Visit these galleries and shops during Second Saturday to enjoy visiting artist exhibits, performances by musicians and wine and cheese tastings.

• Island Butterfly – 4107 Main St.
• Guinevere’s – 4076 Main St.
  

  Guinevere’s participates in the Second Saturday Art Stroll.

• Flying Fish Gallery – 4086 Main St.
• Island Arts – 6196 Maddox Blvd.
• Old Neptune Books – 4076 Main St.
• Sundial Books – 4065 Main St.
• Working Artists Studio – Maddox Blvd.
• Osprey Nest Gallery – 4096 Main St.

Visiting Chincoteague this Spring?

If you are making your travel arrangements for a vacation in Chincoteague this spring or summer, we invite you to book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast Inn. No matter what time of the year you come to the Island, there is always lots to do! Or if that what you need is a slow paced getaway, do very little! Read a book, taking leisurely strolls on the beach or while away the time with cards and games in our parlor.

Kayaking

Kayaks can be launched and beached at both the beach and Toms Cove areas, including Toms Cove Hook. If you are kayaking, keep an eye out for swimmers so you don’t whack them with a paddle! Note: you cannot kayak in lifeguarded sections of the beach, nor are kayaks allowed in refuge impoundments or borrow ditches.

If you need to rent a kayak, simply let us know when your make your reservation or upon arrival and we can connect you with a local vendor.

See Chincoteague in a whole new way when you take out a kayak!

The National Park Service also conducts summer kayaking programs from the Toms Cove Visitor Center to explore the Assateague Island National Seashore. Please contact the Toms Cove Visitor Center for details at (757) 336-6577.

Personal Watercraft Rentals and Tours

You can rent jet skis to explore the waters around the island. Prices are in the range of $95 for one hour. You can also hire companies to take you on jet ski tours. They will lead you around Chincoteague Island with up close views of the Assateague Lighthouse, ponies, marsh wildlife, and more. Take a break on the Sandbar for a quick barrier island beachcombing session.  These tours can be personalized to be as mild or wild as you would like!

Visit the only beach on Assateague Island that allows boats. Locals know this spot for uncrowded summer fun. Look for the ponies and beachcomb for treasures amidst unspoiled nature. These tours takes you around the south end of Chincoteague and back.

Sounds like fun? Just let us know and we ca set up a rental or tour for you!

Comfortable and Welcoming Lodging in Chincoteague

Miss Molly’s bed and breakfast promises to be the icing on the cake during your Chincoteague vacation! Book with us for summer 2013 soon!

]]> http://missmollys-inn.com/2013/05/04/chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge-beach-fun-part-iii/feed/ 0 http://missmollys-inn.com/2013/04/30/chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge-beach-fun-part-ii/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge-beach-fun-part-ii http://missmollys-inn.com/2013/04/30/chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge-beach-fun-part-ii/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:05:23 +0000 Katie Pate http://missmollys-inn.com/?p=1328 In our last post, we outlined some fun ways to spend your time at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Beach, including crabbing, clamming and fishing. However, maybe seafood is not your thing. Here are more ideas for beach fun during your trip to the Virginia coast!

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is allowed along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle zone only. This area usually closes from March 15 to late Fall.

Beachcombing

Find a beautiful reminder of your vacation on Chincoteague.

Shells can be a beautiful, affordable and natural souvenir of your visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Each person is allowed to take one gallon or less of unoccupied shells. Driftwood may not be collected.

Campfires

Having a campfire on the beach is one of the nicest ways to spend an summer evening on the Virginia coast. Bring beverages and snacks – make hot dogs, s’mores and even clams! But keep in mind certain regulations must be followed so you don’t get in trouble with the park service. Campfires are allowed only in designated sites located along the beach. You also need a fire permit (which is free) and a site assignment. Get these at the Toms Cove Visitor Center.

