With cabin fever setting in, but COVID cases still on the rise, folks of the world (and the SoCal area) might be going a little stir crazy. But how can we contend with a yearning for new entertainment, while also remaining safe, sound, and socially distant? The folks at Hollow Studios may have a solution for that…

Hollow Studios, an immersive multi-media production company, announced the launch of Road Trip Mysteries this week, an experimental location-based storytelling experience. With Road Trip Mysteries, Hollow Studios aims to give people a thrilling adventure that allows them to explore the open road and the mysteries of the world from the safety of their own car.

However, Road Trip Mysteries is more than solving clues within the beautiful backdrop of historically relevant locations. Throughout the approximate 45-minute first journey, people will be guided by a fictitious narrative that leads to secrets, despair, and mystery.

Driving in their cars, people will travel from one scenic location to the next. At each stop, more of the puzzling story is unveiled through downloaded audio. Along the way, helpful clues can be gathered from the real-life natural settings to provide more information about the bizarre mystery.

The first of the planned Road Trip Mysteries series is called The Mystery of Simi Knolls. In the story, strange unsolved murders are taking place about thirty miles north of Los Angeles along the scenic Santa Susana Pass Road in Simi Valley, California. Following a dark trail of coverups and mysteries, the historic trails lead to shocking crimes. Will the clues found along the way help uncover the terrifying truth behind the horrific murders? It is up to you to find out!

The good news is that The Mystery of Simi Knolls will be holding a testing phase from June 28th through July 5th, and will be available for FREE during that limited time.

“We are presenting this test phase for free to encourage as many people as possible to get out on the road, take part in our story and enjoy themselves,” said Hollow Studios founder and Chief Creative Executive David Love. Future Road Trip Mysteries will be available for a fee through their official app.

This first experience was created by a name most long-time readers will be familiar with, seasonal themed entertainment director and writer, Ted Dougherty, who was looking for ways to create a positive and safe experience amidst the pandemic.

“So much of themed entertainment revolves around escapism. I wanted to offer something where people could safely leave the house, provide a brief escape for them and have some fun,” said Dougherty.

For more information on Road Trip Mysteries, please visit RTMYSTERIES.COM and join their social media at Road Trip Mysteries at @rtmysteries on Instagram.

About the Author

Jeff Heimbuch writes. A lot. On a variety of things and in different mediums. He also created the fiction podcasts LIGHT HOUSE and RETURN HOME (of which you can find both on all podcasting platforms), loves all things horror, works in social media, and is probably writing something right now. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @jeffheimbuch.