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Destination Mundo’s Favorite Charleston Activities

There are so many great things to do in Charleston, SC. Destination Mundo helps us break it down.  Our favorite is the carriage ride 🙂

Click here for the original article.


 

Top Things to do in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina has great things to do and see both in the day and the night. Visitors to the city will be surprised by everything on offer in the city. Whether it is live entertainment, bars, dining, local culture and the fantastic walks, there is definitely something for every one to do.

The city has beautiful antebellum houses, a great port city and miles of cobblestone streets. Since being founded in 1670, the city, which has a rich history, is known around the US as a great destination. The first shots of the Civil War were made here.

Destination Mundo have put together a list of the best things to do and enjoy in Charleston.

 

ENJOY A CARRIAGE TOUR

If you are looking for a great way to explore the city, then we recommend doing so aboard an authentic horse-drawn carriage. There are several tour agencies that offer such an experience with the biggest and best being Palmetto Carriage Works. The tours pass through all the major areas of the city with the very knowledgeable tour guides giving information about the deep history and rich architecture of Charleston. The Evening Carriage Tour is highly recommended for visitors to the city especially during the summer months.

Location: 8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401

ATTEND THE PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

Whilst this year might be cancelled, each spring Charleston plays host to one of America’s biggest and best performing arts festivals, Spoleto Festival USA. The duration of the festival is 17 days and it see the full downtown area including the churches, outdoor spaces and theaters transformed. The entertainment is second to none and highly recommended. The genres for the festival includ opera, theatre, dance, chamber, symphonic, and jazz.

LOCATION Venues across Charleston DATES 24 May-9 June

TAKE A CHILLING CHARLESTON TOUR

The night time tours of Charleston are some of the of the spookiest in the US. They are so popular the tours run 7 days a week walking around the city streets in which the guide will give a fantastic guide on everything that is happening or happened in the area. The tours are designed to follow the footsteps of Lords and General, murders and thieves,the slaves and their owners, and the guide will tell the true stories of the dark past. The tours last around 90 minutes and involve half-a-mile of walking.

GET FOOD AND DRINK AT EDMUND’S OAST.

Located in a former hardware store, Edmund’s Oast is a city gem and popular among locals and visitors to the city. There are several standout places in Charlseton for food and this place is right up there with the best. Highly recommended on the menu is southern dishes with include salt chicken, hanger steaks and bbq shrimp. Edmund’s Oast is also known for the high quality beer that is brewed on site.

 

SOAK UP THE CITY VIEWS FROM A PUBIC PARK

The Battery and White Point Gardens offer some amazing views of Charleston and even more so during the evening. The park is over 5 acres and is a great place to visit. For the best vantage point, head to where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers see the area lit up along the Battery and Murray Boulevard. Just before Dusk is a great time to head to the park and enjoy the views.

LOCATION 2 Murray Boulevard

VISIT THE FRENCH QUARTER

On the first Friday of March, May, October, and December each year, Charleston’s vibrant arts scene is celebrated with a dedicated Art Walk, which sees over 40 of the city’s galleries take part, most concentrated in the downtown district’s French Quarter well into the evening. The event is not just a great way for tourists to see the city and all the art it has to offer, but it’s also a chance for local art lovers and collectors to congregate, socialise, and cast their discerning eyes over each other’s seasonal collections. Many galleries stay open until late for the occasion.

SC REGGAE JERK WINE FESTIVAL (THE BEST JERK-STYLE FOOD)

Held in August ever year, South Carolina comes together to celebrate the heritage of Jamaican Reggae music and jerk foods paired with wine (and traditional Jamaican drinks). The SC Reggae Jerk Wine Festival is attended by both young and old people in this great day. The festival is full of great activities including jerk making workshops, a pepper eating content and a domino tournament. Add this with the flavor of Jamaica and Reggae Music means that this is a must do if you are in the city. This events starts at noon and goes all the way through to 7pm.

Location: Magnolia Gardens

 

 

 

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Team Spotlight: Hit and Run



Hit and Run are a team of Belgian mules that came to work with us in 1998! Yes, that is 22 years ago!! They are the favorite of our General Manager Tommy Doyle as they were his very first team of mules that he purchased for the company without the help of his father Tom Doyle.
 He believes that they may be “the most solid team owned to date.”

