Who We Are
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.
Learn more
Three Reasons Why Carriage Rides Are A Staple of Charleston Vacations
Charleston, South Carolina is one of the best tourist destinations in the United States. Charleston offers a lot of remarkable attractions. For one thing, it’s among the oldest cities in the country, and is full of beautiful historic buildings and sites that offer visitors the chance to step back in time. The city is no stranger to tourism for this reason, which is perhaps why it’s known as one of the world’s most hospitable cities. Charlestonians are renowned for their welcoming attitudes, and there are plenty of beautiful accommodation options available for visitors with a wide variety of budgets. For that matter, the city carries a unique Southern charm blended with a beachside paradise. It’s even coming up as a favorites amongst “foodies”, with a unique cuisine that blends Southern traditionalism with new ideas.
With all that being said, perhaps one of the most famous tourist experiences in Charleston is the classic private horse tour. Horse and buggy rides have long been offered in the city. Though horse drawn carriage tours are not unique to Charleston, they do blend beautifully into the city’s aesthetic, and look right at home on the cobblestone streets. With that being said, you probably have a limited amount of time to visit the city. Therefore, you may be wondering if horse and buggy rides are really worth it. Is that the right way to spend your time in Charleston? We certainly think so. Which is why we’re counting down the main advantages of taking part of the horse and buggy rides in Charleston.
1. The Magic Of Time Travel
Well, of course, time travel isn’t exactly a part of any visit to Charleston. But if you’re a history buff, you’ll want to feel as much like you’re stepping back in time within the city as possible. Horse and buggy rides are a part of that, especially if they’re private. When taking part in private carriage tours, you’ll be able to experience what the genteel city residents did back in the day, cruising through Charleston’s downtown highlights. It may not seem like a major reason to take part in a tour, but it does matter. This is all a part of the experience of Charleston, and shouldn’t be overlooked.
2. The Local Guides
Horse and buggy rides in Charleston aren’t just manned by anyone. You’ll discover that your “driver” is a local expert. Therefore, you get more than just the relaxing ride and beautiful views on their own. You’ll also be lead by someone who knows their way around the city, and also is aware of all of its insider secrets. Companies are careful to hire guides who not only stand as local insiders, but provide great entertainment as well. The goal is to provide an experience that is not only educational but fun, offering travelers a great time. If you’re not sure if Charleston has enough stories to go around; Charleston was founded in 1670, and has plenty of history to go around.
3. Comfort
Depending on when you visit Charleston, you may very well be dealing with sweltering heat. From the springtime well into the fall, the city tends to be both hot and humid, a combination that leads to a good deal of sweat and exhaustion. A major issue that a lot of visitors deal with is that when they aren’t lying out at the beach, they’re easily tired. Therefore, a horse and buggy ride gives guests in the city time to relax and kick back, with a bit of shade if necessary for good measure. Obviously, you’re not going to travel the entire time by horse and buggy. But it’s much more fun than getting in your car and driving around, and it further prevents you from having to search for parking in the city, which is certainly easier said than done.
A horse and buggy ride is a staple of a great Charleston vacation for a reason. It’s a part of taking in the city, and will make memories that you’ll treasure forever. Take our word for it!
Romantic Spring Vacation Ideas For Charleston SC
Spring has finally arrived, and many couples are planning on celebrating the change in seasons with a nice vacation to a warm destination like Charleston. After all, 42% of travelers feel more romantic on vacation, meaning it’s the perfect time to have a few fun date night plans that you couldn’t do at home. If you’re at a loss for what to add to your vacation itinerary, here are some excellent romantic ideas for things to do in Charleston SC, from fine dining to horse drawn carriage tours.
Fine Dining Date Night
With the wide variety of dining experiences throughout Charleston, you’re sure to find something that suits both you and your partner’s tastes. Whether you’re going to be in town just for a night or two or for a week or more, take the time to make a reservation at one of Charleston’s wonderful fine dining restaurants. Dinner dates are a great opportunity to taste new foods and talk over a great meal together.
