Savannah Strangled not Stirred Pub Crawl

Our review of the Savannah Strangled Not Stirred Pub Crawl offers a detailed look at what travelers can expect from this intriguing experience. Designed for those interested in a mix of history, ghost stories, and local crime tales, this tour promises a unique way to see Savannah’s historic streets while uncovering its shadowy past. What we love most? The knowledgeable guides who make each story come alive and the small group size that keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

One potential consideration is that this tour emphasizes storytelling over actual pub-hopping, which might disappoint those looking for a more traditional bar crawl. Still, if you’re a true crime fan or someone who enjoys stories of ghosts and executions, you’ll find plenty to love here. This experience suits travelers who enjoy storytelling, history, and a touch of the supernatural, especially if they prefer a relaxed, less crowded atmosphere.

Key Points

• The tour is a 2-hour small-group experience with a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring personalized attention.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills.
• Stops include iconic Savannah landmarks like River Street, Johnson Square, and Wright Square.
• The tour covers local crime, ghost stories, and historical executions, providing a mix of eerie tales and historic context.
• The price point of $35 offers good value for the storytelling and authentic experience.
• Booking in advance (about 8 days ahead on average) is recommended due to limited spots.

An Entertaining Journey Through Savannah’s Dark Side

This pub crawl isn’t your average night out. Instead, it’s a curated walk through Savannah’s most haunted, notorious, and storied streets, blending history, local legends, and true crime stories. The experience is designed to be both educational and entertaining, especially for those who love stories of murder, betrayal, and ghostly whispers that echo through the city’s moss-draped squares.

Ease of Starting and Group Size

You begin the tour by easy meet-up at Dub’s Pub on River Street, a lively area packed with history and atmosphere. The whole process is straightforward—no need to worry about navigating or choosing bars, as your guide takes care of the logistics. The tour only accommodates up to 10 guests, which creates a cozy, friendly environment where everyone can comfortably hear the stories and ask questions.

If you’re traveling with a larger group, there’s an option to book a private tour, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions. The small-group setting enhances the experience, making it more personal and interactive.

Why Guides Matter

According to multiple reviews, the guides are a highlight. One reviewer called Apollo “a phenomenal guide,” while others praised guides like Morris for being “informative, fun, and entertaining.” The guides’ ability to blend historical facts with storytelling and humor keeps the tour lively and memorable. Their knowledge of Savannah’s darker corners and history really makes the stories stick.

Itinerary Breakdown: A Walk into Savannah’s Shadowed Past

The tour is carefully structured to take you through five iconic stops, each with its own eerie tales.

Stop 1: Dub’s Pub on River Street

This lively waterfront spot marks the beginning of your journey. Walking down the Stone Stairs of Death, you’ll hear stories of smugglers, sailors, and unsolved waterfront crimes. The stairs, once slick with sweat, blood, and perhaps rum, set a fitting tone for the darker side of Savannah’s history.

We loved the way the guide painted a vivid picture of the waterfront’s treacherous past, including tales of smuggling and shipwrecks. One reviewer mentioned raising a glass “to the darker side of Savannah’s past”—a fun yet spooky way to start.

Stop 2: Johnson Square

By day, this peaceful, grand square showcases Savannah’s colonial charm. But at night, it reveals stories of duels, high-society betrayals, and murders. The moss-laden oaks and historic statues hide echoes of deadly disputes and personal vendettas that once played out here.

This stop is valued for its rich history mixed with ghostly legends. Several guests comment on how the stories make the square come alive, transforming it from a tranquil park into a site of ghostly whispers.

Stop 3: Reynolds Square and The Olde Pink House

Perhaps Savannah’s most iconic haunted building, The Olde Pink House, combines 18th-century elegance with supernatural tales. Known for fine dining and flickering candlelight, it’s said to be haunted by spirits of former residents and victims of past crimes.

Our readers found the stories of hauntings at this site “fascinating,” especially when tied to the building’s elegant atmosphere. The mix of history and ghost lore makes this stop a highlight.

Stop 4: Wright Square – The “Hanging Square”

This square’s grim nickname is well-earned. Once the site of public executions, it’s where gallows once loomed, and justice was often swift and deadly. The ghost stories linked to the gallows and those who met their fate here are remarkably vivid.

One reviewer called Wright Square “better known as ‘the Hanging Square’,” and shared that the stories of criminals and the wrongly accused still send shivers down the spine. The ghostly echoes of the past seem to linger here.

Stop 5: Factors Walk

Descending into Factors Walk, you enter a haunting industrial corridor with crumbling cobblestones, iron bridges, and warehouses. Historically, this was a hub for cotton trade and shady dealings, where bodies swung from ropes and dark deeds occurred in silence.

While admission isn’t included, this area’s dark history and ghostly reputation make it a fitting finale. The tales of greed, betrayal, and executions resonate with those interested in Savannah’s more sinister episodes.

The Experience: What to Expect

Throughout, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace, walking about Savannah’s historic streets, listening to stories that blend fact and legend. Every stop is roughly 20 minutes, giving ample time to absorb the tales and soak in the atmosphere. The small group size means you’re not just another face in the crowd; instead, you get a more interactive and personalized storytelling experience.

The tour is priced at $35 per person, which, considering the storytelling quality, stops, and the local expertise, offers solid value. You won’t be drinking alcohol during the tour itself, but the focus on stories means you can fully engage without the distraction of bar-hopping.

Practicalities and Tips

You’ll want to book about a week in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. The tour operates near public transportation, making it accessible. It’s recommended for guests aged 21 and over, mainly due to alcohol rules and the mature nature of the stories.

The tour is free to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand, which is helpful if weather or plans change suddenly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, ghost story fans, and anyone who enjoys a small, engaging group. If you prefer a relaxed pace with stories rather than a rowdy bar crawl, this is an excellent choice. It’s especially suitable for those interested in Savannah’s darker history, including tales of executions, murders, and haunted sites.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Savannah Strangled Not Stirred Pub Crawl offers a unique twist on exploring one of America’s most charming Southern cities. With knowledgeable guides, a small-group atmosphere, and well-chosen historic sites, it provides an authentic and fun way to learn about Savannah’s shadowy past.

While it’s not a traditional pub crawl—no free-flowing drinks here—the focus on stories and history makes it a compelling option for anyone who appreciates storytelling and a touch of the supernatural. The price point of $35 is reasonable considering the quality of the guides and the richness of the tales.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, curious travelers who enjoy a mix of history and ghostly legends, and who value personalized, engaging storytelling. If that sounds like your kind of night out, you’ll likely find this experience both fun and memorable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s designed for guests aged 21 and over, mainly due to alcohol policies and the mature nature of the stories.

Do I need to bring anything?
The tour provides a mobile ticket and doesn’t specify additional requirements, but comfortable shoes and an open mind for spooky tales are recommended.

Can I book a private tour?
Yes, if your group has more than 10 people, you can opt for a private experience, which offers a more tailored and intimate outing.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the guided storytelling experience. Alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not included.

How long does the tour last?
Roughly 2 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable evening outing.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options, making it convenient to reach.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Will I visit actual pubs during the tour?
While stops include historic pubs like Pour Larry’s Olde Pink House, the tour emphasizes storytelling over bar-hopping.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size and engaging stories make it a great way to meet others and enjoy Savannah’s spooky side.

In all, the Savannah Strangled Not Stirred Pub Crawl offers a unique, engaging, and fun way to explore Savannah’s darker corners. For anyone interested in history, ghost stories, and true crime, it’s a night that’s both entertaining and memorable.