Charlotte: Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour

Exploring Charlotte, North Carolina, in a way that’s both active and sociable might sound like a challenge, but this Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour manages to blend both effortlessly. For around $49 per person, you get to indulge in a delicious brunch, sip your favorite beverages, and pedal through the city streets on a lively trolley pub. It’s a fantastic mix of food, fun, and sightseeing—perfect for those who enjoy a little movement with their city tour.

What really appeals about this experience is its social vibe. You’re not just sitting on a bus—you’re actively participating, meeting fellow travelers, and experiencing Charlotte from a fresh perspective. The trolley pub is a unique, pedal-powered vehicle that adds a quirky, energetic touch to your day.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour requires a minimum of six pedalers to operate, so it’s best suited for groups or travelers who don’t mind a bit of physical activity. Also, while the tour is inclusive of one brunch dish and drink, the BYOB aspect means you’ll need to bring your own alcohol—canned beer, wine, ciders, and seltzers only, with no glass or liquor drinks allowed. It’s a lively, casual outing that’s best for those ready to have fun and socialize.

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting something more interactive than a typical city tour, especially those who enjoy good food and drinks, and aren’t afraid of a little pedaling. It’s also suitable for groups looking to make new friends or for anyone celebrating a special occasion in Charlotte.

Key Points

• Active and Social: Combines sightseeing with pedal-powered fun, promoting interaction among participants.
• Delicious Brunch: Includes a tasty dish from Ruby Sunshine paired with a brunch beverage.
• BYOB-Friendly: Bring your own canned drinks (no glass or liquor) with provided cooler and ice.
• Flexible Schedule: Tours last around 1.5 hours, with check-in at 11 am and the trolley arriving at noon.
• Weather-Ready: Operates rain or shine; rain jackets recommended if needed.
• Ideal for Groups: Minimum of six pedalers required, making it perfect for small groups or trips with friends.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Check-In

Your adventure begins at Ruby Sunshine, located at 332 W Bland St, Charlotte. Arriving by 11 am ensures a smooth check-in process, and you’ll get to browse the menu to select your brunch item. The menu offers options from Ruby Sunshine, known locally for its southern-inspired brunch dishes, so expect hearty, comforting fare—think eggs, pancakes, or breakfast sandwiches. You’ll also choose a brunch beverage, such as a mimosa or Bloody Mary, to kickstart your morning.

Brunch at Ruby Sunshine

Guests have raved about the quality of the brunch, with reviews highlighting the generous portions and flavorful dishes. One reviewer mentioned, “The eggs were perfectly cooked, and the mimosa was a nice touch to start the day right.” Having your meal here before hopping onto the trolley sets a relaxed, social tone for the rest of the experience. It’s a great way to fuel up and chat with your companions over a delicious breakfast.

The Pedal-Powered Tour

Once everyone is fed and ready, it’s time to hop aboard the Trolley Pub. This isn’t your average sightseeing vehicle—it’s a pedal-powered trolley with a maximum capacity that requires at least six riders to get moving. The certified conductor ensures safety and keeps the party lively, often sharing fun facts about Charlotte as you cruise through the streets.

The 1.5-hour ride takes you through some of Charlotte’s neighborhoods and notable streets, offering a different perspective than traditional bus or walking tours. The city views from the trolley are surprisingly engaging, especially with the breeze and the added element of pedaling. As one reviewer put it, “Cruising through Charlotte on the trolley with good company and drinks in hand made for a memorable morning.”

BYOB and Refreshments

Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks for the trolley. The cooler and ice provided make it easy to keep your beverages cold during the ride. Remember, no glass bottles or liquor are permitted onboard, only canned beer, wine, ciders, and seltzers. This policy helps maintain safety and keeps the atmosphere casual and fun. Some guests have noted the importance of planning your drinks accordingly, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Social Atmosphere and Group Size

The tour’s social aspect is one of its biggest draws. Multiple reviews mention the lively, friendly environment. “It’s a fantastic way to meet people and share some laughs,” one guest said. Since the activity is designed for groups, it’s perfect for leaving with new friends or celebrating an event like a birthday or bachelor party. The combination of food, drinks, and pedal power creates a relaxed but engaging vibe that many find irresistible.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Timing and Availability

The tour generally starts at noon, with check-in at 11 am. Be sure to check availability in advance, as popular dates can fill quickly, especially on weekends. The duration is straightforward—about 1.5 hours—which makes it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day or as part of a larger itinerary.

Pricing and Value

At $49 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of food, drinks, and active entertainment. When you consider that it includes a brunch dish, a drink, a 1.5-hour tour, and the ambiance of a social activity, it presents good value—especially if you’re looking for an experience that’s different from standard city sightseeing. The addition of the cooler and ice is a thoughtful touch that enhances the overall experience, making it easy to keep your drinks cold without extra fuss.

Weather and Accessibility

Rain or shine, the tour runs as scheduled, so packing a rain jacket or poncho is advisable if there’s a forecast of rain. Keep in mind, the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 275 pounds (125 kg), and it requires participants to be over 21 for alcohol consumption. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to pedal actively.

Group Requirements

A minimum of six pedalers is needed to operate the trolley. If your group is smaller, check with the provider, as refunds or credits are available if the minimum isn’t met. This ensures that the activity remains manageable and fun for everyone involved.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re someone who enjoys combining food, drinks, and a bit of physical activity during your city explorations, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for small groups, couples, or friends who want to share a lively, memorable experience. The social environment and casual vibe make it ideal for celebrating a special occasion or simply making new acquaintances. Those who like to see a city from a different perspective—on a pedal-powered trolley—will find this activity both engaging and amusing.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less active sightseeing tour, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers with mobility issues or those uncomfortable with alcohol policies should consider their options.

The Sum Up

The Charlotte Brunch and Trolley Pub City Tour offers a fun, sociable way to discover Charlotte while enjoying a hearty brunch and your favorite drinks. It’s an activity that combines active participation, good food, and lively company, making it perfect for groups looking for something a little different. The inclusion of a cooler and ice, along with the casual BYOB policy, ensures you’re well-equipped to relax and enjoy the ride.

While it’s not ideal for those who prefer traditional sightseeing or have mobility restrictions, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a memorable, hands-on experience with a local twist. The price point strikes a good balance, offering a unique way to spend part of your day in Charlotte without breaking the bank.

This tour is best suited for energetic, social travelers eager to explore Charlotte in a lively, memorable way—whether celebrating, making new friends, or simply enjoying a morning of good food, drinks, and pedal-powered adventure.

FAQ

Is there a minimum number of participants needed to book?
Yes, a minimum of six pedalers is required to operate the trolley. If the minimum isn’t met, you might be eligible for a refund or credit.

What time does the tour start?
Check-in is at 11 am at Ruby Sunshine, with the trolley arriving at noon. Tours typically last around 1.5 hours.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely. You can BYOB, but only canned beer, wine, ciders, or seltzers are permitted. No glass bottles or liquor drinks are allowed onboard.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. It’s recommended to bring rain jackets or ponchos if rain is forecasted.

Is this tour accessible for everyone?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 275 lbs (125 kg). The activity also requires participants to be over 21 for alcohol consumption.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Ruby Sunshine, 332 W Bland St, Charlotte, and ends back at the same location.

What should I wear?
Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Dress comfortably for pedaling and socializing.

This lively Charlotte experience offers a unique way to enjoy the city’s sights, flavors, and friendly atmosphere—all with a good dose of pedal-powered fun.