Coastal Adventures
With Charleston being right along the coast, there are countless ocean opportunities for great dates and vacation experiences. Whether you want to simply enjoy the beach or get out onto the water yourself, there’s no shortage of ideas to pick from. Just make sure your partner doesn’t easily get seasick before you book a trip on the water.
Horse Drawn Carriage Tours
No matter where you plan to go and what you plan to do there, traveling in style can be just as much a part of the overall experience. Try booking a private carriage tour of the city for you and your partner, or see if you can schedule horse carriage rides to your date destinations in the city. A carriage ride to your date night activities can help set a romantic tone for the evening, and it’s sure to provide a unique experience the two of you will never forget.
Planning a romantic vacation in Charleston this spring is a great way to spend some quality time with your partner or spouse. For more information or to schedule a private ride in a horse carriage for your vacation, contact Charleston Carriage Works today.
3 Things to Remember For Your First Charleston Carriage Ride
Charleston is a city rich in American indigenous history and is a top tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Holy City, as it is commonly known, is widely regarded as the custodian of American history, having preserved cultures, architectural designs, works of arts and historic pre-Revolutionary buildings running back to as late as 1773. This is why thousands of tourists visit Charleston to experience what this historic city has to offer. Classic carriage tours are the best way to discover the Holy City in South Carolina.
When visiting this beautiful city, you are better off planning for private carriage tours, so that you can learn Charleston’s history in depth. Charleston is home to many ‘firsts’ in America that have largely influenced American history. The first museum in America, the Charleston Museum, was established in this city in 1773. The city is also home to the first golf club in America, and it is also where the European established their first permanent settlement in 1670 on the Ashley River.
To add to this golden history, the city has several award-winning restaurants and happy hour packages for all customers. Horse-drawn carriage tour rides are the norm in Charleston and several tour companies that offer carriage tours. Though you could tour the city on foot, it does not compare to a ride on a horse carriage. Classic carriage rides are accompanied by one of the talented Charleston tour guides with a vast knowledge of the city which supplements the entertaining carriage tour.
For your first Charleston carriage tour, it is important to know the following
1. The Tour Routes Are Controlled by the City of Charleston
Your private carriage tours will not be determined by your tour company. Instead, the City of Charleston came up with a fair method to determine routes for private carriage tours so that one company does not dominate the best routes. The routes are determined by a random bingo ball set up in a small kiosk where your tour guide makes a stop before embarking on the tour. In a way, it is a bit of luck, as the bingo ball might settle on the best routes more often. However, all routes will expose you to different historic sites in Charleston which are largely important and fascinating. Besides, it is a thrilling and fun way to keep you touring as your next destination might be better than your last.
2. Your Carriage May Be Drawn by a Draft Horse or a Team of Mules
Mules and horses are some of the traditional animals in Charleston and they are used in rotation to draw your carriage. Some tour companies may use horses for your private carriage tours, but some may assemble a team of mules to draw your carriage around the city. Either way, you are guaranteed of safe carriage rides each time you tour the city.
3. You Can Buy Private Carriage Tours Tickets on the Go
Other than on popular weekends, there is no need to purchase advance tickets for your Charleston carriage ride. However, you can book ahead if you want to maximize a discount package offered by a tour company. Additionally, it is advisable to go on your private carriage tours early in the morning before the sun starts to scorch. In particular, the summer, spring and fall, experience high temperatures in the afternoon when the sun is fully out. Take your tour in the morning hours so that you can avoid the uncomfortable sun. The tour guides also rest the animals to keep them healthy.
Your ideal Charleston schedule should include the carriage tour in the morning hours so that in the afternoon you can enjoy the rich food and plenty of beer that the city is famous for. You will also get to make new friends, as Charleston locals are among the friendliest population in North America.
