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North Charleston is the perfect place to begin your South Carolina Lowcountry visit. This bustling city offers a full complement of accommodations, restaurants, theaters, entertainment complexes, and shopping areas...all in one convenient, central location. The North Charleston Visitor Center, located at 3107 Firestone Rd., can supply you with all the information needed to fully enjoy the area.

North Charleston, although only incorporated in 1972, is now the third largest city in South Carolina. Its central location in the tri-county area has earned North Charleston its reputation as Hub of the Lowcountry. This central location has played a major role in North Charlestons increasing importance as a business and transportation center. The international airport, Amtrak station, and port facilities are all located here. Interstate highway 26 and the Mark Clark expressway -I-526- enable visitors to arrive and depart from North Charleston with ease.

While in North Charleston, visitors will want to experience some of the many events held at the North Charleston Coliseum. This state-of-the-art facility boasts seating for almost 14,000 and hosts a variety of events sure to please the entire family. The circus, sporting events, major concerts and consumer shows are just a few of the varied and exciting events that are presented. During your visit, be sure to check the Coliseum's schedule of events for a fun-filled evening activity. Depending on the season, you might even catch an ice show or a hockey game. The North Charleston Coliseum is the home of the South Carolina Stingrays Ice Hockey Team. During the day you will want to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities available in North Charleston, including some of the Lowcountry's finest golf.

Lowcountry residents have long enjoyed shopping in North Charleston. Now, visitors to the area are discovering what the locals have known for years - North Charleston is a shoppers delight. You will find expansive malls featuring national and regional department stores, as well as specialty shops that are sure to appeal to every taste and interest. If bargain hunting is your passion, you will find an impressive assortment of outlet and discount stores offering a wide range of quality merchandise.

As the Hub of the Lowcountry, North Charleston provides easy access to all of the areas sights and attractions. Charlestons historic district, plantations, and the area's beach and golf resorts are only a pleasant drive away. Closer by, visitors may enjoy the scenic beauty of Cypress Gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit nearby Francis Beidler Forest, a 3,000-acre sanctuary for plant and animal life, containing the world's largest remaining virgin stand of bald cypress and tupelo trees. Another must see attraction is the Old Santee Canal State Park in nearby Moncks Corner. Water access for recreational boating is available on the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. With all North Charleston has to offer, visitors will be pleasantly surprised at the affordability of accommodations. Not only does the area have over 4,000 hotel rooms, but as a favorite of business, tour, and convention travelers, hotel rates are lower than those found in surrounding areas. Visitors will also enjoy this city's wide selection of restaurants, which offer a variety of international and local cuisine to suit any taste or budget.

No matter what your reason for visiting the Charleston area, you will love North Charleston for its appeal, its convenience and its affordability.

Folly Beach

Come discover the flavor and beauty of Folly Beach--one of Charlestons most unique beach towns. Located just 10 minutes from historic Charleston, Folly Beach offers visitors plenty to see and do, because our biggest draw is, of course, the beach. With ample parking and convenient access paths, you will find getting to the beach to be as easy as getting to the island. Whether you are sunning, swimming, or surf fishing, you will find one of the widest beaches in the area to enjoy. It is the perfect spot to relax with the entire family.

Folly Beach also offers you fishing, crabbing, biking, waterskiing, sailing, the only limit is your imagination and your capacity for fun. Deep sea fishing charters are available should you desire to go after the big one. Open July, 1995, is South Carolina's longest fishing pier. At over 1,000 feet, the Folly Pier offers serious angling, great sightseeing, a snack bar, tackle shop, and a full-service seafood restaurant located at the center of town. History buffs will be interested to know that Folly Island is steeped in historical significance, as it was the site of major action during the Civil War. Nostalgia surrounds the 116-year-old tower of the Morris Island lighthouse.

Even though Folly Beach has maintained its beach town atmosphere, it has grown enough over the years to offer the conveniences you expect on a vacation. You will find many reasonable accommodations, excellent local cuisine, shops and other services. If you are a surfer, want to try surfing, or just want to watch, visit the Washout. Located in a restricted area on the islands east end, the Washout is considered one of the hottest surfing spots on the East Coast. In fact, it is the site of a number of surfing tournaments throughout the year. Whether you are in the Charleston area for a day or a week, do not miss the uniqueness and family fun of Folly Beach, Charlestons original beach town.