Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
1,699
949
Virginia
Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Grandchild
Program No. 18685RJ
Alongside your grandchild, discover the real-world setting of Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague,” joining local experts to explore the island habitats where wild ponies roam!
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Age 8 - 12
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
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Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 2,399 / Adult
949 / Child
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Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
1,699 949 | ||||
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 2,399 / Adult
949 / Child
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Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
1,699 949 | ||||
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 2,399 / Adult
949 / Child
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Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
1,699 949 | ||||
Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 2,399 / Adult
949 / Child
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Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
1,699 949 | ||||
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
949 / Child
| 2,399 / Adult
949 / Child
| |
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Chincoteague , Va.
2
Misty of Chincoteague and the Beebe Ranch
Chincoteague , Va.
3
Beach Time, ancient creatures, Museum of Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague , Va.
4
Tom's Cove, NASA Wallops Visitor Center
Chincoteague , Va.
5
Boat Cruise, Free Time, Chincoteague Picnic
Chincoteague , Va.
6
Round Table with the Group Leader
Chincoteague , Va.
At a Glance
Chincoteague is a magical island, where herds of wild ponies run free, bottlenose dolphins play in quiet coves nearby and eagles soar over marshes teaming with marine critters. Chincoteague has fascinated children for generations, thanks to the island’s most famous resident in history: Misty the wild pony and the main character in a famous children’s book (and movie). Learn Misty’s story as you and your grandchild visit her home, and learn how she has helped this island community. Visit restricted areas of the wildlife refuge on the island, and play and swim at one of the longest undeveloped shorelines on the Atlantic coast. Meet park rangers as you collect marsh specimens and learn how oysters and clams grow. Plus, visit the NASA Visitor Center on Wallops Island to find out about the rockets that launch there! **NASA visit contingent on them being open.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one-half mile on level ground, getting on and off a school bus, getting on and off a pontoon boat. All of Chincoteague and most of Assateague are flat terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Visit the Beebe Ranch, once home to Misty, the iconic Chincoteague pony, and spend time with a “Saltwater Cowboy” firefighter to learn how the wild ponies have survived.
- Get close to wild ponies, bald eagles, terrapin, deer, elk and other animals as your Group Leaders bring you to exclusive spots in the wildlife refuge that nobody else gets to see and normally are restricted.
- Ride the island waters by pontoon boat to watch for porpoises, and hear pirate lore as you sail past Assateague Lighthouse.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 8-12. For a comparable family adventure for all generations, check out "Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Family" (#22788)!
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Cindy Faith
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.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
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.
Hunter Leonard
View biography
Hunter Leonard has extensive knowledge in so many different aspects of Chincoteague. He is one of many generations of Saltwater Cowboys in his family, a member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, a boat captain, owns a duck hunting business and has a bachelor’s in marine biology and a minor in environmental science from The College of William and Mary. Hunter prides himself in being able to answer any and all questions related to Chincoteague Ponies..
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.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
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.
Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 18685
Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (MD and VA) (images of America)
This book provides a short pictorial and narrative description of these two barrier islands, their history and relationship. One is a small town community catering to thousands of tourists who come almost year-round to enjoy the beach and view the wildlife on the other. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
A Walk on the Beach: Into the Field Guide
For the kids; a portable easy to use guide to beach critters designed to get kids excited about exploring waterfront life. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net).
The Watermen and Wild Ponies: A Chincoteague Waterman Remembers Life on Chincoteague and Assateague
Share the experiences of surviving on Chincoteague and Assateague from the people who have lived them.
In 1912, Chincoteague was emerging as a thriving seaside community. It was the only outside contact for the small village on Assateague Island. The watermen were tough and courageous. They worked long days dredging oysters or tonging clams and return to the island to cull their catch for shucking. They labored building large ocean "pound" traps to catch a wide variety of fish from their local waters. The seafood industry was the focal point of the island economy.
Mother Nature played her part in making life hard on the islands. The hurricanes and floods could be brutal. The relentless changing ocean currents and tidal surges threatened the fragile island home of the famous wild ponies.
The great fires of the 1920s were devastating to the community on Chincoteague. Yet the people rebuilt from the ashes each time with new hope. The creation of the causeway to the mainland and the building of the bridge to Assateague Island were massive undertakings for these persevering people. They are what makes Chincoteague and Assateague unique.
