Royal Carriages, a New Orleans tourism icon and the nation’s oldest carriage company, has expanded to Louisiana’s Northshore. The 80-year-old company, best known for its mule-drawn historical tours in New Orleans’ French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods, is now offering sightseeing tours in Covington’s Downtown Historic District.

“Covington’s rich history, beautiful architecture and laid back vibes make it an ideal destination partner for Royal Carriages,” says Royal Carriages Director of Marketing Kimmie Carlos. “We are thrilled to bring a favorite New Orleans tradition to Covington, and we hope all of Louisiana’s Northshore will come experience history with us in a new and exciting way.”

Royal Carriages is currently operating two carriages in Covington on Friday through Sunday each week, with plans to expand to other Northshore municipalities in the near future. Each carriage holds a maximum of eight guests. Rides depart from the Marsolan Feed and Seed Store, next to the Covington Trailhead Museum. During the 30-minute tour, patrons see the area’s most popular historical sites, and learn from an expert guide about the city’s history as a center of commerce, industry and government on the Northshore. Some of the tour highlights include The Tammany Trace, Covington Cemetery #1, Bogue Falaya Park, The Star Theatre and The Southern Hotel. Royal Carriages also plans to launch private tours, and wedding and event packages in the coming months.

Since its founding in 1941, Royal Carriages has remained a family-owned and operated business. Now run by James Lauga, Jr. – a grandson of the original founders – Royal Carriages has continued to grow steadily into a full-service carriage company employing more than 45 team members and stabling a like number of young draft mules.

“The fact that Royal Carriages is a family-run business is one reason why we are the oldest carriage company in America,” says General Manager James Lauga, Jr. “Our Team Members and our mules are like family to us. Every aspect of our operation reflects our love for what we do, and the great pride we take in our business.”

Royal Carriages’ main farm is headquartered in Covington. The company stables about 34 mules in New Orleans, and the remaining are kept on pasture. All of the company’s mules receive at least three months of vacation per year at the company’s Covington or Poplarville, Mississippi farms.

“All of our mules are cherished, loved, and respected for what they are capable of and what they do for us. Our customers always enjoy seeing and learning about the strong bonds between our drivers and their four-legged partners. It’s part of what makes us a leader in our industry,” says Lauga.

For more information about Royal Carriages or to make tour reservations, visit neworleanscarriages.com or northshorecarriages.com