Murder Mysteries

Murder mystery weekends are very popular, and for good reason. Seldom will you have an opportunity to participate in something so different, so absorbing, and so much fun!

Our 2008 mystery series begins with the New Year's Mystery Gala, followed by two in January, one each in February and March , then in the fall they will be in August, September, October, and November.  All are currently booking. Consider giving them to someone as a gift!  If you have a special group, we can accommodate them on other than scheduled weekends by advance arrangement. 

Prices-- Our fun and festive January mysteries are only $75 per person plus the cost of the double occupancy room; other mysteries throughout the year are $100 per person plus the room. The last weekend in January is our Annual Mother-Daughter Mystery Weekend. Bring your favorite (over age 25) lady to that one, and enjoy a wonderful funny bonding experience together.  

New Year's Eve Mystery Gala--The New Year's Gala is $150 per person plus the cost of whichever room you select. Combine New Year's Eve revelry with friends, luxury, great food, and festive fun, and that's our legendary yearly Gala. "Sort of Big Band Era meets Casablanca" is how one New Year's guest described the theme of our annual ring-in-the-New-Year celebration. Centering their attention on a (mythical) nightclub in Monaco, 14 characters from cigarette girls to glamour queens and ditzy debutantes mix it up with hit men, sheikhs, and spies. They laugh, they party, and they kill each other--but, of course, all in fun.

The New Year's package includes 2 nights' accommodations; arrival night champagne and dessert buffet; guests themselves playing all costumed characters; afternoon boat cruise, cave or trolley tours; midnight hayride through the Historic District; karaoke party; a clue hunt through town; gourmet multicourse New Year's dinner featuring Beef and Chicken Wellington, wines, and hors d'oevres; brunch both mornings; two days of murder mystery fun; and a New Year's celebration complete with sparklers, champagne, and lighted ball descending off the balcony. We always promise that you cannot have a bad time at a murder mystery....and we promise that this may be your best ever New Year's Eve. And, when it is over, just totter upstairs and go to bed.

 

 The Basics

All our mystery weekends are complete packages, including:

• Friday and Saturday accommodations, double occupancy
• Friday night welcoming party and dessert buffet
• Guests themselves play all costumed characters
• Saturday afternoon glass bottom boat cruise, historic trolley tour, hayride, or candlelight cave walk
• Tubing trip (in season) down the San Marcos River
• Clue hunt through town
• Saturday night dinner at the Inn, features dinner wines, hors d'oevres, and several courses
• Gourmet breakfasts Saturday and Sunday mornings
• Two days of great entertainment in the form of....

Murder by the River, An Original Mystery Series

San Marcos is a peaceful Hill Country town, complete with sparkling river, dams and waterfalls, lovely old Victorian architecture, and a rich heritage. But in our fantasies, it harbors a mass of (mythical) secrets which could take years to sort out. The series is planned so that you can tune in on any point.

The first chapter in this saga was born in 1987, and since then has delighted thousands of guests with its historically-flavored plotline. In 1989, we introduced the first sequel, wherein the original victim is summoned back to the inn - via s�ance! In 1991 came the second sequel, which revisits the cast of characters 5 and 10 years later. The Victorian Frontier Follies, a hilarious look back at the original troupe's ancestors, debuted in 1993. And our festive Monaco Mystery, with its grand-opening setting, is the gala's newest addition. From aging hippies and conniving politicians to sheikhs, Indian chiefs and feathered saloon girls, this beguiling cast of misfits will stop at nothing to confuse and intrigue you.

ACT ONE Friday night

Introduction to the mystery. All characters in costume. Festivities begin at 9 pm.

ACT TWO Saturday morning

This takes place starting at 9 am Saturday, and usually concludes by 11:30 am. Costumes are optional. Guests are free to spend the day at leisure, hunting clues and exploring the area. Tubing trip at 2 pm if weather permits, followed by a hayride, boat cruise, or similar entertainment.

ACT THREE Saturday evening, before dinner

Everyone is asked to convene in the library by 7:30 pm. Costumes are mandatory, and group pictures will be taken. Laughter abounds as the plot thickens.

ACT FOUR Saturday evening, during dinner

Wonderful gourmet food is a weekend highlight, and this dinner is no exception. Enjoy entrees such as Veal Marsala, Beef Wellington, or Chicken Kiev, as characters unleash their final bombshells.

ACT FIVE Sunday Morning

Prior to breakfast, guests must cast their votes for "whodunnit", as well as Best Actor and Best Costume. Answers are revealed at the conclusion of the meal. Prizes will be awarded.

The Details

The cost per person, double occupancy, will be $175-250 (depending on room choice) plus tax. All meals and amenities are included. 50% deposit, or a credit card guarantee, is due with reservation. Roles and background data will be mailed to all guest approximately one week in advance of every mystery. Three week cancellation notice required, no exceptions unless you help us refill your room and your role. With three weeks' notice, deposits will be refunded less a $25 recasting fee. To avoid even stiffer penalties, please be sure of your plans before booking your reservation. Last-minute mystery cancellations create havoc for everyone. Remember, this is essentially a play in which all guests are the actors. On notice shorter than three weeks, we can't always find someone to take over your part, and we must protect our other guests from an experience affected by an incomplete cast of characters.

Weekends are scheduled approximately 4 weeks apart. On requests, groups can be accommodated on non-scheduled weekends. Call us for the whole year's schedule.

"I have personally told a dozen people about your incredible mystery weekend - and it's only 10 a.m."
    Ron Binkley, Austin

Please direct inquiries and reservations to 1-888-396-3739 or email us at info@CrystalRiverInn.com.

© 2008 by The Crystal River Inn