Our eastern correspondent, Christopher F., was evidently so inspired by our Gold Bug cocktail and associated palaver that yesterday he made the trek to Sullivan’s Island, S.C., which is the setting for Poe’s “The Gold Bug.” Poe describes the setting in some detail in his story, evidently drawing on his experience living on the island for about a year between 1827 and 1828, when he was stationed at Fort Moultrie.

The good people of Sullivan’s Island know a good tourist opportunity when they see it, which explains the presence of Poe’s Tavern.

Correspondent Chris reports that the burgers all have Poe-themed names (The Raven, the Pit and the Pendulum, the Rue Morgue), and yet he ordered the fish tacos. He sent us this photo of the fireplace, which, he reports, “is cool and the image of Poe looks like it could have been done in soot.”

The restrooms have literally been wallpapered with pages from Poe tales (“The Mystery of Marie Bidet”, perhaps?)

But the coolest element of the Tavern, given its location, has got to be the Gold Bug mosaic that greets you on the walkway.

We thank correspondent Chris for his report, and encourage the thousands of our other loyal readers to keep an eye out for anything related to the Poe cocktails/stories being posted this month. We will be issuing a prize for the best photo. First prize is a signed copy of my forthcoming cocktail book, Potable Poe. Second prize is two signed copies of the same.