Misty and the Chincoteague Island Ponies: A Family Adventure

Virginia

Regional Studies

Family Programs

Literature

Wishlist Start

Discover the real-world setting of Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague” with your family and explore the island habitats where wild ponies roam with other wildlife.

Rating (5)

Activity Level

Program No. 22788RJ

Length

6 days

Starts at

999

6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5B 4L 4D

Chincoteague , Va.

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

At a Glance

Prepare for an adventure with your family on Chincoteague Island, the setting of the beloved children's classic “Misty of Chincoteague.” Visit other settings in town that inspired the book and movie, and then watch the timeless movie of Misty of Chincoteague at the restored Island Theater where it premiered in 1962. Travel by bus, bike and boat as experts will guide you through the marshes, woods and unspoiled beach where the wild ponies still roam and learn the about the forces that shape the a barrier island ecosystem. Cruise island waters, and look for waterfowl and other marine wildlife. Visit NASA’s Visitor Center at Wallops Island to learn about NASA space programs and the different types of rockets launched there.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking up to one-half mile on level ground. Short, 5 mile bike ride over flat terrain on one afternoon.

Family Programs

Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.

Best of all, you'll ...

Visit Misty’s home at Beebe Ranch with your children and grandchildren to see the stable where she lived and hear from a Beebe family member about growing up on the ranch.
Experience wild Chincoteague ponies and wildlife up close, visiting areas of the wildlife refuge normally closed to the public.
Explore the islands’ ecology on a learning cruise and on a mud mucking excursion to the mashes and cove with a National Park Service ranger.

General Notes

Program is for children ages 8 and up accompanied by family adults. For a comparable intergenerational adventure for just grandparents and grandchildren only, check out program #18685!

Featured Expert

All Experts

Jenny Somers

Jenny Somers is a native of Chincoteague Island, able to trace her family line back to the original settlers on the island in the 1600's. Jenny's father and generations before him have worked on the water; thus, Jenny grew up with a knowledge of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands that few can match. An architect by trade, she’s worked on Assateague Island as an interpreter for over thirty years. Her knowledge and love of wildlife has led her to be a passionate falconer and bander.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Jenny Somers

View biography

<%= Bio %>

Cindy Faith

View biography

<%= Bio %>

Suggested Reading List

View 8 books

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 on Chincoteague at the Museum.

A Natural History of Quiet Waters

by Curtis J. Badger

This is a wonderfully well-written, easy to understand description of the swamps and wetlands of the East Coast and their importance to our environment, history and culture. It is written from the perspective of someone who has experienced them first hand. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net)

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 on Chincoteague at the Museum.

Watermen and Wild Ponies, A Chincoteague Waterman Remembers Life on Chincoteague and Assateague

by Robert H. Mears and Lorna Gagneux

An informative and touching chronicle of the life-long friendship of two business partners who catch and sell fish, oysters and clams for over 30 years until the early 1960's. It reflects the flavor of living and making a livelihood on Chincoteague and the early settlement of Assateague. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.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 on Chincoteague at the Museum.

Treasure on Chincoteague Island

by Karen Simpson-Tweedie

This book for the kids is a sequel to the "Hidden Key" taking place on Chincoteague. It introduces two new characters, Brian and Ashley, as they discover new things about the island and its secrets. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net)

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).

Seeds of Evidence

by Linda J. White

This recently published novel involves an FBI Special Agent on leave at her Grandmother's home on Chincoteague, who becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a young Latino boy. Available at Sundial Books on Chincoteague (www.sundialbooks.net).

Print All

Map details are not available for this location.

View Map

Expand All

6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5 B 4 L 4 D

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

DAY

Registration, Orientation, Local History

Chincoteague , Va.

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Afternoon: Please plan on arriving at the motel between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. for registration.

Dinner: Dinner will be at 5:30 at a local venue. For your dining pleasure this program includes "A Taste of the Island." We will be dining each evening at a different venue each known for its local cuisine and friendly service.

Evening: This evening's activities include a schedule review, a colorful history of our local area as well as delicious dessert!

DAY

Beach Visit, Cruise Around the Island

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Breakfast: Full, hot breakfast at the Best Western.

Morning: View the Island by bus and arrive at Assateague National Seashore, at 37 miles the longest stretch of wild undeveloped beach on the mid-Atlantic coast. Have a suit on hand as there will be plenty of opportunity to go in the water. As you take a walk on the sandy shore, listen to your group leader discuss dune ecology. For your next stop, our small island has an outstanding museum, rated by Trip Adviser as one of the top 3 attractions on Chincoteague. Explore the Museum's exhibits including a rare 1st Order Fresnel lens, surprising shipwreck finds, handmade artifacts from the past and much more.

Lunch: 12:00 noon lunch

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon on the water! Cruise around on the island learning about the famous Chincoteague Pony herd, from when they first landed on our shores to their current existence on Assateague. You'll also pass by eagles, migrating birds, and other marine life. Your expert guide will explain their habits and regale you with stories of life on the water. If the tides are just right, we'll even stop at a clam bed and get a hands-on, feet-wet experience with a working waterman.