This is their story. The isolation, the struggles, their compassion and courage as told by a Chincoteague waterman. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Misty of Chincoteague
A Newberry Honor book, for children 8 - 12 years old. This is the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe and their quest to buy the elusive Phantom, a wild Chincoteague pony. On Pony Penning Day, they not only bring in the Phantom, but also her colt, Misty. It is a wonderful heart-warming tale of the efforts of two children to achieve their dream. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Stormy, Misty's Foal
This sequel to "Misty" describes the events on Chincoteague during the Ash Wednesday storm in 1962. Misty is about to give birth and the book details the actions the Beebe's take to ensure a safe birth. It also covers the role Misty and her foal play in raising donations to restore the island after the storm. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
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.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
5B, 4L, 4D
)
5 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
4 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Chincoteague Island
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Museum of Chincoteague Island, next door to the hotel. Hotel check in for room assignment begins at 4:00 pm. Please feel free to call ahead of time if you know you will be late. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
In the Museum Pavilion.
Evening:
Orientation. After dinner in the museum pavilion, 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. Throughout the week, we will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private bus unless noted otherwise. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Misty of Chincoteague and the Beebe Ranch
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Chincoteague Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking on grass (and sidewalks). Ranch activities, including meeting two equine descendants of Misty of Chincoteague.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Begin the day with a presentation about Misty of Chincoteague, followed by a bus tour of the island specifically geared towards Misty of Chincoteague, Marguerite Henry, and their importance to the island. We will also visit the Beebe Ranch, where a local expert will give us a tour!
Lunch:
In the park, weather permitting, or on Museum property
Afternoon:
We will hop on the bus and head over to the Island Theatre. Here we will enjoy a private viewing of “Misty” — the classic movie based on Marguerite Henry’s beloved book “Misty of Chincoteague” that was inspired by real life. The movie premiered here in 1961. After the movie, we will head out to see where Misty left her hoof prints in cement on the sidewalk and Marguerite Henry herself wrote Misty’s name. Be sure to snap a photo of this iconic landmark!
Dinner:
In the museum’s Legacy Pavilion.
Evening:
We will gather in the Museum Pavilion, where we will hear from a local expert all about the events that occur during Chincoteague’s Annual Pony Penning Week – organized by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department – and explain why the ponies are so valued by the community and visitors to the island. (Note: This activity may move to a different time, dependent upon the Firefighter/Saltwater Cowboy’s schedule.)
Day
3
Beach Time, ancient creatures, Museum of Chincoteague Island
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Best Western Plus Chincoteague Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; Elective swimming and/or beach walking according to personal preference.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A local expert will join us to discuss the Blue Crab, indigenous to our waters, and the industry surrounding this local delicacy. Next, we will board our bus and ride to the Assateague National Seashore, where we will head to the beach! Children as well as adults will be given the opportunity to swim in the ocean, as long as it is marked safe by the lifeguards. Children must be watched over by their grandparents. If you are not up for swimming, you are more than welcome to search for shells, build sandcastles, or relax next to the calming waves.
Lunch:
In the museum’s Legacy Pavilion.
Afternoon:
We will be joined by a local expert (and artist), who will talk about whelk, an ancient local creature still thriving today. After the lecture, she will work on an art craft with the kids pertaining to the lecture. Next, we will explore the Museum of Chincoteague Island, with the opportunity to explore exhibits about the people, culture and history of both Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Tom's Cove, NASA Wallops Visitor Center
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Chincoteague Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking under 1 mile on wet sand and in marsh waters. Working in wet/muddy conditions; bring appropriate clothing and shoes to wear in the water.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will put on old shoes and clothes we don’t mind getting wet and take a field trip to Tom’s Cove on Assateague, where National Park Service rangers will lead us on an exploration of the cove waters as we look for clams, oysters, crabs, shrimp, and other shoreline critters. After a short break to change clothes, we’ll enjoy an entertaining presentation on local pirate history with a local expert.
Lunch:
Catered lunch in the Museum Pavilion.
Afternoon:
Current NASA policies permitting, we will board the bus and ride to the NASA Wallops Visitor Center, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a self-led exploration of the visitor center’s featured exhibits about the history of the facility, aeronautics, rockets, scientific balloons, and current missions. Established in 1945, Wallops is now NASA's principal suborbital research facility, and one of the busiest spaceports in the country.
