I'm from Charleston, SC and grew up on James Island (the island next to Folly). Folly Beach was my hang out as a kid. I also lived on Folly after I graduated - back when it was dead in the winter and it WAS the beach for the locals in the summer. I still have family in Charleston and I rent a beach house for a week every summer. Love it! So, I second the comment above about Charleston and Folly. If you want to get out of the country, I vote for the Greek Islands ;-) If I HAD to live in another country - the Greek Islands would have my vote!