A SmartBox Hunt, A NYC Adventure

This past Thursday, Dec.3, I took part in one of most fun adventures to date. I was one of approximately 36 people that came together to participate in the Smartboxhunt, hosted by Smartbox™, a brand new gift concept that gathers a range of activities under different themes. The Smartbox Hunt was being launched in several cities across the world. Cities participating were London, Berlin, Sydney, Tokyo, and of course, New York City. Our scavenger hunt would require us to visit several places, and try out a few of the things that one of the Smartbox™ gifts offers. We would go with our team members, one of which was my personally selected partner, my husband Travis, because who else to go on an adventure with other than your bestest friend ever?

There are several different Smartbox™ to choose from, each providing truly unforgettable experiences, with packages ranging from adrenaline inducing activities to charming getaways to giving someone you love the opportunity to do things they’ve always wanted to try. We weren’t given too much info beforehand which made it even more exciting for us, because we really had no idea what to expect.

Our Adventure started at the beautiful, amazing Empire State Building…so much info on that NYC landmark but really that’s a whole other post..at the Skyride.  We were placed in our teams (Sexy Sporty…though we wanted Urban Cool) and met our team members who were all very nice: Michael, from the burbs of PA, Anthony, from the burbs of NJ, Brandi, also from NJ, near Atlantic City area,  Erin, from Montreal (also from Smartbox and our Team Leader), Travis (hubby) and myself…the only New Yorkers on the team. We met David Meyers, CEO, Smartbox, North America and UK, who introduced us to the product, the goals for the day, and plans for the future. We then got on to the mission at hand.

After experiencing the Skyride, a Smartbox™ partner, we got our first clue. I was able to figure out that we needed to go to Lexington Ave., but not much else. The address took us to Aristan’s Flower Boutique, in Midtown, where they were hosting a class from the New York School of Floral Design.  Our mission was to apply basic skills of Pavé, all after a 10 minute intro, and design flower arrangements that were replicas of international flags and that were later going to be given to charity (no pressure!).  We got the German flag, and we rocked it! Let me tell ya, that is the most creative I have ever been with flowers in my life!

After some refreshments and lunch, we were given our next clue, which took us to 8th Avenue to the Zamora School of Dance, to the Carmen Sanchez Dance Studio, where the Director, Carmen Sanchez herself, gave us all a really great salsa dance lesson.  By the time we were done with the class, Travis and I were finding our salsa groove together.

After a much needed break and some more refreshments, we were given our last clue, and this time we needed to not only provide the answer to the clues, but race the other teams to the location. I wish I had more photos to share with you all on this part, but our last clue took us to Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Times Square, but not before we were forced to jumped out of a cab and literally run, through crowded streets, past strolling tourists to get there. Then once there, we were given more questions, answers to which were found at several exhibits throughout the Museum. I didn’t take pictures of that awesome place, but I did manage to take pictures of the delicious cheese platter at the finish line, cause who doesn’t love cheese, right?

Our team won Third place, and our wonderful gift, which consisted of a Smartbox™, was for Charming Getaways. No one lost here. Every team, and individual team member got a prize, the value of which was based on rank. The value of our Charming Getaways Smartbox™: $129.00. Pretty cool, huh?

Travis and I arrived home, kissed our beautiful children, and once they went to bed, we looked through the booklet together at the various choices (over 120) showcasing the Bed and Breakfasts throughout the US where we could stay. I have my gift, alongside the beautiful roses I was given from Aristan’s. An awesome Adventure Indeed!

This would be a really wonderful gift for any loved one, from the very adventurous person to the mellow soul, these little boxes hold a lot of treats. In addition, Smartbox™ has pledged to donate $1 for every Smartbox™ purchased up to $5,000 to Variety the Children’s Charity of New York that works to improve the lives of children in our local communities.

The Smartbox™ Experiences we had in our scavenger hunt were the types of things that one could choose from a Fun For All Northeast Smartbox™. And it really was.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED- To enter for a chance to win a Smartbox™ Unforgettable Experience, simply leave a comment below letting me know you would like to enter the giveaway. For an extra entry tweet about the giveaway and remember to @NYCityMama.

The winner will be chosen by end of day Monday, December 14.

Your email:

 

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