Dinner:
Kids will have a dinner party at the Museum of Chincoteague, while adults will take the bus to a local restaurant.
Evening:
While at the museum, kids will participate in group activities on museum property, with the help of two Road Scholar assistants and a local expert. After dinner, grandparents will return to the museum by bus, where grandchildren will have the opportunity to show their grandparents what they learned.
Day
5
Boat Cruise, Free Time, Chincoteague Picnic
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Chincoteague Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; getting on/off a pontoon boat; Walking 2 miles total on flat surfaces. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Taking the bus to Curtis Merritt Harbor, we’ll board a pontoon boat to cruise along island waters as we look for ponies, eagles, migrating birds, porpoises, and other marine life. Our boat captain and first mate will explain the marsh and shoreline habitats and regale us with stories of life on the water. We’ll pass clam beds, learn about aquaculture, and see the site of the Annual Pony Swim, which we will learn about from various experts throughout our trip.
Lunch:
Grab and Go lunch from the museum pavilion.
Afternoon:
Free time. This time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Regrouping at the museum, we will have a traditional island picnic in the pavilion featuring regional favorites with live music. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Round Table with the Group Leader
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
During breakfast in the hotel cafe, your group leader will conduct a round table, highlighting the week's activities and experiences. 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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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
- Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
- Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 9 Reviews
Sort By:
I just completed the Grandparents trip Misty of Chincoteague with my two grandsons, ages 8 and 10. This is my first experience with Roads Scholar. The trip was well organized, educational, and fun. There were lots of interesting activities such as a boat ride, seeing dolphins, seeing the ponies, visiting with a pony up close, watching the movie Misty of Chincoteague and visiting the NASA Center on Wallops Island. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left July 24, 2024
This program was perfect for my 10 year-old granddaughter, and for me! The program was an artful blend of scheduled activities and free time, with ample opportunity for the kids AND the grandparents to communicate and bond. We all learned a lot, had a ball, made some new friends, and now I can’t wait to bring ALL of my o9ther grandkids to another Road Scholar trip!
— Review left July 8, 2024
This trip was better than expected. Everything went as planned. Beth was good with the kids & very efficient. My granddaughter loved it and so did I. Hotel was convenient location & provided the amenities we needed. Charming island.
— Review left June 24, 2024
First Grandparent program - did not disappoint! Great Activities, guides and meals. Provided an excellent Bonding time for me and my Grand daughter!
— Review left July 1, 2023
well organize fun education, provides much interplay with grandchild. highly recommend
— Review left June 27, 2022
The Misty of Chincoteague grandparent/grandchild program was educational and fun. Activities were varied, engaging and for the most part age appropriate for the kids. The many hands on activities kept the kids active and curious Program leader Beth was exceptionally knowledgeable about the island as were all of the presenters.
— Review left June 26, 2022
My husband and I had previously enjoyed 6 programs but this was a "first" Road Scholar program for my granddaughter and me. And we were not disappointed! The program activities were varied, informative and well-executed, the accommodations were perfect for relaxing & making new friends (meeting at the waffle-maker for breakfast, the pool for free-time play.) and the Road Scholar and hotel staff were wonderful.
— Review left July 14, 2019
We just completed our first trip with Road Scholar, but it won’t be our last. What a perfect week with our granddaughter, learning and playing. Thanks, Road Scholar, for giving us this experience!
— Review left June 30, 2019
I cannot find enough positive adjectives to describe this program. I am a retired elementary school teacher so the benchmark is very high when I’m participating in a program, involving lectures and field trips. Cindy was absolutely phenomenal not only with her vast knowledge but her extremely good delivery of information. There was a wealth of information and it was delivered in a story book, conversational tone that enticed all the children and the adults. There was a beautiful balance and an array of activities. The food far exceeded my expectations… I was expecting pizza and hotdogs but our meals were very much delicious high quality food. An added bonus was our individual receivers as we travelled by bus, so we didn’t miss a word of what Cindy was saying through her microphone. John, our bus driver and Jenny, one of our docents, added very nice icing on our already wonderful cake. There is no way to improve this fabulous program. Thank you for giving me a wonderful, special week with my granddaughter.
Margee... Pittsburgh PA
— Review left January 5, 2019
