Sweetgrass Baskets

Sometimes you have to be sneaky to get pictures of the Sweetgrass Baskets.  I have been yelled at more than once.  This guy wasn't watching so I quickly snapped it.  These baskets are hand made by the locals who have passed the art down from one generation to the next.  They are exquisite and very expensive.

Carriage Horses

Here are a couple of horses waiting to pull a carriage around the streets of Charleston.  They are really majestic animals who, I think, enjoy their work.  They are pampered and loved by the tour guides and get their picture taken regularly!

In case you worry about the horses working too hard, let me assure you that they are well taken care of and really have a very good life. The animals' temperatures are taken after every tour, every day of the year. Animals are pulled from service if their temperature is too high, if the outside temperature reaches 98 degrees, or if the combined temperature and humidity level reaches 180. Our farrier has over 35 years experience shoeing animals and examines them once a week, and our animals receive a yearly visit from a Certified Master Equine Dentist. Additionally, they are seen by an equine veterinarian twice a year for regular checkups.  And, on top of all that care, they get to go on a nice vacation each year to Johns Island which is a lovely place to spend your leisure time.  I think I am jealous of the horses!

Oh, and one other little note.  When the horses are working, if they have a little "accident" on the streets of Charleston, the driver immediately marks the spot with a little flag and calls it in.  A crew comes right away to clean the street up...no ugly mess or smell from my city!!

Carriage Ride

If you really want to know Charleston, you should begin your visit with a carriage ride.  You can't be assured of what area of the city you will visit, but you can be assured that you will hear some interesting Charleston history and you will see wonderful sights!  This is a backside view of one of the carriage house with horses and carriages waiting.

The Charm of Charleston

I love this city and never tire of walking the streets and snapping photos.  The colors are so wonderful and the attention to detail is unparalled.  Don't you want to stand out on that little balcony and wave to the people passing in the tour carriage?

Carriage Rides

No visit to Charleston is complete without a Carriage Ride.  You will learn so much about the history of Charleston and that will make your visit much more meaningful.  Take your tour first thing as it will help you decide what areas you want to visit more.  Churches, cemeteries, parks, museums, colonial homes - they are all a part of the tours along with some amazing ghost stories!