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Step into the Holy City's rich history and charm with our expert guides on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Founded officially in 2013, Charleston Carriage Works provides locals, tourists and groups with a breathtaking and informative ride through the historic streets of Downtown.
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See the Real Charleston In A Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
It’s always fun and exciting to visit a new city. There are so many sites to see and so many places to explore. Traveling opens a whole new world, and it expands our personal horizons. If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to a new city for the first time in the future, like Charleston, South Carolina, here’s a list of suggestions for some new and fun things to do!
Try a Charleston Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
Buggy rides, carriage tours, horse carriage tours… Call it what you want. But there is probably nothing more romantic or enjoyable than the experience of a horse drawn carriage tour. Visiting a new city, like Charleston, South Carolina, you will be amazed at how it comes alive from the perspective of a horse drawn carriage tour. Classic carriage tours can be arranged ahead of time in Charleston to avoid waiting. A carriage tour goes at a great pace and is comfortable, saving wear and tear on your feet, legs and back. History, architecture, and culture will all be at your fingertips! And, you will make the acquaintance of a very friendly resident of Charleston — your carriage horse. Very importantly, let’s not forget romance. An evening carriage tour in Charleston would be ideal for celebrating an anniversary…or perhaps, even for popping the question!
Try a Local Charleston Market
Nothing will give you the feel for a new city like a visit to a local market. For instance, when you go to the Charleston farmers market in Charleston South Carolina, you will find fresh local products. It is open on Saturdays and also offers a delicious brunch on Sundays. Also visit the fish market, and the Charleston flower market, where you are bound to find people who have been working in the industries for years. They will be a great source of history about the city. And you can find great souvenirs at both places, too!
Try a Charleston Boat Tour
What a fabulous way to see a new city! Many major cities on the water now offer boat tours. This gives their visitors a completely different perspective of their city. For instance, with 90 miles of Atlantic Coastline, Charleston, South Carolina is an excellent city to enjoy from the water. Here, visitors actually see how the city looks today and can hear about the history of the city while imagining what it looked like in early American times.
Try a Charleston Walking Tour
Hands down – (or feet down as it may be) – one of the most exciting ways to see a new city is to explore it by foot. For starters, visit the local tourist center or the concierge at the hotel where you are staying. Here, you will probably be able to find lots of materials to help you plan your tour. Maps, charts, scheduled activities, and in particular, points of interest we’ll all be highlighted and you can decide to see what interests you most. It’s also a good idea to speak to as many people as possible just to be sure you don’t miss any of the city’s important sites.
Try a Charleston Food Tour
Experiencing a food tour in a new city will definitely give you the flavor of the town you are exploring! In Charleston, South Carolina, be prepared for delicious crab soup, shrimp, cornbread, and grits! Many hotels will arrange afternoon tastings and extravaganzas to celebrate regional specialties. In addition, wineries also welcome visitors and will share samples of wines that are special to that location.
Recap: Take A Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
Of all your options when visiting a new city, probably a horse drawn carriage tour like the one you would find in Charleston, South Carolina would be the most original and fun! From history to horses, there really is something for everyone. And even if you are not visiting a new city for the very first time, you could try some of these ideas in your own hometown. There is always something new to discover. Just make sure that you take lots of pictures and videos, and bring home plenty of souvenirs!
Why Taking a Horse Carriage Ride is a Great Way to See the City of Charleston
Charleston South Carolina is an excellent place to visit for a wide variety of reasons. With picturesque landscapes and unique historical attractions, the city has a little bit of something to offer to each and every person who visits. But what is the best way to take advantage of all the awesome things this one of a kind city has to offer? A horse carriage ride, of course! Here are a few reasons why a horse carriage tour is one of the best ways to see the city of Charleston South Carolina.
Horse Carriage Rides Give You an Insight to Local History
This city truly bears some amazing historical sights and landmarks. But when you decide to navigate the city by car or other motor vehicles, it is likely that you and your family members will end up breezing right past the most appealing historical aspects of the city. Horse carriage rides are the perfect antidote to this type of thing. Carriage rides allow you to experience the city in its intimate details, up close and personal in each and every aspect.
