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.)

Carriage, Memphis, Tenn.

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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Heather
My 3 year old daughter has seen the purple "Cinderella" carriage around downtown and wants to go for a carriage ride on that particular one. I was thinking it would be a fun thing to do for her birthday this fall. Do you know if there is a way we can contact the company and request that one for a certain date and time? Thanks so much!!
May 13, 2010 1:02pm
Krystle
Love the Cinderella one, myself! I can't wait to actually get on one =) Is there a story as to why they travel with dogs, because, all the carriage drivers I've seen always have a dog.
May 13, 2010 2:23pm
Sarah Murdock
Hello, This is the Sarah that drove Kerry around on my buggy... The story with the dogs is it started out as protection in 1980 when the first female driver was afraid for her safety so she brought her family cocker spaniel to work for protection. Although she never needed to use it, most every driver saw that she was producing more rides than anyone else. So thats when it became a tradition.... Now it is strange to see a carriage with OUT a dog! =) By the way... The carriage pictured is NOT one of our buggies! We do however have the BEST selection of cinderella carriages downtown. Ours are quite beautiful! =) Ever need anything, just call 901-507-2587 to catch a ride or make reservation! We can bring the carriage and horse to you! =)
May 13, 2010 2:40pm
Kerry (admin)
You can contact Sarah at 901-507-2587.
May 13, 2010 5:00pm
Sarah Murdock
That IS indeed one of our buggies!!!! Just call 901-507-2587 to make a reservation with that carriage.... It is called the Gray Pumpkin Cinderella... Thanks for the interest! =)@Heather
May 15, 2010 12:14am
camps
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March 29, 2015 10:33am