ELIMSPORT — As the gentle clatter of hooves echoes through the crisp autumn air, riders aboard Water Wheel Carriages are transported back in time. The scenic route winds through the Elimsport Valley, where vibrant fall foliage envelops the landscape in shades of gold and crimson, making each ride a picturesque journey.

The two-hour excursion meanders through serene farms, pastures and lush forests, all nestled against the hills. The rhythmic click-clack of the horses and the breathtaking views create a sense of calm and relaxation.

“Everything looks totally different in the back of a carriage compared to a vehicle because you’re going 5 to 8 miles an hour. It forces you to slow down and relax,” said Eric Lutz, co-owner and operator of Water Wheel Carriages.

The business, launched in September 2023, is co-owned by Eric and Joyce Lutz, a husband-and-wife team whose shared love for horses and nature blossomed into this family run venture.

Eric, recently retired, and Joyce, a marine biologist, turned a dream into reality after a conversation Eric had with his Amish neighbor, and a previous Airbnb host. It sparked the idea of offering hay wagon rides.

“I thought, ‘Hey, why don’t I do this myself?'” Eric said, of realizing that no one in the valley was offering the service.

However, the couple faced a significant hurdle: They knew virtually nothing about horses.

“I was not raised in or around horses and neither was Joyce,” Eric said.

Fortunately, their neighbor offered guidance, leading them to Sam Stoltzfus, who helped find the horses for the business. After careful consideration, they welcomed Richard and Prince, a pair of Belgian/Percheron brothers, into their lives.

“It took us a year to get them to eat apples even,” Joyce said, reflecting on the learning curve.

With mentorship from Stoltzfus, a local horse expert and seller, they transformed the brother horses into beloved companions ready for the journey ahead.

Before acquiring their horses, the couple sought the perfect carriage. After extensive searching, they found a unique, handmade Victorian carriage in Indiana, said to be modeled after President Herbert Hoover’s inauguration carriage.

“I thought ‘If we’re gonna do this business, then surely this is the carriage to have,'” Eric said.

After initially having to let it go due to its expensive selling price, the couple came back to the one-of-a-kind carriage and directly contacted the seller.

They were surprised when the seller agreed to sell it for half the original price. This stunning carriage, along with a custom-built wagon for larger groups, now allows riders to enjoy the beauty of the valley in style.

The rides offer a variety of experiences, including optional stops for small gifts and baked goods from a nearby Amish supply store or seasonal fruit from local stands.

“We discovered that here the journey is the destination,” said Eric.

With four different routes to choose from, the normally two-hour ride can be adjusted to individual preferences without a change in cost.

Looking ahead, Eric and Joyce have ambitious plans to expand their offerings.

“Ninety percent of our customers, when they find out about us, their very first question is, ‘Do you have a sleigh?'” Eric said, acknowledging the interest in winter rides.

They hope to build a sleigh modeled after a unique design from Norway, which they believe will extend their season.

The couple also aspires to host themed events, such as their previous cowboy-themed nights and “Pride and Prejudice”-themed rides, although turnout has been an issue due to a lack of a solid base.

“We’re really hoping for more events… but we’ll hold off until our base grows to our desired goals,” said Joyce.

Their enthusiasm for community engagement is evident, as they aim to create memorable experiences for their guests.

“Each ride is different, and we enjoy doing them,” Eric said. “If you think this is the country, it’s the city compared to where we take people.”

Their commitment to personalizing rides ensures that every outing feels unique and special. They even borrow a horse from a local Amish farmer for added assistance on steep hills for the 20-person ride on the rustic carriage, which was built by Eric.

The four-seat sweetheart carriage was purchased in New York after the previous owners used it for a wedding, and parked away for five years.