For example, if you have heard about a unique historical site in the city, then you can arrange plans to go and visit it by carriage. A ride in a private carriage will not only get you to your destination, but it will do so by giving a personal tour of the roads leading up to the point of interest. This kind of journey creates context and meaning and often results in a historical experience that provides a much richer and more complex understanding. This is especially true for anyone who happens to be visiting the city of Charleston, South Carolina for the very first time.
Horse Carriage Rides Create Unique and Lasting Memories on Vacations
On a similar note, you simply cannot underestimate the value that carriage rides bring when you begin to think about the opportunities they present for creating lasting memories. Sure, some photos with your family at historical sites may be great to look back on. But when you can remember all the details along the way as you trot along the streets, you and your family members are sure to look back upon your visit to the city with joy. After all, were you aware of the fact that 37% of families say that vacations make them happy, making it the activity that makes families the happiest. You can to the likelihood of this outcome by planning out unique activities such as guide horse carriage rides the next time you plan a trip to Charleston, South Carolina.
Many carriage rides will allow you to stop along the way and take pictures. You can also arrange to have your tour guide take specific routes to meet your needs and itinerary. Of course, when you are setting up your carriage ride tours, it’s important to look for a company that provides exceptional customer service. Checking before to see that the company has positive reviews and a positive reputation within the city is helpful. It’s also a good idea to make sure that they are transparent in their pricing and payments. The right carriage ride company makes all the difference in your experience.
Horse Carriage Rides Include Detailed Guides to Show You the City
You can’t forget about the role of the tour guide. The right guide will show you the city as no one else can. Not only do they have in-depth knowledge of the area, but they are also trained orators who can convey unique stories and thrilling historical tidbits with wonder and candor. A tour guide can really take your carriage ride to the next level. They are usually quite happy to answer any questions that may pop up as you progress through the ride as well. Anyone looking for a great carriage ride tour of Charleston, SC will be happy they chose a carriage with a local tour guide.
There are many different benefits to taking a tour in a horse carriage if you are planning on visiting Charleston, South Carolina. At My Charleston Carriage, we are happy to offer a wide range of guided tours and some of the best things to do in Charleston SC. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team if you have any questions about our carriage rides or any other service that we have to offer. We can’t wait to see you!
Charleston Carriage Tours: The Perfect Way to Tour Charleston
Charleston South Carolina is one of the history-rich cities in North America. You‘ll not find another city that has preserved much of its history and ancient way of life as Charleston. You’ll find pastel antebellum houses, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages in Charleston. Ultimately, one of the best ways to tour the city which is also christened The Holy City is through charleston carriage tours.
Charleston Horse Carriage Tours
Charleston, having been founded in 1670, is one of the oldest cities in North America and boasts enormous wealth that dates back to the plantation society. The mansions in the city will jog you down memory lane as they still maintain the ancient architecture. A horse carriage tour in the historic district will take you to different historic sites such as the Fort Summer, and the Charleston Museum which is America’s first museum founded in 1773.
The city attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists who are interested in America’s ancient history. Classic carriage tours are the norm in the city as they enable tourists to enjoy all the rich historic sites in the famous city of Charleston. What better way to enjoy your tour in The Holy City, than a horse-drawn carriage tour?
Why Use Horse Carriage Rides in Charleston, SC?
The city has done well to regulate the number of horse carriage tour companies so that visitors can have a smooth experience. The routes in the historic district are regulated to ensure that no single tour company dominates the best routes. As such, the city is divided into four different sections that have controlled traffic. To make it more fun and fair, the city came up with a bingo ball that determines which route you’ll take. Before your carriage tour begins, your tour guide will spin the bingo ball, and luck decides which route you’ll tour.
Best Time for Charleston Carriage Tours
During summer, spring and fall, you’re better off booking the morning classic carriage tours. The sun in Charleston may be extremely hot in the afternoon especially during summer. While the carriage may protect you from the scorching sun, it’s not the same for the horses or mules pulling your carriage. To keep the horses and mules healthy, your tour guide may stop the tour for a while so that the animals can refresh and rejuvenate. Charleston city ensures that all tour companies take care of their horses and mules.
