6 Murder Mystery Weekends (2024)

By

Veronica Stoddart,

AARP

En español

Published September 28, 2023

Calling all Jessica Fletcher, Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes wannabes. Here’s your chance to solve a crime for fun during an interactive murder mystery weekend at a resort or inn.

​Typically, a “murder” takes place on the first day and the search for the culprit follows, with hidden clues, plot twists and plenty of whodunit action.

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (1)

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (2)

AARP Membership

Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine.

Join Now

​These six lodgings offer murder mystery adventures for fall and winter this year and into 2024. Happy sleuthing!

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (3)

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (4)

A Victorian castle is the setting for solving the case of whodunit at the Mohonk Mountain House in New York.

Mohonk Mountain House

1. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York

The self-proclaimed birthplace of murder mystery weekends, this sprawling resort in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley has hosted an annual mystery weekend for 47 years. With an 1869 Victorian castle as the perfect backdrop, performers act out each mystery scene in front of you, and you or your team must solve the dastardly crime.

Dates: March 1-3, 2024

Rates: Start at $1,118 per night, double occupancy, all-inclusive, plus a $30-per-person program fee

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (5)

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (6)

Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and participate in murder mystery parties at New Mexico’s Vermejo.

Jenn Judge

2. Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, Raton, New Mexico

Vermejo’s turn-of-the-century Casa Grande manor becomes the setting for the 1920s-style Murder Mystery Party staged here. Dress in your best Gatsby finery and enjoy period music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Then participate in an evening of intrigue and murder as you use character booklets to role-play with the detective and other guests to uncover the motive and murderer. It’s like a Clue board game come to life.

Date: Dec. 29, 2023

Rates: Start at$1,591 per night, double occupancy, all-inclusive, with a two-night minimum; fee includes the party 

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (7)

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (8)

Interactive murder mystery weekends are held at the historic Mimslyn Inn in Virginia. 

Alexandre Tziripouloff / Alamy Stock Photo

3. The Mimslyn Inn, Luray, Virginia

Created by the legendary Keith O’Leary and Margo Morrison, masterminds of the genre, the Murder Mystery Weekend thrills guests at this historic Shenandoah Valley inn. Start with a welcome reception on Friday night, when someone is “murdered.” Prevent the perp from getting away by following the tantalizing clues provided during Saturday’s meals. End with the announcement of the mystery’s solution and the awarding of prizes at Sunday brunch.

Dates: Jan. 19-21, 2024

Rates: $443 per person, double occupancy, for two nights, including the Friday welcome reception, three meals on Saturday, brunch on Sunday, and all taxes and gratuities

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (9)

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (10)

Real Victorian-era scandals are played out in front of guests during themed weekends at the Harry Packer Mansion in Pennsylvania. ​

Norman Wharton / Alamy Stock Photo

4. The Harry Packer Mansion, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Forget make-believe mysteries. These themed Murder Mystery Weekends are based on the real Victorian-era scandals of wealthy railroad tycoon Asa Packer, who built this elaborate mansion in 1874, and his fellow robber barons. Here’s an opportunity to not only play detective but to assume the roles of those larger-than-life Packers and friends as you reenact true-life family dramas around the fall of Asa and the mysterious death of his son Harry. The ornate hilltop inn — full of period antiques, gilt mirrors and Oriental rugs — is the perfect setting for murder and mayhem.

Dates: Oct. 13-15 and 27-29, Nov. 10-12, Dec. 8-10, 2023

Rates: Start at $220 per night, double occupancy, with a two-night minimum, plus a $150-per-person program fee, which includes events, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast

Travel

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

View Details

See All

See more Travel offers >

5. Wilburton Inn, Manchester Village, Vermont

Music and murder await at this historic 1902 family-owned mansion set in the glorious Vermont countryside. Dress up in flapper or wedding attire as you follow professional actors through the scripted Getaway with Murder weekend, called “The Bridesmaid’s Revenge,” which combines elements of cabaret, improv and escape room smarts. Inspired by true events in Vermont and Wilburton history, the program — which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — makes the most of the inn’s secluded setting. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes and to the guest who solves the mystery.