4 Sights You Need to See on a Charleston Carriage Tour
When you do a search for “evening carriage tour Charleston”, you probably wonder what you might see. Charleston earned the number one spot on Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “World’s Best Cities” list in 2016 due to the variety of unique and historical structures. Here are 4 spots you don’t want to miss seeing when you’re taking an evening carriage tour in Charleston.
Charleston County Courthouse
The Charleston county courthouse was the original capitol building for South Carolina in 1753. This was prior to Columbia becoming the capital in 1786. Once Columbia became the state capital, it was converted into a courthouse. There was a fire in 1788 that destroyed it, but it was eventually rebuilt in 1792. The courthouse is notable for its 18th-century appearance. The building was designed by Irish architect James Hoban. It’s believed that President George Washington may have met Hoban there while in Charleston. Eventually, Hoban would design the White House, which is modeled after the design of the Charleston County Courthouse. This alone would perhaps be worth having searched “evening carriage tour Charleston”.
The Exchange
This historic building is known by several different names. It’s also known as the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Custom House. It’s been the site of many events that were significant to the history of the country. The Exchange was the location where confiscated tea was stored during the American Revolution. At one point the British captured the city of Charleston and the building was used as a barracks. American prisoners of war were also once held in the basement. In addition to these events, the United States Constitution was ratified here in 1788, and the location was used as a post office for the Confederates during the American Civil War.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Among all religious structures in Charleston, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is the oldest surviving one. The South Carolina Assembly ordered it to be built in the 1750s. The structure has survived everything from wars to even a hurricane that damaged it in 1710. It was initially affiliated with the church of England until the American revolution. The church then became affiliated with the Episcopalian church for centuries until it joined the Anglican Church in 2012.
Charleston Single House
A unique structure you’ll see on a horse carriage tour is the Charleston single house. It’s a house with a narrow side that faces the street, and a longer side that is perpendicular to the street. The long side of the house is where the front door is located. Inside the house, rooms are located on each side. Later designs of the house also included piazzas, which are porches on the second or third story of the home. The piazzas are generally located on the side of the house with the front of the door.
These are just a few out of many structures that can be seen when taking a tour of Charleston. So when you’re searching “evening carriage tour Charleston” explore your options to determine which carriage tour will work for you then get out there and see the sights!.
Discover the Best Charleston Carriage Tour Hotspots that You Should not Miss
Charleston is one of the cities in the United States that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. If you have never been to Charleston, you should plan to visit this city so that you can be one of the many travelers who have enjoyed the unique benefits that the city has to offer.
Horse carriage tours will be outstanding when visiting Charleston and you can use buggy rides to enjoy some of the key features in Charleston, some of which have been discussed below. Using the best carriage tours, here are some of the most iconic places you need to visit in Charleston.
1. Visit Fort Sumter
One of the best places you can visit with a horse carriage in downtown Charleston is Fort Sumter. This is one of the most iconic places in the United States and was brought on the map due to the events of the Civil War. It has been declared as a tourist site since 1948, which means that you will be enjoying it when you visit this area as a tourist. While you enjoy the horse carriage that is unique in Charleston, you will get an opportunity to see war fortifications, which have remained intact to date.
2. Visit Historic Charleston City Market
With horse carriage tours, you will be able to visit the historic Charleston City Market. This is an indoor facility that can easily get you fooled as you think it is a small facility. This is a monumental facility that has stall after stall, most of which stretch like two blocks of the entire city. It is enjoyable when you consider visiting the historic Charleston City Market using horse carriage; otherwise, you are going to walk for long distances. You cannot pass the opportunity of seeing local artworks such as weaving and pottery, among others.
3. Charleston Waterfront Park
Every person likes the chance to visit a waterfront park. If you need to see one that stretches for twelve acres along Copper River, you need to visit Charleston. It’s quite a significant distance that you can only cover with the aid of a horse carriage. You cannot afford to miss this picturesque place, especially with horse carriage tours, which will help you to move along the entire waterfront park. This is one of the most beautiful sceneries for all the families visiting Charleston. If your list of things to do in Charleston is not full, you need to include this interesting feature.
