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Virginia

Chincoteague: Lighthouses, Wild Ponies and Pirates

Program No. 2005RJ
Virginia's only inhabited barrier island and the national wildlife refuge and seashore have stunning vistas, wild ponies, wildlife, miles of trails and beaches and a memorable history.
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  • A herd of wild ponies stands on a sandy beach in Assateague Island, Virginia, with gentle waves from the ocean washing ashore.
  • The red and white Assateague Lighthouse in Virginia is reflected in the water, where many shorebirds are wading in the foreground.
  • A herd of wild ponies rests on the grass beside the entrance sign for Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia.
  • A long wooden walkway extends over the marshlands of Assateague Island in Virginia under a partly cloudy blue sky.
National ParksNature & EnvironmentRegional Discoveries
Length
6 days
Rating (4.95)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,649
Itinerary
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. Read More.
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 )
3 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
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Activity Note
Motel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Getting on/off a bus.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the motel cafe. After checking in with the motel front desk, you will be directed to the hotel cafe to meet you group leader and receive your welcome packet. If you arrive late, your welcome packet will be at the motel front desk.
Dinner:
4:45: Bus departs for dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
6:30 Orientation: Gathered in the motel conference room, your group leader will facilitate introductions and review the schedule, safety guidelines, logistics, etc. Afterwards your Group Leader will provide a brief overview of the Island to kick off your program!
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Getting on/off boat
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will climb aboard our bus to embark on a driving tour of the Island. We will learn about local history and view several key landmarks. Our bus tour will continue onto the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Your group leader will point out interesting bird and animal species you may see along the way. We will then head to the Museum of Chincoteague Island where staff will introduce the exhibits. Participants will be able to explore the Museum at their own pace.
Lunch:
Catered lunch in the Museum Pavilion
Afternoon:
We will head down to the Marina for a boat cruise of the Assateague Channel. We will be able to see a different perspective of the wildlife refuge. Our boat captain will point out key landmarks and waterways. Keep an eye out for eagles, ospreys, and dolphins. Your group leader will point out any wildlife you may see along the way.
Dinner:
We will have a small plates dinner, featuring examples of native island cuisine prepared by a local chef. He combines traditional island recipes with modern flair. Each course will be paired with a specially selected wine.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Getting on/off a pontoon boat. Walking a couple of blocks
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will be joined by local pony expert Darcy Cole. She will share her own experiences with the ponies and give insight into the importance of the herd to local culture and identity. Next, we will be joined by local historian, Cindy Faith. She will give an engaging lecture on local pirate lore and shipwrecks.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have a group showing of the movie, Misty of Chincoteague. This will provide background on the iconic story and the Beebe family. Next, we will head to the historic Beebe Ranch. Staff will provide background of the property and introduce the exhibits. You will also get to meet some beloved Misty descendants who call the Ranch their home.
Evening:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy. Your group leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a pontoon boat.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will be picked up by a pontoon boat at our motel dock. This ride will feature a look back time at the history of the seafood industry on the Island. We will cruise by oyster beds and discuss the impact of shellfish on the area.
Lunch:
Catered lunch in the Museum Pavilion.
Afternoon:
We will have the opportunity to observe the techniques of local wildlife artist Nancy Richards West, who is internationally recognized for her sensitive interpretations of this beautiful coast and its wildlife and waterfowl. Through lecture 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:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus, walking tour
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe
Morning:
In the morning, we will be joined again by local historian, Cindy Faith. She will guide us through an immersive historical walking tour of downtown. Fade back in time as charming Island history comes to life through Cindy's talented story telling. Time will also be provided for independent exploration of downtown.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Join Doug Mills in the historic Island Theatre for an expert lecture titled "Towers of Light." He will provide interesting information about lighthouses and highlight key lighthouses in the surrounding areas.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will close our day with a live musical performance by The Salts. This local music group combines traditional Irish tunes and local history. As they play original songs they will explain the local lore behind the performance.
Activity Note
Motel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
Our group leader will join you in the motel cafe for a closing round table, highlighting the events of the week. This will conclude our program.
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