Celebrate the End of Summer in Savannah at the Craft Brew Fest

Historic Savannah offers the perfect way for beer-lovers to celebrate the end of summer at the 5th Annual Savannah Craft Brew Fest Week during the entire week leading up to Labor Day from August 26-September 2, 2012!  Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you during this iconic celebration.

The days leading up to the festival itself will feature special offers and activities at area shops, restaurants, and pubs.  The main Festival begins on Friday with over 50 breweries and 130 beers from the area, the country, and around the world will be in attendance, offering samples and information on their best craft brews and beer-based recipes.  And for the first time, the event will culminate in a live outdoor concert!  The beauty of Savannah's skyline and the river are a perfect backdrop for this week of enjoyment.

Tickets are available online at a discount for a variety of event packages.  Tickets are also available "at the door" at a slightly higher cost for the following event days:

Friday, August 31, 2012:  International Craft Brew Tasting from 6-9pm at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.  $55 in advance, $75 at the door.

Saturday, September 1, 2012:  The Grand Tasting from 12-5pm on the Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center featuring samples from more than 45 breweries, live music, food, and more.  VIPs (includes access to a special tasting room with rare beers) are $75 in advance, $100 at the door with a limited amount of tickets available.  General admission is $40 in advance, $45 at the door.  Designated driver attendance fee is just $10.

Sunday, September 2, 2012: Savannah Rhythm & Brews featuring the Heavy Pets, Stokeswood and Jason D. Williams, as well as Sister Hazel and the North Mississippi Allstars.  Gates open at 2pm with music from 3-10pm during the general festival.  Bring your chairs or blankets!  $40 in advance, $50 at the door.

While this is a festival, and a great way to celebrate the end of summer, this is also a beer festival.  Because of this, we would like to offer up some suggestions to those who plan to attend.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!  Your Savannah inn hosts do not want to see your visit ruined by the effects of irresponsible behavior.  PLEASE either designate your own responsible driver (Designated Driver admission is only $10), or get a taxi for your ride back to your bed and breakfast.  Even better, walk back to your bed and breakfast!  Romantic Inns of Savannah member inns are within two miles of the Convention Center!

EAT!  Food will be readily available at the event, so don't forget to nourish your body!  You'll thank us later...

DRINK WATER!  Even though this is a beer festival, we all know the dehydrating effects of alcohol.  Again, you'll thank us later...

TAKE YOUR TIME!  Just because you're at a beer tasting, it doesn't mean that you need to hurry through each booth.  Take it slow, savor the flavors, ask questions, then move on.  Why not enjoy the event for what it is?

TAKE NOTES!  With as many craft brew varieties out there, it's impossible to remember them all.  When you find one you like, note the name, the makeup (hoppy, wheaty, etc.), and the general flavor.  Not only will this help you find your favorites in the future, but it will give newer beer fans a general idea of what to look for in a beer outside of the festival.

BRING CASH!  While most event vendors are set up to take credit, some are not.  Besides, you might just want to tip those event-workers who give you great information or suggest something to see in the area.

Savannah's many B and Bs welcome you during this week of summer's end celebration and beer appreciation event.  We hope you enjoy your stay at your favorite inn lodging choice!