Chicago's Very Own: Horse Carriage & Theatre
Most people know the horse and carriage rides near Michigan Avenue as a great way to see the city. But did you know the horses put on a show in an actual theatre?
December 14, 2007
Think you've done everything there is to do here in Chicago? How does a horse and carriage ride to a dinner theatre sound for the holidays?
Most people know you can hire a horse and buggy - there are horse and carriage rides for hire in Chicago.
This is a popular spot near Pearson Street and Michigan Avenue. It also is where we found some turn of the century carriages. They're from the Noble Horse Company, which is one of the five companies for hire.
George okay, well enjoy the ride. We'll be going down Michigan Ave. the magnificent mile -past the water tower.
During the ride, we take in the gorgeous views and sounds. The steady clip clop seems to slow the busy holiday shoppers and city traffic.
George Meyers is a retired Chicago fire fighter. He's been driving for four years. On this 20-degree day he (and Cali the horse) take us to a destination not everyone knows about. The Noble Horse Historic Riding Hall. It's on the corner of Shiller and Orleans.
After you step off the carriage ride... step inside this beautiful old theatre. It was built in 1871 -complete with a fireplace. The Noble Horses also perform in a variety of shows throughout the year.
Before we see the equestrian show - we visit the horses' home. The stables are more than 100 years old. The entire building takes up about 18,000 square feet or an entire block. Danny sugrue says people always want to know if the horses are well taken care of.
Danny Sugrue /Noble Horse Carriage Manager: Oh yes, yea, and they rotate out to our farm also.
And now onto the holiday show. The nutcracker on horseback.
Dan Sampson is president and rider.
Dan Sampson/ Noble Horse President and Rider: Our normal show is called Quadrille. It's more of a classical riding school performance.
For around $125 you get an hour-long carriage ride, theatre tickets and a candlelight dinner.
Dan Sampson: It's a fun place to go if you love horses.
For Chicago's very own. Jane Boal WGN news.
The horse stables were originally built as a riding hall after the great Chicago fire in 1871. It stands as the last horse stable in the city.
WEB LINKS AND MORE INFO
Noble Horses are for hire at:
Michigan Ave. and Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
Noble Horse Theater is located at:
1401 N. Orleans Street
(312) 266-7878
http://www.noblehorsechicago.com
A half-hour trip for four runs $35, doubling to $70 for an hour, with additional charges assessed for larger parties.
Copyright © 2008, WGN-TV
|
|
|
|
E-mail story
Print