The Old First Ward is known for a lot of things – brewing, public parks, bike paths, and the Buffalo River for example. One of the things that I love about the Old First Ward is the juxtaposition of old industry and new adventurous ideas. Taking a look around at all of the old buildings, the mind reels with potential creative ideas – event spaces, restaurants, artist studios… a Buffalo Escape Room adventure!
Yes, that’s what’s coming to the Old First Ward… a room where you are locked inside, with only 60 minutes on the clock to escape. Escape rooms are growing in popularity, which means that there could be no better time to open one in the Old First Ward.
This particular escape room is run by Queen City Escape, which has designed a perplexing 90s Time Travel Adventure themed room. The theme was dreamed up by owners Dominic Luongo and Sara Manzella.
“It’s an opportunity to try something new and different,” Luongo said. “You’re a part of the story and when you’re involved in the mystery, instead of just watching it unfold, it’s more exciting.”
The game is part puzzle and part teamwork. Friends must work together to solve the clues that will free them from the room.
Luongo and Manuela designed the escape room, and then built it out from scratch. The 90s Time Travel Adventure theme is the first of many rooms that the two are planning on developing.
“Just like any other business, you could buy into a franchise and get the materials to set it up,” Manzella said. “But for us, part of the fun is in building the atmosphere and crafting the mystery.”
Booking is available at $25 per person for up to eight people at a time. Queen City Escape is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m. with the last session beginning at 10:00 pm.
For more information or to book your visit go to www.queencityescape.com.
Queen City Escape: Inside the Buffalo Mercantile Center at Louisiana and O’Connell streets. Also see Facebook.