Down by the riverside, a burgundy carriage pulled by two white Percheron mules gracefully navigates the historic streets of the River City. It may sound like the beginning of a novel set in the old South, but it’s taking place today in downtown Vicksburg.

Rick Joles, a native of Oak Grove, La., has launched a new carriage ride business. Located on Levee St. and Washington St., Magnolia Carriage Rides & Tours invites locals and visitors alike to experience the charm of Vicksburg through historic tours and leisurely carriage rides, Joles said.

He says Magnolia Carriage offers historic carriage tours of Vicksburg with a distinct Southern charm. For $50, visitors and residents can experience a tour of the city, or they can enjoy a shorter ride at their leisure for $1 per minute. Beyond sightseeing, Magnolia Carriage’s services extend to weddings, events, and photography sessions, promising memorable experiences against the backdrop of Vicksburg’s scenic areas.

Driving the carriage is Joles, while his two mules – Toby and Trace – lead the way. He said he thought a carriage ride would be good for the city. 

“If someone put a carriage and a horse here, as pretty as this town is, they would do alright,” he said of his motivation to offer the service. 

City of Vicksburg administration, including Mayor George Flaggs Jr., was fully supportive of the idea, eager to bring a carriage ride service back to the River City, Joles said. 

Magnolia Carriage can be reached at 769-770-5142. They are open Monday, Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.; Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.; Thursday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. The service is closed on Tuesdays.