Latest news with #Chincoteague
Toronto Star
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Thousands watch Chincoteague wild ponies complete 100th annual swim in Virginia
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) — Thousands gathered in Virginia to watch the Chincoteague wild ponies make their annual swim across the Assateague Channel in the 100th anniversary of the popular tradition. Foal No. 36 was the champion of the short channel swim on Wednesday and crowned 'King Neptune,' the title given each year to the first to complete the swim, according to the Chincoteague Fire Department.
Winnipeg Free Press
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Thousands watch Chincoteague wild ponies complete 100th annual swim in Virginia
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) — Thousands gathered in Virginia to watch the Chincoteague wild ponies make their annual swim across the Assateague Channel in the 100th anniversary of the popular tradition. Foal No. 36 was the champion of the short channel swim on Wednesday and crowned 'King Neptune,' the title given each year to the first to complete the swim, according to the Chincoteague Fire Department. The horses were made famous in the 1947 classic children's novel 'Misty of Chincoteague' by author Marguerite Henry. 'Saltwater Cowboys' on horseback round up the ponies, who then swim the channel and come ashore on the east side of Chincoteague Island. The event hosted by the Chincoteague Fire Department includes an auction of some of the foals to help control the size of the herd and maintain a healthy pony population on Assateague Island, where the ponies live most of the year. The auction is also the biggest annual fundraiser for the fire department, which manages the wild pony herd. The tradition began in 1925 as a way to raise money for Chincoteague's volunteer fire company. Interest in the pony swim grew, and visitors began coming from across the country for the annual event. 'Misty of Chincoteague' made the event famous around the world.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Chincoteague, Virginia: the perfect family vacation spot you've been sleeping on
What if I told you a stunning island oasis boasting pristine shorelines, natural beauty, and endless family fun existed just a three-hour drive from Philadelphia? Pack your bags for Chincoteague, Virginia: the ultimate summer family vacation destination that you've likely overlooked until now—and need to visit stat. Known for its wild ponies, unspoiled nature, and relaxed atmosphere, this small island off the coast of Virginia's Eastern Shore offers the perfect balance of leisure and outdoor adventure for the whole fam to enjoy. I recently visited Chincoteague, VA with my husband, toddler, and baby bump for a family vacation-slash-babymoon. From sunny beach days to long nature walks, sunset dinners on the sand, and even an up-close wild pony encounter, we left the island with sun tans, full bellies, happy hearts, and incredible memories that we still gush about to anyone who will listen. Our first trip to Chincoteague certainly won't be our last. Here's your go-to Chincoteague family guide to eating, exploring, kicking back, and taking in everything that Virginia's only resort island has to offer. When planning our babymoon to Chincoteague, I wanted modern, family-friendly accommodations that put the 'home' in home base versus a hotel—and Key West Cottages truly delivered. This new and luxurious resort features 38 cottages right on the bay and is within walking distance to many top Chincoteague restaurants and attractions. From the pastel hues to the waterfront views, the resort felt like a tropical paradise; I couldn't believe I was just a short drive from my New Jersey home. We stayed in a nautical-themed, one-bedroom cottage complete with a spacious living room and full kitchen, which meant I could easily store snacks and make breakfast for my toddler (a huge time and money saver). When traveling with children, having a clean, cozy, and comfy retreat to unwind in between activities is crucial for everyone. While my daughter took her afternoon nap, my husband fished off the pier and I read my book on our private porch (vacation mode, activated!). Everyone's favorite part? The heated outdoor pool, which is open year-round and features a shallow end and toddler-friendly waterslide that my daughter went down 487 times (rough estimate). Other amenities include: Private bayside beach with fire pits and lounge chairs Onsite outdoor activities: complimentary bicycles, kayak launch, fishing, and crabbing Sunset pier Option for late checkout at 12 p.m. (parents, this is an extra $45 well spent!) Whether you're looking to book a weekend getaway or an extended week-long trip, this luxury Chincoteague resort for families will check all your boxes. Wild ponies roam freely around the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, woven deeply into the fabric of the town's history and community (legend has it they arrived via shipwreck in the 16th century). No trip to Chincoteague is complete without a wild horse sighting—and here are the best ways to catch a glimpse: Drive or bike around Assateague Island on Beach Road and you'll likely see the horses grazing from a distance. The Assateague Explorer boat tour is a great option for up-close views of the ponies in the marshes Plan your summer vacation around the annual pony swim, a world-famous, week-long celebration in late July where the ponies are herded across the Assateague Channel and paraded through town; the event is followed by an auction and big carnival. For a hands-on experience, we took our daughter to the Chincoteague Pony Farm (next to The Bike Depot), where she could safely pet and feed a herd of ponies. