“A man can die but once.”

— Henry IV Part 2

Imagine embarking on a mind-bending journey that will challenge your wits, teamwork, your relationships, and possibly your sanity. Get ready to escape reality and dive headfirst into a world of riddles, mysteries, and if you’re lucky a few hints and a whole lot of laughter. This, my fellow swagsters, is exactly what happened to yours truly.

The SETTING: The lobby (in particular, the escape hotel I visited) was filled with eager adventurers, all ready to tackle the mind-boggling challenges that await. The employees, from the moment you step foot into the hotel, are fully immersed into their character, leaving no room for doubt that you're about to embark on an extraordinary adventure. Our particular concierge greeted his guests with a theatrical flair, speaking in riddles and cryptic clues, setting the stage for the mind-bending challenges that lie ahead.

The TASK: You're spoiled for choice with a variety of themed rooms that will test your critical thinking and your problem-solving skills. Pro-tip: If you are no good at either, choose your partner wisely (smile). From ancient Egyptian tombs complete with mummies and ill-gotten treasure to be had, to antiquated elevators that should have been put out of commission eons ago, each room offers a one of a kind escape experience. Another Pro-tip: Read the waiver you have to sign carefully just so you know what you’re signing up for.

TICK TOCK: Time is your worst enemy in an escape room, and the pressure is on! As the minutes tick away, you'll find yourself frantically searching for clues, deciphering cryptic messages and occasionally arguing with your teammates over who pulled the wrong lever. You'll quickly ascertain who the natural-born leaders are, who gets easily distracted by shiny objects, and who has a knack for finding hidden compartments. Just remember, it's all part of the fun, and the more chaotic, the better.

To sum it all up, escaping the room is just the cherry on top….the icing on the cake, so to speak. Don’t forget to savor the chaos and the madness of it all, because that’s the best part.

Happy escaping!!