4. The Battery
For the best horse carriage tours in Charleston, you need to make sure that you visit The Battery. Here, you will learn significant information about the city itself and why you should consider paying attention to South Carolina as one of the most historic states in the country. Besides the antebellum homes that have steel gates, you will get an opportunity to enjoy charming picket fences and pastel edifices. Here, you will get a lifetime opportunity to see some southern mansions, old cannons, and other archaic plaques that have deep historical significance in the United States. The Battery is one of the unquestionable places when it comes to the history of the United States.
5. South Carolina Aquarium
You may not use horse carriage when visiting the South Carolina Aquarium, but it is worth mentioning that this is a place that you need to consider visiting before leaving Charleston. It serves as an ideal family destination that features hundreds of animals. However, it is important to highlight that most are sea animals, so you should not expect to find the sort of animals you get on Savannah grasslands of Africa. However, you will get an opportunity to see some birds and snakes as well.
Charleston Carriage Works is the leading provider of horse carriage tours in Charleston, South Carolina. We operate at the center of Charleston’s Historic District and we are ready to offer the best carriage tours. With high levels of customer services, you will be treated as you wish, and you will be taken to any destination you want.
Why Carriage Tours are the Best Way to Experience Charleston SC
If you are looking for things to do in Charleston SC, you have a lot of options to consider. However, whether you’re a first time visitor or a longtime local, horse carriage tours are something you should absolutely have to experience. With over 300 years of history to explore, a classic carriage ride is one of the best and most immersive ways to explore the city.
Evening Tours Charleston SC
When it comes to taking a carriage tour, the evening can be one of the best times to set off. Not only does it offer spectacular views, but it can set the mood for a romantic and cozy night. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, here are a few things to know before booking your tour.
Evening tours Charleston SC offers amazing views and the opportunity to view the cities history in a traditional carriage. If you are looking of a one of a kind experience in Charelston, consider checking out horse carriage tours and booking one for your next visit!
Classic Carriage Rides in Charleston: Learn the History of This Fascinating City
Tourism is big business and it has a significant psychological impact on travelers. Vacations make family members happier than any other activity: 37% of families state that pleasure trips bring them a sense of happiness. Roughly 42% of tourists report feeling more romantic when they’re on vacation, as well. Given these benefits, it’s no wonder that travel accounts for 2.7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States and that one out of every nine jobs in this country is in the travel and tourism industry.
Facts about Charleston, South Carolina: Your Next Vacation Destination
In a 2016 ranking of the “World’s Best Cities” in Travel and Leisure Magazine, Charleston topped the list. The city draws hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, thanks in part to its 90 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and its average daily temperature of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The city’s history dates back to 1670, another major draw for tourists. Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the United States.
Classic Carriage Rides: A Great Way to See Charleston
But museums aren’t the only way to appreciate the wonders of this area. Horse carriage tours are a popular way for travelers to see points of historical interest in Charleston. Companies offering horse drawn carriage rides vary routes, so each company can show you a different side of the city. With some companies, you can learn about the history, citizens, and architecture of downtown Charleston in an hour’s time. You can ask guides for recommendations of restaurants and attractions. Classic carriage rides give you a sense of what transportation was once like for the people of Charleston.
With so many fascinating destinations in the United States, it may be a challenge to decide where to go for your next family or couple’s vacation. Consider Charleston for its beaches, its pleasant weather, and its history as seen on horse drawn carriage tours. A vacation in Charleston is a great way to bring your family together or rekindle romance with your spouse, all while learning about the history of one of the most interesting cities in the United States.
Things to Know Before Going for a Carriage Tour
Carriage tours are on the rise in South Carolina. South Carolina carriage tours are among the top searches online. This is because many people value carriage tours when they want to explore Charleston in style. However, there are things that you should know before going for a carriage tour.
