Sep 26, 2025
On a lively day in Old Town Winchester, the air buzzes with the energy of local businesses and the hum of community life. Tucked into Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester, Worlds Away Escape offers a unique kind of adventure—one that challenges the mind, fosters teamwork, and brings a sense of playful mystery to the heart of downtown. In a recent episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael sat down with Worlds Away Escape owner Ariel Pugh, and Brady Cloven, executive director at Friends of Old Town, to explore the story behind this local gem and its impact on the community.
A Passion for Puzzles Becomes a Business
Ariel's journey to escape room ownership began with a childhood steeped in games and puzzles, thanks to her parents’ love for both video and board games. “I grew up playing video games with my dad, sometimes board games but more video games with him, and always board games and maybe some video games with my mom,” Ariel recalls. Her passion for problem-solving led her to try every escape room she could find, eventually helping to test new rooms at the Winchester location. When the previous owners decided to sell, Ariel—on leave from her corporate job—took the leap, supported by her then-fiancé (now husband), and became the new owner.
The Art and Science of Escape Rooms
For the uninitiated, Ariel describes escape rooms as immersive experiences that require participants to “think differently, have some fun, and distract themselves from life and work.” Each room is themed, offering a variety of puzzles—riddles, observation challenges, decoding tasks—set within a compelling narrative. Worlds Away Escape boasts six different themed rooms, each designed to intrigue and challenge groups of friends, families, or coworkers.
Team-building is a major draw, with companies frequently booking sessions to foster collaboration and communication. “It’s a very interesting observational experience,” Ariel notes, describing how group dynamics play out in the rooms. Whether it’s a family with established roles or coworkers discovering new sides of each other, the escape room becomes a microcosm of teamwork and leadership.
Behind the Scenes: Creativity, Community, and Logistics
Running an escape room is as much about creativity as it is about logistics. Ariel shares that she aims to change out one room per year, a process that involves not just designing new puzzles but also redecorating to create a fully immersive environment. The escape room community, she says, is highly collaborative, with owners sharing ideas and supporting each other through online forums and direct consultation.
Reservations are essential—walk-ins are rare due to the need for staff preparation and room resets between groups. Pricing is tiered, with larger groups enjoying a lower per-person rate, making it accessible for everything from kids’ birthday parties to corporate outings. After each session, staff meticulously reset the rooms to ensure every group gets a fresh experience.
A Hub for Downtown Winchester
Worlds Away Escape is more than just a business; it’s a vibrant part of Old Town Winchester’s evolving landscape. Brady highlights the importance of having interactive attractions downtown, especially during off-seasons or inclement weather. “It doesn’t all have to just be pretty buildings or antique shops,” he says. “It’s fun to have something very interactive on the mall.”
The conversation also touches on the broader revitalization efforts in Old Town, from public art projects to seasonal festivals and community events. Worlds Away Escape fits seamlessly into this tapestry, offering both locals and visitors a reason to explore, connect, and return.
Looking Ahead
As the episode wraps up, Ariel and Brady share upcoming events and encourage listeners to stay engaged with downtown happenings. With a new room in the works and a calendar full of local festivities, Worlds Away Escape continues to unlock new adventures for Winchester’s community.
For those seeking a memorable experience—whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast, a team leader, or just looking for something different—Worlds Away Escape is ready to challenge and delight. As Ariel puts it, it’s a labor of love, and one that’s helping to make Old Town Winchester a destination for discovery.
Learn more or book your adventure at worldsawayescape.com, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.