Antilles Trading Company Maritime Pirate Museum and Store — Attraction in Cocoa

So the place itself is cute, well thought out and sells a variety of fun trinkets. The museum is cool! Although my biggest criticism is that it is not “family friendly” not because of the exhibit…but because of the staff. I came in with my 4 year old and was immediately told where he could and could not go, what he can and cannot touch ect. in place of a greeting. Now this was in the shop…not even in the museum. Before we entered the museum we were read a whole page worth of rules, specifically targeting children (one pointed remark being “we are NOT a children museum) and what they were not supposed to be doing. There are interactive areas of the museum with a hands on element, which my son did enjoy, until we were told that we were being too loud. Bear in mind my child is on the spectrum and vehemently avoids loud noises. The exhibit he was interacting with at the time was a gong…and we were told we were banging it too loud. All this to say that coming here with a child felt like a giant inconvenience TO THE STORE STAFF AND MUSEUM and while I respect the necessity for supervision and appropriate behavior, I do NOT appreciate being prejudged that I would let my child run rampant in there. Perhaps they’ve been burned before, and parents have let their children destroy property or misbehave. However that does not excuse treating me and my 4 year old like our only purpose in visiting was the...

I wish I could give this place more stars but how the staff interaction is a big part of the experience. The young lady at the counter acted like we were bothering her. She was going over the rules and such, we asked her to slow down and to speak up because I couldn't understand or hear her. She slowed down for 1 sentence and back to speed talking. So I asked her to repeat herself and slow down again, she rolled her eyes. We got through the check in process. There are plenty of cool things to see and set up nicely. Make sure you read the signs on where to take photographs. I miss read one and the charming woman from the desk came and told me that she had explained to us to only take pictures in the desk area and the next time we would have to leave I tried to explain I thought this was one of the spots, rude again by saying you didn't read the sign. Here's the thing it wasn't of any of the artifacts it was my friend behind a tiki booth. So if you're in the area stop in and see there items. If you're the museum owner and reading this your help at the entrance of your museum, doesn't smile, doesn't greet your guests in any welcoming manner. I felt like she wanted us to walk a plank right...

I came by last week and had a wonderful time! The worker, Ashley, was so polite! Their store does require customers and workers to wear masks, but this makes me feel safer when I visit! I’m glad there’s still local businesses that care about the health and safety of their workers and community!!

I did tour the museum, and that was really interesting. There’s a bunch of artifacts and information about everything in there. I’d love to come back and do that part again with my history loving friends.

And lastly, the shop! It’s super cute and has all kinds of different styles. Ashley helped me get fitted for a corset which she was really helpful and kind about. She gave me tips as well for how to care for it and keep it in the best condition! Also for anyone worried about trying on clothes, they do sanitize the clothes before they’re worn again!

It’s seriously amazing how wonderful and caring the staff is here. A hidden gem I would...