Boating

Boating is an exciting way to explore Assateague and the waters surrounding the Island. Boats are allowed to land at Toms Cove Hook between September 1st and March 14th. However, there are no boat ramps or docks available for public use at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. So if you want to come to shore, make sure to bring your floaties or a waterproof bag for carrying your goods!

Can you believe we still have more ideas for beach fun this summer?!? Check back this month for our final post on Chincoteague Beach activities!

Need a Place to Call Home in Chincoteague?

We invite you to be our guests at Miss Molly’s Bed and Breakfast in downtown Chincoteague.

Fishing – Visitors can choose to fish in designated areas of Toms Cove and Swan Cove. Visitors may also choose fish from the beach, outside of life-guarded areas. Fish after hours by procuring an overnight fishing permit from the Toms Cove Visitor Center.
Some of the fish common to the waters around the refuge are bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, Atlantic croaker, spot, and red drum. Clearnose skate, bullfish, and Southern stingrays may be caught, as well as smooth or spiny dogfish sharks. Crabs are notorious bait thieves, and can include lady crab, spider crab, and blue crab.

Crabbing – One of the most popular activities at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is crabbing. Crabbing is permitted in designated areas in Swan Cove and along Beach Road, as well as from the boardwalks near the entrance gates. Blue crabs make a tasty meal, and catching these feisty creatures only requires a few tools: a crab line, a net, and a bucket for your catch. Don’t forget bait! Chicken necks are a good choice – the smellier, the better! When crabbing, remember to observe state limits on size and quantity. Each person is allowed one bushel of hard crabs per day.

Clamming – All you need to clam are a bucket or basket and a clam rake. Look for the tell-tale “key hole” in the mud, or just pick a spot and start digging. There are several different types of clams that can be found in the waters around the refuge, including hard-shell clams (also known as “quahogs”), soft-shell clams, and razor clams, which have a long and narrow shell. Visitors may take a maximum of 250 clams in one day. There are also multiple commercial and private clam beds in the waters around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. These areas are prohibited for recreational clamming. Resale of clams taken from the refuge is prohibited.

Come back to the blog to see the rest of the list!

Lodging on Chincoteague

When visiting Chincoteague, we invite you to be our guests at Miss Molly’s Inn. We are a premier bed and breakfast with personable, friendly staff and delicious breakfasts. Welcome to the island!

This is one way to see the Chincoteauge Ponies all together besides the main pony swim in July. If you’re not into crowds, this is an alternative.

Observing Ponies on Assateague

You don’t have to attend a penning or the pony swim to see the wild herds on Assateague.

To see wild ponies, first head to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island.

Ponies can often be seen in the marshes along Beach Road and from the observation platform on the Woodland Trail.

There are a few parking pull-offs on Beach Road, but if you don’t have much luck there, your next best bet is to take a walk along Woodland Trail, also off Beach Access Rd. The trail is paved for part of the way. About half a mile into the trail, there is a pony viewing spot. It is clearly marked. Note: The mosquitoes can be vicious, so bring spray!

You can also sign up for a tour of the wildlife refuge and the opportunity to see more wild ponies at the Visitor Center. The tours are at 10 and 4. If you are interested in this tour, be sure to sign up for it early because they fill up quickly.

To get more of an up-close encounter with the ponies, head to an unusual location: McDonald’s! The McDonald’s on Maddox Boulevard is right next door to the pony pen. Often there are seven or eight ponies and with their foals. For a quarter, you can get corn feed out of a dispenser and feed the ponies.

Chincoteague Lodging

Please consider Miss Molly’s your home away from home when you visit Chincoteague.

Museum of Chincoteague Island Opens for 2013

On March 23, the Museum will re-open after closing for the winter. This season the museum features an exhibit on Chincoteague life circa 1900. The Museum is open on weekends (Fri-Sat-Sun) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 7125 Maddox Blvd. For more details visit www.chincoteaguemuseum.com, email chincoteaguemuseum@verizon.net, or call 757-336-6117.

Easter Decoy and Art Festival

The 34th Annual Decoy Show and Fine Art Festival held on Friday and Saturday of Easter Weekend, March 29 & 30. Local and national carvers and artists of all kinds exhibit and sell their works.

