Carriage Tours in Charleston
 

My AAA guide book has three carriage (horse and buggy) tours listed:

1) Olde Town Carriage Company
2) Old South Carriage Company
3) Palmetto Carriage Tours
4) Talk of the Town (motorized tour)

If anyone has knowledge about these tours, I would appreciate your comments. Prices are comparable.

I honestly don't think there's a lot of difference in the horse & buggy tours. We've used a couple of those you list above (don't remember which), and they were both great.

I agree with elsiemoo. As I understand it (although things may have changed) the city staggers the routes of the carriage rides so even within a certain company you won't know what route you are on until the buggy leaves the yard. I haven't noticed a signficant difference between the quality of drivers/guides.

elsiemoo and starrs, Thank you both for your input.

I suggest you take a look at Gullah Tours for a completely different view of Charleston.

It's still on a lottery, and all of them get great reviews. cm's idea is a great one-totally different viewpoint. But if it's your first trip, make sure you take a carriage ride early in your trip. It helps you get your bearings and pick places you want to return to visit..

We went with Palmetto on a mule-drawn trolley. We sat four across and there about 4-5 rows I think. It was fun and coverd a good part of the city.

I feel so enlightened knowing about the Gullah Tours. Now that I have that information (checked the web site), there's more for us to consider.

I don't know historically what the weather is in Charleston at the end of October, but two hours for the Gullah Tour would be uncomfortable if the weather is cold or rainy.

Again, many thanks to everyone who responded.

The Gullah tour is conducted in an airconditioned mini-van. Rain or shine, hot or cold, you will be comfortable.

If possible, sit at the front of the van so that you can look out both the front and the side windows as you drive around.

Listen carefully! Alphonso Brown is a wonderful storyteller. His narrative switches in and out of the Gullah language. You don't want to miss anything!

kiawahvilla,

Wow, that makes a huge difference as far as the weather goes.

The Gullah Tour will be the one we book.

I think you will really enjoy the Gullah tour, but you might want to take a walking tour or carriage tour as well.

For a street-level look at the historic district - and different focus from that of the Gullah tour - consider Ed Grimball's walking tour.
http://www.edgrimballtours.com/

When are you coming to Charleston? Late September through October, the Preservation Society offers evening tours of private homes and gardens.
http://www.preservationsociety.org/tours_default.asp

Should you chose to do a carriage tour downtown as well, we've used Palmetto several times. Very good guides, easy to find from Market Street. Also, look for coupons at your hotel when you arrive - sometimes they are available in the section with all the free pamphlets.

The weather should be very nice that time of month. The possibility for a warm day is there (probably not, but it is South Carolina!), and should be pretty cool at night.

beaumontsc, Since we are coming from Connecticut at that time of year ANY temp over 60 degrees during the day will feel warm to us. I'll check the historical weather data online before we leave CT.

That's why we're snowbirds headed for our Florida house!

In late October the air temps will feel pleasant even on a warm day because the humidity is lower than in summer. The sun is still strong; but, if we have a cloudy day, you may want a light sweater. (We're from northern New Jersey.)

I also recommend Mrs Whaley's Gardens and Mrs. Whaley Entertains as preparation for a Charleston visit. Both are wonderful books and very entertaining.

Since we walk five miles a day, a walking tour shouldn't be a problem for us, kiawahvilla - we're 60 miles east of NYC, so we're practically neighbors up here in the northeast.

cmcfong, I will check our local library for those books.

beaumontc, thanks for the tip about coupons.

BTW, since Halloween is only three days after we arrive in Charleston, does anyone think it will have an impact on tourists?

Probably not. It's fun to go to Sullivans and see all the kids trick or treating on decorated golf carts.

I've done carriage rides with Old South & Palmetto....they are wonderful! Those people are so informative about the city and it's history. Also took a small bus tour around Charleston and out to the Citadel, really nice.

Missy3, I am assuming you were equally satisfied with both tour companies.

I live in Charleston and always take our guests on the Bulldog tour of the graveyard and churches as well as the carriage ride.

Great restuarants in Charleston are Cru~sitting at the bar while chefs cook. My favorite is Trattoria Lucca~EXCELLENT Italian food. Cypress and SNOB are also wonderful.

Enjoy!!!