ROCKINGHAM — Those in Richmond County going out of town to see a concert or bar-hop now have another option for a safe and sober ride home.

Antoinette Flowers decided Richmond County needed a party bus, and now her new company, A Delightful Tour, is going to provide that service.

“When my son turned 16, I took him and his friends out to a restaurant,” she said, explaining her inspiration to start the new business. “They weren’t having fun. I went to school at Richmond Community College for business. I just said it’s something they could do. And I said a party bus so they could have some fun. I did some research, and I’m giving Richmond County a party bus.”

With that being said, Flowers noted that the bus is not just for those over 21. In fact, drinking and smoking is not allowed on the bus during a trip.

“We cater to children. We can set the bus up to have the party on the bus,” said Flowers. “I don’t want it to just be for 21 and older. I want it to be for everyone. Plus, parents don’t have to clean up.”

Flowers said her bus will be available for wedding parties, homecomings or any kind of celebration that gathers people together. She wants it to be a place where people can ride and enjoy each other’s company. The bus comes equipped with full leather seating and a large flat-screen television in the back.

A Delightful Tour will transport parties to anywhere in North Carolina, and when asked about a trip to Myrtle Beach — one that’s sure to come up once spring and summer arrive next year — Flowers said she’s applied for an interstate license and expects to add South Carolina adventures in the near future.

According to Flowers, prices vary based on where the party is headed as well as how many people are riding. The bus can seat up to 28 people, and she said prices start at $150 an hour. She’s running specials at the moment, however, to help get her company’s name out to the public.

Her first booking was for a concert in Fayetteville last Saturday. Flowers is glad the word is already out beyond Richmond County. Her first booking from here is a group heading out for a night on the town this weekend.

Flowers considers A Delightful Tour a family-owned business as she will be the driver for all occasions and will be accompanied by her son. Because of this, she looks at her new endeavor as a way for people of all ages to have a good time, and as a way for those planning to drink alcohol to avoid trouble.

“Where you drink, that’s your business. This is the transportation. I want to bring you back in one piece. It will be a service to those who want to drink and get home safely.”

For more information and current rates, call 910-817-7259 or visit www.adelightfultourpartybus.com.

Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Antoinette Flowers, owner of A Delightful Tour party bus, sits inside her new ride with her 7-year-old godson, Joseph Champayn. Rates start at $150 an hour, and the bus can seat up to 28 people.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_DSC_0420.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Antoinette Flowers, owner of A Delightful Tour party bus, sits inside her new ride with her 7-year-old godson, Joseph Champayn. Rates start at $150 an hour, and the bus can seat up to 28 people.

By Matt Harrelson

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