Discovering Street Art ~ Planet Follywood Beach Bar Mural!
We recently set out to explore the funky little beach town of Folly Beach, SC while in the Charleston area. We wanted to see the beach, go out on the long fishing pier, and photograph the birds. It was our first time in Folly Beach and I was immediately taken with the town and was picking up good vibes.
With my camera loaded for birds, I immediately became sidetracked. I started taking pictures of the colorful and creative storefront signage. We decided to walk the streets for a little while and check out the town before heading to the beach.
We walked past the Folly Beach Crab Shack/Shacktacular Seafood restaurant and on the next corner I spotted the Planet Follywood Beach Bar. Painted all along the side of the building was a street mural, featuring some very familiar faces, including Elvis, Frank, Dean, Sammy, Marlon, Marilyn, Clint and John Wayne. Not to mention James Dean, Bogey & Bacall, etc…
The Crab Shack in Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
The Crab Shack in Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
Planet Follywood Beach Bar, Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
Bogey & Bacall, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
Brando, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
Marilyn, Dean, Sammy and James Dean, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach Photo by William R. Beebe
Elvis, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach SC Photo by William R. Beebe
Frank and friends, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, SC Photo by William R. Beebe
I was mesmerized. How great a project that would be, I thought to myself. As I stood in the street taking pictures and admiring it, Jen kindly let me know when cars were coming. ☺
It was art that spoke to me. Pop culture, icons of Hollywood, all together in little funky Folly Beach. The mural made me want to go in and order a manly meal and a beer, but we had just finished breakfast. ☺
It wasn’t just the painting but the creativity involved in Planet Follywood that drew me to it. I was attracted to the art, which made the restaurant/bar all that much more appealing.
Next time we’re in Charleston I’m going to make a point of stopping into Planet Follywood Beach Bar and having a cold one with the Rat Pack. ☺
Footnote – the mural was painted by James Christopher Hill, year 2000.