Charleston Tour Reviews

From the Edgar Allan Poe Library: "When Eric Lavender walks into the room all activities cease, and the attention is totally focused toward the dreadlocks, the swashbuckling outfit and the parrot. His stories of life on the Carolina coast as a pirate come alive and his audience is mesmerized. Eric presented a program for the Edgar Allan Poe library and we are still talking about it. His attention to detail, his life-like appearance and his ability to tell stories are all part of his alter ego. The magic comes alive. He is truly a wonderful teller of stories." Jeri England, Manager, Edgar Allan Poe Library, Sullivan's Island.

"NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHARLESTON TOUR! - Part history tour, part ghost Tour, all fun! For a different kind of Charleston tour, don't miss Eric Lavender's Pirate Tour. His authentic costume and impressive knowledge make for an afternoon you won't soon forget. Don't waste your time on a carriage tour......learn more about Charleston with Eric Lavender! Definitely 5 stars!" Plemmons family, South Carolina

"Entertaining and Lively
My tour guide, Eric, was very personable, lively and a great storyteller. Although we were just walking the hot, humid streets of Charleston, he kept the crowd entertained and interested in the stories being told. Good job Eric." Zerve.com

"Thank you for taking Scott and I on the Pirate Tour today.

I loved your stories and how you intermixed the pirate stories with the ghost stories. I thought your storytelling was great and was very pleased with learning about stuff I'd never heard about before." Shuva, Davenport, IA

Great Experience
"Thanks for the great tour last night throught he haunted jail. The tour guide, Eric, was incredible in creating the mental images of the prisoners and the ghosts haunting the jail. He is a great storyteller. It was a great addition to our stay in Charleston." The Olseths, MN

"The Best Ghost Walk I've Ever Been On!!!
Our guide's name was Eric, and he was fantastic! Very knowledgeable about the history of the area, and very entertaining. He told great ghost stories, and answered every question we had. I have been on many ghost walks, in Gettysberg, Savannah, etc., and this one ranks in the top 3. We didn't want it to end!!!!" Sincerely, Hilda Nichols, Tennessee Zerve.com

"Great tour, would recommend
The night-time jail tour was great. We arrived at dusk, the jail was creepy to begin with and bats were flying out of it. The tour guide, Eric, is very knowledgeable. I don't know about it really being haunted, but hey, whatever, it was entertainment... I would recommend this tour for it's entertainment value." Zerve.com

Private Birthday Party: "We want to thank you for coming to Royce's party and making it very special. The parents of the children attending were very impressed on how professional you were with the kids even though they had odd request like "broken balloons". Too funny! We loved all that you did and look forward to working with you again in the future! I hope to send you many referrals." The Pieper's, Summerville, SC

Corporate Party: "Thank you so much for coming to our Picnic on Saturday. It was a blast and I know everyone enjoyed you being there. We've gotten a lot of positive feedback from everyone. I will definitely keep you in mind if another event comes up for us." Ashley Stone, Select Health of South Carolina

"Eric did a great job. Very knowledgeable & enjoys his job! Would definitely come again!" Bulldog Tours Comment Card

"Hit of the party! My rating: 5 Stars
We had Eric and Bob at a children's event and they were the hit of the entire day! Eric is lovely to work with and Bob is charming. :) A long line of children remained well after our event was over and they stayed the whole time to be sure every kid left with a smile on their face! Thanks guys!" Palmettobizbuzz.com

Bulldog Tours Online Feedback question: "What can we do better?" Answer: "Not much, except hire more guides like Eric. He was a very good storyteller.

"Great stories for kids and adults! My rating: 5 Stars
Does great, local stories, and his big bird is a scream. Made my daughter the coolest balloon fish you've ever seen. The best part is the kids learned a little history without even realizing

it!" Palmettobizbuzz.com

"We were looking for an informative, family, fun tour; you delivered! Our entire group loved the entertaining historical walking tour. You have a natural ability to paint grand pictures in our minds. Coupled with the beautiful historical backdrop of Charleston, we felt like we were in the thick of it all. Special thanks for keeping adult descriptions suitable for young ears... We really enjoyed our pirate experience with you as our story teller. Thank you for the recommendation on the Buccaneer Restaurant. All in all, we had an adventurous and enjoyable afternoon. Thank you for the memories." Baldwin Family,Residents of North Carolina and Michigan

December 30, 2009

"The best historical pirate tour guide in the business.

I thought the tour was informative and entertaining. You really know a lot about pirate history and your presentation was excellent.

One thing though-the parrot is fun and great but he does get in the way of your commentary. could you think of a separate routine with the parrot, maybe just posing was unique enough or just leave him out when you start your talk. I am actually working on some pirate fiction in the Caribbean. Can I call on you again for more information? Thank you" Dr. Curtis Sonny and Barbara.

"Enjoyed our tour so much today! Brice (the 4 year old) said it was the best trip in the world lol! Look forward to coming back & doing a ghost tour :)" from Monica in North Carolina

"Fun and very informative, lots of history thrown in: Eric, was a lot a fun. He provided history and fun facts all about Charleston. We all enjoyed it. Thanks. Cathy" Zerve.com

From Charleston Magazine (on Children's Museum of the Lowcountry April 2008 Fam Jam): "Island Paradise Balloon Art pirate Eric Lavender was a crowd-pleaser... He also brought along his friend Bob the Macaw, who drew a crowd with his loud whistles and chatter."

"Great story telling guide, different side of city

We had a great time... The best part of the tour was listening to our guide... He was very, very talented. You could close your eyes and feel like you're back in history in the 1700s and 1800s... Loved our guide..."Elena (from) Bucharest, Romania

Zerve.com

"A lot of fun! 5 Stars
Eric was our tour guide. He was a great story teller and very personable. Would definitely take this tour again... Thanks for the great tour! We had a great time..." Zerve.com

About Mt. Pleasant Children's Day Festival: "Thank you for being part of the 20th Annual Children's Day Festival this year... As always you and Bob were a great hit at the event and enjoyed by hundreds of children." Su McManus-Frost, Event Coordinator, Town of Mt. Pleasant

"Island Paradise Balloon Art...A Must for the kids My rating: 5 Stars Island Paradise Balloon Art is excellent for any event. Young and old alike will get a kick out of "Bob" the Macaw. Eric, the Pirate, keeps the fun going with his storytelling and balloon making for kids. Get them for your party, you'll love them!" Gary Griffin, WEZL Palmettobizbuzz.com

"MUST SEE!! My rating: 5 Stars
The stories are excellent and the art is fantastic!" Palmettobizbuzz.com

About Appearance at Just Fresh in Belle Hall: "Feedback from everyone about Eric has been really positive, I think he did a great job and loved Bob!! I will definitely keep ya’ll in mind for our next event!" Sara E. McGill, Cognetix Advertising and Marketing

"Thanks so much we had a great time w/ you! keep up the great work!" Rob Parslow via email

Charleston Pirate Tours

A Swashbuckling Good Time!