March: Unlocked

Sometimes it feels like February lasts forever, but of course, time Marches on! With a new month, comes a fresh new Unlocked article, packed with puzzle-filled plans for the next 31 days. So if you’re looking to make like a tree and turn over a new leaf this March, read on for our below suggestions on how to branch out, with some new activities that’ll spruce up your schedule.

Entertainment Enigma Of The Month: Jonathan Creek

If you love murder mystery shows, you’ll love the British series, Jonathan Creek. It first aired in 1997, and had its series finale in March of 2014. Creek is the cynical illusion maker for a stage magician, and uses a similar ingenuity and intricacy in order to solve various crime conundrums. It’s both thrilling and funny, although over time the stories did get a little darker and scarier. If you want some help deciding which episodes to dive into, this Reddit thread has you covered.

Perplexing Puzzler Of The Month: Strands

If you want to break up the monotony of the day with a few brain ticklers, it’s time to check out the daily offering from New York Times. Strands is one of my personal favorites, and was only added to the NYT games lineup in March of last year. Simply put, it’s a word search game, featuring a common theme which links hidden words you’ll need to find within a grid. It’ll only take a minute or two out of your day, but it will leave you with a smidgen of satisfaction, and bit of a brain boost.

Gaming Get-Together Of The Month: C’Ville Puzzle Hunt

This year marks the 4th annual C’Ville Puzzle Hunt, brought to you by WTJU, the University of Virginia’s community radio station. It’s a fantastic free event, which will take you on a fun-filled afternoon running around the city on a quest to unravel five incredible puzzles, that have all been placed within downtown Charlottesville. So if you’re in Virginia on March 15th, register your team and get down to IX Art Park, to check out this awesome event.

Escape Effect Exclusive Of The Month: Support Small Business

Did you know that March features a day to celebrate Mom and Pop owned small businesses, just like The Escape Effect? Everything you see in our escape room location is designed and built by us, and we appreciate each and every one of our customers that walk in the door. We are proud of what we have created, combining the top quality you’ll find in a theme park, with the warm welcome and friendliness of a locally-owned family business.

Obscure Occasion Of The Month: Hug A Medievalist Day

These guys look like a real hoot, don’t they? Maybe after the slight disagreement they are currently having, you would like to offer up a hug? Currently they look a little preoccupied, and personally I would like to keep all of my appendages. If you love to party like it’s 1066, make sure you mark March 31st on your calendar. Embrace Hug A Medievalist Day and put down those swords, as you put your arms around an armor-clad individual instead.

Mystery Merchandise Of The Month: Something New Coming Soon

If you haven’t had your fill of medieval fun from Hug A Medievalist Day, you’ll soon be able to create your own magical knight with a special something we have coming soon. Keep your eye on our socials, because we will soon be revealing an epic new literary quest for puzzle-solving adventurers! So, dust off that chainmail, pour your drink of choice into a chalice fit for a king, and prepare a royally good time.