This week’s Quoth the Raven is written by the Malted Meeple’s Head Game Master – and former Ravenwood Innkeeper – Karington Hess.

Game Night. To each and every gaming circle this means something different. Be it a marathon of board and card games, late night delving into dangerous dungeons, or armies of miniatures clashing into each other on the fields of glory.

Game night is a ritual, a meeting of friends, the sharing of the experience, and the retelling of adventures past. And it is typically a ritual that continues week-after-week without interruption; however, this is not always the case. Conflicts arise, work schedules change, and life gets in the way. Sometimes gaming circles just grow restless looking at the same four walls week in and week out. Everyone needs a change of scenery sometimes. Something as simple as an outing with your game group can revitalize everyone involved!

Gaming Away

Believe it or not, there are more places than you might think to game outside of your gaming circle’s normal haunt. Many restaurants, cafés, bars, and event halls allow – and some even actively encourage – gamers to make use of their space. An outing such as this can be a fun way to break up your gaming group’s routine. Be sure to call the venue ahead of time for policies, pricing, and availability!

If you are looking for a destination to take care of all of your needs, look no further than your local board game café. We might be a little biased, but we recommend The Malted Meeple in Hudson, OH. Board game cafés provide everything that your group will need for a night of gaming on the town! Most board game cafés offer a selection of beverages and snacks to munch and sip while you play. They also offer a wide selection of board games so that your gaming group doesn’t have to lug a heavy crate of games to your next gathering. Looking for a more private setting for your group? Some cafés even offer private rooms for your event!

Having a game night at a café takes all of the pressure off of the host. At The Malted Meeple, the friendly café staff make it their mission to make sure the needs of their guests are well met. Gone are the days of forgetting to pick up beer or running out of snacks. The staff take care of all of the stress of game night and you won’t even have to worry about cleaning up afterwards! “Gaming Away” allows your gaming circle the freedom to focus on what is most important: the games!

So take the plunge and visit your local board game café for your next game night for an unforgettable experience. You’ll be glad you did!

Gaming Stay

Sometimes a single night of gaming isn’t enough to revitalize your gaming group. Sometimes you need a whole weekend! Why not take your gaming circle on the road for a “Game-cation”? What better way to unwind than to game under the stars in a tent, or rent a cabin in the woods just for gaming purposes? Just be sure to research your venue and book far enough in advance to reserve your stay. Many of these locations book up months in advance!

We again may be biased, but we can’t think of a better place for a gaming stay than the world’s first Gaming Castle! At Ravenwood Castle we suggest that you “Leave the Hassle and Come Stay Game In Our Castle!”

Ravenwood Castle is a 21-room country inn modeled after a historic Norman style castle. Our amenities include an enormous board game library and a private library game room conveniently located next to the Raven’s Roost pub. The library can even be reserved for the exclusive use of your game group as a part of our “Ravenwood Raid” package! At Ravenwood Castle, our staff’s commitment to hospitality allows your group to relax and enjoy their time catching up and having fun. Being away from the hustle and bustle allows you and your whole group to unwind and reconnect without the worries of everyday life.

A weekend long “Game-cation” lets you truly enjoy the experience of a vacation while enjoying your group’s favorite pastime. Your gaming circle will reminisce about the time they spent gaming away in the great outdoors for years to come! So why not treat your gaming group to a weekend long “Game-cation?”

What are you waiting for? Reconnect with the old gaming circle, shake up the old routine, and spice up your game night! Start planning your next Game Away or Gaming Stay today!

Jim Reed

Jim Reed is a lifelong gamer who started with the original red box Dungeons & Dragons. After spending 20 years in the corporate world, he decided it was high time that work be fun and struck out on his own. Jim now owns and operates Ravenwood Castle, and spends his days ensuring his guests have as much fun as he does.