Should You Book Ahead to Enjoy Charleston Horse Tours?
Depending on the season, it might be wise to book ahead, although it’s not entirely mandatory. Most tourists visit Charleston city during the weekends and the holiday season. Therefore, you may want to book earlier if you plan to tour Charleston on a holiday or weekend. However, there are enough carriage tour companies to go by, and it’s unlikely that you’ll miss a carriage tour if you fail to book early.
Amazing Tour Guides in Charleston
Charleston’s tour guides are some of the most knowledgeable and hospitable guides you’ll find around. The tour guides of The Holy City do their jobs out of passion. With some having been born and bred in Charleston city, they know the city’s history more comprehensively. Every historic site in the city has a story behind it. Your tour guide will be more than glad to share the stories, events, and sites that shaped the history of the rich city of Charleston. The best tour guides will not only keep you informed all through the tour but also keep you smiling, thanks to their natural charisma.
When you tour Charleston you want nothing less than classic carriage tours. It feels special to tour a historic district using horse-drawn carriages. You get to see some of the historic sites such as Fort Sumter that not only shaped the history of North America but also influenced the World’s history. If you’re planning to visit Charleston, engage one of the leading providers of carriage tours in Charleston.
Spruce Up Your Vacation with Charleston’s Horse and Buggy Tours
Charleston is one of the best tourist destinations in the US, with over 300 years of rich history to explore. With nearly 4.5 million tourists visiting the city annually, visitors and locals alike experience the splendor of ‘Chucktown’ through its signature horse and buggy tours. The horse carriage rides snake through centuries-old homes to pristine historical attractions that make up for a perfect holiday. Here are seven interesting things you need to know about your Charleston horse and buggy tours:
1. Random Routes Determined Upon Departure
Charleston’s historic district is too vast to cover in one classic carriage ride. The City of Charleston divides the area into four sections, where the route to take is determined via a bingo ball draw. The luck of your draw takes you through exciting and fascinating historical attractions. Shortly after you board, the tour guide will make a quick stop at the across the market to determine the route.
2. Each Ride is a Unique Experience
No two horse and buggy tours in Charleston are alike. Even when you take the same route twice, the experience will be different from the first. The conversations and narrations by the guides are unscripted, promising a unique adventure every time you board.
3. Experienced Certified Guides to Take You Around
The different Charleston horse tour companies employ witty guides that share their secrets and stories of the beautiful culture of the Holy City. Charleston Carriage Works only hires certified guides that take an exhaustive certification process that proves their knowledge of the city.
4. Book Early In the Day
It would be best if you reserved your one-hour horse carriage ride for morning hours. The afternoon sun in South Carolina can be scorching and uncomfortably hot. Charleston has an average daily temperature of 65.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which can rise to 98 degrees in the summer heat. The carriage rides may have to be halted under the hot sun to protect the health of the animals.
5. Expect Some Mule Teams
Belgian and Percheron draft horses have long been part of Charleston’s rich history, and are still used to pull the horse carriages around the cobblestone streets. However, your carriage may be drawn by a team of strong mules that also have a special place in the traditions of the city.
6. Rich Charleston Culture to Explore
With over 340 years of history to soak in, the city is littered with incredible sceneries to visit during your vacation. The different zones and buggy tours take you past many of the iconic sights within Charleston. You get to experience it all in an hour’s ride, from the Soaring cathedral steeples to beautiful old-fashioned vistas lining the streets.
7. Get to Meet the Horses
Your fun doesn’t have to end with a trip around the city. You may decide to meet the horses and pet them. You get to learn more about these strong and powerful companions that shaped the history of Charleston for centuries. Make the horses the stars of the show with a little attention and affection.
There is no better way to experience the beauty of Charleston than on horse and buggy tours. The Charleston carriage rides make your trip around the city truly authentic through the stewardship of experienced guides. For more information on Charleston buggy rides, visit our website today.
A Guide on Charleston as a Vacation Destination
A recent survey shows that 36% classify vacations as fulfilling, with 42% of the travelers feeling more romantic on vacation. These are some of the reasons why every year, American families meticulously plan their next vacation destinations.
Charleston in South Carolina serves as a perfect holiday destination. As one of America’s oldest cities, Charleston offers breathtaking sceneries rich with historical buildings and architecture. Horse tours are the best way to experience the deep history spanning over three hundred years of the ‘Holy City’s’ existence. Here are some of the ways you can explore the city:
Classic Carriage Rides
Horse rides are a popular way for travelers to experience the beauty of Charleston. The public day rides meander through 25-30 blocks of the downtown district, allowing you to learn about its history, culture, and architecture. The tours are randomized, with the routes determined by the City of Charleston. No matter what course you end up taking, you are sure to experience spectacular views and learn a lot throughout the trip.
Private Horse Tours
Are you looking for a more personalized experience of the city? A private horse ride in vis-a-vis big carriages offers small groups the chance to tour Charleston in a more intimate setting. Book a personal evening tour to see the sunset and experience the bustling nightlife come to life. The carriages allow you to relax and enjoy the incredible view of the city without disturbance.
Rich History to Explore
With the city established in 1670, Charleston’s culture has evolved over centuries. The horse tours allow you to visit different tourist sites and learn more about the city’s history and architectural attractions. The horse-drawn carriages move through over five different routes that present breathtaking experiences of the old city sceneries. The knowledgeable and experienced tour guides will make your vacation a timeless experience with their unscripted banter. Here are some tips to help make your horse tours memorable:
1. Book Ahead Of Time
Charleston carriage rides present exciting experiences for both locals and tourists. With the increasing demand for carriage tours, it’s prudent that you book your ride early enough. Most SC horse tour companies allow for online booking, which reserves a space for you and your family to enjoy a trip around the city. Besides, booking ahead will enable you to take advantage of fantastic discounts from the tour company.
2. Arrive Early
Most carriage rides operate on a strict schedule, with the start and end time remaining fixed. It would be best if you could arrive 15 minutes or more before the start of your tour. It gives you enough time to prepare for the ride, and work out the finer details with the tour guides. Additionally, you can interact with the horses before the trip begins.
3. Have Fun
There is no end to the incredible experience of Charleston’s horse tours. Every trip is unique, with experienced tour guides showing you around the beautiful sceneries of the Holy City. Make sure to enjoy the thrill of the horse-drawn carriage and take iconic photos while at it.
A Charleston Vacation
Charleston’s beaches, pleasant weather, and beautiful culture present an attractive choice for your next holiday destination. The horse tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the city while learning more about its history and culture. Charleston Carriage Works can create a memorable experience for you and your family through a horse-drawn carriage tour around the city.
Don’t Pass Up the Chance to See Charleston the Historical Way
As one of the oldest cities in America, Charleston attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each and every year. No matter where you turn in this incredible city there is history to see, and one of the best ways to experience this history is through horse-drawn carriage tours.
Regulated by the City of Charleson, SC carriage tours are randomly assigned to one of four routes every time they depart. All routes are situated throughout the historic district and each offers a unique perspective of the city. Even taking the same route with a different tour guide can offer a completely different and interesting experience. Since SC carriage tours aren’t scripted, you will always have a new experience no matter what route you take!
Great for Both Locals and Tourists
Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the first time, or you’ve lived there your whole life, horse carriage rides are a must for experiencing the city in a completely different way than what walking or driving can provide. Not only will you be touring the city in the same way they did over 200 years ago, but you’ll be able to hear the stories of history told by entertaining and knowledgable guides.
Even if you’ve lived in Charleston your whole life, you’ll be amazed by all of the rich history that is so easily overlooked. You can sometimes even find specialty tours that allow you to gain more insight into specific pieces of history or romantic tours that are geared towards a cozy and intimate jaunt around Charleston. While tours like this will have to be booked ahead of time, they are something to keep an eye out for if you want something out of the ordinary.
