What to Expect at a Who-Dunnit-Dinner at a Mystery Weekend
Many folks are excited to try a Who Dunnit Dinner at Battlefield B&B, but aren’t quite sure what to expect. We hope these FAQs will help you prepare for the hysterical hijinks that await!
DOES EVERYONE GET A CHARACTER?
Yes! Unlike some other mystery dinners, where one or two characters are assigned to a table or group, we make sure that everyone is included! Characters are assigned in advance so that those who wish to dress up or bring a prop have at least a couple days in advance to raid their closets…
WAIT A MINUTE… DO I HAVE TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC IF I DON’T WANT TO?
Nope! We ask people if they would prefer to have a role that is outspoken and in the midst of all the action, or if they would rather investigate from more of the sidelines, where their character is developed through small conversations with other guests, as you see fit to your comfort level.
HOW DOES THE WEEKEND USUALLY FLOW?
Friday afternoon, guests are welcome to start checking into their rooms at 3pm.
Friday night, usually at 5pm or 6pm, there will be a casual social hour where B&B guests can meet one another and have a chance to ask any questions they might have about Saturday’s main event, usually over cheese and crackers or other light hors d’oeuvres. Some guests decide to head to dinner afterwards- others may have already eaten a late lunch and discover that they prefer to hang out in front of the parlor fire with their new friends!
Saturday morning, all overnight stays include a delicious breakfast either in the Solarium or their guestroom. After breakfast, many guests enjoy participating in our complimentary History Presentation.
Saturday afternoon, guests tend to either explore all that Gettysburg has to offer or enjoy quiet, cozy time at the inn or out on our 30-acre nature preserve.
Saturday night, the game begins. “Characters” put on their outfits/costumes and name tags and gather for appetizers in the Parlor and Sitting Room. Everyone remains in character for the remainder of the evening.
The evening consists of alternating rounds of eating and game play. Guests will be directed to open sealed clues at specific moments, so that the mystery unfolds at the proper pace and no secrets are revealed too soon.
At the end of the night, participants are given clue sheets where they write down their suspicions and the facilitator lets everyone know who was right!
After the game, the Solarium is closed to be reset for breakfast and many guests tend to relive the night’s highlights in the Parlor or Sitting Room.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?!
We usually start the meal with light appetizers, followed by a salad, and then guests can have their choice of a buffet dinner that usually includes a chicken entree and a vegetarian entree. Sides usually include a vegetable and potatoes. Dessert usually includes tiramisu, fresh berries, and a mountain of whipped cream.
IS ALCOHOL SERVED?
Non-alcoholic beverages will be served and guests are welcome to BYOB, helping themselves to the inn’s glassware, ice buckets, and cork screws.
ARE THERE ANY HARD AND FAST RULES I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SO THAT I DON’T ACCIDENTALLY BREAK THEM?
Rule #1. Don’t open any clues until you are asked to do so.
Rule #2. Stay in character during the game, even during food breaks. It’s so much more fun that way.
Rule #3. Don’t lie (unless your clue specifically instructs you to do so.)
Rule #4. Information is meant to be shared. During the mingling/investigation sections, each person will have a different piece of the puzzle. It will be impossible to solve the mystery if you don’t share your information with some trusted confidants and talk some others into trusting you with their secrets.
Rule #5. Embellish your character, but don’t make up clues that may change the storyline. For example, if your clue tells you that you are a French lawyer, feel free to tell everyone about your family’s chateau outside of Marseille, but don’t go around telling everyone that you are suing them, in case you find out later that the story hinges on you refusing to sue one particular person in the room.
Rule #6. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” If someone asks you a question about the game and you haven’t opened any clues yet that have a to do with that topic, no need to make something up. Just say you don’t know and steer the conversation into something juicy that you want to dish about.
Rule #7. Have fun! Remember, this is a game, so play it in a way that is enjoyable for you, as boisterously or peacefully as you see fit.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A COSTUME?
No, but it’s so much more fun when you do! Some people choose to dress up in the time period of the mystery. Some people add props and accessories that broadcast clues about their character. Some people like to just wear something that they would wear to a restaurant for dinner. Some people wear what they wear every day. There is no wrong answer or wrong outfit. It’s vacation and it should be fun. We do find that the people who don’t dress up tend to end the night saying that the next time they attend a mystery weekend, they are going to dress up a more, because it seems like the people who did dress up really enjoyed it!
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TO DO?
There will be host characters who invite you into different areas and activities and tell you when you can open the next clue. You can just enjoy the experience one moment at a time without worrying about when the next stage of the game is supposed to happen.
DO I HAVE TO SPEND THE NIGHT TO ATTEND?
While we occasionally open up a few tickets for outside guests, most mystery weekends are exclusively for overnight guests. The immersive environment and comradery between the guests create a wonderful atmosphere for the party.
HOW TO I BOOK A TICKET?
Currently, the Who Dunnit Dinners are part of our Weekend Mystery Package. To book your stay, you can either call 717.334.8804 or book your room by selecting the weekend below: