✨ Why We Chose an Escape Room in Jacksonville, FL

For our first escape room experience, a friend invited us to celebrate his birthday with a group. My husband and I enjoy puzzles, and since I had never heard of this before, I was thrilled. We decided to meet them there.

Spoiler alert: we had no clue what we were getting into… and it was amazing.

Walking Into the Unknown (Literally)

We booked our escape room with The Escape Game Jacksonville — located at St. Johns Town Center. The space was sleek, welcoming, and a bit mysterious. Our game master greeted us with a quick run-down of the rules. We were told not to break anything, to avoid using phones, and to work together. Then the door shut behind us. Just like that… the clock started ticking.

We chose the “Gold Rush” room — a Western-themed mystery filled with hidden compartments, keys, and unexpected twists. It was like stepping into a movie set.

The Learning Curve Was Real

Here’s what no one tells you about escape rooms. They’re way harder than you think. This is particularly true on your first try.

We were all looking in different directions, unsure what was a clue and what was just decoration. There was some hilarious overthinking, a few light debates, and then suddenly… we found our rhythm. It clicked. The group spotted symbols while we pieced patterns together.

It turned into the best kind of chaos: teamwork, laughter, and brain-burning fun.

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Did We Escape?

YES! And the beginning of something bigger started.

This was Escape Room #1 on what we’re now calling our “Great Escape Adventure Across America.”

What We Learned (and What You Should Know)

• Don’t overthink: Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one.
• Work as a team: Everyone sees things differently — that’s a strength!
• You’ll want to do another: Trust me, it’s addictive.

Why Jacksonville, FL Was the Perfect Starting Point

Jacksonville is our home. This city has a great mix of urban energy and family-friendly fun, and we’ll definitely be back.

_{The birthday man in the red started it all, this night!}

🐆 Fun Fact Break:

The Jacksonville Jaguars were the NFL’s youngest expansion team in 1995. Their mascot, Jaxson de Ville, is one of the wildest in the league. He once bungee-jumped into the stadium!

🧩 Puzzle Challenge: Can You Unlock the Adventure Badge?

Your goal: Find the hidden 4-letter code to claim your Adventure Badge for Jacksonville!

Each letter is hidden in bold throughout this post — one per section. Use the clues below to find them:

1. Start where the journey began.
2. Find the chaos that clicked.
3. Spot the city that started it all.

📝 Write the bolded letter from each of those sections. Unscramble them to reveal a word connected to the journey.

Hint: It’s what every escape room fan wants to do!

🎉 Found the code? Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram @TheJoyOfEscapeRooms

Keep collecting as you explore more cities with us!. Follow along as we combine puzzles, putts, and American history nationwide!