Spooky Sips at Moon River Brewing: America’s Most Haunted Brewery
Nestled in Savannah, Georgia, Moon River Brewing Company isn’t just a hotspot for craft beer lovers—it’s a paranormal playground. Known as one of America’s most haunted breweries, this historic brewpub at 21 West Bay Street serves up chilling ghost stories alongside its award-winning brews. Let’s dive into the eerie tales, rich history, and frothy fun that make Moon River a must-visit, especially around National Beer Lover’s Day on September 7!
A Haunted History Steeped in Time
Moon River Brewing Company occupies a building constructed in 1821 by Elazer Early as the City Hotel, Savannah’s first hotel. This wasn’t just a place for travelers to rest—it housed the city’s first U.S. Post Office and a branch of the Bank of the United States. Notable guests like naturalist James Audubon, who stayed for six months, and War of 1812 hero Winfield Scott walked its halls. But the building’s history took darker turns.
During Savannah’s yellow fever outbreaks, the upper floors served as a makeshift hospital, where hundreds, mostly children, tragically died. The Civil War brought more turmoil, with the hotel closing in 1864 just before General Sherman’s March to the Sea. Later, it became a warehouse, an office supply store, and sat empty after Hurricane David ripped off its roof in 1979. In 1999, Moon River Brewing Company breathed new life into the space, but the spirits of the past never left.
Meet the Ghosts of Moon River
Every floor of Moon River has its own spectral residents, earning it features on shows like *Ghost Hunters*, *Ghost Adventures*, and *BuzzFeed Unsolved*. Here are the brewery’s most famous phantoms:
Toby, the Basement Dweller: The basement is the heart of Moon River’s hauntings, and Toby is its star. This shadowy figure, named by staff, is often seen lurking near the billiards room, brushing against guests or giving them a playful shove. Visitors report sudden cold spots and disembodied voices, with one woman claiming half her body turned icy cold while hearing unintelligible whispers.
The Lady in White: On the upper floors, a glowing apparition known as Mrs. Johnson, or the Lady in White, floats through walls and ceilings. Believed to be a hotel worker from the late 1800s, she’s a ghostly celebrity, even photographed by patrons.
James Stark’s Restless Spirit: The second floor is infamous for the 1830s shooting of gambler James Stark by Dr. Philip Minis after a heated feud. Stark’s ghost is said to roam the main floor, pushing guests or knocking over silverware.
Children’s Echoes: The upper floors, once a hospital, echo with the sounds of children playing or crying, a haunting reminder of the yellow fever victims. Some report feeling invisible hands grabbing them, especially in the dining area.
Renovations in the 1990s stirred up more activity, like when a foreman’s wife was pushed down the third-floor stairs by an unseen force, prompting his immediate resignation. The upper floors remain largely untouched, amplifying their eerie vibe.
More Than Just Ghosts: Award-Winning Brews
Despite its spooky reputation, Moon River is a craft beer powerhouse. Since opening in 1999, it’s racked up accolades, including a gold medal for its Wild Wacky Wit at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival, where it was also named Best Mid-Size Brewpub. Favorites like the Swamp Fox IPA and Captain’s Porter pair perfectly with Southern dishes like shrimp and grits. The brewery’s vibrant atmosphere and outdoor patio make it a Savannah staple, haunted or not.
How to Experience Moon River’s Spooky Side
Ready to sip and shiver? Here’s how to make the most of your visit, especially around National Beer Lover’s Day:
Join a Ghost Tour: Companies like Savannah Terrors and Truth In Evidence Haunted Tours offer paranormal investigations, complete with ghost-hunting gear. The three-hour overnight lock-in at Moon River is a favorite for thrill-seekers, though upper floors can be hot in summer.
Visit the Basement: The basement is accessible on some tours. Keep an eye out for Toby and watch for moving pool balls—a playful sign of his presence.
Snap Photos: Bring a camera to catch orbs, mists, or even the Lady in White. Visitors have reported creepy silhouettes in windows and strange sensations on the upper floors.
Sip and Stay Alert: Order a craft beer and keep your senses sharp. You might feel a cold draft or see a bottle slide off a shelf—paranormal pranks are common here.
Note: The upper floors have stairs and no air conditioning, so plan accordingly if mobility or heat is a concern.
Why Moon River Stands Out
Savannah, dubbed America’s most haunted city by the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology in 2003, is full of spooky spots, but Moon River tops the list. Its mix of violent history, tragic deaths, and active spirits makes it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts. The brewery leans into its haunted reputation, welcoming ghost tours and curious visitors while serving top-notch brews. It’s the perfect blend of creepy and cozy, making it a bucket-list stop for beer lovers and ghost hunters alike.
Raise a Glass to the Spirits
Moon River Brewing Company is more than a brewery—it’s a time capsule of Savannah’s haunted past. Whether you’re drawn by the ghostly tales of Toby and the Lady in White, the thrill of a paranormal investigation, or just a damn good IPA, this brewpub delivers. On National Beer Lover’s Day, September 7, there’s no better place to toast to history, hops, and haunts. Visit Moon River, sip a craft brew, and who knows—you might just share a pint with a ghost!
Have you visited Moon River or had a spooky encounter there? Share your story in the comments or tag #MoonRiverBrewing on social media. Cheers to brews and boos!
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