The Host's Hunt is for all.  Anyone reading this page is invited!   The main hunt is best for ages 12 and up, but simpler versions are available for younger kids.  There will be a variety of small prizes provided for participating children (please be sure to RSVP with the number of kids you're bringing for this reason).

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, and locate puzzles based on coordinates provided at the start of the game. 

The Host's Hunt is a puzzle hunt based on the Washington Post Hunt, which was held for 9 years (2008-2016) in Washington D.C.  Dave Barry, Gene Weingarten, and Tom Schroder ran this hunt, which itself was based on the Tropic Hunt (later known as the Herald Hunt) held in Miami and hosted by the Miami Herald. The hunt features word puzzles and riddles that solve to a numeric answer.  Those answers coordinate with final clues that help in 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.

The Huntington Host (Kathy) and her husband attended all 9 of the Post Hunts.  In 2017, a decision was made not to hold the Post Hunt due to funding issues, so the Huntington Host planned a hunt for her family, loosely based on the Post Hunt, each Easter.  In 2020, 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 hunt was made, and the Host was more than happy to oblige. The first Huntington Ghost Hunt was held Oct. 29th, 2022.   It benefited Baltimore Outreach Services.   The spring 2023 hunt benefited Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and the fall Ghost Hunt benefited Hammond High School's Theatre Department, 2024 Spring Hunt benefited Dr. Deborah Armstrong's Medical Research at Johns Hopkins in memory of Dana Gentile, a Huntington neighborhood resident.  Over $1000 was raised.  The 2024 Ghost Hunt benefited Hurrican Helene victims via Golden Harvest Food Bank.  The Spring 2025 Host Hunt benefited CA wildfire victims via Lutheran World Relief.  The fall Ghost Hunt will benefit the Cherry Capital Men's Chorus, in memory of the Host's father.

Starting in 2023, the Ghost Hunt has been run by the Host's daughter, Shannon.