If you’re looking for a fun and charming “trip” in and around Williamsburg, consider trying out one of the many horse-drawn carriage rides available in this historic city.
One of the most charming carriage trips perhaps are those provided by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Carriages. These carriage rides — the Foundation calls the carriages “coaches” — have been taking visitors and residents through the historic streets of Williamsburg since 1947.
Today, about 50,000 people take a ride on the coaches each year through Colonial Williamsburg. Many riders, in fact, really get into the spirit of the ride and dress in Colonial attire!
The rides are 15- or 30-minutes long and you’ll get a tour of the Duke of Gloucester Street in one of 10 carriages — a few of which actually were built in the mid-1800s.
The Foundation offers carriage rides all year. Enjoy a view of Williamsburg’s fall foliage, or the trees in blossom in the spring. Bundle up with blankets and snuggle in the carriage to see Williamsburg all aglow during the Christmas season. Enjoy the warmth of a summer breeze in your shorts and t-shirt in June, July and August (don’t forget a hat a sunscreen!).
You can sign up for a ride at Colonial Williamsburg’s visitor’s center and at other locations in and near the historic district. Fees start at about $10-$15 and higher. Be warned, however: carriage rides are popular, especially in summer and at Christmas. Sign up as soon as you can. If unsure how to do so, ask your innkeeper for advice.
Several businesses offer carriage rides in and around Williamsburg; ask at the front desk of your bed and breakfast for phone numbers and information — they’ll even be happy to suggest the carriage tours they feel are best and perhaps make reservations on your behalf.
Many brides and grooms take advantage of carriage ride tours for their weddings. Whether you want to ride to or from you wedding (or both), you can create a true fairy-tale wedding as you ride in a lovely carriage pulled by gorgeous horses. You can choose between a Colonial-style carriage or, if you’ve always dreamed of arriving at your wedding Cinderella-style, you’ll find it here in Williamsburg.
Other special events also go well with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Birthdays, anniversaries, college graduations, engagement and retirement parties — all are made all the more special when guests have the opportunity to “take a ride on the slow side” by riding in a horse-drawn carriage.
Photos courtesy of http://livinginwilliamsburgvirginia.blogspot.com/
