serves coffee and all-day breakfast (so you can sleep in as long as you'd like). Don't miss their eggs Benedict, which they top with fried green tomatoes.
, 106 West Huron Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Fish tacos, Vietnamese-inspired lettuce wraps, and Cuban sandwiches all have a place on the colorful menu at Chico Feo, where the vibe is equally colorful. Its menu focuses on food from local farmers and fishermen. If you're in town for the wave riding, be sure to check out their website's Surf Report, complete with a live video stream.
, 122 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Don't let the easygoing atmosphere fool you: Rita's Seaside Grille is serious about its food and its cocktails. Order casual beach fare like burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and nachos, or opt for splurge-worthy entrees like steak, salmon, and seafood. Try one of the Signature Crushes, fruity sippers with flavored liquors that pack a punch.
, 2 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439
End the night at Sand Dollar Social Club, a dive bar where you're invited to come as you are, so long as you're a member; membership costs $1, so bring your cash (you won't find a credit card machine here). Order from the bar, play pool or Ping-Pong, and take in the live music.
7 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29412
Though technically not on Folly (it's about two miles away), you'd be remiss to make a trip all this way without carving out time for a meal at Bowens Island Restaurant, a family-owned joint where the walls are graffitied, and the oysters are locally harvested. Start your meal with Southern favorites like pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and boiled peanuts. Seafood platters are served with fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.
, 1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Where To Relax
The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. The Folly Beach County Park has everything you need for a day at the beach: parking, restrooms, changing areas, a boardwalk, accessible ramps, a picnic area, and a snack bar.
Note that Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots, and it usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on the weekends and holidays. We advise getting there early, otherwise, you can park at the City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Avenue.
, 1100 West Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439
At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak. Several guided tours leave from Folly Beach to visit Morris Island for shelling, photography, and lighthouse history. The historic lighthouse is not open for viewing. How close you can get to the lighthouse depends on the tides.
, 1750 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Where To Play
Pack your fishing poles (or rent one) to test your fishing luck off the beloved Folly Beach Pier, which reopened in December 2022 after extensive renovations. If you're visiting in the summer, put on your dancing shoes—flip-flops count—and head back to the pier for one of the Moonlight Mixers, a music-filled family event held once monthly, May through September.
, 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439, 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439
For those looking to build an action-packed itinerary, there are plenty of activities that highlight the destination's natural beauty: Book a guided kayak tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures, rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the tidal creeks, or hop on a boat to discover uninhabited beachfront, where you can look for sharks' teeth and other fossils. You can also book a fishing charter or tour a Charleston oyster farm.
, 1871 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412
Stop by McKevlin's Surf Shop, South Carolina's oldest surfing outfitter, to peruse their selection of gear. You can also rent a surf or body board from the shop if you don't have one of your own; first-timers should consult their recommended list of surf instructors for lessons before heading out. Once you've got it down, catch some of the area's best waves at The Washout, a favorite local surf spot, or take a seat on the beach and see how the local pros do it.
, 8 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439
One of the best ways to explore the island is by bike, because most of the island is residential and has little to no traffic. Folly Beach Bike Rentals offers free bike delivery, as well as bikes and beach gear.
Folly Beach keeps holiday spirit alive with festive traditions and community events
Jason Tighehttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/folly-beach-keeps-holiday-spirit-alive-with-festive-traditions-and-community-events
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Christmas may have come and gone, but the holiday spirit is still alive in many places, including Folly Beach.“We’re with our two boys, so yes, it does feel like Christmas,” said Susan Elmendorf, who was visiting from the Midwest with her husband, Tom.Temperatures in the 70s drew people to the shoreline, though a lingering December chill remained.“The kids: it’s just pure joy,” said Suzi Raiford. “They have to be told to take their shoes and socks...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Christmas may have come and gone, but the holiday spirit is still alive in many places, including Folly Beach.
“We’re with our two boys, so yes, it does feel like Christmas,” said Susan Elmendorf, who was visiting from the Midwest with her husband, Tom.
Temperatures in the 70s drew people to the shoreline, though a lingering December chill remained.
“The kids: it’s just pure joy,” said Suzi Raiford. “They have to be told to take their shoes and socks off and run into the ice-cold water.”
Modest crowds spent Friday playing games in the sand, while some families surfed throughout the day.
“It’s been amazing,” said Adam Daniels of the season so far. “Every day is a blessing, and this is a season where we’re all very aware of that.”
One of Folly Beach’s seasonal staples, the Tree of Love, continues to attract visitors from near and far – and helps keep the festive spirit going.
“This is totally Folly,” one beachgoer said. “It’s very eclectic, which is at the heart of Folly.”
Vanessa Trexler Oltmann, the caretaker of the tree, said the setting captures the community’s spirit.
“The tree. The beach. Folly,” Oltmann said. “Love is in the air.”
And while Christmas is over, celebrations are far from finished.
Fireworks and the annual Flip-Flop Drop are planned for Dec. 31. On New Year’s Day, a beach cleanup will be followed by a Bill Murray-themed polar plunge.
“It’s a beautiful season – so much love, so much kindness,” Oltmann said. “Folly’s beautiful year-round, but Christmas is a tradition we start embracing from Thanksgiving through the New Year and beyond.”
Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop draws crowds for New Year’s Eve celebration
Reese Thompsonhttps://www.live5news.com/2026/01/01/folly-beach-flip-flop-drop-draws-crowds-new-years-eve-celebration/
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Folly Beach is preparing to ring in 2026 with its iconic Flip Flop Drop, drawing large crowds from across the nation and locals for the New Year’s Eve celebration.The city will welcome 2026 with New Year’s traditions starting with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. over the Atlantic, switching back to traditional fireworks after using drone lights last year. Center Street will close at 10 p.m. for the main event, when a giant pair of sparkly flip flops will descend from the sky at midnight.Th...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Folly Beach is preparing to ring in 2026 with its iconic Flip Flop Drop, drawing large crowds from across the nation and locals for the New Year’s Eve celebration.
The city will welcome 2026 with New Year’s traditions starting with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. over the Atlantic, switching back to traditional fireworks after using drone lights last year. Center Street will close at 10 p.m. for the main event, when a giant pair of sparkly flip flops will descend from the sky at midnight.
The tradition is turning 15 years old and has become a trademark of the city known nationwide. Visitors say the fellowship at Folly Beach offers the perfect blend of party ambiance while remaining family-friendly.
“It’s definitely just nice not having like the too large of crowd in Times Square, you know, where you probably can’t even see the ball drop, so to say, where you know you’re anywhere over here, you’re going to be able to see. You’re going to get to be able to be a part of it. So I think that’s a pretty cool and unique sort of thing,” Joe Hilliker, a Folly Beach visitor, said.
Some celebrants are experiencing their first Flip Flop Drop, while others returned after last year’s event. Alexa Castillo and Tori Carter, Folly Beach partygoers, said they chose the location because they had heard good things about the Flip Flop Drop and love Folly Beach.
“Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and we’ve met so many people just walking around…it’s about the community,” Castillo and Carter said.
Michele and Justin Sohl traveled from Chicago after discovering the event online while returning on a family trip, mentioning that the event was the first to pop up in their search bar.
“We were on our way back up from Jacksonville, going back to Chicago, and we’re looking for something awesome to do for New Year’s Eve, and the first thing that popped up was Folly Beach...I thought it was amazing. We can do it with the kids. We’re excited. We just jumped on Airbnb to see if we could find something. Found something down the street and booked something on the beach,” the Sohls said.
The Folly Beach celebration offers its take on the traditional ball drop with food, drinks and flip flops.
Festivities will continue into New Year’s Day with a costume contest at 11 a.m., followed by a polar plunge at noon. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and celebrate responsibly.
Move over, Times Square. This Folly Beach restaurant will ring in 2026 by dropping a giant meatball.
Anna Sharpehttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/folly-beach-meatball-drop-new-years/article_61129b4f-720f-4e5f-abc1-3fffe62feee2.html
FOLLY BEACH — A pizza restaurant on this barrier island will continue its quirky New Year’s Eve celebration with a ball drop — a meatball, that is.Woody’s Pizza has rung in the new year the same way for more than two decades.Just before midnight on the final night of the year, a crowd gathers around the restaurant on Center Street. As the city of Folly Beach hosts its annual Flip Flop Drop just down the road on Dec. 31, a giant meatball with fiery sparklers stuck into it is simultaneously lifted high int...
FOLLY BEACH — A pizza restaurant on this barrier island will continue its quirky New Year’s Eve celebration with a ball drop — a meatball, that is.
Woody’s Pizza has rung in the new year the same way for more than two decades.
Just before midnight on the final night of the year, a crowd gathers around the restaurant on Center Street. As the city of Folly Beach hosts its annual Flip Flop Drop just down the road on Dec. 31, a giant meatball with fiery sparklers stuck into it is simultaneously lifted high into the sky.
The countdown begins, and the dazzling meatball is then lowered, reaching the crowd as the year officially ends. The meatball typically meets an energetic crowd, with a few brave souls daring to take a bite out of the giant meatball.
But this year the tradition will look a little different. This year’s drop will feature a faux meatball, sculpted by Woody’s Pizza’s kitchen manager.
The tradition is beloved on the island, one that’s taken place in some form or fashion for roughly two decades, Woody’s Pizza owner Matt Gardner said. Gardner took over ownership of the pizza restaurant at the start of the year, taking the reins from previous owner Todd Webb.
Some years, the drop took place at the bar with a regular-sized meatball. Over the years, the drop grew into the offbeat event it is today.
“It just became over the years, bigger and bigger into what it is now,” Gardner said. “It's just a goofy thing that they like to do and people have really grown to enjoy watching it.”
The latest sculpture, though meatless, will be lit up and lowered onto the roof of the building instead of onto the sidewalk, Gardner said.
The changes come after last year’s drop was nearly shut down at the eleventh hour due to lack of permits. But this year, Gardner appeared before the city’s Special Events Committee to ensure the event could take place.
“Now that I'm taking it over, I said we'll do it the right way. We'll get a permit and make sure everybody's on board,” Gardner said.
Both the committee and Folly Beach City Council agreed to unanimously give Gardner the all-clear to host the meatball drop, on the condition that the restaurant hire additional security guards for crowd control.
“The committee is very pleased that the new owners are working with the City to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all,” the committee wrote in a memo to city council in December.
The meatball drop will take place at Woody’s Pizza at 39 Center St. on Folly Beach just before midnight.
The island offers several other ways to celebrate the new year — Folly Beach style.
In addition to the meatball drop, Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar is hosting a beachfront fireworks show at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The city’s annual Flip Flop Drop is another “funky Folly” tradition on the island that will feature a D.J. Center Street will shut down at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 for the ceremonial lowering of the sparkling sandals.
And on Jan. 1, hundreds of people will dash into the chilly waters on Folly Beach for a polar plunge and Bill Murray lookalike contest at the Tides Hotel.
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