Hit and Run are not only lovable but they’re hard workers, they don’t mind the heat and are not easily spooked. They are great for the farriers and veterinarians. They work well at night and are great for out of town events.  They are so good at their job that they have become instrumental in the company’s training of new tour guides.  Some even joke that they might know the city routes better than their drivers. Hit and Run are so infamous for their good nature that they were recruited to be in a movie with TOM HANKS!!  They spent all of last summer and fall filming in New Mexico_ they may have come back thinking that they are better than their co-workers. 

It’s not all work for these cuties though. When they are out at the farm on vacation, they know how to relax! They take their time coming in to eat and they are the slowest eaters in the herd. They love afternoon naps and on sunny days, you can always find them lying down in the pasture.

Hit and run have worked with other partners in the past, but you can always tell that they are happier when they are paired together and so they remain. The Palmetto Carriage Works team considers all of our animals family but especially these two who have devoted over two decades to helping us share our love of Charleston’s history with you. Stop by the barn and see them in person sometime but if you can’t make it to Charleston, you can check them out on the big screen when News of The World hits theaters in December!

team of Belgian mules

 

Belgian Mules

 

Click here for more stories on our animals or here to buy tickets!

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architecture charleston sc

Architectural “Sampling” in Historic Charleston, SC


By Van Sturgeon, Certified Tour Guide with Palmetto Carriage Works

Contemporary musicians often engage in a practice called “sampling,” taking bits and pieces from older songs and blending them into new compositions. The Beatles sampled the French National Anthem in the opening notes of “All You Need is Love.” For you younger readers, Beyonce’s hit “Crazy in Love” from her 2003 debut album “Dangerous in Love” samples a song from the 1970s, “Are You My Woman,” by an almost forgotten group called the Chi-Lites. You probably have your own favorite examples.

Well, it turns out that architects have long practiced sampling. They frequently incorporate older motifs into creative, new designs. As you travel around Charleston, you’ll discover dozens of examples of this “architectural sampling.”

 

Here are three of my favorites. The first is widely used. The second is ostentatious. And the third one is somewhat obscure.

Let’s start with a really obvious example of “architectural sampling.” It can be seen on Robert Mills’ design for the upper window on his Fireproof Building. That upper window is sampled from a building in Rome. Its defining feature is that it is a segmental arch divided into thirds by two vertical mullions.

segmental arch

 

The original is seen below.

segmental arch

 

This is the Baths of Diocletian, built in 306 CE. This design has been sampled so often since the Renaissance that it has been given its own name — the Diocletian Window. Mills did a delightful job of tying his Diocletian Window into the windows beneath it, creating a lovely vertical composition.

You’ll find Diocletian Windows in some really random places elsewhere in Charleston:

Diocletian Window

As you can see, it faces the parking lot on the south side of Magnolia’s Restaurant on East Bay Street. And I’d love to know why.

Diocletian Window

Now for an extravagant example of “architectural sampling.”

The capitals on the Chisolm House at Rutledge and Tradd were sampled from a motif that is very rarely found anywhere in Europe or North America.

Greek Corinthian Capitals

These were copied from a rather diminutive monument, only 33 feet tall, that can be found in the heart of the Acropolis. Erected in 334 BCE, it is the most elaborate version of the Greek Corinthian Order surviving from ancient times. Now badly eroded, here’s what the original capitals would have looked like as sketched in 1754.

Greek Corinthian Capitals

 

This style was considered too costly and difficult to execute for domestic architecture and too monumental as well. It first appeared on a building in England in 1769, on the Shugborough Estate, which was the property of Thomas Anson, the elder brother of Lord High Admiral George Anson, after whom our Ansonborough neighborhood gets its name.

It was first sampled in America in 1817, on the capitals inside Statuary Hall in the US Capitol Building. From that time until 1857, it was the Chamber for the US House of Representatives.

You would be correct if you called these Corinthian Capitals. But I would bet that Alexander Chisolm took obvious pride in correcting any hapless observer who thought these merely Corinthian. Let’s imagine that he talked like Foghorn Leghorn. If you complimented his Corinthian capitals, he might have puffed out his chest and intoned, “I say, boy, you’re showin’ your ignorance . . . look at me when I’m talkin’ to ya, son. Those are not simply Corinthian capitals . . .  I say, those are exact copies of the capitals on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates!”

Finally, let’s examine a truly obscure instance of “architectural sampling.”