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands are brimming with natural beauty—from pristine shorelines to diverse wildlife and jaw-dropping sunsets. The area is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts alike—and here are some fun ways to take it all in with the family: Embark on a guided boat cruise or kayak tour. These eco-adventures grant you up-close wildlife encounters, scenic views, and plenty of fun facts about the island's unique ecosystem. Visit the historic Assateague Lighthouse. My family and I just enjoyed the photo op in front of the iconic striped landmark, but during high season, it's open to visitors on weekends from 9am-3pm (free admission). Enjoy a beach day on Assateague Beach. With 37 miles of sandy shoreline, it's a great spot to sunbathe, swim, fish, and maybe spot some ponies. If you're traveling with children, beware of strong currents and swim in a designated area with on-duty lifeguards. Hike the nature trails. The 3.25-mile paved Wildlife Loop through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is great for birdwatching; also, the Life of the Marsh trail is stroller friendly and features a half-mile boardwalk through the salt marsh. Don't forget bug spray! Rent bikes and use the designated bike trails and lanes to explore both islands. Walk along Main Street in Chincoteague; you can pop in and out of art galleries, bookstores, and souvenir shops, then do a lap around Robert Reed Park and snap a pic at the infamous LOVE chairs. The long stretches of sidewalk were ideal for our morning stroller walks. Brianna's Kindness Park features a toddler-friendly sensory playground so the kids can run their energy out. There is no shortage of great spots to eat and drink in Chincoteague. When mealtime approaches on vacation, my husband and I seek out local fare, delicious cocktails, and excellent vibes; our daughter, however, just wants a kid's menu, entertainment, and ice cream. These top Chincoteague restaurants for families delivered on food and atmosphere for all—and many of them were walkable (with the stroller) from our resort: For casual waterfront dining, head to Ropewalk, where you can feast on crabcakes, stick your toes in the sand, vibe out to live music, enjoy epic sunset views, and let your little ones run amok on the playground while you sip an orange crush (or three). The kid's menu is expansive and more importantly, comes served on a souvenir frisbee. Pico Taqueria is an island staple, serving up gourmet artisanal tacos made with locally sourced ingredients (I went back for seconds of The Main Street taco). The shoes-optional, outdoor atmosphere is chill and the cocktails tasted so fresh, we lingered for a few rounds while our daughter played in the sand. Check out the specialty food trucks around the island, including Having a Meltdown for sandwiches, K&J Teriyaki for Korean fare, Cosa for wood-fire pizza, and Better. for some healthier options. Added perk: they're dog-friendly if you're traveling with your pup. Get your caffeine fix at Main Street Coffee House or AmaRin Coffee (both spots have adorable indoor and outdoor seating for your well-deserved coffee break). For a grab-and-go breakfast delight, don't skip Sandy Pony Donuts for warm specialty donuts, acai bowls, and smoothies—the long line is worth the wait! Must-visit ice cream spots in Chincoteague: Mr. Whippy for soft serve, Island Creamery for homemade scoops, and BYOC (Build Your Own Cookie) to craft your own cookie sundae. History lessons on vacation can be fun (yes seriously!). Discover local hot spots, hidden gems, and local history with kid-friendly activities to keep little ones engaged: Ponies, pirates, and seafood samplers—the various Chincoteague Step Through Time Walking Tours let you get your steps in and immerse yourself in the town's rich and unique history (about 1.5 hours long). The Museum of Chincoteague Island offers a scavenger hunt and touch area for kids, plus a new Beebe Ranch exhibit (open Tuesday-Saturday). Learn all about NASA's 80-year history on the shore at the NASA Wallops Island Visitor Center, which features an interactive section for kids (open Thursday-Saturday with free admission). Heading to Virginia's Eastern Shore? Here are my top five vacation beauty essentials and accessories that I couldn't leave home without: SOL Labs Natural Mineral SPF 50 Sheer Mist My fair-skinned two-year-old needs SPF 50, my pregnant self needs mineral sunscreen, and my husband will only use a spray formula. Luckily, this lightweight, natural sheer sunscreen mist sprays on invisibly, doesn't feel sticky, and nourishes skin—I feel good about using it on the whole family. e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Balm Buttery soft, nourishing, and the perfect amount of healthy-looking shine and subtle color—this hydrating tinted lip balm feels luxurious but is super affordable ($9!) and I can't stop reaching for it day in and day out. Sunday Afternoons Kauai Hat The summer sun in Virginia is unforgiving, so a wide-brim hat topped my packing list. This one shielded my face and neck while I was poolside and on the beach with UV protection—it also folds up well in a suitcase and even more importantly, looked great in photos. Addoklm Extra Large Rubber Beach Bag Does it look like a gigantic Croc with handles? Yes. But does it also hold three big towels and all your beach paraphernalia? Sure does. And can you easily hose the sand off at day's end because it's rubber? Indeed. Function over fashion sometimes reigns supreme (although I think it's kind of cute!). SEEN Hair Care Travel Trio Even when I'm on a carefree beach vacation, I want my hair to feel good and look good. This travel kit features a trio of mini clean haircare essentials—shampoo, conditioner, and blow-out cream—to help reduce frizz and nourish my mane on the go.
