Register for the 2026 Ghost Hunt (10/31/26)
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The 2026 Host's Hunt raised $1100 for Global Refuge
WHO?
The Host's Hunt is for all. Anyone reading this page is invited! The main hunt is best for ages 12 and up, but if a sufficient number of younger children attend an easier hunt for kids may be provided.
What?
The Host's Hunt is a puzzle hunt based on the erstwhile Washington Post Hunt, which was held for 9 years (2008-2016) in Washington D.C. The hunt features word puzzles and riddles that solve to numeric answers. Those answers correspond with final clues that help in solving the endgame. Winners take home the coveted "Dolphins die in darkness" (pun on the Post's motto "Democracy dies in darkness"/the neighborhood swim team's mascot) mug.
Where?
The hunt starts at 9554 Many Mile Mews in Columbia, MD and participants search a walkable area (less than half a square mile) for clues. Hunters are given a map. The locations of puzzles are indicated by coordinates provided at the start of the game.
When?
Saturday, October 31st. The hunt will start at noon (earlier this year because of the holiday) with registration and picking up of materials. At 12:30 pm the hunt will commence. At 2:30 hunters should return to the start for the final clue.
Why?
The Huntington Host (Kathy) and her husband attended all 9 of the Washington Post Hunts run by Dave Barry and Gene Weingarten. In 2017, a decision was made not to hold the Post Hunt due to funding issues, so the Host (who lived in the Huntington neighborhood of Columbia) planned a hunt for her family, loosely based on the Post Hunt, each Easter. In 2020 during the pandemic, this hunt was held through Zoom for family and friends. In 2021, the first neighborhood "Host's Hunt" was held. At the 2022 hunt, a request for a fall "Ghost" Hunt was made (by one Chine Anikwe), and the Host was more than happy to oblige. The hunt was also made into a fundraiser for various charities. Shannon Nabors, the Host's daughter, started running the Fall Ghost hunt in 2023.
Previous Hunts:
2021 1st spring Host's Hunt
2022 2nd spring Host's Hunt
1st Ghost Hunt benefited Baltimore Outreach Services
2023 3rd spring Host's Hunt benefited Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
2nd Ghost Hunt benefited Hammond Drama
2024 4th spring Host's Hunt benefited Dr. Deborah Armstrong's Medical Research in memory of Dana Gentile, a former Huntington resident. $1000 raised
3rd Ghost Hunt benefited Hurricane Helene victims via Golden Harvest Foods
2025 5th spring Host's Hunt benefited CA Wildfire victims via Lutheran World Relief. $1500 raised
Fall 2025 Ghost Hunt benefited the Cherry Capital Men's Chorus (MI) in memory of Jack Glyshaw, the hosts' father and grandfather, as well the Capital Area Food bank in DC.
2026 6th Spring Host's Hunt benefited Global Refuge.
Fall 2026 Ghost Hunt will benefit the ACLU. Donate here
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