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.





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