Old South Carriage Company

Operating since 1983, Old South Carriage Company is a well-established name in Charleston's tourism sector, offering horse-drawn sightseeing tours through the city's historic district. With an extremely high rating based on tens of thousands of customer reviews, it stands out as a popular choice for visitors. However, like any service, it has distinct advantages and certain aspects that potential customers should consider before booking.

The Positive Aspects

A recurring theme in customer feedback is the high quality of the guided tours. The guides, who are certified by the Palmetto Guild, are consistently described as knowledgeable, engaging, and personable. Patrons frequently note that the guides talk *with* them rather than *at* them, fostering an interactive and enjoyable atmosphere. Guides like Scott, Starr, and Mike H. are often mentioned by name in reviews, praised for making the historical information accessible and entertaining.

Another significant point of praise is the company's approach to animal welfare, a common concern for patrons of horse-drawn carriage rides. Old South Carriage Company is transparent about its practices, highlighting the care provided to its Belgian and Percheron draft horses. The company owns a 65-acre farm on John's Island where the horses live and rest, rotating them frequently to maximize pasture time. Downtown, the stable is equipped with large stalls and cooling fans, and the horses' temperatures are checked before and after each tour to ensure they are not overworked. City regulations, which the company adheres to, prohibit operations when the temperature reaches 95 degrees, providing an additional layer of protection for the animals. This focus on animal care is a primary reason many customers choose this specific tour operator.

Tour Offerings

The company provides several tour types to cater to different interests:

• Historic Charleston Carriage Tour: A one-hour public tour covering key historical areas. The cost is approximately $50 for adults and $40 for children.
• Haunted Carriage Tour: An evening tour focused on Charleston's ghost stories and haunted landmarks.
• Private Tours: For a more intimate experience, smaller carriages can be booked for private groups.

Points to Consider

While the overall experience is highly rated, there are crucial factors for potential customers to understand. The most significant is that no travel agency or carriage company in Charleston can guarantee a specific route. The city regulates the industry to manage traffic, using a lottery system to assign one of several predetermined zones to each carriage upon departure. This means there is only about a 20% chance of seeing a specific landmark like Rainbow Row on any given tour. If your visit is centered on seeing particular sites, a walking tour might be a more suitable option.

The standard tours are a group experience, with carriages holding up to 16 passengers. While this is a social way to see the city, it may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet or private outing. Additionally, as an outdoor tourist attraction, the experience is subject to weather conditions, and tours can be impacted by rain or extreme temperatures.

The Broader Context and Criticisms

The horse-drawn carriage industry in Charleston is not without controversy. Animal welfare groups and some members of the public have raised concerns about the practice of using horses on hot, hard city streets. Incidents involving horses in the city, including one in 2020 involving an Old South Carriage Company horse that was ultimately euthanized after running loose, have fueled calls for stricter regulations or an outright ban. Critics argue that despite regulations, the urban environment is inherently stressful and potentially unsafe for these large animals. While Old South Carriage Company emphasizes its commitment to animal welfare with detailed policies and extensive facilities, prospective customers should be aware of this ongoing debate surrounding the industry as a whole.

In conclusion, Old South Carriage Company offers a well-regarded and professionally operated service for those interested in historical tours of Charleston. Its strengths lie in its excellent guides and a demonstrable commitment to the health of its horses. The primary drawback is the city-mandated route lottery, which removes any choice in the tour's itinerary. For visitors who are comfortable with a group setting and a randomized route, the company provides a reliable and informative sightseeing experience.