Below is a picture of the Jacobson Building, right across from the People’s Building on Broad Street. The structure has obviously been altered. The upper floors seem to bear no relation to the temple-like entryway. The building dates from 1817. The entryway was added in 1840, by The South Western Railroad Bank. The News and Courier took over in 1872, so you may hear it identified as the Old News and Courier Building. Badly damaged by the 1886 earthquake, the upper floors of the original facade were replaced by stucco covered brick.

temple-like entryway

Here’s a closeup view of the entryway.

temple-like entryway

This was sampled from The Choragic Monument of Thrasyllus, built in 320 BCE in Athens. It marked the entrance to a shallow cave on the south side of the Acropolis. Here is a sketch of its original, unweathered entablature:

temple-like entryway entablature

The sample in Charleston is considered one of the most faithful renditions of the Thrasyllus Monument. But what I find most interesting is that this same motif was sampled in 1920 by the architect Henry Bacon for a monument in Washington, D.C. that has become one of the most beloved and frequently visited sites in the world. Here’s a closeup:temple-like entryway entablature

 

This, my friends, is the entablature on the Lincoln Memorial.

Want to learn more? Book your tour here!

Like what your read? More posts by Van can be found here.

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St Philips Church Charleston SC

Why Does Church Street Curve Around St. Philip’s Church?

By Van Sturgeon, Certified Tour Guide with Palmetto Carriage Works


One of the most alluring architectural vistas in our country can be seen as you travel north on Church Street and gaze up at the portico and steeple of St. Philip’s Church. The church’s beauty is enhanced by the fact that it extends beyond the sidewalk into the middle of Church Street, which gracefully curves around the triple portico.

The church you see today is the second on this site. The original held its first service on Easter Sunday 1723, and burned down in a fire in February 1835.

The so-called Old Church (sketched below) was situated so that it provided a visual terminus to the city’s central north-south thoroughfare. It was, after all, as far north as you could go in the colonial walled-city at that time.  It’s grandeur was magnified by the manner in which it majestically crowned Church Street. Charleston’s most famous architect, Robert Mills, observed that “the effect produced upon the mind in viewing the edifice is that of solemnity and awe.”

Sketch of St Philips Church

In the 1739 map below, north is to the right. As you can see, the Old Church was bounded on the north by a wall. Just outside the wall was Daniel Creek, which is the current location of Market Street. This map also imagines what that section of the city would look like if the walls were gone, the creek filled in, and Church Street extended, which would happen in the late 1700 and early 1800s.

Church Street Curve

You can see that Church Street narrows significantly as it winds around the church. Since the road was never intended to carry heavy traffic past the church, that bottleneck initially presented no problem. But that had all changed by the time the Old Church burned in 1835.

Church leaders met the day after the fire and heard a resolution offered by Nathaniel Russell Middleton that “a new Church should be built on the same plan and on the same foundations as the old church.”

But, not everyone in the city agreed with Middleton’s proposal.  Many wished to take advantage of the opportunity created by the destruction of the Old Church to straighten and widen Church Street. As the city had grown, the road had been extended well to the north, but that choke point in front of the church had remained.

A letter to the Charleston Courier signed by “Citizen,” described the hazards he believed this inflicted on travelers:

When you remember, gentlemen, the number of lives that have been lost by persons thrown from horseback and their brains dashed out against the pillars of that Church, humanity calls upon you to arrest that mad project.

It’s hard to argue against riders getting their “brains dashed out.” But a member of the church penned a mocking reply proposing that action be taken to protect all travelers, at all times, and in all locations. He wondered whether

it might not be an improvement to have our brick walls well padded, stuffed, and cushioned? If this cannot be done, I would have you apply to our humane city council to raze our city, and rebuild another on a new and improved plan . . . then a man, especially when sober, may drive in perfect safety of brain, limb or cranium.

Members of City Council may have been amused, but they were not convinced. They voted 11-1 to straighten Church Street by moving the foundations of the “New Church” back 48 feet so its front would be in line with the street’s eastern edge. But, the state-appointed Commission for Opening and Widening Streets, Lanes and Alleys objected to that plan because of the disruption it would cause to the existing grounds and burial sites, “which are consecrated by feelings the dearest to the human heart.”

As a compromise, the Commission suggested moving the “New Church” back 22 feet, which would bring the north-south porticoes in line with the east side of Church Street. The road would be widened to 50 feet.

