Historic Pub Walking Tour
Raise a glass to Historic Bethlehem's brewing history! Learn about early Moravians & their surprising views on beer making.
Historic Pub Walking Tour Overview
Includes Complimentary Christmas City Spirits Tasting at the Sun Inn and Tasting Glass
Raise a glass to Historic Bethlehem’s brewing history!
Learn about the early Moravians and their surprising views on brewing on this guided tour starting at the 1810 Goundie House, home of Bethlehem’s first commercial brewer, Johann Sebastian Goundie.
You’ll discover the importance of beer in Colonial America and explore Bethlehem’s history as you visit Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Lost Tavern, the Red Stag Pub. Along the way, there’s time to purchase and enjoy a drink at any one of these stops.
The tour culminates at the Historic Sun Inn, where participants receive a special Sun Inn tasting glass and enjoy a complimentary tasting of the award-winning Christmas City Spirits, which are available for purchase at the inn. Samples might include Cherry Bounce, a cherry-infused cordial reportedly enjoyed by George Washington; Cider House Blend, a delicious blend of locally sourced apple cider and whiskey; and other intriguing options.
This bubbly tour covers intriguing topics such as how people ordered beer during prohibition, what President John Adams drank when he visited Bethlehem and the ties between the early Moravians and brewing.
Please allow for up to 2 hours for this tour.
Walking Tour Accessibility
Historic Bethlehem’s guided walking tours take you through the heart of Bethlehem’s National Historic Landmark District – the same grounds where history actually happened. Tours typically runs about 90 minutes at a comfortable walking pace, moving along brick and paved sidewalks, a few gentle hills, and some sloped or possibly grassy stretches between stops. It’s part of what makes the experience feel real rather than staged.
If you have questions about a specific tour, or want help planning your visit, call the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Concierge Service at 1-800-360-TOUR (8687). We’re happy to walk through the details with you and find the right fit.
What is the typical pace of the tours?
Tours are typically around 90 minutes. This is around 90 minutes of walking and standing, with stops along the way to take in the sights and stories. Seating is available at only a few points along the route.
What is the terrain?
The terrain is a mix of brick and paved sidewalks, with some uneven, sloped, or grassy sections. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
Are there inclines or slopes on these tours?
Most routes are gently sloped. The Bethlehem and the Revolution, Birthplace of Industry, and Mystery & History Tours include a steeper paved incline between the Historic District and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. It’s a great chance to see the landscape that shaped the city’s industry.
Are there stairs on the tours?
The Grist Miller’s House, 1741 Gemeinhaus, and the Single Sisters’ House are original 18th-century buildings without elevators, so there is a flight or two of steeper historic stairs. Guests on the Branching Out Tour, which includes the Gemeinhaus and the Single Sisters’ House, and the Birthplace of Industry Tour, which includes the Grist Miller’s House, are welcome to remain on the main floor. Our guides are happy to describe what is on the other floors, and Branching Out Tour attendees can watch a video at the Gemeinhaus showing what they would see on the second floor of the building.
Are the tours wheelchair and mobility device friendly?
Many outdoor sections of our tour routes are navigable with a manual or power wheelchair. Some brick and sloped areas may be more challenging for certain devices, and we’re glad to help you find the route that works best.
