Northern Michigan Business Directories

Spring 2012 & Fall 2012

There's something new in Harbor Springs this summer: carriage rides throughout the downtown area in May and June and mid August through mid October and possible free rideas along the bluff in July and early August. The days of the week that the carriage rides will take place will be posted soon.

The bluff rides are still in the planning stages for July and August and may depart from the Lake Street area near the Harbor Springs IGA and the Pet Pantry. The rides will travel along the bluff overlooking downtown Harbor Springs and the harbor.

The downtown carriage rides have a fee for the service. The rides depart from Bay Street near Stafford's Pier, The New York Restaurant and Bar Harbor in downtown Harbor Springs every 30 minutes. Other stops and loading zones are near Island Bean Coffee Company, Wooly Bugger and the Hotel Janelle loading zone by Turkey's Cafe and Pizzeria and American Spoon Foods. The white carriage and two gorgeous horses carry passengers through Harbor Springs using three different routes: historical and architectural, water front, and downtown. The designated meeting place for the carriage rides will be noted by a sign posted at the waiting area allowing guests to know that the carriage will return to that spot on time. There will be no need to reserve your rides, just walk up to the carriage and the driver will be happy to help you.

The idea for the carriage rides came from Brek-n-Ridge Farm owner Karin Offield. The owner/operator, Scott Ward, offers professional horse-drawn carriage services. The equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, the drivers have years of combined driving experience, and the service is fully insured. The rules and regulations followed by the driver, the lighting of the carriages and the insurance carried by the operator meets the approval of the city. The horses are professionals as well. They are quiet gentle giants who are accustomed to noise, crowds, and traffic. They are actually family members and their health and well being is the operator’s number priority. They are never over-worked. They are happy and healthy.

Hop aboard the horse-drawn carriage in Harbor Springs for a great Northern Michigan adventure. To make a reservation, contact Scott Ward, 231-838-6124 or 231-526-8606.