Dinner: Tonight you are on your own to explore and take advantage of a variety of experiences such as a kayak trip, a trolley trip around the island and/or exploring downtown. We will point you to a variety of restaurants that meet your special tastes. We can even help you plan a family picnic on the beach with a campfire.

DAY

Wildlife Refuge, NASA, Pony Show

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Breakfast: Full, hot breakfast at the Best Western.

Morning: Explore the interior of the Chincoteague 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 with over 30 years experience, will be our instructor. We will be going into an area normally closed to the public, so be sure to bring your camera for this trip. Also carry along your binoculars if you have them.

Lunch: 12:00 noon lunch.

Afternoon: Board the bus for the NASA Visitor Center. Explore the hands-on exhibits and make a rocket model with your grandchild. Learn about all the amazing science and rocket launches that are conducted on Wallops Island, just a 10 minute bus ride from Chincoteague!

Dinner: Kids will enjoy crafts and pizza at the Museum while the adults have crab cakes at the Village Restaurant.

Evening: After looking through the Pony Center's collection of pony memorabilia, including Misty- related items, enjoy a show produced by the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team led by Kendy Allen. The Center features veterans of the pony swim and a number of Misty descendants.

DAY

Hands-on Fun on the Beach, Lighthouse Climb, Family Dinner

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Breakfast: Full, hot breakfast at the Best Western.

Morning: Put on your old shoes and get ready to get down and dirty! This morning we visit Tom's Cove and try our hands at fishing or mud mucking (it all depends on the tides and the weather). Regardless, National Park Service rangers will lead you on an exploration of the marsh and cove where you'll find clams, oysters, crabs and other assorted crustaceans.

Lunch: 12:00 noon lunch.

Afternoon: Travel to the Bateman Center in the Chincoteague National Refuge. Learn about wildlife in this area and local and Federal conservation efforts. Take a trip to our newly renovated lighthouse. Your group leader will help you understand the role of this facility in the Civil War, and it's dramatic "change in location" with the shifting sands. You have the option of climbing to the top to take in breathtaking views of the area.

Dinner: Enjoy a family-style dinner at Mr. Paul's kitchen: pan-fried chicken and all the fixings. It's an island tradition.

Evening: Bring your smart phone, IPAD, or video device to the Museum to collect stories from members of your family. In addition to getting technical advice, learn strategies for interviewing that will help capture lasting memories.

DAY

Misty Movie at Island Theater, Free Time, Crab Feast

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Breakfast: Full, hot breakfast at the Best Western.

Morning: Relax and enjoy watching the original movie of Misty of Chincoteague at the Island Theater where it premiered. See Misty's hoof prints in the sidewalk outside the newly restored theater.

Lunch: Take a short stroll to a lunch spot downtown as your Group Leader points out some of the downtown's history.

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon bicycle exploration of Assateague Island with experts on the refuge environment. This might include back trails or secluded beaches. For those not interested in the bike ride, our staff will help you arrange alternative activities.

Dinner: At 5:00. this evening's special treat is a crab feast at a local park with a view of the Assateague Lighthouse. Experienced "eaters" will be available to help if this is your first crab feast. Enjoy outdoor games and live entertainment featuring sea shanties and a special song written for the Museum's Road Scholars participants.

DAY

Special Visit to the Beebe Ranch, Program Concludes

Chincoteague , Va.

Breakfast: Full, hot breakfast at the Best Western.

Morning: Visit the Beebe Ranch, home of Misty. Explore the stable where she lived, and hear from a Beebe family member about growing up on the ranch with Misty and Stormy, two of Chincoteague's most famous ponies. The program will conclude following our lecture.

Meals

13 Meals

5 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

4 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Kosher, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Display

Jul 15, 2018 - Jul 20, 2018

Jun 17, 2018 - Jun 22, 2018
Jul 15, 2018 - Jul 20, 2018

Best Western Chincoteague Island

5 nights

Chincoteague

Located less than a mile from the island of Assateague, the Chincoteague Wildlife Life Refuge, the Assateague National Park and next door to your host the Museum of Chincoteague Island. This award winning motel with its beautiful views of Assateague Island has well cared for grounds, wonderful amenities and oversize rooms. Breakfast is served daily and USA Today is delivered to your door each morning.

TripAdvisor Reviews

See All Lodging Options

2 Reviews

Sort by

Most Recent

Most Recent
Most Favorable
Least Favorable

5 Average

Ann

Class of 2017

Needham, MA

(5) 4 months ago

This was an absolutely magical trip! Not only was everything was so organized and delightful, but our leader, Cindy, was a captivating storyteller with an encyclopedic knowledge of everything about Chincoteague and Assateague. We had a broad range of children's ages (7 to 16) but they clicked well under Cindy's gentle leadership. The mud mucking was a highlight - not as messy as it sounds but so much fun for everyone! It was just the right mixture of learning, activity and down time to get to know each other at the hotel pool - absolutely perfect!

Penny

Class of 2017

Huntersville, NC

(5) 9 months ago

This was a wonderful trip! Cindy the leader of the trip was outstanding. The accommodations were perfect for the program. The food was amazing! We learned so much about this beautiful island. Highly recommmend for all ages!

Website Feedback