The show takes place at Chincoteague Combined School (4586 Main St.) from 12 – 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

See beautiful bird decoys like these at the 34th annual Easter Decoy and Art Festival

Awards are given in various categories, including the Curtis Merritt Award of Excellence, which goes to  an artist who demonstrates the highest standards of creativity, character and overall quality. This is decided by the other exhibitors.  Best Carver and Best Artist are people’s choice awards and the Best Photograph of Chincoteague or Assateague is chosen by the committee.

Wooden Easter Eggs will also be on display, decorated by the exhibitors. They are a show highlight each year and fetch handsome sums. There will be a silent auction as well.

For more details visit www.chincoteaguedecoyshow.com, email chincochamber@verizon.net, or call 757-336-6161.

Celebrate Spring at Miss Molly’s Bed and Breakfast

Miss Molly’s Chincoteague bed and breakfast has five porches surrounded by landscaping and a beautiful English garden. Come this spring and enjoy watching the plants bloom and flourish after the winter while enjoying coffee in the mornings and a glass of wine before dinner.

We think one of the best ways to spend a warm day in Chincoteague is by participating in some water sports. And we have a bunch of great water activities here on the island! Here are some of our favorite:

• Kayaking:Explore the warm back bay waters (water temps: 70 to 90 degrees) of Assateague Island while kayaking into calm creeks, coves and a vast array of pristine inland waterways where the Chinctoeague ponies make their home. Kayak guides can take you into areas for wildlife viewing. See the famous Assateague Lighthouse and land at a beach on Assateague where the wild horses roam.
  

  The Assateague lighthouse

• Sailing: Have a unique experience, whether you are a total sailing novice or an expert! Most sailing charters let everyone become part of the crew, should they choose. Or just relax and be the ‘lookout.’ View the beauty of Chincoteague and Assateague from a different perspective. Often times sailing charters see dolphin, sea turtles and waterfowl.
• Parasailing: Another great way to see the island from a unique perspective, this fun and exhilarating ride is sure to please young or old patrons!
• Jet Skiing: If you have a penchant for speed, try a jet ski! Enjoy stunning views of the island from the water. Most rental agencies also offer lessons and guided tours.
• Surfing: Assateague Island offers a pristine beach with fun waves. The surf breaks on Assateague Island are mostly sand bars. The surf improves significantly when there is any type of weather disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean, generating a swell. On really good swells local surfers will sometimes venture by boat to some good breaks on the nearby barrier islands.

Whatever your pleasure, we hope you will stay at our Chincoteague bed and breakfast during your visit!

Let us explain how a stay at Miss Molly’s Chincoteague Inn is a great value.

1. Location ~ We are on Main Street, which means you can walk to restaurants and shopping. Save money on gas and relieve yourself from the burden of driving by having centrally-located lodging.

2. Elegant Outdoor Spaces ~ Our B&B has five wonderful porches where you can feel the sea breezes. Adorned with rocking chairs, loungers and even a hammock on our large second floor deck, we provide more than just a bed and a roof over your head.

3. Complementary Snacks and Beverages ~ Hotels these days have baskets with snacks and bottles of water in your room, however, the water costs $5 and the granola bar is $3. That doesn’t happen at Miss Molly’s, where we have tea, coffee, cookies and home-baked goodies available 24 hours a day in our lovely screened in porch. For us, this is just part of great hospitality!

4. Plentiful Amenities ~ In your room, enjoy chocolates on your pillow, fluffy robes, high quality hand-made soaps and shampoos, bottled water and makeup remover cloths. Free of charge.

5. Beach Gear ~ Save space in your suitcase and let us provide the beach equipment. We have bikes,

We’ve got your gear for the beach covered! (Saddles not included, hehe!)

backpack loungers with rucksacks, beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, boogie boards, buckets and spades, and Frisbees. Most of these items are free of charge. We will even make a beach lunch for you to carry along.

