My Adventure at Lokey’s Escape Rooms in Sarasota, FL

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when Lokey sent an Instagram message to The Suncoast Post inviting us to experience their Escape Room. I got the assignment to go check it out and I was taken completely by surprise!

The only thing I knew about Escape Rooms was what I saw on TV or Facebook. I’m not a gamer and actually have trouble staying still long enough to play even board games. So I was not sure this was something I would enjoy. I was greeted by the owners, Richard and Chelsea Keehn, and told a little about the three game rooms.

 

 

The first one is called Press Start and has amazing colors and music. It’s recommended for 2-4 players and looked like fun, but I didn’t play this one.

The second is Detention. It looked a little creepy, but I was assured it’s not scary. This one is tougher than the first and is recommended for 2-6 players. I didn’t play this one either.

Richard told me the third one, Trouble in Tinseltown, was the one I would play. It’s recommended that 2-6 players solve this one, but he said he would help me when he thought I needed help. I was the first one to play solo! I must confess I was a bit nervous, never having played anything like this before, but I was determined to do it!

There was a puzzle at the door to solve before I could even open the door! I did most of it myself and felt pretty proud about it…got the key and opened the door and then? I felt like I had just walked into a black and white movie! The room was set with posters of movies, a desk with an old phone, a window covered with blinds, an old projector, a bookshelf, and lots of locks! All in black and white!

The key to finding what to do next was to talk it out. That’s what Richard told me before I went in. Usually there would be some other people in there to bounce ideas around and help solve the clues but, I was alone. So, I started talking to myself and worked out a bit of it. I was able to get help when I needed it and then move on to the next clue. The sense of accomplishment when you get it is amazing!

I found the answers to the combinations of most of the locks. When I opened them there was always another clue and off I’d go again to solve that one! The hour flew by and even though I didn’t solve the whole thing I had such a great time! I plan to go back with a group that will help me solve the mystery!

When I came back out to the reception area, I asked the owners to show me around. Richard showed me how they keep track of what’s happening in each room and I got to watch Chelsea on the monitor as she put all the clues back in place in the room I had been in. Their theater experience really shows in the sets and props used in each Escape Room. The furniture and props seem so authentic! And afterwards they sent me a picture they took of me working out the clues. Fantastic job, Lokey’s!

Lokey’s Escape Rooms
4930 Fruitville Rd,
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 487-7463

Photos from Laura Bell Adams and Lokey’s FB page.