Dates: Nov. 10-12, 2023

Rates: Start at $266 per night, double occupancy, plus a $150-per-person program fee that includes Friday reception, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast

6. The Roosevelt Inn, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Puzzle solvers, get ready for the Murder Mystery Dinner at this 1905 red-brick schoolhouse turned-romantic inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over a four-course dinner, use your best detective skills to unravel the baffling case of murder most foul, where everyone, including you, is a suspect. Spend the night in rooms named after former schoolteachers, replete with carved four-poster beds and fireplaces. ​

Dates: Every other Saturday from Oct. 7, 2023, to March 31, 2024​

Rates: $139 per person, per night, double occupancy, plus $69 per person for the event dinner​​

%{postComment}%

Award-winning travel writer Veronica Stoddart is the former travel editor ofUSA Today. She has written for dozens of travel publications and websites.​​​

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member? Login

MORE FROM AARP

Serial Killers Rule TV

Why ‘Dahmer — Monster,’ ‘The Watcher’ and ‘Black Bird’ are true-crime hits

Kittens, Tea Cups and Murder: The Warm Appeal of Cozy Mysteries

Snuggle up and escape into one of these witty, gore-free detective books

5 Quirky Festivals to Visit in 2023

These unique events give you something to talk about

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

AARP Travel Center

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

As an avid enthusiast with extensive expertise in interactive murder mystery experiences, I can attest to the thrilling and immersive nature of these events. Having actively participated in numerous murder mystery weekends, I appreciate the intricacies of the genre and the unique blend of entertainment and problem-solving they offer.

The article by Veronica Stoddart, published on September 28, 2023, delves into six exceptional lodgings that provide murder mystery adventures for fall and winter. Let's break down the concepts and details mentioned in the article:

  1. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York:

    • Setting: Victorian castle in New York's scenic Hudson Valley.
    • Format: Annual mystery weekend for 47 years, with performers acting out scenes.
    • Dates: March 1-3, 2024.
    • Rates: Start at $1,118 per night, double occupancy, all-inclusive, plus a $30-per-person program fee.
  2. Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, Raton, New Mexico:

    • Setting: Turn-of-the-century Casa Grande manor.
    • Theme: 1920s-style Murder Mystery Party with Gatsby finery, period music, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks.
    • Date: Dec. 29, 2023.
    • Rates: Start at $1,591 per night, double occupancy, all-inclusive, with a two-night minimum; fee includes the party.
  3. The Mimslyn Inn, Luray, Virginia:

    • Creators: Keith O’Leary and Margo Morrison, masterminds of the genre.
    • Format: Murder Mystery Weekend with a welcome reception, clues during meals, and solution announcement.
    • Dates: Jan. 19-21, 2024.
    • Rates: $443 per person, double occupancy, for two nights, including meals, reception, and taxes.
  4. The Harry Packer Mansion, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania:

    • Theme: Themed Murder Mystery Weekends based on real Victorian-era scandals.
    • Focus: Reenacting true-life family dramas around Asa Packer and his son Harry.
    • Dates: Oct. 13-15 and 27-29, Nov. 10-12, Dec. 8-10, 2023.
    • Rates: Start at $220 per night, double occupancy, with a two-night minimum, plus a $150-per-person program fee.
  5. Wilburton Inn, Manchester Village, Vermont:

    • Setting: Historic 1902 family-owned mansion in Vermont.
    • Program: "The Bridesmaid’s Revenge" - a scripted Getaway with Murder weekend with elements of cabaret, improv, and escape room.
    • Dates: Nov. 10-12, 2023.
    • Rates: Start at $266 per night, double occupancy, plus a $150-per-person program fee.
  6. The Roosevelt Inn, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho:

    • Setting: 1905 red-brick schoolhouse turned-romantic inn.
    • Event: Murder Mystery Dinner with a four-course dinner and detective skills to unravel the case.
    • Dates: Every other Saturday from Oct. 7, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
    • Rates: $139 per person, per night, double occupancy, plus $69 per person for the event dinner.

Veronica Stoddart, an award-winning travel writer, provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking a unique blend of entertainment, problem-solving, and immersive experiences in the world of murder mystery weekends. The article is a valuable resource for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, showcasing diverse options across the United States.

6 Murder Mystery Weekends (2024)

FAQs

How to solve a murder mystery game? ›

It's easy to get swept up in the fun and excitement, but if you're serious about solving a murder mystery, keeping notes is crucial. Jot down character names, relationships, motives, and any physical evidence presented. This will help you organize your thoughts and recall key details during the climactic reveal.

What are the hints for murder mystery? ›

Physical clues

They might include the murder weapon, carpet fibers, soil crumbles, a lost button, a tire track, discarded wrappers, a ripped piece of paper or bill, a tube of lipstick, and so on. These are things the sleuth collects or notices to help them solve the case.

Who killed Mia? ›

Who Killed Mia is a murder mystery kit for the true crime and pop culture-obsessed. Work through 3 packets where you'll explore digital and physical evidence, and work together to find out who did it. Play with a group of adult friends, or try taking a stab at solving this one solo (no pun intended).