Book Ahead Of Time
If you live in or you are a tourist in Charleston, and you love carriage rides, you need to book ahead of time to avoid last-minute rushes. Charleston is known as a popular ship stop, and thus many people are always in town.
Booking earlier also gives you access to certain tour peaks. Moreover, you will get to visit particular places in the city that you wouldn’t have if you had booked the day of the tour.
Book a Ride in the Morning
Carriage rides are best when taken in the morning, especially in the summer, spring, and fall. Afternoon sun in the city is usually uncomfortable. The temperatures go as high as 98 degrees, and the heat index hits 125 degrees. When it is too hot, the horses will be stopped so that they are not put at risk. Therefore, it is safe to book a ride in the morning.
Other than in the morning, you can go for your horse carriage tours in the evening after the sun sets. An evening carriage tour in Charleston often has a romantic aura as it feels good to go around the city when the sun has gone done.
Buy Tickets Earlier During Popular Weekends
Popular weekends usually attract many tourists to South Carolina who come for Charleston carriage tours. Therefore, if you want to go for a carriage tour during a popular weekend, you need to buy tickets earlier to reduce your waiting time.
The City Determines the Route That You Take
One thing that you need to know is that the carriage tour company that you are working with does not determine the route that you take, but instead, the city of Charleston decides. The city has divided the district into four sections to minimize traffic disruption. This is because carriages used to run into each other in the same route leading to traffic.
After the carriage has been loaded, the driver will stop at a little kiosk across the market. A bingo ball that falls randomly will appear, and this will determine the route that you take. Therefore, it is not up to you to choose the route that you will take. Fortunately, all of these routes are fun, and you will get to learn about the city.
However, as much as all routes are interesting, it is vital to know that they are different. They do not have the same scenes. The good thing about carriage tours is that the tour guides are usually fun and informative. They will tell you stories about every site that you see.
Your Carriage Can Be Driven With a Mule
Do not be surprised when you get a carriage that is driven with a mule. Horses have been known for years to be the primary animals that move carriages, but nowadays, mules are being used.
If you are interested in going around with mules, search for South Carolina carriage tours, and the specify mule as the animal that you wish to use.
Many Companies Exist
If it is your first time to visit Charleston, it is essential to know that many companies offer carriage tours. When you search for South Carolina carriage tours, you will see many companies. Do your homework and choose the one that suits your preferences.
The companies also offer private carriage tours. It is important to narrow down to a company that will fully satisfy you.
Carriage tours are the best way that you can have fun in Charleston. South Carolina carriage tours are exciting, and you will not regret taking part in them. This guide gives you information that will help you before going for carriage tours.
Charleston Tours: Why You Need to Visit Charleston for Vacation
Several studies on human emotions and psychology show that more than 42% of travelers feel more romantic when they are on vacation. However, vacations don’t come often, and when they come, they are lifetime opportunities that you should enjoy to the fullest. This festive season is an opportunity for you to feel more romantic on a rare vacation.
However, just like many other people, you are struggling to know your vacation destination. Charleston, South Carolina should be your ultimate vacation this Christmas holiday. There are many things you can enjoy in the old city, but a private horse tour stands tall. Here are some of the benefits of a private horse tour in Charleston, South Carolina.
Enjoying Personal Space
One of the most important things you will get from a private horse tour in Charleston, South Carolina is personal space. You have spent too much time in an overcrowded office where everything is hectic. The urban settings in your state do not provide the best reprieve, either. However, private horse tours allow you to enjoy some personal space without disturbance. This is the best time to rejuvenate and relax before you begin once again.
Enjoying the City Scenery
There are different routes and scenery that you can enjoy in Charleston while in horse drawn carriage tours. The city has around five routes that present breathtaking experiences that will help you to refresh and enjoy something that you have never witnessed. Although the city authority regulates the type of route you will tour to avoid traffic and inconveniences, you can always be sure that you will be able to enjoy some old city sceneries that have since been wiped from the face of the world.
