Nestled between Virginia's eastern shore and the barrier island of Assateauge is the island of Chincoteague. If you are looking for a resort area, with miles of hotels, boardwalks, fast food chains and beach shops, this is not the place to plan your vacation. If, instead you prefer a small town atmosphere, with lots of locally owned and operated restaurants, motels, and shops, then this may be your kind of place. As so many people do, we fell in love with this area the first time that we visited.

Chincoteague is also the gateway to Assateague Island, one of a few barrier islands left on the Atlantic coast that has not become inundated with concrete high rises...in fact there are very few buildings at all on the island of Assateague.

The most prominent man made feature of the island is the red and white striped lighthouse, which was built in 1867, and is still serving the mariners of the Atlantic coast nightly with its flashing beacon.

Another unique feature of this pristine barrier island is its wild ponies. The legends vary on how these ponies arrived here, from wrecked pirate ships, to local farmers using the island as a grazing land in the early 1800's. Whatever the history of their arrival, they are now one of the natural wonders of this island.

There are many activities to do while there. Biking along wilderness trails, bird watching, boating, swimming, surfing, deep-sea fishing, wild Chincoteague ponies and relaxing (my favorite), and last but not least is the Assateague Lighthouse, located over on the Refuge.

Assateague Island National Seashore is another place to visit. It is the northern part of Assateauge Island. Just located south of Ocean City Maryland and about 1 hour north of Chincoteague. You'll find more unspoiled beaches and if you are craving some nightlife you have Ocean City Maryland.

The accommodations vary from hotels to rental properties. A good place to start is by checking out the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce site it has information on accommodations, restaurants and various activities. One of the rental agencies we have used is Island Getaways and were very satisfied with their service.

If you are looking for a family vacation, beaches, seafood restaurants, and friendly people, uncrowded beaches, with only the sound of the sea gulls and waves breaking on the shore, then Chincoteague Island is the place to be.

Some additional links for you to visit:
Chincoteague Island Vacation Rental
Home Page of Nick the Chincoteague Pony
Chincoteague Home Page
Chincoteague Ponies

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