I was watching Neil Patrick Harris on Conan O’Brien recently, and he mentioned a scavenger hunt/mystery tour that he did called Accomplice New York. He loved it so much that he helped the founders open a Los Angeles chapter called Accomplice Hollywood. If Barney thought this tour was legendary enough to invest in it himself, I knew it would be awesome and I had to check it out.
This past Sunday, my friends and I took Mrs. Butterfly on the downtown tour (there is also one in the Village) for her 30th birthday. The day before the tour, you get a cryptic call telling you a place to meet. Twists and unexpected turns ensue over the next three hours. The New York Times says that Accomplice New York is like being in the movie ‘The Game’” — I couldn’t have said it better myself! I wish I could share pictures and tell you more about it, but trust me — the less you know the better.
All of us had the most amazing time, and I can’t recommend Accomplice highly enough as an alternative to the traditional bridal shower or bachelorette party, because it’s being in a group that makes this so much more fun. I hear that they’re opening a chapter in San Francisco on August 1st, and perhaps one in Austin as well! Whenever I discover something I love, I try to spread the word as far and wide as I can, and this is something that I know you will love.
Wear comfortable shoes, be prepared to walk a lot, and get ready for the time of your life. 
I heard nph talking about this a couple months ago, maybe it was on conan or maybe somewhere else? I am a huge nph and how I met your mother fan! This sounds cool–hope it comes to austin!
I heard about this!! So cool that you did it 
I’m sure nothing like this will ever start where I live, but maybe when I visit friends in NYC they’ll be up for it.
oh my gosh, now I am so curious!! I wish they had one in Chicago, sounds like fun!
We’re going to NYC for our honeymoon in September, do you think this is something 2 Texans who have never been to The City will enjoy?? It sounds fun!!
That sounds really fun! Hmmm… I wonder if I should change my Bachlorette party?
@SmallTownBride: You should DEFINITELY do this! Along with foods of ny, I think both these tours are awesome for tourists and residents alike!
that’s sounds so neat mrs. bee! question though – how interactive is it between your group members? like, can everybody really get involved? or do you just end up following the leader?
That sounds like so much fun! Would it be something that someone who is unfamiliar with NYC could do??
I just looked into it and I really want to do this soon… already sent the link to my MOH One of the great perks of living in LA… we get lots of these fun types of things usually!
@Zoe: You can be as in character as you want to be. There is no real leader — you figure out clues together that lead you to your next destination. It’s very interactive, and there will be discussion amongst your group.
@LovestheBear: we got to hang out with one of the founders because we were the last tour of the day. they said it’s about 50% tourists and 50% residents. you get to see a lot of manhattan and i think it’s equally great for tourists and residents!
I did the village one last year – its SO FUN!
They just started one in Hollywood too!
I’m intrigued! My sister’s bachelorette is coming up. How much does this cost pp?
this sounds so much fun!! i want to this this for my bachelorette party… hmmm….
Ooo I hope they start this in Austin! I participated in a similar game during an internship in college, except it was 48 hours in minivans across the state of Washington. Maybe too much for a bachelorette party?
There’s a whole bunch of similar events around the country based off “The Game”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Game_(treasure_hunt)
Mrs. Bee, New York Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet Engagement Date: May 7, 2004 Wedding Date: March 5, 2005 Venue: Westside Loft, New York About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
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