We offer special 10% discounts for large groups, senior citizens,
and for those who are active in the military.
At certain times of the year, we also offer a $10.00 discount
coupons that are available at local Bed & Breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, the Chamber office, and from Old Towne Carriage
personnel. Reservations are required when these coupons are used and they apply to tours for 2 or more people.
FAQs
What if it rains? We normally do not operate when there
is a 70% chance of rain or more, or during thunderstorms or high winds. Because weather on this barrier island is somewhat
unpredictable, we normally use a carriage that has a surrey top. You can check the weather forecast on channel 16 or 30; and
if you cancel your reservation 3 or more hours in advance, your deposit will be refunded to you. It's always best to tell
us your cell phone or local telephone number so we can communicate with you if the weather looks questionable. In case
of rain or high winds, we can reschedule your tour; and it this is not possible, you can stay dry by going to the Amelia Island
Museum of History (904-261-7378).
Is your company insured? The city of Fernandina Beach requires
that all carriage companies be insured. The Old Towne Carriage Company maintains a policy that covers damages in amounts more
than 3 times the standard required by the city. Because no horse can be ever considered "bombproof" the State of Florida
has its "Equine Activity Law" which states "under Florida law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable
for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
All equine sponsors and equine professionals are required by law to tell all of our customers about this law before they
board our carriages. Since being purchased by its current owner in 1992, we are proud to report that the Old Towne Carriage
Company has never been warned or cited for any violations to the city's codes. Its license has never been suspended or revoked
and it has never been legally challenged for any damages to its customers or property. Your carriage driver would be happy
to show you documentation of insurance before you board our carriages.
How do I know if your horses are well cared for?
Our licensed veterinarian, Dr. Guy Graden, checks our horses every 3 months and administered the
required tests which are submitted to the City of Fernandina Beach. In accordance with city codes, we never
use a horse in this city without providing proper documentation to our city officials showing that they healthy and free
from any disease. Your carriage driver would be happy to show you this documentation. In addition, we only use the largest
and strongest of all breeds (the Belgian Draft Horses). The health of our horses is more important to us than making
money, so we limit the amount of time they work and do not submit them to unhealthy conditions.
Are your horses overworked or submitted to inhumane treatment? It
is the policy of the Old Towne Carriage Company to only have a horse work 3 to 5 days a week for a maximum of 5
hours per day (this is only one-half of the city's upper limit per day). In the warm months, the horse that pulls your carriage may
give 2 or 3 tours by reservation only during the day; but you won't find him standing in the hot sun for hours waiting
for customers because he mainly work during the cooler evening hours. The rest of the time he stays on a 3-acre farm with
plenty of shade trees, eating grass and alfalfa which is especially brought from Michigan. You also will notice that the horse
that pulls your carriage is alert and not subdued, in excellent physical shape, bathed regularly, and well groomed.
Are your carriages safe? The city of Fernandina Beach requires that all carriages be inspected for safety and the Old Towne Carriage
Company has a qualified expert perform these inspections. A certificate of safety is completed, filed with the city,
and available for review before you board our carriages. Besides being safe, all of our carriages are hand-crafted from wood
and have very comfortable, tufted seats.
Where are you located? Our carriage house is located on 115 Beech
Street in the City of Fernandina Beach. From AIA (also 8th Street) you can turn west on Beech Street, go to the
end, and you will see the 2-story carriage house in front of you). When you make your reservations, we can arrange to pick
you up at any of the many restaurants, B&Bs, or the hotel in the historic district (Hoyt House, Addison House,
Williams House, Hampton Inn-Downtown, Ash Street Inn, Florida House Inn, and Fairbanks House).
Old Towne Carriage Company ~ P.O. Box 1317
~ Fernandina Beach ~ Florida ~ 32035 Phone: 904-277-1555 ~ Fax: 904-491-3789
|
