Virginia

Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Program No. 10545RJ
Get an insider’s perspective on Chincoteague and Assateague, where you’ll enjoy nature, attend cultural performances, search for wild ponies and wildlife and sample local cuisine.

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At a Glance

Come for a taste of barrier island life! Tucked away on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of the most special places on the East Coast, evoking visions of unspoiled coastal island charm and serving as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the second most visited wildlife refuge in the U.S. Enjoy a small plates dinner featuring historic island recipes that are paired with wine while sitting with views of the water. Listen as a local artist explains how our spectacular vistas and beautiful wildlife inspire her, and observe her technique as she creates a waterfowl painting as she speaks. Learn about the island’s rich history as you explore the exhibits at the Museum of Chincoteague Island.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking a total of up to 2 miles per day, getting on and off a school bus, boarding and exiting a pontoon boat. All of Chincoteague and most of Assateague are flat terrain.

What You'll Learn

  • Walk a short distance on the 37-mile-long beach on Assateague Island — the longest undeveloped beach in the mid-Atlantic — accompanied by an expert who teaches you about dune ecology and the natural forces that constantly reshape the island.
  • Learn how these islands inspire the arts as you enjoy an a painting demonstration from an award-winning wildlife artist, and an evening performance by local musicians who teach you sea shanties, old and new.
  • Explore restricted sections of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in search of ponies, Sika elk, waterfowl and migratory birds and learn about the island’s aquaculture industry while cruising local waters.

General Notes

You may be interested in a five-night version of this program, "Chincoteague: Lighthouses, Wild Ponies and Pirates" (#2005).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Darcy Cole
Darcy has lived on the island for over 15 years. In her early encounters with the wild horses of Assateague, she became fascinated with the idea that each horse had a name and a personality. In those 15 years, she has become a regional expert on the horses, publishing books on the horses and conducting workshops and talks related to the horses. In addition to her many lectures at the Museum of Chincoteague, Darcy serves as a Team Leader on the two annual Service Projects.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Nancy West
Nancy Richards West View biography
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant. Her work has won numerous awards and honors, including the Ward Foundation’s top award for painting, and she represented the Commonwealth of Virginia at the White House Easter Festivities in 1996. Nancy received her B.A. with high honors in fine arts from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.. Nancy has been sharing her artistic talents on Road Scholar programs with the Museum of Chincoteague Island for almost 20 years.
Profile Image of Cindy Faith
Cindy Faith View biography
Cindy Faith has been a Group Leader and lecturer at the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s Road Scholar programs for many years. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, her knowledge of the region’s natural and local history is encyclopedic. Her expertise runs the gamut from horseshoe crabs and wild ponies to pirates and the Civil War’s impact on the Chincoteague region. Combined with her warm sense of humor, Cindy’s vast knowledge assures Road Scholar participants of an informative and interesting experience.
Profile Image of Beth Scheeley
Beth Scheeley View biography
Beth Scheeley was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. She has many family ties to the island, which makes her a true "teaguer." Beth has an extensive knowledge for Chincoteague's history. Her childhood memories of Chincoteague's past looks, restaurants and people will call for endless conversations and stories during your time with her. Her go-getter personality and friendliness will surely make you feel right at home on Chincoteague Island.
Profile Image of Darcy Cole
Darcy Cole View biography
Darcy has lived on the island for over 15 years. In her early encounters with the wild horses of Assateague, she became fascinated with the idea that each horse had a name and a personality. In those 15 years, she has become a regional expert on the horses, publishing books on the horses and conducting workshops and talks related to the horses. In addition to her many lectures at the Museum of Chincoteague, Darcy serves as a Team Leader on the two annual Service Projects.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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4 days
3 nights
8 meals
3 B 2 L 3 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Lecture
Chincoteague Island, VA
D
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the motel café to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: Orientation: In the motel conference room, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. To enjoy a “taste of the island” we will dine out at different venues, each known for its local cuisine and friendly service. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will end the evening with an overview of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, given by our Group Leader. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Explore the Beach, Island Cruise, Museum of CI
Chincoteague Island, VA
B,L,D
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a pontoon boat. Walking up to 3/4 mile; undeveloped beach.

Breakfast: In the motel café.

Morning: We will hop aboard our bus for a history tour of Chincoteague Island. We will then drive a short distance to Assateague National Seashore, the longest stretch of wild, undeveloped beach on the mid-Atlantic coast. As we walk along the sandy shore, our Group Leader will discuss dune ecology and explain the forces that affect the environment of a barrier island.

Lunch: At the Merritt Harbor, we will board a pontoon boat and sail up the Assateague Chanel. We will see the Assateague Lighthouse from the same area as watermen of the 18th and 19th centuries. Our Captain and First Mate will point out historical sites and evidence of changes tides make to the topography of barrier islands. We will enjoy a boxed lunch while cruising the Assateague Chanel.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will head over to explore the Museum of Chincoteague Island, and then have a short period of free time prior to dinner..

Dinner: We'll have a small plates dinner featuring examples of native island cuisine prepared by a local chef using heirloom island recipes passed down from his grandmother; each course will be paired with specially selected wines; non-alcoholic bubbly juice and water will also be available.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Wildlife Safari, Wildlife Art, Local Music
Chincoteague Island, VA
B,L,D
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Note: Wild pony behavior is unpredictable; we will get off the bus when we stop only if the instructor and Group Leader determine that it is safe to do so.

Breakfast: In the motel cafe.

Morning: We will hop on the bus and go on a “safari” to explore the interior of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to look for wild ponies, petite Sika elk, nesting terrapin, otters, bald eagles, Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, and other wildlife. A local wildlife expert will be our instructor. We will be going into an area normally closed to the public and will stop often for wildlife sightings and photo opportunities as they appear. Bring your camera and binoculars if you have them.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Local wildlife artist Nancy Richards West is internationally recognized for her sensitive interpretations of this beautiful coast and its wildlife and waterfowl. Through a presentation and an actual painting session, Nancy will demonstrate how she is inspired by nature and how she captures the subtle patterns of color, light, and movement distinctive to the waterways, creatures, and skies of Chincoteague.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: We’ll enjoy entertainment by 3 Sheets, seasoned singers/players who present energetic and eclectic performances of Celtic, nautical, traditional, and contemporary music. They will entertain us with witty banter while also teaching about their songs and instruments. Returning to the motel, prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.

DAY
4
Local Aquaculture, Program Concludes
Chincoteague Island, VA
B

Activity note: Motel check-out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: In the motel cafe.

Morning: A native island waterman and hunting guide will expound upon local lore, hunting, crabbing, and being a guide for hunters visiting our local waters. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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