This "Bridgerton"-themed bus takes you on a mobile tea party tour of Charlotte
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Queen Charlotte will spill the tea on some of the city's best keep secrets in a two hour ride around town. Photo: Courtesy of Whimsy Wheels Wander Tours
Dearest gentle reader, a "Bridgerton"-themed bus tour called Whimsy Wheels Wander Tours is making its way around the city, sharing local history.
Why it matters: The bus tour is inspired by Netflix's "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," which is loosely based on a real historical figure: Queen Charlotte, the royal behind Charlotte's "Queen City" nickname.
Context: Whimsy Wheels Wander Tour founders Ashley Harkrader and Ashley Kramer wanted to create an interactive experience that showcases the city's history, diversity and secrets in an entertaining way.
- They launched their bus tours in April to offer an activity for those looking for things to do in a sober or family-friendly setting.
How it works: The tour, which lasts about two hours, takes you through popular Charlotte neighborhoods. Meanwhile, your tour guide shares both historical and scandalous facts about the city and the queen it's named after.
- Expect games, royal photo ops complete with a throne backdrop, a curtsy tutorial, and in true "Bridgerton" fashion, Queen Charlotte will crown one lucky passenger as the diamond of the season.
- It makes a 30-minute stop at The Market at 7th Street in Uptown.
The vibe: The 28-person bus, which its owner calls the Royal Carriage, was designed to be whimsical, decorated with floral wallpaper, a ceiling lined with flowers and pink lighting.
Sip on this: On board, you'll enjoy six custom tea flavors, including a blue matcha that turns pink when mixed with lemonade, and a peach mango refresher made with green tea.
- You can pair the tea with light snacks and desserts. You'll also receive a custom tea tumbler to take home.
If you go: Whimsy Wheels Wander Tours run every Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm and another from 3-5pm.
- Tickets are $69 per person. "Bridgerton" attire is encouraged but not required.
- Private events and custom tours are available Monday through Friday.
What's next: Starting in August, they'll add a Friday night "naughty tour," which will be a theater-based experience featuring dance numbers, including some burlesque, and it'll be BYOB.