That plan was adopted so that today, the steeple of the “New Church” projects beyond the sidewalk, and the road still curves gracefully around. The “New Church” remains an apparent visual terminus to one of Charleston’s loveliest and most historic colonial streets.

St Philip's Church

 

Want to learn more history? Book a tour here!

If  your curious about our Animal Welfare Policy click here!

 

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Farewell to Trump!

After a long and successful career with us, the Palmetto Carriage Family said farewell to one of our favorite four legged employees. While he will no longer work pulling carriages in Charleston, Trump will still be employed. His next career will be at Lazy Oaks Farm in Simpsonville, SC working as a therapy horse.

During his time at Palmetto Carriage, Trump was a favorite of employees and guests alike. His friendly manner and often a little too powerful nudges for affection often scored him extra treats. He worked well with all of our guides and was popular with the other horses and mules in the field. On his days off he enjoyed getting love from our visitors in the barn or frolicking at the farm with his buddies.

Lazy Oaks Farm is a beautiful place to live and his new owners are excited to have him. His loving nature makes him a perfect fit for his new career. We couldn’t be more proud of him and we know he will be a superstar at Lazy Oaks just as he was here at Palmetto Carriage Works. He will be sorely missed but we are all very excited to see Trump start his next chapter in life.

 

For more stories on carriage horse retirement click here and here!

 

 

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fall getaway in charleston activities

Plan Your Next Fall Getaway in Charleston

Charleston is the perfect place to spend a weekend in the fall. While the summer brings beautiful blooms and boatloads (quite literally) of tourists to the area, fall in the Lowcountry has a magic of its own. Whether it’s grabbing a cider from the closest brewery, going to the fair, or simply seeing the marsh grass change color, there’s a little something for everyone. Who knows, maybe we are just so tired of the heat that we welcome fall with open arms! Plan your fall getaway in Charleston with a few of our favorite activities:

 

And while we can’t guarantee truly chilly weather, we can guarantee that you’ll enjoy your fall weekend in Charleston with some of our favorite things:

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

boone hall pumpkin patch

Credit: BooneHallPumpkinPatch.com

 

Just a quick drive over the famous Ravenel Bridge, Boone Hall pulls out all the stops for fall. From hayrides to pumpkin picking, a corn maze to a three-story slide tower, they have something for everyone in your group. And, if you’re feeling particularly frightful, be sure to check out their Fright Nights!

Edmund’s Oast Restaurant


PC: Jonathan Boncek for Charleston City Paper

 

Head on over to Edmund’s Oast on Morrison Ave in downtown Charleston and check out their unique restaurant-brewery combination! They have a wonderful selection of dishes and brews, as well as brunch on Sundays. Its outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the cool fall weather, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch your favorite local band. 

 

Take a Carriage Ride (of course!)


Carriage rides aren’t only for the summer. Our horses are well-equipped to take you and your family throughout downtown Charleston during any time of the year, but especially the fall. We would love to show you all that Charleston has to offer this season, so make sure you book your carriage ride to fully enjoy your next visit.

Coastal Carolina Fair

coastal carolina fair

PC: CostalCarolinaFair.org

 

Looking for a fun family outing? If you’re in town any time between October 31st and November 10th, make a trip out to Ladson, SC, and enjoy an afternoon at the Coastal Carolina Fair. Just a short drive from Charleston, the fair has been around since 1957 and is guaranteed fun for the whole family. Whether you love to indulge in fried treats, be flipped upside down on rides, or you are a carnival game guru, we’re confident you’ll enjoy your time at the Coastal Carolina Fair. Be sure to check out the daily events for something new every day the fair is open!

Check out the Local Beaches

PC: @hankimusmaximus on Instagram

 

Beaches aren’t exclusively for the summer months. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to spend your evening, take a walk on any of our local beaches. Not only will the crowds be much smaller, but we have some of the most beautiful sunsets here in the Lowcountry. Sullivan’s Island, just a short drive from downtown, is the perfect place to see the sun set over the Charleston skyline.

Fall at Magnolia Plantation

fall at magnolia gardens

 

Missing the summer flora in Charleston? No worries. Head across the Ashley River and you’ll find yourself at Magnolia Plantation. Founded in 1676, Magnolia Plantation is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry. Magnolia Plantation has some of the loveliest gardens year-round in the area. 