Meet the Tour Guides
Private horse tours are never that enjoyable or considered complete without the services of a tour guide. That is exactly what you get from horse drawn carriage rides in Charleston. Whether this is your first, second, or third time in Charleston, your experience will never be the same. You will always come across knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who will always make your vacation a worthy experience. They will show you some of the things you could have missed on your previous visit while at the same time treating you to relevant banter without a written script.
Interact with the Horses
If you are an animal enthusiast, the best place to be this Christmas is in Charleston. This is one of the few places around the country where you will get an opportunity to enjoy horse carriage tours. Besides the luxury and the feeling of having horses around, you get an opportunity to interact with the horses. For private horse tours, guides give you permission to manage the horse and move around the city without close control. It is a one-off experience that you will always remember.
Enjoy Fresh Air
Fresh air is not common in urban settings. Staying in a city with millions of people limits the supply of fresh air around, which is disadvantageous to the body. However, classic carriage rides in Charleston allow you to enjoy fresh air and a beautiful outdoor experience. The evening carriage tours allow you to enjoy some warmth from direct sun rays, which are not common in several states around the country.
Night Experience
Many people will be enjoying the nightlife in some exotic clubs in South Beach and San Francisco. How about getting some night experience with your loved one in Charleston? You will get horse and buggy rides in the middle of the night after which you can have dinner in a 24-hour restaurant in the city. This could be the best place to express your love to your spouse while enjoying your vacation.
What Next?
Charleston Carriage Works is a leading private horse tour in Charleston, South Carolina. We have been in the carriage business for many years, which has given us cutting edge experience in horse riding carriage tours in Charleston. We have the best guides in the industry, and we are looking forward to making your vacation a memorable one.
Three Reasons to Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Tour in Charleston
In 2016, Charleston, South Carolina was named number one on Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “World’s Best Cities” list, and it isn’t hard to see why. Besides the numerous things to do in Charleston SC, the city, founded in 1670, has over 300 years of rich history to see and explore. One of the best ways to experience this history, and see the amazing sites around Charleston is by taking part in one of the city’s horse carriage tours.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, when it comes to finding the best things to do in Charleston SC, a horse-drawn carriage tour is one of the best ways to experience the culture of the city. Knowledgable guides will be able to point out both well-known landmarks and lesser-known historical spaces, as well as tell the unique stories behind them. If you’re looking for things to do in Charleston SC, here are three reasons why a horse carriage tour should be at the top of your list.
1. Four Distinct Routes
Though there are five main tour companies in the city, the route that you take isn’t dependant on the company you choose. Instead, the route your carriage takes is controlled by the city to help mitigate traffic. There are four historic districts that you can go through, though the one you’ll visit is completely drawn at random. However, every route is steeped in history and absolutely gorgeous to view from a carriage.
2. Witty Tour Guides
No two tours will ever be the same. Even if you go down the same route, you can expect to experience something completely different simply because of your tour guide. Not only are the guides highly knowledgable, but they are some of the funniest people you can hope to meet. There are no scripts here, just honest witty banter that helps to make the trip that much more special and memorable.
3. Meet the Mules!
While you might expect your carriage to be drawn by horses, in some cases you might find mules instead. In Charleston, mules served as the traditional draft animals and some companies still make use of them. However, even if your carriage isn’t drawn by mules, you can still head over to Guignard Street and meet them! This is a fun option, especially if you have young kids with you during your visit!
Keep in mind that purchasing tickets ahead of time isn’t necessary; however, if you do you can take advantage of a couple of neat perks. For instance, some companies allow you to visit and meet the horses if you arrive before your scheduled leave time. Additionally, some companies have special tours that focus on specific history and romantic options for couples. Tours such as these usually require purchasing your tickets early.
Horse drawn carriage tours are one of the best ways to experience the grand city of Charleston. Whether you’re visiting or are local to the area, these tours will allow you to experience the history of the city in a unique and memorable way. These tours are also great for families with children, as young kids will love the experience of seeing and being carried along by the horses.