From April 12-14, a marvelously macabre cocktail experience is hitting The Queen in Wilmington. Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in a four-part cocktail experience featuring themed sips paired with chilling tales.
As Poe fans in the First State know, the eclectic writer has some ties to Delaware. Poe’s historic homes (now museums) in Philadelphia and Baltimore are both a quick trip from Delaware, so it’s no surprise that he turned up in the First State during his lifetime.
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Newark’s Deer Park Tavern has an enticing history including a brief but eventful visit from Poe himself. Locals say the writer fell in the mud outside the St. Patrick’s Inn (where Deer Park now stands) while exiting his carriage. Poe then put a curse on the building—or the whole state of Delaware by some interpretations.
“A curse upon this place,” Poe exclaimed according to the story. “All who enter shall have to return!”
They say that patrons found this outburst so amusing they carried him into the tavern for a drink. As any fan of Poe knows, he rarely turned down a drink. He allegedly stayed there with the tavern patrons for the rest of the night.
Now, thanks to the touring speakeasy experience, the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe will make its way back to Delaware, in the neighboring city of Wilmington.
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In a 90-minute show, the Edgar Allan Poe historians reimagine the tales of Edgar Allan Poe while sharing interesting historic facts. Themed cocktails like “The Pale Blue Eye” and “Cocktail of Red Death” are paired with each story for a fully immersive experience. Showtimes range from noon to 10 p.m. throughout the weekend. The show makes an ideal perfect pre-brunch, happy hour or night cap experience after dinner at one of Wilmington’s many incredible restaurants.
Tickets are $55 and include a 90-minute immersive show and four cocktails. The show is only in town for one weekend, and seats are limited! Grab your tickets early, make your dinner reservations and experience the tales of Edgar Allan Poe in a new light at The Queen.
