By Lindsay Street
Staff Writer

In Palmetto Carriage’s big red barn downtown, mules and people are vying for spots in front of the stadium-sized misting fan to escape the recent sauna-like heat wave.

But the steamy weather has more ominous consequences for the mule- and horse-drawn carriage tour operator than prompting passersby to seek cooling breezes from its fan.

Due to the recent high temperatures, Palmetto Carriage has lost 20 hours of operating time, resulting in a loss of thousands of dollars of revenue, said Tom Doyle, the company’s president.

Palmetto Carriage isn’t alone. Recently, Old Towne Carriage suspended eight to 10 carriage tours, translating into a loss of roughly $1,200 per day due to the heat, said Steve Watts, Old Towne Carriage assistant manager.

Charleston County’s animal control office said it shut down all five of the carriage companies due to excessive heat.

Most of the companies had already shut down voluntarily before animal control required the shutdown, said Gladys Hemphill-Gaither, administrative assistant for the Charleston Tourism Management office.

“Money’s lost, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” Watts said.

Even in the staggering heat, area visitors were no less enthusiastic about riding the tours, Doyle said. During a single hour in the afternoon heat last week, Doyle turned away some 15 would-be tour-takers.

Typically, Palmetto Carriage sees 30 to 40 an hour in less oppressive weather.

But for all the loss of business, carriage operators said stopping tours ensures the continuation of their spotless animal-treatment record.

“We’ve never had a heat incident,” Doyle said. “I don’t mind doing my part (to protect the animals).”

Across town at Doin’ the Charleston Tours, a company that tours Charleston by bus, No. 1 question asked by potential tour takers is “Do you have air conditioning?” said Phyllis Katzen, office manager.

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