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A Guide To Spicer Castle B&B's Mystery Dinner

3/1 Nightlife & Music Main Sitting Room
Photo Credit: SpicerCastle.com

Every weekend in the quiet town of Spicer, west of the Twin Cities, a murder is committed at a lavish bed and breakfast tucked away in the woods. Built in 1895, the Spicer Castle Bed and Breakfast Inn, known as "The Castle" to the locals, is a popular local landmark. But, it's what goes on inside this elegant abode that attracts people from all over. Each weekend, Murder Mystery Dinners are played out for guests who come to participate in a Whodunit type of weekend. Never knowing what type of adventure you will stumble upon, you may easily find yourself in 1930s England, 1920s Chicago or some other equally captivating location. This comedic and entertaining dinner theater is a wonderful opportunity to take in a show and let your inner super sleuth run wild.

Stay the night to indulge in the full experience. Murder Mystery Room Rates are available for those interested in getting the entire experience. Packages include two adults per night with an afternoon tea, a five-course dinner, participation in the mystery, one nights lodging in actual rooms where the Spicer family lived, and breakfast in the morning. For those who wish to stay over night, each room has a different experience in store. There are guest rooms in the main part of the inn, the carriage house, the garden house, the honey house, and two separate cabins for added privacy. Each room has a unique elegance to it that is sure to please anyone. Rates for rooms start at $256.

You don't need to stay at the inn to participate in the mystery dinner. While you get the entire 1800s experience of the mystery dinner staying in the old lodgings of the original Spicer family, you don't have to book a room to be part of the evening of mystery. As posted, the guest tariff for one adult is $54.95, which includes a five-course dinner and full participation in the mystery.

Participation is the key to excitement. Part of this "evening filled with merriment and suspense" is catching the murderer. But, beware, it could be you! And, the only way to find out the true culprit is to question the actors, listen to the evidence and point to others for motives.

Mystery Dinners are held on Friday and Saturday evenings. A scrumptious five-course meal is presented amid the suspense of the murder. Served at 8 p.m., meals include hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, assorted braised and roasted meats, decedent salads and breads, and desserts to die for.

3/1 Nightlife & Music Dining Room
Photo Credit: SpicerCastle.com

Come in costume! While the actors are excellent at staying in character and dressing the part, it is encouraged with small ideas in your ticket information to dress the part as well!

Let your imagination run wild. The whole idea of the murder mystery dinner at the Spicer Inn is to take you back to the time gone by. And, investigate a murder in a modern day, living Clue game. Take in the beautiful, old-time scenery and immerse yourself in the manhunt.

Book your adventure early. This unique event is held year round, but prices spike in the summer months. To ensure your spot in the room of your choice or in one of the cabins, book your tickets in advance. If you are in a larger group, you are required to call ahead to check for availability.

Emily Buss is a music journalist from Minneapolis and author of On the Rechord blog. On the Rechord is a music site dedicated to the local music scene in the Twin Cities. Emily writes concert and album reviews, band and artist profiles, and provides information about local shows. A college graduate with a degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis on Journalism, Emily has been professionally writing for newspapers and online outlets for six years. You can find Emily at www.ontherechord.com, on Facebook at On the Rechord and on Twitter @TheEmilyB.

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