You also might enjoy their “Autumn on the Ashley” Arts and Crafts Fair, October 12th & 13th. Here you will find local artists featuring their latest work, as well as an Autumn plant sale. Admittance to the Craft Fair is free, but a general admission to the garden will be required.

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charleston wedding carriage

3 Reasons Your Wedding Needs a Carriage Exit

With wedding season quickly approaching, we’re sure you are looking for those last minute details to make your big day extra special. One thing that could get overlooked in all the planning is your exit. It’s a huge moment because it’s the first time you two are off on your own as a married couple. Don’t settle for just any mode of transportation, book a carriage ride to take you to your next destination!

 

  1. It’s Fuel Efficient

palmetto carriage wedding carriage charleston

And by “fuel efficient,” we mean that there is no fuel, actually! Having a horse-drawn carriage means that you won’t have to worry about your carbon footprint at all (or securing that vintage Cadillac from your cousin’s uncle’s boss). Just sit back, relax, and remember that you aren’t contributing to pollution.

 

  1. You’re an Animal Lover

palmetto carriage - wedding carriages - charleston

Have you considered using your dog as a ring bearer, but worry he isn’t a great enough listener? Instead, how would you like to see this sweet face taking you to your next destination? Our animals are friendly because they are well cared for and would be more than happy to be included in your special day! Rest assured that our handlers will have them not only looking beautiful but also well-behaved.

 

  1. It’s Truly A Fairytale Exit

wedding carriages - charleston, sc

Just imagine you and your partner strolling away from the venue in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage fit for royalty! You’ve been planning this for months, so why not go all out? You can be just like Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton–except your nuptials won’t be televised (thank goodness).

Have we convinced you yet? Book your wedding horse & carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works so we can help you make your big day even more magical!

 

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2019’s Meet a Horse Day Recap

On July 20th, we celebrated National Meet a Horse Day! The event was a huge success and we loved seeing so many Lowcountry kids. The day started with an animal welfare presentation, which followed Yogi and BooBoo (two brothers) on their adventures not only in town but at the farm on John’s Island.

The kids loved getting a little glimpse into their lives including farm life, trips to the dentist and farrier visits:

 

We also talked about our German words that we use to direct the horses through the streets of Charleston. Did you know that “step haw” means “step left” and “step gee” means “step right”?

After learning about our horses’ lives, we went on a ride around the Charleston City Market. We think it’s safe to say that the parents enjoyed it almost as much as the kids.

 

We hope that you’ll bring your children out next year to learn more about life at the Big Red Barn, to meet our drivers and caregivers, as well as nuzzle a velvety horse or mule nose!

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Animal Spotlight: Volvo

Greetings, fellow horse lovers! It’s that time again. Let’s meet one of our newest animals at the barn named Volvo.

volvo - palmetto carriage wo
How long has Volvo been working at Palmetto Carriage Works?
He’s been working for us since March this year so he’s still pretty new.
Where’s Volvo from? What was he doing previously?
He came from Southwest Indiana where he was a plow horse.
Favorite Snack:
Anything, especially our barn hand Sophia’s hair. ?
Does he have a best friend?
His best friend is a horse/coworker named Toogodoo
Does he have any interesting markings?
Short forelocks (we are hoping these will grow out) a large blaze on his face, front leg half socks (or half stockings) and his back legs have stockings.
How big is Volvo?
He’s our heaviest (2218 lbs), youngest (6yrs), tallest (19 1/2 hands).  He’s about six inches shy of being the world’s tallest horse who was 21 hands and 2.5 inches!
Come meet Volvo and his fellow coworkers for yourself. We’re located at 8 Guignard St. and you can take a carriage tour seven days a week with us!
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Equine Veterinarian Weighs In On Palmetto Carriage Horse Care

At Palmetto Carriage Works, we are not immune to criticism. We are constantly conversing with the public and our guests about the treatment and care for our animals–horses, mules, chickens and barn cats alike. And we know that those who are skeptical of our industry have their hearts in the right place. Our four-legged coworkers are like family to us; that’s why we go above and beyond to treat our animals with respect and love.

Recently, we received the following letter from an equine veterinarian with Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Needless to say, we thought it was worth sharing!

auburn vet visits palmetto carriage works

If you’d like a little tour of our barn, to come see our animals or to take a carriage tour, we’re ready for you to visit! We believe that even if you enter as a skeptic, we’ll make you a believer.
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