3 Gulls Creamery opens just in time for the Fourth of July 4th, offering 44 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream, soft serve, loaded shakes, creative hot dogs, and more
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
Nearly 50 years ago, Bob Marley first sang about three little birds. Half a century later, the song remains a summertime soundtrack, especially in beach towns like Folly. And while “Three Little Birds” may be a beach-day staple, here on the South Carolina coast, three little gulls feel a bit more appropriate.
Enter 3 Gulls Creamery, the island’s newest spot for two other beach-day staples: ice cream and hot dogs.
The family-owned business, which recently opened at 105 East Huron Avenue, is the second location for the Fogle family, who have owned the original 3 Gulls Creamery on Edisto Island for five-and-a-half years. Before that, the Fogles ran two pharmacies, each equipped with an old-fashioned soda fountain counter.
It’s a different kind of medicine, but ice cream has its own special healing qualities, especially on a hot July day at the beach. So, Rusty Fogle says ice business felt like a logical next step. And Folly Beach was the logical next place to open a 3 Gulls Creamery.
“We felt like Folly had a good base of vacationers, and we’ve always liked Folly,” said Rusty. “Folly has always been one of our favorite places.”
After spending the last couple of years searching for just the right location on Folly Beach, they found it in a commercial space beneath the Vera Hotel on East Huron Avenue, tucked behind the Circle K gas station. The family began work on the space last September and spent months preparing it before welcoming customers this summer.
The “3 Gulls” in the name aren’t just a catchy nod to the coast. They’re a tribute to Rusty and Tavia Fogle’s three daughters—Becca, Mary, and Elie—who each play an active role in the family’s business. What began as a small family venture on Edisto has become a true family operation, with everyone pitching in to help shape the new Folly Beach location.
In addition to working in the shop, each daughter has left her own mark. Several of the shop’s specialty hot dogs bear their names, reflecting both their personalities and the collaborative spirit that has become part of the creamery’s identity. From serving customers to helping develop menu ideas and creating a welcoming atmosphere, Rusty says the business has always been a family effort.
The shop offers 44 flavors of Hershey’s hand-scooped ice cream, as well as soft-serve, over-the-top stuffed shakes, brownie sundaes, banana splits, floats, and milkshakes made with any flavor on the menu. There are vegan and dairy-free options as well.
While it’s the long glass case filled with ice cream that you first notice when you walk in the door, don’t sleep on 3 Gulls’ creative hot dog concoctions. There’s even a Folly Beach Dog on the menu, which includes chili, pimento cheese, onion, and relish. You can also find chicken salad sandwiches, nostalgic candy, classic ice cream novelties, like Push-ups and Astro Pops, and other beach-friendly treats at 3 Gulls.
Also, 3 Gulls is embracing the nation’s 250th birthday with a few patriotic promotions this month. In addition to offering $2.50 soft-serve cake cones Friday through Sunday during Independence Day weekend, the shop is giving away $250 on July 4. Visitors can register in-store through 7:30 p.m. on Independence Day, with drawings scheduled for 8 p.m. Prizes include a $250 grand prize, a $50 second-place prize, and a $25 third-place prize.
With America celebrating its 250th birthday this month, the timing couldn’t be better. Ice cream may be the quintessential way to cool off on a hot summer day, but it’s hard to think of anything more American than a hot dog fresh off the grill. At 3 Gulls, visitors can enjoy both in one stop.
3 Gulls Creamery is located at 105 E. Huron Ave. (Behind Circle K). For more information, call (843) 633-0011 or visit www.3gullscreamery.com.
