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Adventures Out
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Pirate Treasures Along the Coast
Got a pirate lover in your midst? The islands of the Caribbean aren't the only places to immerse yourself in pirate lore. The North and South shores of Massachusetts offer their own unique swashbuckling experiences.
Tales and Tours
At the New England Pirate Museum in Salem, you’ll hear stories about some of New England most colorful pirates, from a former fur trader named Dixie Bull who disappeared in 1633 to the unfortunate barmaid-turned-pirate Rachel Wall, who was executed in Boston in 1789.
As you take the 25-minute walking tour through a dimly lit colonial seaport, board a “ship,” and meander through a dark cave, you’ll see vignettes of life at sea, bloody battles, and pirates dividing the booty, from the high-spirited life of treasure seekers to their grim endings. Led by a costumed tour guide, you’ll learn facts about local pirates and and such legendary scourges of the sea as Blackbeard, Thomas Tew, Captain Kidd, and Jack Quelch, the first pirate hanged in Boston in 1704. You’ll also hear secrets about treasure allegedly buried in the Lynn woods and along the New England shoreline, still waiting to be found.
Unburied Treasure
In 1717, “Black Sam” Bellamy sailed the Whyah galley to Massachusetts to show his ladylove his fully laden prize ship only to have it sink during a storm, along with himself and most of his crew.
In 1984, underwater explorer Barry Clifford discovered the shipwreck off Cape Cod. The treasures recovered from the wreck are found at the Expedition Whydah Sea Lab & Learning Center in Provincetown. Besides coins, jewels, and treasures that Bellamy looted from more than 50 ships and transported on the Whydah’s final voyage, you’ll see clothing, pistols, cannons, and utensils that the pirates used. Ongoing excavation of the site continues. It's located deep in the sand less than half a mile from the shore, which means that during the summer months you may see treasures being hauled in from the salvage boats.
Seagoing Adventure
For an interactive pirate adventure, sign on as a crew member at Lobster Tales Pirate Cruise in Plymouth. Designed for children ages 4 to 11, this one-hour pirate party features sea shanties, music, dance, and hidden treasure. Wearing face paint and pirate hats, you’ll have an opportunity to attack an enemy pirate ship with water cannons and battle other pirates to keep the booty.
Pirate Faire
At the theatrical New England Pirate Faire, you’re cordially invited to attend the wedding of Captain Hook. You’ll also meet the most infamous pirates in history and literature, with interactive scenes designed to make you part of the show. Spend your pieces of eight at the Tortuga Marketplace, eat grub at the galley, and take part in the children’s treasure hunt, costume contests and games. Check web site for future dates and themes.
(BPP, 7/08)
Before your next night on the town, visit Restaurant.com
for big savings at local eateries.
Bypass theater ticket lines. Buy movie tickets in advance at Fandango.com. Read reviews and find showtimes for any movie in the U.S.
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