That's right, the Carolina coast was a famous hideout for real-life pirates in the 1700s, including infamous names like Blackbeard and Calico Jack. In fact, Blackbeard was captured and killed just up the coastline nearly 300 years ago, and legendary tales of buried treasure and pirate’s booty remain to this day, as does the popularity of pirate lore among kids. Sure, you can give the little ones a shovel and bucket and tell them to get busy digging on the beach, or you can take them for an authentic pirate adventure where the discovery of treasure is a guarantee. It's all part of the high-seas experience at Pirate Adventures, the latest pirate-themed attraction that sails out of nearby Murrells Inlet. Known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet is also gaining some notoriety as a modern-day pirate hangout. That's especially true among the lucky crew members who board the Sea Gypsy III for a realistic pirate experience on the water. Children get to dress the part and play a hands-on role in their adventure to find treasure, including using the Sea Gypsy III's water cannons to stop Pirate Pete, the saltiest sailor of them. Parents are welcome to join in the trip, or they can send one adult to supervise while the other grown-ups check out the sleepy little fishing village as the Pirate Adventures captain and crew take charge for a couple of hours. Upon arrival, kids get to dress up in pirate gear, including temporary anchor tattoos and scary face-paintings. Kids are also outfitted with special treasure-hunting vests, which come in handy while gathering clues for following the treasure map. The adventure spends a little over an hour of actual time on the water in the quest to find the booty. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, as well as tour times and prices, visit http://www.myrtlebeachpirates.com for other pirate-related fun in the Myrtle Beach area, check out these attractions: * Pirates Treasure Hunt: The hot trend of escape rooms has hit the Grand Strand, and at least one offers a pirate-themed treasure hunt at Myrtle Beach Mall. Patrons gather clues and solve puzzles to try to unlock the treasure chest within an hour and collect the booty. * Pirates Voyage: This dinner theater features pirate ships on water as the stage for dueling swashbucklers and acrobatic divers. Mermaids and sea lions are also popular parts of the show, which comes with a feast fit for a captain and a collectible mug, hat and eye patch as souvenirs. This Dolly Parton production is a true treasure for families with young children. * Putt-Putt Golf: There are numerous pirate-themed miniature golf courses on the Grand Strand, including Buccaneer Bay, Captain Hook’s, Pirates Watch, Treasure Island and Spyglass. Compass Cove Resort guests receive one free pass to Mutiny Bay and Cancun Lagoon as part of our Sun & Fun Rewards program. No matter which pirate-themed adventure you decide to take, you are sure to have a happy ending by spending your Myrtle Beach vacation at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort. Book your trip and your pirate-playing plans today, and we’ll look forward to you being “Arrrgh” guests.
