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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 islands and waters where wild ponies roam!

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6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5B 4L 4D

Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Chincoteague , Va.

Misty of Chincoteague and the Beebe Ranch

Chincoteague , Va.

Beach Time, ancient creatures, Museum of Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague , Va.

Tom's Cove, NASA Wallops Visitor Center

Chincoteague , Va.

Boat Cruise, Free Time, Chincoteague Picnic

Chincoteague , Va.

Round Table with the Group Leader

Chincoteague , Va.

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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. Swim at one of the longest undeveloped shorelines on the Atlantic coast. Meet park rangers as you collect marsh specimens and learn about local sea and marsh creatures. 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.
Meet park rangers as you collect marsh specimens and learn about local sea and marsh creatures.
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

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.

Search for a Title

Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Grandchild

Program Number: 18685

Stormy, Misty's Foal

by Marguerite Henry

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

Misty of Chincoteague

by Marguerite Henry

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

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (MD and VA) (images of America)

by Nan Devincent-Hays

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

The Watermen and Wild Ponies: A Chincoteague Waterman Remembers Life on Chincoteague and Assateague

by Robert H. Mears

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

A Walk on the Beach: Into the Field Guide

by Laurie Goldman

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).

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Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Grandchild

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes

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