How to Get Started
Tours can be booked online ahead of time or in-person if there is enough space. Though booking ahead of time will often allow you to take advantage of discounts that otherwise wouldn’t be available.
On the day of your tour you can expect a short stop at a check-in station, where your tour will be given a randomly selected route. With no route being better than the next, no matter which one you go down, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic and unforgettable time.
Whether you’re a local or you’re simply passing through, when visiting Charleston, South Carolina, don’t pass up an opportunity to experience the city in this unique and historic way. SC carriage tours offer a unique and one of a kind perspective that you simply can’t find elsewhere. Not only will you learn about the incredible history of this old American city, but you’ll also make once in a lifetime memories along the way.
3 Common Desires the Best Carriage Tours Fulfill
When searching for the best carriage tours in Charleston SC, you probably have certain desires that you want to be fulfilled. If you’ll be riding with a group, such as your family or friends, you’ll have to cater to multiple desires to make sure everyone is happy. The best carriage tours will be able to support a variety of different interests their customers may have. Here are some common desires you should see if a horse carriage company fulfills.
Quality horse care
For those who are animal lovers, they may want to be sure that the horses are being used in a respectful manner. They might also want to know that the horses are taken care of well. Try looking for carriage companies that go into detail about their horses, which can indicate how much they care about them. Some companies will offer you a variety of details such as the age, the breed, and even the names they’ve given each of their horses. You can also ask about where the horses stay when not working, and what does the business do to make sure they’re receiving excellent treatment. All of these inquiries can help satisfy any animal lovers among your group who want to be sure that a carriage company is treating their horses well.
Interesting historical sights
Charleston was founded in 1670 and has over 300 years of fascinating history. For the history buff in your group, what may matter most to them is that they’re able to see a lot of interesting historical sites. When researching a carriage company, see what places they mention stopping at on their tours. Reading reviews is also a good way to learn about the tour stops that a horse carriage company takes. Be sure to inform your history buff companion that they shouldn’t have a specific site they hope to see, as tours are randomly chosen by a lottery system. Additionally, it’s good to know if the tour guides are well-educated on the history of the city and can offer interesting information throughout the tour. You can look again at reviews to see if customers mention being satisfied with their tour guides knowledge.
Comfort
Charleston can be very hot in the summer. You or a companion may desire that you’re not sweaty and uncomfortable during a horse carriage tour. The best carriage tours will have overhead coverage on their carriages. The coverage will keep you and your group protected from the sun and feeling a little bit cooler. It’s also useful in the event that there’s light rain during the day of your ride. There are carriage tour companies that do morning and evening rides, which can be less hot than the afternoon rides.
When scheduling activities with a group, it’s important to do your best to satisfy everyone’s desires. A good horse carriage company can meet the interests of a variety of different customers. You can put together a list of your group’s interests, and research carriage companies to see which one best fulfills them.
Charleston Vacation Itinerary: 5 Must-Sees For Every History Buff
During stressful times, it often helps to imagine exploring somewhere new. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that the process of planning a vacation is just as (or sometimes more) beneficial for one’s health than taking the actual vacation itself! And if you’re looking for a way to distract yourself from what’s going on in the world today, there’s arguably no better way to do it than to immerse yourself in the past.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed history buff or you’re eager to learn more about what our nation was like centuries ago, our country’s historical sights can provide an immense amount of context and intrigue. And if you plan on taking a trip to Charleston one of these days, you’ll find no shortage of attractions that are steeped in rich history. Let’s take a look at just five must-sees that will pique your interest in U.S. yesteryear and make your Charleston vacation truly unforgettable.
The Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773, is known as the first museum in the entire United States. Here, you can explore hands-on exhibits involving everything from historic fashion to archaeological artifacts. The museum is also home to 18th Century weaponry, Native American relics, and information about both colonists and slaves living in Charleston between the periods of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. If you’re looking to learn more about Lowcountry life, this should be your first stop.
