THERE’S LOTS TO DO ON CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND
- Learn about our rich history at the Museum of Chincoteague Island on Maddox Boulevard; including the preserved Misty and Stormy, Miles Hancock Carving Workshop & narrated history bus tour. Road Scholar programs also offered. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Browse the Chincoteague Island Library on Main Street, in the quaint old barber shop. Ask about Tales for Tots. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Catch a first release movie or live performance at the Island Theatre on Main Street. Special exhibits and events also take place next door at The Annex. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Take a relaxing and informative boat cruise or sailing adventure with one of our many wonderful boat captains. Discover wild ponies, eagles and maybe even dolphins! Hunting and inland/offshore fishing charters are also available.
- Explore the Island Nature Trail on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive. Two trails provide a safe haven to walk, run, bike, bird-watch or enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat. North trail: 0.45 mile natural surface trail through forest and glade. South trail: accessible 0 .7 mile paved loop with benches and interpretive sign display. South Trail is pet friendly!
- Take your furry friends to the Island Dog Park on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive after purchasing a permit at the Town Office or Chincoteague Police Department at 6150 Community Drive. Rules and regulations do apply.
- Pack a lunch & enjoy pet-friendly Donald Leonard Park on North Main Street – picnic tables & kayak access available.
- Rent a bike, scooter or street legal cart and cruise the islands.
- Watch a beautiful sunset or rocket launch from Chincoteague’s Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park. Enjoy the Misty statue and take a memorable picture in our giant LOVE chairs. Use #LoveCIVA #ShareWhatYouLove #LoveVA on social media!
- Enjoy the playground, basketball/tennis courts and kayak/boat launches at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Crabbing too!
- Cast a fishing pole from the piers at Veteran’s Memorial Park or Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park after stocking up on bait and tackle.
- Visit the Captain Timothy Hill House; the oldest home on Chincoteague Island. Hours in season and by appointment. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Go bowling at Libertino Lanes on Willow Street. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Purchase a good book from the book stores or gift shops on Main Street. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Enjoy arcade games, mini golf, go carts and more at Funland Amusements on Maddox Boulevard. {Rainy Day Doings}
- SHOP TIL YOU DROP in our many fine galleries, eclectic clothing stores and whimsical souvenir and food specialty shops. {Rainy Day Doings}
- EAT! EAT! EAT! Partake in wonderful food at our many fine restaurants or buy fresh from any of our seafood and produce markets and prepare it in your home. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Tempt your tastebuds with donuts, desserts and ice cream at one of our amazing eateries & ice cream parlors – one was voted #1 in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Watch local artists at work in their shops & partake in rainy day painting workshops like offered at the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance and art galleries. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Find that perfect treasure at one of our antique or primitive shops. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Go on the Walking & Biking Tour of Historic Chincoteague. A tour map is available at the Chamber office or online. Can also be enjoyed by driving in your vehicle.
- Explore the “back roads” of Chincoteague. Unless it says “Private Property”, wander down the side streets and look at the beautiful homes. Great architecture is still visible on some of the old “Chincoteague Style” homes. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Purchase Kirk Mariner’s book Once Upon An Island – the History of Chincoteague & Assateague Islands and learn about our rich Native American heritage. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Ride the Pony Express Trolley just for fun or to get around town in the evenings (seasonal). {Rainy Day Doings}
- Surf the web with free Wi-Fi available at several island businesses and Island Library. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Check out the YMCA for current activities and classes for all ages. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Paddle a canoe, kayak or SUP around the peaceful Chincoteague waters or enjoy a guided eco tour.
- Visit with local carver, Roe Terry, in his shop at 5191 Main Street. Watch him work and learn about carvers of the past. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Partake in the many events and activities organized through the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance; Farmers & Artisans Market, 2nd Saturday Artful Flea, Island Coffeehouse, Community Bingo and more. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Splash into fun at Maui Jack’s Waterpark.
- Work on your backhand with tennis lessons through the Community Tennis Association.
- Take a walking history tour of Downtown with Chincoteague Step Through Time Tours. (seasonal)
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND
- Visit the Herbert H. Bateman Educational & Administrative Center and learn about all the amazing wildlife on our islands. Wonderful gift shop for all ages. Let the children participate in the Junior Refuge Manager and Junior Birder Programs (free) to earn badges and patches. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Visit the Toms Cove Visitor Center (near the beach) and “feel” horseshoe crabs and other sea life in the touch tanks. Gift shop for all ages. Chairs on the porch and telescopes to get a good view of birds (sometimes bald eagles) feeding in the marsh. Children’s Junior Ranger (small fee) and Mini Ranger (free) programs are available. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Walk the short trail up to the Assateague Lighthouse. During seasonal hours, climb 175 steps to the top for a breathtaking view.
- Walk or bike the Wildlife Loop (open to vehicles from 3 PM to dusk). Watch deer, otters, numerous specie of ducks, birds, turtles (including snappers) and muskrat. Keep an eye out for Delmarva Fox Squirrels too!
THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA & MARYLAND
- Visit the NASA Visitor Center on State Road 175 to view videos on the sphere, let children play with computers, buy space food, see actual rockets and learn about astronauts. Public programming also available. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Purchase Kirk Mariner’s book OFF 13 and pick up the Eastern Shore of Virginia Activity Guide at the Chamber Office. Drive down all the little roads that run off of Highway 13 and soak up the flavor of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. {Rainy Day Doings}
- For the avid horse lover here are some unique opportunities. Take a trail ride, have a birthday party, attend summer pony camp or a horse show at Queen Hive Farm in Assawoman, VA. Also keep an eye out for special horse shows and events featuring the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team around the area and at Kerkaken Acres in Bloxom, VA.
- Get a massage at Massage Away in Temperanceville, VA – just minutes away. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Learn about the rail system at the Eastern Shore Railway Museum in Parksley, VA. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Tour the outstanding federal historic home museum, Ker Place, in Onancock, VA. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Relax on a two hour sail in the Onancock Creek with Onancock Sailing Adventures in Onancock, VA.
- Peruse the oldest hand-written records in the USA at the Eastville Courthouse in Eastville, VA. {Rainy Day Doings}
- For wildlife watching, especially birding, visit the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge in Northampton County. Check out the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail, Coastal Trail, & Eastern Shore Loop. Bald eagles abound. Gift shop available.
- Take a cruise to Tangier or Smith Island, two small islands in the Chesapeake Bay, from Crisfield, MD or Onancock, VA. Some boats have covered decks.
- Step back in time at area antique malls like Blue Crow Antique Mall and Rusty Rooster and flea markets like Shore Flea Market. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Visit the Delmarva Discovery Museum in downtown Pocomoke City, MD. Go on a timeless journey through the Delmarva Peninsula and the Cypress Swamp. Exhibits bring to life Delmarva’s unique ecology and rich history along the Pocomoke River. Watch the river otters frolic in their exhibit and enjoy interactive programming. {Rainy Day Doings}
- Play a round of golf at Captain’s Cove Golf & Yacht Club then enjoy a delicious meal at The Marina Restaurant or Crusty Crab both in Greenbackville, VA.
- Take a tour of the charming Pocomoke River with Pocomoke River Canoe & Kayak in Snow Hill, MD.
- Enjoy some water time at Jolly Rogers Parks & Splash Mountain in Ocean City, MD.
- Tune in to 96.5 / 101.5 CTG, WOW 99.3 / 101.1, Bay Country 97.9, WESR 103.3 and 105.7 Coastal Country for tunes and local news. {Rainy Day Doings}