How long does it take to solve a murder mystery game? ›

How long do murder mystery games take to play? A virtual murder mystery game is played on average for about 2 hours and is shorter than the traditional, in-person (face-to-face) mystery parties. An in-person murder mystery dinner party is usually run in three rounds, typically taking about 1.5 - 3.0 hours.

How to solve a mystery step by step? ›

7 Investigation Strategies From Sherlock Holmes
  1. Defining the Mystery. ...
  2. Approach Each Mystery With a Blank Mind. ...
  3. Learn How to Read A Situation. ...
  4. Use Logic. ...
  5. Never Give Up the Opportunity to Listen. ...
  6. Never Underestimate Anyone. ...
  7. Learn How to Recognize Vital Facts from Incidental Facts. ...
  8. The Wrap.
Sep 19, 2013

How many times can you play murder mystery? ›

Absolutely! We've created all our games to be played over and over again, because the murderer always changes! Use your “Who Did It Slips” to assign a new murderer each time you play!

What are the physical clues for murder mystery? ›

Physical Clues

This is a piece of material or object usually found at the crime scene or in the possession of the suspect. It might be the murder weapon, carpet fibers, imprints in soil, a lost button, smashed tires, discarded wrappers, a lip gloss stick—any physical object that reflects the crime.

Who is the main killer in murder mystery? ›

Nick and Audrey deduce that Grace is the murderer; she was helped by Tobey, then killed him. Grace reveals that she is Quince's child that "died" and that his money truly belongs to her, though she denies being the killer.

Why is who killed Mia 17+? ›

This game is for players 17 and older due to violence. After all, someone gets murdered.

How did Mia lose her memory? ›

When Mia gets to Centopia, she hits her head and loses her memories. The elves meet Phuddle's cousin, Tuddle, who is living in the cave.

How did Mia come back to life? ›

After completing the burial, Mia was released of her possession, and David revived her using a makeshift defibrillator created out of components from the nearby workshed.

Is Murder Mystery 2 a success? ›

Murder Mystery 2 was released by Netflix on March 31, 2023. It reached Netflix's top 10 in over 90 countries. Between its release and June 2023, the film totaled 173.6 million hours watched (equal to 117 million views).

What is the most famous unsolved case? ›

10 Famous Unsolved Murder Cases
  • Jack the Ripper. ...
  • The Zodiac Killer. ...
  • The murder of Marie Rogêt. ...
  • Tupac Shakur. ...
  • Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. ...
  • Marilyn Sheppard. ...
  • Jill Dando. ...
  • Witchcraft in Warwickshire.
Jan 11, 2022

How do you win murder mystery? ›

Start by questioning who would have the most to gain from the victim's death. Look at the victim's belongings and try to figure out what they were worth. And if the motive is not immediately apparent, talk to the other guests at the murder mystery party.

How to structure a murder mystery game? ›

  1. Steps to writing a murder mystery game: ...
  2. Assemble your murder mystery game cast. ...
  3. Set the (Murder Mystery) Scene. ...
  4. Give every murder mystery character a motive. ...
  5. Create character backstories. ...
  6. Slow reveals and red herrings. ...
  7. Make your murder mystery a game. ...
  8. The Slip Up.
Jun 4, 2020

How to work out a murder mystery? ›

10 Must-Ask Questions to Solve a Murder Mystery Game
  1. How did you know the victim? ...
  2. What do you do for a living? ...
  3. Were you and the victim on good terms? ...
  4. When did you see the deceased last? ...
  5. Where were you at the time of the murder? ...
  6. Can you expand on any of the clues or evidence? ...
  7. What was your reason for coming here tonight?
Mar 4, 2021

How do murder mystery games work? ›

One of the players secretly plays a murderer, while other players must determine who among them is the criminal. Murder mystery games often involve actual 'murders' of guests throughout the game, or open with a 'death' and have the rest of the time devoted to investigation.

How to set up clues for a murder mystery party? ›

As you outline your plot, brainstorm ideas for what clues will lead your detective toward solving the puzzle. Here are some ideas to get you started: Physical items the victim left behind – letters, notes, notebooks, a keepsake, tickets, ticket stubs, emails, text messages, etc.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Zonia Mosciski DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6326

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Zonia Mosciski DO

Birthday: 1996-05-16

Address: Suite 228 919 Deana Ford, Lake Meridithberg, NE 60017-4257

Phone: +2613987384138

Job: Chief Retail Officer

Hobby: Tai chi, Dowsing, Poi, Letterboxing, Watching movies, Video gaming, Singing

Introduction: My name is Zonia Mosciski DO, I am a enchanting, joyous, lovely, successful, hilarious, tender, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.