Aiken-Rhett House
The Aiken-Rhett House is located in downtown Charleston, meaning that you might pass by it during walking or horse carriage tours. However, you’ll definitely want to make a point of going inside. It’s one of the most well-preserved homes in all of Charleston and is now owned by the Historic Charleston Foundation. Constructed in 1820, it was passed down from generation to generation and stayed in one family until 1975. Its stunning architecture and emphasis on authentic preservation make this home a necessary part of any vacation itinerary.
The H.L. Hunley Museum
This museum is devoted to the H.L Hunley, the first successful combat submarine. In 1864, the Hunley sank the USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbor. While the submarine itself sank shortly after the attack, the museum offers an impressive amount of scientific information about how it was found and why those events might have occurred. The submarine was subsequently raised and is now on display in a 75,000-gallon tank containing a preservative solution. You can see artifacts found aboard and imagine yourself inside that submarine on a self-guided tour.
The Downtown Historic District
Charleston’s downtown historic district cannot be missed, as it’s a beautiful and vast area with so much to offer. Horse carriage tours can give you a taste of this district and provide an excellent overview of some of the best sights in the city. If you aren’t sure where to start exploring or you don’t have a ton of time to meander on-foot, Charleston’s horse carriage tours can serve as a great introduction. If you feel comfortable exploring the area yourself, you should make sure to go to Liberty Square, the Nathaniel Russell and Edmonston-Alston houses, or some of the breathtaking churches in the area. There’s also the Historic City Market, which can make for an exciting stop.
Magnolia Plantation
With so many things to do in Charleston SC, it’s easy to forget there’s a world beyond the hustle and bustle of downtown. The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which is now part of the National Sentinel Plant Network, is known as the first public gardens in the entire nation. The plantation was built in 1676 and visitors can tour the main house and old slave quarters. Information sessions are provided that offer an honest look at the U.S. plantation system — an important point for any true history buff.
Whether you decide to venture into Charleston on your own or sign up for one of our horse carriage tours, we can’t wait for you to explore our beautiful and historic city. To learn more about our tours, please contact us today.
Three Sights To See On A Carriage Tour In Charleston
Charleston is rapidly rising as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and with no wonder. The city is one of the oldest in the country, and it’s home to both beautiful beaches and remarkable historic sits. Charleston has also become known in recent years for its amazing food scene, and it has a bustling nightlife to match its daytime scenes, making it the perfect place for both families and single people to visit. Of course, one of the main reasons why people like to visit Charleston is its culture. Long known as one of the most hospitable places in the world, Charleston is full of residents that pride themselves on being as welcome as possible, offering politeness and guidance to tourists. At the same time, the city isn’t yet quite so popular that it’s become overwhelmed with visitors. Therefore, you get the best of both worlds; a lot to see without a lot of crowding.
With that being said, there’s still a lot to see and plenty of things to do in Charleston, and you may not feel like you have quite the time to see everything you want to see. This is one reason why horse drawn carriage tours have become so popular. In fact, horse carriage rides are among one of the more popular and classic past-times in the city. You’ll see plenty of iconic photos of tourists going on carriage rides throughout Charleston. Some of these are shared among several people, but in recent years private horse tours have become more popular. There are often different themes to choose from as well, with some companies specializing in food tours, other trading in historic tours, and some offering the ever-popular ghost tours. With that being said, let’s look into some of the sights you must see while choosing between horse carriage rides in Charleston, South Carolina.
1. The Battery
The battery is without a doubt one of the most iconic sights of Charleston, and most horse carriage rides capitalize on it. Essentially, the battery is a paved, public walkway in one of the city’s most historic section. It’s lined with beautiful old homes, and features old cannons, plaques marking locations of historic significance, and amazing ocean views. Riding along the battery, you’ll be able to see Fort Sumter, which is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
2. Rainbow Row
While most of the homes and buildings in downtown Charleston are historic and beautiful, owed in part thanks to its strict building guidelines, Rainbow Row is particularly noteworthy. These historic houses are brightly colored, and stand out in the city. For that matter, they’ve been the subjects of a number of paintings throughout the years, as well as magazine spreads. You’ll be able to get some excellent photos if you pass by the houses via horse carriage rides.
