Chincoteague

See

• Second Saturday celebration, Downtown Chincoteague, second Saturday of every month. Local artists and shop owners celebrate the arts and take it to the sidewalks.
• The island, in its entirety. Take a cruise around the island with a local captain.

Do

• . There is no commercialization over there--not even a Coke machine--so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. It is a wonderful beach, though you'll have to pay to get on Assateague Island, where the beach and wildlife refuge are located. Be sure to stop at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center on Assateague--they have activities and exhibits for nature lovers of all ages. You should also include a trip to the Tom's Cove Visitors Center, located near the beach this location boasts a touch tank and other exhibits.

If you're willing to have a little walk you should check out the Wild Beach. Located north of the main beach this secluded strip of sand is perfect for those just wanting to get away from it all. The Wild Beach is also accessible by the 1/2-mile Swan Cove Trail, which spurs off of the Wildlife Loop.

• Riding bikes on the Wildlife Refuge is an unforgettable experience. The 3-mile Wildlife Loop is an easy, flat ride, and the short hike to the Assateague Lighthouse is a lot of fun. Also check out the 1.5-mile Woodland Trail, which is off the main road to the beach, is a prime spot for viewing ponies. The loop also includes two spur trails. The 0.5-mile Swan Cove Trail, which goes to the beach, and the 1-mile Black Duck Trail which connects the loop to the road. Another option is the trail that leaves the refuge parking lot and follows the main road before connecting to the Black Duck Trail. Walkers have several options, the 0.5-mile-long Marsh Trail, and the 1/4-mile-long Snow Goose Trail, both of which connect to the loop. Finally for the brave ones, there is the 7.5-mile-long service road. Originating at the wildlife loop and heading north, this trail is only open to walkers, with an exception during Waterfowl Week in November when it is also open to bikes and cars. For families with kids or those unsure of riding with traffic, rent from the Bike Depot. They're close to all the paths and the beach too!

If you have time to spare, though when you are on Chincoteague Island, there is seemingly no concept such as "time". Enjoy crabbing off the paths located conveniently on Maddox Boulevard, right before the entrance to Assateague Island. The view is lovely and if you do a 180-degree turn, across the 2-way road, you will most likely see some wild Assateague horses grazing and/or running freely about.

Whatever you do, if it's outside, bring bug spray. The mosquitoes are blood-thirsty!

Buy

• Sun screen. Aloe. Bug spray. A good beach book.
• An authentic Chincoteague Pony. There are several options for this. Most people looking to buy a pony come for pony penning week (Last Wednesday in July.) and buy one at the Wild Pony Auction. For those that can't make it that week, or are interested in a more relaxed buying experience, the Chincoteague Pony Farm is a great alternative. Don Leonard has been raising ponies for decades, and now with the help of his sons and grandchildren, he is making a name for the small farm he's owned since the 60s.

Eat

Ice cream

Drink

Sleep

• The Refuge Inn, Maddox Blvd. The little hotel with local, knowledgeable, friendly staff. The rooms are spotless and very spacious for the price. The indoor/outdoor pool is great (and heated in the winter) while the observation deck above the 2nd floor is a wonderful place to sit at night and stargaze. They have ponies on-site from the Chincoteague Pony Farm and you can pet and feed the horses. In the spring and summer there are young colts and fillies running around inside the pen. They have a great gift shop too and a bike place right across the parking lot (with a free outdoor air pump). Breakfast is great, although it can be a little crowded.

• Uncle Joe's Cabins and Motel, Chicken City Road, offer 21 units, varying from cottages to mobile homes to motel rooms. Rentals exist as One to three bedroom units with cooking facilities. Television, A/C, private crabbing area, and picnic tables.
• Sea Shell Motel, Willow Street, offers efficiencies, suites, and cottages. Amenities include a summer kitchen, picnic tables, BBQs, wireless hot spots, pool, in-room coffee, refrigerators, phones, shade, trees, and flowers everywhere. This motel, which started off as only four units, is a block from downtown.
• The Sea Hawk Motel, Maddox Boulevard, offers rooms and efficiency apartments. Free wireless internet, pool, picnic, playground, and cooking area. Across the street from the Island Creamery
• Waterside Inn, Main Street, is another great place. Including a heated waterfront swimming pool, pier for fishing and crabbing, solar health spa with jacuzzi, tennis court, and marina. A conference and hospitality room is available. You can dock your boat for free if you're staying there. Wireless internet and continental breakfast are free.
• Island Motor Inn, Main Street is one of the top hotels on the island, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, exercise room and brilliant waterfront views. The Island Cafe is another major perk.
• Blue Heron Inn, Maddox Boulevard is a good place as well. It features a pool, playground, ponies on site, picnic pavilion, free continental breakfast (at a nearby restaurant), and Wi-Fi.
• Snug Harbor Marina, East Side Drive, offers cottages to stay overnight for a price less than many hotel rooms. Small palm trees and waterfront lounge chairs for sipping drinks or just watching the world go by, as well as the reggae music complete the tropical theme. Available to rent are kayaks and canoes, pontoon boats, skiffs, and powerboats. A small selection of bait and tackle is also available.