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!