3. The Historic Charleston Market
Many carriage tours make a point to stop by the historic Charleston market. The market is home to a number of different vendors, some of which have been in the city for many years and have become famous. While in Charleston, you’ll, of course, want to pick up a souvenir or two, and the market is the best place to do that. You can look at different clothes, as well as jewelry, artwork, and classic art forms of the city. Among those are the baskets woven of reeds and wicker, often made by women in the city and based on Gullah traditions. You can also pick up snacks at the market, including the ever-popular Southern treat, boiled peanuts.
As previously mentioned, there are many reasons to visit Charleston. It’s no wonder it was at the top of Travel and Leisure’s “World’s Best Cities” list in 2016. There are just as many reasons to consider going on a horse drawn carriage tour while in the city. This provides you with an easy way to travel with your group, while seeing something beautiful. Not only that; but by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, you’ll be able to experience the historic Charleston much like somebody would have in centuries past.
5 Essential Things to Know Before Your First Horse Carriage Tour of Charleston
Charleston is a beautiful and welcoming city, the largest in the state of South Carolina. It is an incredibly popular tourist destination, with its large selection of historic homes and tourist markets. The Folly Beach and the Isle of Palms are just two of its selection of beaches. This is the sort of city you can visit at any time of the year, with a long list of activities you could do during any season.
However, you’ve not experienced Charleston’s beauty unless you take a horse carriage tour down its streets, down its Spanish-mossed, brick-walked downtown. These classic carriage tours are an exciting tourist experience that allows you to take in the city and all its cultural and historic elements. Here are a few things you ought to remember when taking a horse drawn carriage tour of Charleston.
1. There are 4 Routes
The City of Charleston is in charge of the tours and the routes they take. This means that it doesn’t depend on the tour company you choose. Charleston receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. To reduce any traffic disruptions such numbers might cause, the district has been divided into four sections.
It’s a gamble which section your tour will take, but that’s okay- each of these sections is captivating and hauntingly beautiful in its own way.
2. You Will Have a Guide
Walking down Charleston’s streets in itself is a wonderful time, but doing with so with a guide makes the whole experience even better. Each guide is unique and different from the other; altogether, they are all very enlightened, intelligent, wholesome and knowledgeable people. Each of them tells the story of the city in their own autonomous way, the way they experienced it, making every horse carriage tour different and fun.
3. The Earlier in the Day, the Better
It is advisable to take your tour of the city earlier in the day, especially in the summer, spring, and fall. During such times, the afternoon sun may get unbearably hot. Often, the ambient temperature may go as high as 98 degrees, and the humidity will become uncomfortable. When such temperatures hit, the tours stop to ensure the animals’ health is always protected.
Morning tours are just as fun and exciting; in fact, it’s even better to take a horse carriage tour before the city is up and bustling with everyday life.
4. Buying Horse Carriage Tour Tickets Ahead of Time
You don’t have to buy tour tickets in advance. You could always buy them right before getting on the classic carriage rides. However, during popular weekends, it may be a good idea to do so as it will help cut down on how much time you wait in line.
Some companies have different perks and special offers available, but you’d have to book ahead for these. For example, it’s possible to meet the horses about ten minutes before the horse carriage rides begin. Other companies have cozy, romantic carriages and offer specialized tours, and it makes sense to book ahead of time if you’d like to try out the experience for yourself.
A Horse Carriage Tour for the Best Charleston Experience
If you’re looking for a wholesome, beautiful tourist experience that opens you up to the city, its landmarks, and cultures, then horse drawn carriage tours are right up your alley. You will have a guide to walk you through the section of the district your tour will be taking, giving you details about the city and the cultural implications of every interesting thing your horse wobbles past.
Remember, you don’t have to buy tickets in advance, all you need to do is show up! That is unless, of course, you’d like a specialized tour or one of the romantic offers many tour companies have. Take pictures, shoot videos, write detailed journal entries- capture the memories of your time here to carry with you everywhere else you go.