Just seven miles long and less than two miles wide, Chincoteague Island started out as a little fishing village. Located off of the coast of Virginia, right near the Maryland border, Chincoteague is protected from the Atlantic by the larger Assateague Island. Even though there are large hotels and a bustling tourist industry, Chincoteague has avoided becoming the tourist trap that larger beach towns like Ocean City have. There are only three traffic lights on the entire island and the speed limit never rises above twenty-five. They have an old-fashioned Christmas parade and dozens of local artists and shops that give visitors a sense of stepping back in time.
Tourists have a choice of how modern or rustic they’d like their visit to be. For those who want a busy trip there are go-carts, bowling, grand hotels, and plenty of places to get beach towels to go tanning. They can also get some pizza, subs, or even Chinese. Those looking for a middle ground can spend their vacation in a rental-house, go mini-golfing, and get some fish and chips. But there are plenty of smaller, more old-fashioned rental homes and even campgrounds for the nature lovers. Tourists can get fresh caught seafood; some from the very fishing boats that can be seen along the coast. There are even charter boats that can be books to catch dinner firsthand.
The Chincoteague Wild Pony Round-up
Chincoteague became famous because of the annual wild pony swim. Every July the wild ponies that range free on Assateague are rounded-up and the Saltwater Cowboys herd them across the channel that separates the two islands. Once on Chincoteague some of the ponies are auctioned off to thin the herd and fund the Volunteer Fire Company. This round-up was made famous in the book Misty of Chincoteague, written by Marguerite Henry in 1947. Every July thousands of people come to see the ponies swim the channel. When heading to the beach on Assateague visitors can see the ponies roaming the island. Sometimes they even come right onto the road and block traffic.
Wildlife and Birdwatching on Chincoteague and Assateague
The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located on Assateague, is also home to bald eagles, the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel, and the endangered Piping Plover, a tiny wading bird. Visitors can see dozens of other types of birds, as well as deer, turtles, and even the occasional otter. Even on Chincoteague tourists can spot rabbits and other animals. Traffic often stops for lines of ducks who would rather walk across the street than fly.
Spending a Day on Chincoteague Island
There is plenty to do and see on the island. Activities include kayaking, mini-golf, pony rides, and more. The shopper can find a number of different shops of interest. There are the more touristy shops with tee-shirts and shot glasses, but there are also small shops owned by local artists who sell island themed paintings and other crafts. When it’s time to eat there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. There are fast-food places, seafood joints, and fancy, expensive dining restaurants. A tourist can fish and crab from some of the public docks or just talk a walk downtown. Chincoteague also has an old movie theatre for a step back into the modern world and is dotted with museums as well.
A Perfect Beach Vacation and Get-away
Chincoteague gets visitors from all over the world and is within easy driving distance from Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. It’s a great place for people who want to spend time at a beach without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of a boardwalk that takes all of the ambiance out of a vacation. With a variety of places to stay and things to do, Chincoteague is an ideal vacation spot for families, young and old couples, and even someone who just wants to get away from it all. The only downside to a vacation on Chincoteague Island is that nobody can resist going back for more.
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