A Ride With Sarah Murdoch and Dolly Parton
A Ride With Sarah Murdoch and Dolly Parton
(Note – Tourism is one of Memphis’ major industries – we’ve got loads of things to do and see. Since this week is national tourism week, I’m profiling a few of the people who work to give visitors a great Memphis experience.)
A few weeks ago, Sarah Murdock picked me up at the corner of Union and Main in her white carriage and introduced me to Dolly Parton. Mind you, this particular Dolly was a horse, not the legendary country singer, but she was still pretty.
In addition to their horses, most of the downtown carriage drivers travel with a dog. Sarah's was a little chicken nugget of a puppy who slept balled up on a blanket the entire trip. Our ride wound down Main street, through Court Square, past the U of M law school towards Beale St.. It was a little bumpy, but completely pleasant.
It was a nice night, so there were a ton of carriages out downtown. Some, like the one Sarah was driving, were simple, velvet-seated and white. Some were a bit more Cinderella-appropriate, with riders sitting inside giant domes lit with twinkle lights. Each driver sets the length and route of the ride with their guest. Sarah told me that her tours usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
Sarah sees herself (and Ms. Parton) as ambassadors of Memphis. She's driven people from every continent through the downtown streets, and she loves dispensing information and advice about Memphis. "It's my job to shape visitors' impression of the city", she said.
If you want to hitch a ride with Sarah, there are a few things to know before you go. The easiest places to catch a carriage ride are on Beale St. or in front of the Peabody Hotel. While you're allowed to pet the horses, the drivers ask that you not feed them. Also, the drivers aim to please - most are totally willing to stop on Beale Street and let you get some drinks for the ride.
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