Virginia’s Eastern Shore is loaded with fun things to do and see, so many of which are right here on Chincoteague. For those who would like to do a little exploring but enjoy the small town vibe, we can hardly think of a better idea than a Cape Charles day-trip.
Cape Charles is a small, quaint town on Chesapeake Bay, near the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula. Voted one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns” in 2018, this quiet and cozy community has plenty to offer.
For one thing, it is home to one of the largest collections of late-Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast. It’s also home to one of the nicest beaches outside of Chincoteague.
You’ve spent the day exploring the island – beachcombing, hiking the trails at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, touring town, seeing the wild ponies. Now your tummy is grumbling – but where to eat? Lucky for you, there are many excellent Chincoteague restaurants to choose from!
Chincoteague is under 40 square miles in size with a population of less than 3,000. Despite this, we have lots of good dining options right here on the island – and it’s not all seafood! Though we do pride ourselves in our fresh seafood, Chincoteague restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes.
Chincoteague Island is open and so is Miss Molly’s Bed and Breakfast – but in these uncertain times, you may be wondering what else is. We’ve broached this subject before but, with so many events cancelled, we offer a Summer 2020 edition of things to do on Chincoteague.
Virginia moved to Phase Three on July 1st, allowing for a cautious easing of restrictions across the state. Of course, Phase 3 is still not exactly back to normal and many of Chincoteague’s bigger summer events remain cancelled.
So what on earth is there left to do on Chincoteague? Plenty! In fact, reduced summer crowds are likely improve your Chincoteague experience – even though we all wish the reason for the reduction was different, of course.
At this time, a statewide Stay at Home order, issued by Governor Ralph Northam, is in effect. It will remain in place until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by a further executive order.
Only residents are allowed onto Chincoteague at the moment.
Consequently, Miss Molly’s Inn Bed and Breakfast is closed until June 11th. We will keep this post up to date as things change.
We urge everyone to take care of themselves and focus on hope and togetherness rather than fear and division. We are all in this together and that’s the best way we’ll get through it.
Be safe and we’ll see all of you soon!
From everyone at Miss Molly’s Inn Bed and Breakfast
If you’ve always wanted to see the wild ponies of Assateague up close – but not the annual Pony Swim crowds – then Spring Chincoteague Pony Roundup is your best chance.
There are lots of ways to see the wild ponies of Assateague outside the annual, summer Pony Swim. Many local companies offer wild pony tours that will take you out to see them and the many other magnificent sights around Chincoteague.
Another great way to get a good look at the island’s wild horses is during the annual spring and fall pony penning days.
You may not realize this but, along with wild ponies, Chincoteague is a great place for seeing rocket launches. With the NASA Wallops Flight Facility just five minutes away, as the crow flies, Chincoteague has permanent, front-row tickets!
Wallops Flight Facility has been in operation since 1945, making it one of the oldest launch sites in the world. The site is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center and primarily supports science and exploration launches for NASA, NOAA, and other Federal agencies.
If you love nature and getting out into the great outdoors then you should not miss the opportunity to check out Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. The 14,000-acre wildlife preserve offers plenty of wildlife, a variety of trails, and miles of beach to explore.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife preserve located primarily on the Virginia end of Assateague Island. Assateague Island is part of the Great Atlantic Flyway. The refuge was established here in 1943 to protect waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and song birds, along with the other plants and animals of this unique barrier island habitat.
The refuge isn’t just for wildlife and foliage, however. It also offers a variety of outdoor recreation. In fact, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most visited in the country. Nature fans, birders, photographers, and hiking enthusiasts come from all over to walk its paths and beaches.
Ring in 2020 on Virginia’s eastern shore with the annual Pony Island Horseshoe Drop, aka Chincoteague New Year’s Eve 2019!
New York has it’s Waterford Crystal ball, Atlanta has it’s Peach, Prairie du Chen, WI has its … dead carp. Here on Chincoteague, we mark the final countdown to the New Year by dropping a giant, sparkling horseshoe – and you’re invited!
But wait: don’t go away thinking that’s all we do here on Chincoteague to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. While the Pony Island Horseshoe Drop may be the culmination of the day’s events, it’s certainly not the only event.
If you think Chincoteague is a lot of fun during the rest of the year, you need to see us during the holidays! Come celebrate the end of the year on Virginia’s eastern shore with a Chincoteague holiday getaway!
Chincoteague Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the end of the year holidays – but maybe it should be! The island is home to many independent shops and galleries that are loaded with unique holiday gift shopping ideas.
Our local restaurants serve some of the finest, freshest seafood on Virginia’s eastern shore, and the weather? After summer, fall is Chincoteague’s next best season with primarily sunny skies and an average daily temp of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, since it’s the “off-season,” you won’t be fighting those friendly but cumbersome summer and pony-swim crowds.
Best of all, Chincoteague knows how to party and the last two months of the year are jam-packed with fun holiday events!
Enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner this year when you take advantage of the Miss Molly’s Inn Chincoteague Thanksgiving lodging special. Our Chincoteague Bed and Breakfast is offering a Thanksgiving lodging package that includes three nights accommodation, gourmet breakfasts, and a Thanksgiving meal, with wine, for two!
Miss Molly’s Inn always spoils its guests but we go all out for our Chincoteague Thanksgiving lodging special.
The fun begins with your arrival and discovery of a cheese tray and bottle of wine waiting for you in your room. Sample it now or save it for later. Your Thanksgiving on our friendly Virginia coast island can be a romantic getaway, a pleasant break or whatever you want. It’s up to you!
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is loaded with fun things to do and see, so many of which are right here on Chincoteague. For those who would like to do a little exploring but enjoy the small town vibe, we can hardly think of a better idea than a Cape Charles day-trip.
