This year, Marietta Main Street has collaborated with The Castle on a number of different initiatives: our 8-month Historic Preservation Series, April's First Friday featuring Lest We Forget, a concert commemorating the role of Washington County in World War I, and the planning and preparation of our Historic Town Fair.
New in our lineup of collaborative events is an exciting spin on the traditional bar crawl experience: Top Shelf History. This 1800s history themed bar crawl will bring ticket holders through an historic drinking experience featuring liquors, mixers, and more from the era of Marietta's founding.
Kyle Yoho, Education Director for The Castle Historic House Museum, has been working directly with Main Street to plan and promote this event. Kyle shares that this event is a new spin on traditional museum programming.
“When we look at tavern culture, the culture of getting together in groups to drink and socialize, there were mixed drinks being enjoyed. Not necessarily martinis, but more along the lines of punches and cordials, where different liquors were mixed together.”
"Top Shelf History is an interesting way to look at history through a different method than is normally incorporated in museums. Typically, lectures and talks and other events that might not be as engaging are the stereotypical methods utilized in museums today. This is an opportunity to work with our historic downtown to promote our history in a fun and also educational way," he shared.
The staff of The Castle have been researching the types of drinks that were enjoyed in the 1800s in Marietta.
"Interestingly enough, through our research we expected to find a lot of beer drinking," said Kyle, "but, with the sources that we used - records from some of the very first stores in Marietta that sold alcohol among other goods - we found little to no beer sales. What we do see, though, is the purchasing of spirits and liquors, whiskeys, wines, and more. When we look at 'tavern culture,' the culture of getting together in groups to drink and socialize, there were mixed drinks being enjoyed. Not necessarily martinis, but more along the lines of punches and cordials, where different liquors were mixed together."
Top Shelf History will feature 6 downtown bars as stops, each featuring their own spin on this 1800s inspired event. Bar stops include The Galley, Over the Moon Pub & Pizza, Gator's Easy Wind Pub, The River Town Grill, and the Town House. Each stop will offer a drink special exclusive to ticket holders that connect to the time period. Some may offer exclusive food specials and other discounts and promotions.
Each ticket holder will receive a wrist band and an event guide that includes a downtown bar crawl map, an overview of each featured drink and its history, and educational content about the 1800s in Marietta. For an additional $10, ticket holders have the opportunity to receive a souvenir, locally-made, historically fashioned ceramic mug with a classic, seasonal drink recipe that can be made at home.
Tickets are $15 each or $20 at the door the night of the event.
Advanced tickets that include the mugs are $25 each or $30 at the door the night of the event.
This event is Thursday, November 9th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All tickets can be picked up at Marietta Main Street the evening of the event starting at 5 p.m.
