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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At a Glance

Chincoteague Island, Virginia’s only inhabited barrier island, retains the aura of a waterside village of years past. Discover the island’s exceptional history from its earliest settlers to today — a story that includes maritime events, pirate lore and Chincoteague’s surprising role in the Civil War. Travel to the adjacent Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, rich in wildlife, waterfowl and natural habitats, and see its iconic Assateague Lighthouse, explore nature trails and stroll its pristine seashore. Observe the herds of wild Chincoteague ponies that still roam the marshes and beaches of the Refuge and were forever memorialized in Marguerite Henry’s timeless classic novel “Misty of Chincoteague.”
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking a total of up to two 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

  • Boat along island waters to observe ponies and wildlife, view the NASA rocket launch sites on nearby Wallops Island and see Assateague Island from the water.
  • Visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island with its rare 1st order Fresnel lighthouse lens and historic island treasures.
  • Sample island cuisine, and enjoy a performance by local musicians who will entertain you with sea shanties, island songs and Celtic music.

General Notes

You may be interested in a three-night version of this program, "Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands" (#10545).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nancy Richards West
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.

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.
Profile Image of Douglas Mills
Douglas Mills View biography
Douglas Mills, great nephew of famed architect R. Buckminster Fuller, is general manager of the Island Theatre in downtown Chincoteague. With nearly three decades of experience in performing arts technologies, he is also the lead historian and researcher for the Island Theatre history project that documents the complex and rich history of Chincoteague Island's 75-year-old art deco theatre. Doug has a fascination with maritime and naval history, including the design and engineering aspects of lighthouses, light ships, and other visual navigation aids.
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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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 4 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, History
Chincoteague , Va.
D
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Motel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Getting on/off a bus.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, you will be directed where 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: In a local restaurant.

Evening: Orientation: In the motel’s conference room, our 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. 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. To close the evening, we’ll have a brief lecture on the unique history of Chincoteague Island 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
Assateague Seashore, Historic Downtown Chincoteague
Chincoteague , Va.
B,L,D
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Getting on/off a school bus. Walking up to 1/4 mile; sandy beach terrain.

Breakfast: In the motel cafe.

Morning: We will hop aboard our bus take a driving tour of Chincoteague Island. We will learn local history and view the Beebe Ranch & several local landmarks. Next, we will 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. We’ll then return to the Museum of Chincoteague.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will take a walking tour of historic downtown Chincoteague with a local expert, who will discuss our history and answer questions about the area. Afterwards, we will tour the Museum of Chincoteague Island, with its rare first order Fresnel Lens from Assateague Island's first lighthouse.

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, Lighthouse Lecture
Chincoteague , Va.
B,L
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus.

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: In the Annex to the historic Island Theatre, a local expert will join us to illuminate the topic of lighthouse history. He will describe the history of lighthouses around world and focus in on Chincoteague and Assateague's stunning examples of lighthouse technology. The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy in activities of your choosing.

Evening: 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.

DAY
4
Pontoon Boat Ride, Pirates, Lighthouse History
Chincoteague , Va.
B,L,D
Island Resort Inn

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a pontoon boat.

Breakfast: In the motel cafe.

Morning: We’ll take the bus to the island harbor, climb aboard a pontoon boat, and head out to the oyster grounds and clam beds with our local experts, the boat captain, and his first mate. We’ll get the same close-up view of the Assateague Lighthouse from the water that seafarers of old experienced. We’ll also travel along waters thought to be frequented by 18th- and 19th-century pirates. We'll learn about houses moved from the Assateague Village to Chincoteague Island by floating them over. Our expert will point out evidence of the constantly changing topography of the Assateague and Chincoteague barrier islands. Keep an eye out for eagles, ospreys, and dolphins.

Lunch: Catered lunch in the Museum Pavilion.

Afternoon: In the Museum Pavilion, a local expert will discuss the history and legends of pirates who frequented the waterways around Chincoteague and Assateague as well as other areas of the mid-Atlantic coast. We’ll also learn about the surprising connection between piracy and a major, venerable Virginia institution. Next, we will have a short period of free time before dinner.

Dinner: We will take the bus to a local restaurant.

Evening: In the hotel conference room we will be joined by a local expert, who will share her passion for the local wild ponies. She will discuss all aspects of wild pony life.

DAY
5
Wildlife Art & Artist, Free Time, Musical Entertainment
Chincoteague , Va.
B,L,D
Island Resort Inn

Breakfast: In the motel cafe

Morning: 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.

Lunch: At the hotel, we’ll have a grab-and-go boxed lunch.

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: We will take the bus to a local restaurant.

Evening: We’ll be joined by Three 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. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Native Waterman, Program Concludes
Chincoteague , 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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