Moon River Brewing Company

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and deeply layered history. Few places in the city capture this blend of past and present as vividly as the Moon River Brewing Company. Housed in a nearly 200-year-old building, Moon River is a destination for craft beer lovers—and one of Savannah’s most haunted locations. Its walls hold stories of famous visitors, tragic deaths, and restless spirits that still wander the halls today.

A Building with a Storied Past

The building that now houses Moon River Brewing Company was constructed in 1821 by Elazer Early as the City Hotel—Savannah’s first hotel. At the time, it also served as the city’s first U.S. Post Office and a branch of the U.S. Bank.

The City Hotel’s guest list included some of the most notable figures of the era. James Audubon stayed here for six months while collecting subscriptions for Birds of America. General Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812, visited as well. The Marquis de Lafayette also stayed during his celebrated American tour.

The hotel thrived until 1864, just before General Sherman’s troops marched into Savannah. The building then served briefly as a yellow fever hospital, where many—especially children—succumbed to the disease. Afterward, it was repurposed as a warehouse and later an office supply store. In 1979, Hurricane David tore the roof off, leaving the building vacant and deteriorating.

In 1999, John Pinkerton and Gene Bocco brought the structure back to life as Moon River Brewing Company. Since then, the brewery has become a cornerstone of Savannah’s craft beer scene, even winning the Great American Beer Festival Mid-Size Brewery of the Year Award in 2017.

Hauntings of Moon River Brewing Company

While the beer draws customers in, it’s the ghost stories that keep them talking. Staff and guests alike have reported eerie experiences—whispered voices, shadowy figures, and even violent encounters with unseen forces.

The basement is said to be haunted by a spirit named Toby. Visitors describe sudden cold spots, overwhelming dread, and even being shoved. His presence is so strong that many consider the basement one of the most haunted areas of the building.

Even the dining room and restrooms have their share of stories. One woman reported being trapped in a locked bathroom stall that unlocked on its own. Others have described ghostly hands brushing their legs under tables or bottles flying off shelves without explanation.

Spirits of the Upper Floors

On the second floor, legend recalls a deadly dispute in 1832. Dr. Philip Minis shot gambler James Stark after an argument turned violent. Though acquitted, Minis left behind a story that many believe explains paranormal activity on this level. Guests have reported being pushed on the staircase and seeing glasses fly off shelves with no one nearby.

The third and fourth floors, once used as a yellow fever hospital, are considered the most active. Reports include sightings of a mysterious Lady in White and the sounds of children’s laughter, cries, and footsteps. Doors are said to open and close on their own, while visitors claim to have been touched or grabbed by unseen hands.

A Living Piece of Savannah’s History

Today, Moon River Brewing Company is more than a place to enjoy award-winning craft beer. It is a living museum that reflects Savannah’s layered history, from its days as a luxury hotel to its time as a fever hospital and now as a thriving brewery. Visitors come for the beer, but many leave with unforgettable stories of ghostly encounters.

Raise a glass at Moon River Brewing Company, where every brick tells a story, and the past lingers in the shadows.