Looking for adventure? Paradigm Escape Room in Newport offers 'fantastical experience'

NEWPORT – From the International Tennis Hall of Fame to the mansions, Newport is known for its many attractions.

Now, thanks to the Paradigm Escape Room on Williams Street, tourists and locals can step in the shoes of Indiana Jones or perhaps be swept back to the 16th century and become Leonardo da Vinci’s apprentice – at least for an hour or two.

According to Director Deanna Lopes, the Paradigm Escape Room in Newport has been growing strong since its opening last May.

Lopes said the business's 2,200-square-foot building was once the former Genie’s Hookah Lounge.

The escape rooms range around 500 square feet but the adventures within make them appear deceivingly larger.

Lopes said it took three years of planning before it opened up.

Paradigm Escape Rooms are themed adventures where families or other parties solve riddles and puzzles, putting their detective skills and problem-solving skills to the test.

Lopes said in 2014 there were only 26 escape rooms nationwide but now there are 2,600. She said Rhode Island was late to the game, but now there are escape rooms in the Providence area and a brand new one on Block Island.

“The escape room (business) is taking off,” Lopes said.  “They’re fun. Beside going to Disney World or something like that, you feel you are on the set of a movie or in a video game. … It’s really a fantastical experience.”

Lopes said she worked with a company that helps design these rooms but the Newport business added some technological elements.

In the da Vinci room, there are puzzles and riddles inspired by his own inventions and artworks.

“Only those who complete the room in 60 minutes will be deemed worthy of apprenticeship,” according to the website.

Another room involves a treasure hunt that sweeps participants deep into the deserts of ancient Egypt. But there’s also a cursed ruby and a pharaoh’s curse that guards the gold and treasurers, according to the website.

Lopes said that customers range in age from 6 to 85. The rooms have been a big hit with families, bachelorette parties or co-workers seeking team-building activities. It’s even become a hit for couples on date night, according to Lopes.

“It’s a pretty diverse crowd,” she said.

Lopes said some of the adventures can be considered frightening for children under 10.

For more information, log onto paradigmescaperooms.com.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Paradigm Escape Room in Newport: Solve riddles, puzzles as a group