America's Escape Game Has Come to Oxford

(Left to right): Babs Blair, Jackie Jones, Russ Jones, Steve Vassallo and Rosie Vassallo.

For an evening of excitement and adventure, schedule a visit to 1621 West Jackson Avenue (just down from Kabuki). A group of amateur sleuths got the thrill of a life this past week when we engaged “Crisis at 1600.” Attempting to neutralize an incoming missile attack aimed at the White House, we failed miserably. But would we do it again? You bet.

The Oxford version of the Escape Games offers three challenges featuring “Caretaker” and “Pandemic” and “Crisis at 1600”. It’s difficult to envision these two being any more demanding than the one we choose.
Our team of five had one hour to figure out how to get into the Oval Office and stop the incoming missile attack by terrorists (Diamond & Silk were not on the list of suspects.) Each member of our team immensely enjoyed the experience for entirely different reasons.
“What an exciting event for a creative mind,” said Babs Blair who had never experienced an escape room previously.
“It’s an experience that helps you to get to know your friends and family better,” said Russ Jones.
Team member Jackie Jones said she noticed the competitive spirit that was brought out in all.
My enjoyment was heightened by being in the White House (or at least it seemed like it) and attempting to solve the many clues by retracing American history and our Presidents. The hour we all had to solve the mystery seemed like fifteen minutes as it was nonstop action upon entering the west wing.
The all-time (Oxford) record to solve the entry into the Oval Office only took the Octopus team 33 plus minutes. We barely had arrived into room two at that juncture but started gaining some momentum when realizing we were only minutes away from a nuclear holocaust.
The first three clues are freebies (and boy did we need them.) All bonus clues come at the expense of losing minutes and time definitely was not on our side.
Returning to the historical aspects of “Crisis at 1600”, I had forgotten just how much I relish the Presidency and all the aura surrounding the office. One of the many references we were exposed to involved the order of Presidential succession in the event the President and Vice President are both unable to conduct their duties. This was definitely a trip down memory lane and a return to high school civics.
Our team was posed the question when the adventure and experience had concluded if they would like to do it again. Without hesitation, all our team members emphatically responded “yes”. For anyone seeking a night of unusual intrigue, you travel to Jackson Avenue West and embark on your mission.
The Oxford location of America’s Escape Game will be adding two new theme games later in the year.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.