Horse drawn carriage rides bring economic boost in Berlin
BERLIN, Md. – America’s Coolest Small Town is filled with the magical sound of jingle bells and hooves on pavement throughout the month of December.
It is all part of Berlin’s annual holiday carriage rides a tradition that attracts thousands from all across Delmarva each year.
“This has become a tradition now and it’s not just an event,” said Town of Berlin Economic and Community Development Director, Ivy Wells.
“People look forward to it every year, they come every year and to see the kids’ faces light when they get on the carriage rides, there’s nothing better than that,” said Wells.
“They’re going to come, there’s just no way around it,” said the Owner-Operator of the carriage rides, Randy Davis.
“I get many, many calls about this like yesterday since it rained we were supposed to do it, and I probably had 30 calls,” said Davis.
And, with so many visitors the Economic and Community Development Director said local shops and restaurants see a big boost in sales.
“The people that come for the carriage rides, they’ll spend the day here,” said Wells.
“They’ll have lunch or brunch, they’ll stay for dinner, they’ll go shopping, so Berlin is a destination, and this just adds to it,” Wells said.
“We like going in and out of the shops and then we bring friends here and our friends from out of town that have never been here before just to come to this small town of America,” said Garry Williams, a Virginia resident.
Local business manager William Hotten said his restaurant benefits especially in the off-season.
“We have the tree lighting, we’ve got the parade and we’ve got the carriage rides,” said Hotten, manager at the Fins Ale House & Raw Bar.
“And, that brings people in because they stop in for the carriage rides, they come on over to Fins and get something to eat,” said Hotten.
And, kids add they always look forward to visiting the toy shops after a carriage ride through town.
“There’s a little bit for everybody like taverns for people who like to go to taverns and there’s like shops and toy shops and clothes shops for everybody,” said Holly Cockey.
Town officials said there is no denying families will keep coming back each year to enjoy Berlin’s unique Christmas spirit.
