Battles & Brews Pub Crawl in Savannah

Exploring Savannah’s Civil War Past on the Battles & Brews Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for a way to combine history, local flavors, and a fun group atmosphere, the Battles & Brews Pub Crawl in Savannah hits the mark. Priced at $35 per person and lasting about two hours, this experience takes you through some of the city’s most notable Civil War sites while giving you a chance to sample barrel-aged cocktails, house-made spirits, and craft beers. With a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who enjoy a lively social setting.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances informative storytelling with casual bar hopping—making history accessible and enjoyable. Plus, the tour’s stops are thoughtfully chosen, each revealing different facets of Savannah’s Civil War past while offering a cozy, authentic local drinking experience.

One potential consideration is that the tour is limited to guests aged 21 and over, which makes sense given the alcohol focus. Also, while the tour is around two hours, it’s best suited for those who can comfortably walk through Savannah’s historic squares and enjoy some standing and mingling. If you’re interested in a small-group, engaging way to learn about Savannah’s Civil War history with a drink in hand, this tour offers excellent value.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, travelers who love local drinks, or anyone wanting an entertaining, educational experience with a social twist. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy guides who are knowledgeable and personable, making the stories come alive.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines Civil War history with Savannah’s lively bar scene.
• Engaging Guides: Tour guides like Austin and Emily receive praise for their knowledge and storytelling.
• Authentic Stops: Visits to historic squares and notable sites, each with its own story.
• Quality Drinks: Opportunities to taste local cocktails, spirits, and craft beers.
• Short & Sweet: Two hours of fun, history, and drinks—perfect for a quick evening activity.
• Age Restriction: Only guests 21+ allowed due to alcohol consumption.

A Closer Look at the Savannah Battles & Brews Pub Crawl

The Experience in a Nutshell

Imagine strolling through Savannah’s historic streets with a knowledgeable guide, stopping at four iconic locations, each linked to Civil War history. The tour kicks off at The DeSoto Savannah, where whispers of Robert E. Lee’s presence still seem to echo. As you sip a carefully crafted local cocktail, you’ll learn about the complex legacy of the Civil War in Savannah, including ghostly legends that add a spooky twist.

From there, you’ll head to Madison Square, a quiet yet significant spot where Civil War activity played out beneath the statues and historic homes. Here, stories of Confederate generals and Union occupation come alive, all while you enjoy your drink and soak in the square’s atmosphere.

Next, the tour visits Johnson Square, Savannah’s oldest and most prominent square. This was once a hub of trade, decision-making, and elite gatherings. You’ll hear about how locals debated secession, financed the Confederacy, and shaped the city’s role in the war—on a site steeped in monuments and whispers of the past.

Finally, the group moves to Ellis Square, once a vital commerce center during the conflict. Today, it’s a lively hub, but during the Civil War, it was a battleground of economic activity and military marches. Here, you can picture soldiers marching and merchants profiting, all while enjoying your drink and reflecting on the collision of war and everyday life.

The Stops and What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: The DeSoto Savannah
This historic hotel sits on grounds linked to Robert E. Lee’s time in Savannah. The stories about Lee walking where you now sip your cocktail add a visceral sense of connection to history. The guide’s storytelling is lively and detailed, mixing facts with local legends—often with a ghostly undertone that keeps things interesting.

Stop 2: Madison Square
A peaceful-looking square on the surface, but beneath lies a battlefield of memory. You’ll hear stories of resistance, Southern defiance, and Union occupation. The statues and 19th-century homes nearby provide a tangible link to the past, making the stories feel more real and immediate.

Stop 3: Johnson Square
This is where Savannah’s elite gathered and made crucial wartime decisions. The monuments and historic buildings set the scene for tales of secession debates and Confederate funding. It’s a place where the city’s civil and military history converge, offering a meaningful backdrop for your drinks and discussions.

Stop 4: Ellis Square
Once a busy marketplace and auction site, Ellis Square’s past reveals a different side of Savannah’s Civil War story—one of economic struggle and military logistics. Today, it’s a vibrant spot, but your guide will help you picture its wartime hustle and merchant activity as you stand amidst the modern-day buzz.

The Value of the Tour

Priced at $35, this experience offers remarkable value for what it provides. You’re not just getting a simple bar crawl; you’re gaining insights into Savannah’s Civil War history from guides who are both knowledgeable and personable. The stops are carefully selected for their historic significance, and the opportunity to buy drinks at each location enhances the social aspect.

Reviews highlight how guides like Tristan and Emily excel at sharing stories and facts that you won’t find in textbooks. One reviewer even mentions that their guide shared stories about the Civil War they had never heard before, elevating the experience beyond a typical tour.

Practical Considerations

The tour is limited to 30 participants, ensuring a comfortable group size, and begins at 5:00 pm, making it perfect for an early evening activity. Since the tour is walkable, you’ll need to be able to handle some standing and walking through historic squares. It’s not suitable for children or those under 21 due to the alcohol component.

Weather can affect this tour, so cancelations due to weather are possible, and the policy offers full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. It’s wise to book 11 days in advance on average, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Final Thoughts

The Battles & Brews Pub Crawl offers a rare combination of history, local culture, and social fun. It’s a perfect fit for travelers who want to learn in an informal setting and enjoy some of Savannah’s best drinks. The knowledgeable guides bring the stories of the Civil War alive, making the past feel vivid and personal.

If you enjoy interactive tours, like learning from guides who know their stuff, and want to walk away with a deeper understanding of Savannah’s wartime past—all while sipping local cocktails—this tour is a superb choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
No, the tour is only for guests 21 and over, and alcohol is a core part of the experience. If you prefer to skip drinks, this tour might not be the best fit.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Public Kitchen & Bar at 1 W Liberty St and concludes at Ellis Square in Savannah.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour can be canceled due to weather, with a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How many stops are there?
There are four main stops, each focusing on a different site significant to Civil War history.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included; guests purchase their beverages at each stop.

What kind of drinks can I expect?
You might find barrel-aged cocktails, house-made spirits, and local craft beers.

Is the tour suitable for seniors or those with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking through historic squares, so some mobility is required. It’s best for those who can comfortably stand and walk for short periods.

What is the group size?
The tour typically has a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a friendly and intimate atmosphere.

Would this tour be good for history buffs?
Absolutely. Guides are praised for their detailed stories and insights, making it a great choice for those eager to learn more about Savannah’s Civil War history.

This Battles & Brews Pub Crawl offers a wonderful way to experience Savannah’s historic streets with a drink in hand and a knowledgeable guide sharing stories that bring the past to life. It’s a lively, educational, and tasty option for those who want a memorable evening exploring the city’s Civil War stories and local drink scene.