Guest Author - Karon Warren

Looking for a fun getaway that’s a bit out of the norm? This weekend, why not try something new, such as playing detective at a murder mystery? That’s right! If you loved playing Clue and trying to figure out who killed Col. Mustard in the billiard room with the rope, murder mysteries are for you. Pack up your bags and head to Huntington Hall Bed and Breakfast in Murphy, N.C., for an all-weekend mystery event. Because these events take place over a two-day period, guests become completely immersed in the action.

At the Huntington Hall Bed and Breakfast, guests are assigned roles after booking. By receiving their profiles early, guests can put together costumes and perfect character traits. Upon arrival, they receive additional information detailing their roles: suspects, sleuths or murderer. Throughout the weekend, guests exchange information, question one another and develop their own theories of what happened and who committed the crime. Innkeepers Curt and Nancy Harris also participate. “It gives us a chance to play as adults,” Nancy said. “It’s a game, and adults still love games.”

On Saturday night, guests–in full costume–are taken into town for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Throughout dinner, everyone can discuss theories and ask questions. Afterward, everyone returns to the inn for a final Q-and-A session, trying to ferret out one last piece of information. They then make their guess as to who did it. Finally, the Harrises reveal who the murderer is and why he or she did it. It’s great fun hearing the details.

On Sunday morning, Curt and Nancy present their own Academy Awards, usually themed around the mystery and its characters. They also review and declare a winner to the room contest–a trivia contest that will try even the most avid trivia buff. It’s a great way to wrap up the weekend.

Tips to know if you want to visit Huntington Hall Bed and Breakfast:

1. While the inn isn’t a five-star hotel, the rooms are very comfortable, the front porch is quite welcoming and the food is delicious.

2. The more you get involved in the murder mystery, the more fun you will have. Don’t let embarrassment or shyness get the best of you. Dress up in costumes, and play your role to the best of your ability. Remember, everyone is there to have a good time.

3. Murphy, N.C., itself is a small town without a lot of attractions. While the downtown district offers several great shops to peruse, they usually close up between 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, so you have to visit them early.

4. For those looking for a little more excitement, nearby (say within one hour) towns offer white-water rafting, horseback riding, panning for gold and gems, kayaking, and gambling.

www.bed-breakfast-inn.com