Chincoteague Island Travel Information
Nestled between the mainland and Assateague Island, Chincoteague Island is the largest community on the Eastern Shore and home to plenty of water sports, seafood restaurants and salty breezes. The most famous semi-residents of the island may be the wild ponies from Assateague. After years of isolation, Chincoteague was connected to the mainland by a causeway in 1922. Marguerite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947, introduced the world to the sleepy island’s secret: the annual pony swim from Assateague Island. Held every July since 1925 by the volunteer fire department, wild ponies swim across the channel between Assateague to Chincoteague for a show and auction. The town fills to capacity for the annual event. Island sights include Refuge Waterfowl Museum featuring hundreds of decoys, Oyster & Maritime Museum housing the lens from the Assateague Island Lighthouse and Island Aquarium detailing life on the Chesapeake Bay. Other outdoor activities include fishing, camping and tours to Assateague to spot wild ponies and birds. Be aware the wild ponies are not tame. For those who prefer a tame ride, the Pony Centre on Chincoteague offers rides and shows. Chincoteague Island is located off the Eastern shore of Virginia, connected to the mainland and US 13 by Route 175, roughly two hours northeast of Norfolk up I-64.
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