Afternoon Tea
The Case of the Black Veil
October 17 & 18, 2026
Some invitations are received with pleasure.
Some invitations are received with curiosity.
And then there are invitations that perhaps should never have arrived at allâŚ
This October, the McCloud Hotel invites you to step through our doors for an afternoon of tea, secrets, curiositiesâand a mystery that has waited far too long to be solved.
The Essential Details
WHAT: McCloud Hotel Afternoon Tea Mystery Series â The Case of the Black Veil
WHEN: Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18, 2026
WHERE: McCloud Hotel
SEATING: 11:00 AMâ2:00 PM
ADULTS: $45
CHILDREN 12 & UNDER: $35
RESERVATIONS: Required â (530) 859-8111
Your afternoon includes traditional afternoon tea, a tea tower of savories, scones and sweets, loose-leaf tea, an interactive mystery experience, clue stations, Victorian parlor conversation cards, curiosities, a Victorian-inspired photo area, and entry into our Mystery Prize Drawing.
Gluten-free and vegan options are available with advance request.
The Case of the Black Veil
Something has come to light at the McCloud Hotel.
An old letter.
A missing heirloom.
A handful of suspicious characters.
And a trail of clues left behind by a woman who apparently did not wish to be found.
We could tell you more, of course.
But where would be the fun in that?
On October 17 & 18, guests are invited to gather around our tables for a traditional afternoon tea while attempting to unravel The Case of the Black Veil.
Part afternoon tea, part Victorian parlor gathering, and part mystery adventure, this is not your ordinary afternoon at the McCloud Hotel.
First, We Shall Have Tea
Even the most dedicated detective cannot be expected to investigate on an empty stomach.
Each guest will enjoy a traditional tea tower filled with an assortment of savory bites, freshly prepared scones and sweets, accompanied by loose-leaf tea.
Tea will be served in true McCloud Hotel fashion, giving you plenty of time to pour another cup, enjoy another scone, and quietly consider whether the person sitting across from you can actually be trusted.
After all, appearances can be deceiving.
Especially in October.
Then, There Is the Matter of the Black VeilâŚ
At some point during your tea, you may find yourself in possession of information concerning a rather peculiar affair.
Guests who choose to investigate The Case of the Black Veil will follow a trail of clues through designated areas of the McCloud Hotel, examining evidence, discovering curiosities, and attempting to determine exactly what happened.
You may encounter letters.
You may encounter secrets.
You may encounter something that was never intended for you to find.
Fortunately, no detective work is required to enjoy the afternoon. Those who would rather remain comfortably seated with their tea and observe the investigation from a safe distance are perfectly welcome to do so.
Whether that will keep you out of the affair remains to be seen.
Questions for the Curious & Morbid
Victorian parlors were made for conversation, and ours will be no exception.
Throughout the afternoon, guests will discover Victorian parlor conversation cards filled with delightfully macabre questions, curious scenarios, and impossible choices.
Some may provoke laughter.
Some may spark spirited conversation.
And some may reveal rather more about your companions than you intended to learn.
Choose your answersâand your companionsâcarefully.
Fortunes, Curiosities & Other Peculiar Things
There will be more to discover than the mystery itself.
Guests may encounter fortunes, curious objects, mysterious messages, and little Victorian oddities tucked throughout the afternoon.
Some may be helpful.
Some may be amusing.
Some should probably be ignored entirely.
We make no promises regarding which is which.
A Victorian-Inspired Photo Op
Naturally, an occasion such as this deserves to be remembered.
Guests will have the opportunity to step into our Victorian-inspired photo area, created especially for the occasion and filled with a touch of old-fashioned drama.
And if dressing for the occasion sounds like fun, by all means, embrace it!
Black lace, velvet, cameos, hats, gloves, vintage-inspired pieces, or simply your favorite dramatic October ensemble are all welcome.
Come dressed for the mysteryâor simply come as you are. Either way, you’ll be very much at home at the McCloud Hotel.
Can You Solve the Case?
Those who successfully unravel The Case of the Black Veil will have the opportunity to submit their conclusions before the mystery is finally revealed.
Correct detectives will be entered into our Mystery Prize Drawing.
Bragging rights, naturally, are awarded immediately.
And should you fail to solve the mystery?
There is always another cup of tea.
Reservations Are Required
Advance reservations are required, and seating is limited.
To reserve your table, please call:
(530) 859-8111
Cancellations must be made at least seven days prior to the event.
We strongly recommend reserving early. Once every chair at the table has been claimed, we cannot guarantee that another invitation will mysteriously appear.
So gather your most observant companions, prepare yourself for savories, scones, sweetsâand secrets.
And when you arrive at the McCloud HotelâŚ
Pay attention.
Someone has gone to great lengths to leave these clues behind.
The least you can do is discover why.
The McCloud Hotel awaits.
“Took my daughter, granddaughter, and niece out today for tea. It was so lovely, with a beautiful table setting, tasty tea, yummy food, great music, and a reasonable cost. We even had a mimosa!! Thank you, McCloud Hotel for such a fun day; we will be back next year.” – Josephine Carpine Toms
Sip, Savor & Celebrate Love this Valentineâs Day!
Looking for a romantic way to spend your Valentine’s weekend? Join us on Saturday, February 8 and February 15, 2025, for our first tea events of the new year at the luxurious McCloud Hotel. Indulge in our delightful Valentine-themed tea, featuring a mouthwatering selection of savory and sweet treats perfectly paired with the finest quality Harney & Sons loose-leaf teas. Monica Harlee will provide live piano music to make your afternoon more memorable.
Our Afternoon Tea at the McCloud Hotel is the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Join us from 12 – 3 PM and experience the warmth and hospitality only we can offer. Please check back for additional tea events added to our calendar. To reserve your spot, call or text us at 530-859-8111.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind Afternoon Tea experience. We look forward to welcoming you and making your Valentine’s weekend unforgettable!
Something Wicked is Brewing!
Join us for a spooktacular fun afternoon tea on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11 am – 2 pm, with Sweet and savory treats for all ages. This is our first Halloween-themed tea and is sure to sell out, so don’t delay in reserving your spot, as space is limited. Come in costume if you like and be eligible for some bewitching prizes. Please call or text 530-859-8111 for reservations. Afternoon Tea includes a variety of savories, sweets, scones, and a pot of premium Harney & Sons loose-leaf tea or Blood Orange Lemonade. Call or Text for Reservations: 530-859-8111. Sweet & Savory Treats, Bewitching prizes for those in costume.
Menu
Finger Sandwiches:
Turkey, Cranberry, Brie
Black Forest Ham, Apple, Dijon
Roasted Beets, Lavender, Chive Goat Cheese
Cucumber with Herb Cream Cheese
Egg Salad with Watercress
Sweets:
Carrot Cake
Earl Grey Brownie
Raspberry Macaron
Red Velvet Cake
Lemon Ginger Bar
SCONES:
Vanilla-cream scones with Currants, served with fresh Whipped Cream & Lemon Curd.
