A limited-run escape room experience based on a real crime has opened at HouseMouse Books & Vintage in Takoma Park.
Escape the Bookshop II is a unique group puzzle game “that is based on a real crime that took place in Takoma Park around 130 years ago, designed and created by HouseMouse to be played in our atmospheric little bookshop,” owner Orly Keiner said in an email to the Source. “This is not your typical corporate escape room and makes for a memorable evening out with friends or family.”
Game dates in January through April 2024 are now available for booking. Generally, the game takes place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, but special arrangements can be made upon request. This game is designed for groups of 3 to 6 people (ages 16+) and lasts one hour. The game does not require any prior experience with escape rooms.
To book the game, email [email protected] or use the shop’s Google Appointments calendar. Gift certificates are also available for the experience. The cost of the experience is $200 per group of up to 6 players.
HouseMouse Books & Vintage opened last December above Olive Lounge at 7006 Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park. The “tiny but mighty shop” offers curated and sustainably sourced used books and vintage objects as well as maps, prints, and paper ephemera.
The store is open Fridays from 4-8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of HouseMouse Books & Vintage