5. Gourmet Breakfast ~ Of course! Don’t forget about the hearty, homemade and delicious breakfasts we provide every morning. We have fresh coffee and other breakfast beverages ready and waiting for you by 7:30 a.m. each morning. The breakfast table is set with antique china and breads, cakes and muffins with Lin’s famous homemade preserves are the first items on the menu. After that, enjoy a breakfast that begins with a light, fruity course followed by something heavier like french toast and bacon or a heavenly quiche.

With our rooms ranging from $110 – $180 per night, it is easy to see how the savings add up when you choose a bed and breakfast over a bleak motel. We hope to see you this spring!

This July will mark the 88th year of the pony swim. Tens of thousands of spectators from around the world will gather on our little Island to watch this annual tradition. In this blog, we are going to give you some advice for when you attend.

July 20 & 21: The Pony Round-Up

The weekend prior to Wednesday’s Pony Swim, the “Saltwater Cowboys” – the fellas that drive the ponies across the water on horseback – will begin rounding up the approximately 150 wild ponies that live on Assateague Island. The smaller herd of about 50 ponies reside on the southern end of Assateague Island and are herded into a large corral on that end of the island. The larger heard of about 100 ponies reside further north on the Assateague Island and will be herded into a corral on that end. The ponies can be viewed by the public in the southern corral, which is located on Assateague, just off the road that leads to the beach.

July 22: Merging the Herds

Come and fulfill a dream – see the Chincoteague Pony Penning!

On Monday at day break, the Saltwater Cowboys will move the northern herd out of the corral and out onto the beachfront, pressing them south to join the smaller herd in the southern corral. To see this part of the penning, be at the Assateague Beach by 6 a.m.

July 24: The Pony Swim

On Wednesday, July 24th, the Saltwater Cowboys will drive the ponies from Assateague to Chincoteague Island. The swim takes place at “slack tide,” which is a period of about 30 minutes between tides. There is little or no current, making it easy for even the smallest foals to cross the water. The time of slack tide varies each year, however, the swim generally takes place some time between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The specific time will be announced the week of the swim.
The Chincoteague Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel, just south of Memorial Park (7427 Memorial Park Dr.) on the east side of Chincoteague Island. There is no charge to see the ponies swim. However, the only parking at Memorial Park is designated for handicap use. Guests at the Inn may catch a shuttle bus near our Chincoteague lodging. We recommend getting started early on this day and to anticipate a heavy crowd. Click here to view the shuttle bus map. The best way to see the pony swim up close is on a Charter Boat. However, spots on these boats for the pony swim are in very high demand, so be sure to reserve your spot at least several months in advance.

Speaking of reservations in advance, all of the rooms at Miss Molly’s Inn are booked for the Pony Penning this year, but our sister bed and breakfast, Island Manor Inn, still has several rooms available!

We hope to see you this summer – make a dream come true!

Author Marguerite Henry with the real-life Misty of Chincoteague.

History behind the Misty of Chincoteague Book

While Marguerite Henry was on the island, she attended the Pony Penning and met the Beebe family. The Beebes included Clarence and Ida Beebe, as well as their two grandchildren, Maureen and Paul. The real horse on which the book was based was actually foaled in domesticity on Chincoteague at the Beebe Ranch, not in the wild on Assateague Island as was told in the book. However, as in the book, Misty was sired by a stallion named Pied Piper, out of a dam called Phantom. Though these horses also were domesticated in real life, they too provided inspiration for the wild ponies portrayed in the novel.
Henry fell in love with Misty and wanted to purchase her from the family, but Clarence Beebe knew how much the children loved the foal and refused to sell her. Eventually, an agreement was made between Beebe and the author, and Beebe allowed Henry to purchase the horse for $150 if she included his grandchildren in her next book!
Henry followed through with the agreement and published Misty of Chincoteague in 1947, featuring Maureen, Paul, and the little filly as the main characters of the work. Misty continued to grow up on Henry’s farm in Illinois, accompanying the author on book signings across the country.