Palmetto Carriage Works Day Tour & Optional Combo

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----------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CARRIAGE TOUR----------------------

Do I have to buy my tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is available and highly recommended. When you buy your ticket in advance you get up to 4 hours of free parking at our lot in Downtown Charleston. That's 2 more hours than our walk-up customers receive! To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Advance tickets can only be purchased online or over the phone using a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What happens if it rains?

Unless we consider conditions to be dangerous, we give tours in the rain. Keep in mind that this is an outdoor activity and the carriages are covered, but when it rains you will get wet. Please dress appropriately!

What is the Palmetto Guarantee?

If, for any reason, after you've taken the carriage tour you are not satisfied with your Palmetto experience, your fare will be cheerfully refunded. That's the Palmetto Guarantee!

When do tours run?

In general, the first tour is at 9am and the last one is around 5pm; however, these times vary based on the time of the year and are determined by the city of Charleston. Please check the specific schedule for the days you are interested in to find out the available tour times.

How is the tour route chosen and what are the possible routes I will take?

The city is divided into five different zones. After the tour leaves the barn, the carriage makes its first stop at the city gate, where carriages are randomly assigned to one of the five zones. All of the zones cover historically significant areas in Charleston, including churches, museums, and residential areas. All tours are fully narrated. The routes are not scripted and each tour guide gives a unique and personalized tour.

What about young children, can they come?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome; however, all children between the ages of 4-11 are required to have a ticket. For children under the age of 4, they may ride in the lap of an adult for free and a "Lap Child Extra" must be reserved. Should you wish for children under the age of 4 to have their own seat, you may purchase a Child ticket for them. Note that there is a city-imposed limit of 4 free lap children per carriage - should those spots be taken, all remaining children must have a Child ticket purchased for them.

Where should I park?

We have a parking lot in Downtown Charleston located a block away from the Red Barn, just steps away. You will receive up to 4 hours of free parking with your advance purchase, 2 hours more than our walk up customers. Please note that parking can be tight and we encourage people to carpool.

Are there public restrooms available?

Yes, we have 2 restrooms in our barn. There will be no opportunity to stop to use the restroom during the one-hour tour.

Is getting into the carriage difficult?

Getting into the carriage can sometimes be difficult, so we've solved that problem for you with our loading dock! You climb 3 steps or walk up a ramp to a platform that's level with the carriage. Rather than climbing up, all you have to do is step in! We are equipped to handle any handicapped needs you might have.

What if I'm in a wheelchair?

We cannot get your wheelchair on the carriage, but we can get you right next to the front seat and offer expert assistance in helping you to your seat. Wheelchairs can be stored in the barn for the duration of the tour.

Is my group alone on the carriage? How many people fit in one carriage?

Each carriage is capable of carrying up to 16 seated passengers and 4 lap children. During a group tour, you will sit with other passengers, however, groups are seated together on the carriage.

What if we have a large group?

If your group is larger than 16 people, your group will be split up onto more than one carriage. Note that we cannot guarantee that the carriages will be assigned to the same zone within the city. If there are empty seats on the carriage, they will be filled with other guests. If you'd prefer a private tour for your group, please see the FAQ below about custom tours.

How long will I have to wait to board a carriage when I arrive?

The time you purchase for is the time at which we ask you to arrive at the Red Barn. Usually, you will board a carriage within 20-25 minutes of arriving at the Red Barn, but occasionally you may wait up to 30 minutes. After checking in, you will have the opportunity to purchase any snacks or drinks to take on the tour. You may also wait in our barn, which is covered from the sun and rain and has large cooling fans during the summer months. There, you can interact with our animals, use the restroom, and relax in our seating area before your tour begins. If you choose not to wait in the barn, you may also explore nearby areas of the city, such as the City Market, until your departure time.

Where does the carriage ride end?

All carriage tours begin and end at the Red Barn.

Can I bring food and drinks aboard the carriage?

You may bring food and drink on the carriage. We have a shop in the barn where drinks and snacks are available for purchase with credit cards or cash. Alcohol is not allowed on the carriage.

Can I bring personal items with me onto the carriage? How much room is there?

Items such as purses, backpacks, or small shopping bags will fit on the floor beneath your seat or in your lap. Larger items, such as umbrellas, wheelchairs, crutches, scooters, bikes, or strollers will not fit on the carriage. We have ample storage space in the barn to leave these larger items during the tour. However, please note this is not a secured storage location, so it's best not to leave valuables here.

Can I bring a pet with me on the carriage?

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