Smaller crowds offer a better view and more intimate experience for the Friday swim. The vet gives the Ponies inoculations against the West Nile virus and to prevent Equine Encephalitis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright 2023 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. Shadowed by Ocean City, Maryland, Chincoteague (also called Chincoteague Island) a small town located on the Atlantic Ocean. What restaurants take reservations Pony swim week? Now an official registered breed, the Chincoteague Pony is a wild pony believed to be a descended from survivors of a Spanish galleon shipwreck off the coast near the Maryland and Virginia state line. Ponies were raised on nearby Assateague Island and were then penned (claimed as property) over on Chincoteague Island. Seeing the Chincoteague Ponies will be remembered as some of our favorite memories for years to come. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Its nowhere near as big as neighbouring Ocean City but thats part of its appeal. Access to the corral and farther north will be permitted after round up activities are completed. Each July, the Chincoteague Fire Department rounds up the ponies and foals in anticipation of the Chincoteague Island Pony Swim and Auction. The first foal across is named King or Queen Neptune and is given away in a raffle drawing. The beaches of Toms Cove Hook and Assawoman, Cedar, and Metompkin Islands are open only sporadically in order to protect endangered species. So the moral of the story is, dont get too close to the horses! Return Swim : The adult ponies swim back to Assateague Island on Friday. Human food can be harmful to the ponies and if they start to rely on people for food, they can be put in harms way by getting too close to vehicles. The maritime forest protects forest wildlife such as the sika deer, the endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, and others. The northern end round up takes about 5 6 hours to complete because there are more ponies and more land to cover. You cannot park on the loop, so you'd need to hike the loop to the start of the access road and then hike the 3 miles. A small but cute and quintessential part of the island is the Captain Timothy Hill House, which dates to the early 19th century. Best Things To Explore On Quaint Chincoteague Island - TravelAwaits If you are interested in attending any of the special events surrounding the Pony Swim and Auction, youll need to book at least one year in advance. Theyre an interesting piece of evolution. The southern herd is rounded up on Friday - there is parking - no need for hiking. Chincoteague's annual Pony Swim attracts nationwide attention. There is plenty of parking there and after the ponies are corralled, you can visit with them and take pictures. This site uses cookies to enhance the user experience and measure marketing activities. The culmination of the events is the Pony Auction. In the 1700s, it became a regular event on the island that included drinking, eating, and festivity among the community. http://www.chincoteague.com/AssateagueTrailMap.pdf, Get answers to your questions about Chincoteague Island. 14. You just might see Chincoteague ponies, white-tailed deer, sika deer, and other wildlife and birds on this small-group tour. The beaches at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are some of the most beautiful on the East Coast. Another great option is the soft crab sandwich crab is a must-try in this area. The annual event is referred to as The Pony Swim and around 40,000 people come every year to watch the ponies. Sure. This round up usually takes a couple of hours. Quick Answer: Where To See Chincoteague Ponies - BikeHike This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Here are the best ways to see Chincoteague ponies during Pony Penning week and the rest of the year. Doesnt make an ideal vacation. Beloved Chincoteague ponies' mythical origins may be real This is also a good time to see them as they are grouped together in a big corral. Its a unique adventure not experienced by many visitors. The easiest and most humane way of accomplishing this is to auction off most of the foals every year. The Chincoteague volunteer fire company owns around 150 ponies that live on the southern end of the island, separated from the Maryland half by a fence. Finally, the salt marshes are home to black ducks and other waterfowl. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 11 years ago Save The fall pony roundup is scheduled for Friday 9/30 & Saturday 10/1, so, unfortunately, you will miss that. The Ultimate Guide to Chincoteague Island VA Fish and Wildlife Service, the horses are grazed in two designated areas on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Spectators are able to view the Ponies in the corral after the round up. Over time, they have adapted to thrive over the 37 mile barrier island. Its a chance to see Chincoteague ponies up close and in action, but July isnt the only time you can see the ponies. At one part of the loop, youll get to Swan Cove Trail which takes you to a beach. However, the best way to view them is on a tour. When booking a boat for Pony Swim, ensure that the captain is licensed, and the boat has been inspected by the Coast Guard. Due to the low tides we didn't see any dolphins. For hundreds of years, Chincoteague ponies have inhabited Assateague Island. What To Know Before You Go. There are many great tours available on the island that the whole family can enjoy. The best spots to see ponies on the Refuge are to the right of the road just after you pass the Refuge Center on the way to the beach and down the access road that is off the Wildlife Loop. The first foal to reach the shore is named King or Queen Neptune and is given away in a raffle winning later that day. Chincoteague Ponies The sale is a way of controlling the island's wild pony population, which was made famous by Marguerite Henry's 1947 novel Misty of Chincoteague. Learn about the unique opportunity awaiting you in Viriginia to see the Chincoteague wild ponies and experience their annual swim from Assateague Island. Horses may be visible by car along Beach Road. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Very few European settlers lived on Chincoteague Island, which was claimed by the English in 1680. The Barrier Island Visitor Center is located on the southern side of Route 611, before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Private vehicles are not allowed on this road. The best time to see the ponies is actually the last Thursday in July on the southern end of Assateague island. The guided tours are perfect for all kayakers, from beginners to the experienced. Tours are offered by boat, kayak and bus, and are a fun, safe and interesting way to view these magnificent ponies. Several years ago, the ponies ran free on the island and could be anywhere. Is there a way to see more of the ponies on Assateague? To find out more, please see our Privacy Policy. Its also important to know that youre supposed to keep your distance from the ponies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Find a spot in the sand north of the parking lots at Assateague by 6 a.m. for a great view. The Virginia herd is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Pony Event Schedule Island Resort Harbour Rentals, LLC Hampton Inn and Suites Refuge Inn Fairfield Inn & Suites Chincoteague Island Waterfront Best Western Chincoteague Island Seaside Vacations & Sales Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort Miss Molly's Inn Island Resort Harbour Rentals, LLC I was able to take quite a few nice photos. Thanks again :). Saturday morning the Saltwater Cowboys begin rounding up the northern herd into a corral about 3 miles up the Service Road. Why this pony was transported, I have no idea. These feisty ponies can put up a fight from time to time and their antics can make for an interesting morning. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. To get the best chance to view the Chincoteague ponies, visitors are encouraged to visit between April to October. It sounds fun, though! The money goes for a great cause, buying equipment for the volunteer firefighters. [3] The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. Do you prefer to power your own adventure? :) Any help would be greatly appreciated! I love Chincoteague and its quaintness. There are also a bunch of places where you can do things like go kart and mini golf the staples of the Maryland/Virginia seaside town. For an even heartier meal, tuck into the Deadliest Steam Pot crammed with snow crab, shrimp, corn, potatoes, and andouille sausage. Chincoteague Pony Centre (Chincoteague Island) - All You Need to Know Would the girl have to somehow swim in the ocean to get to the island? You can drive around town and see one or two ponies by the sides of the coastal roads. The tours are led by a wildlife expert from the Chincoteague Natural History Association and will bring you to a remote area on the island where you can discover local wildlife and ecology. If your lucky they will be really close to the road. There is a shuttle bus operated by the Chincoteague Natural History Assoc (757-336-3696). Chincoteagues annual Pony Swim attracts nationwide attention. Open year round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. AlpinerHut Chantilly, Virginia 455 910 NOT on Chincoteague Island Review of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Reviewed July 22, 2021 After nearly 30 years in northern Virginia, I finally traveled to Chincoteague Island of Chincoteague-pony-swim fame, only to confront some surprising realities: Assateague's Wild Horses - U.S. National Park Service I'm planning on hiking the 3 miles to see the southern herd- my question was about parking near the start of that area. The dunes offer nesting grounds for the piping plover and other shorebirds. This area is not accessible to the public during the roundup. Kathy Milani/The HSUS 740 shares I first read the book, Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry when I was in 3rd grade. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. You may or may not see them, but they are there. I've long had hopes that Matthew and I would one day have the chance to take the kids. 27 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Icelands Southwest, 7 Charming Towns on Marylands Eastern Shore, Blown Away in Chicago, IL Things to Do & Travel Guide. The Virginia herd, often called the Chincoteague herd, is owned and managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer . Learn more about seeing and photographing wildlife here. Seeing the ponies in person is truly an amazing experience and something the whole family can enjoy. Many equestrians grew up reading the wonderful book Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. This is not a good time to see them as there will be anywhere from 60 to 80 thousand people visiting the island that day. However thats a huge part of the appeal that and the ponies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". For one week starting Saturday, July 23, pony fever will rise on Chincoteague as thousands are. Here are the best ways to see Chincoteague ponies during Pony Penning week and the rest of the year. By 1885, penning would take place one day on Assateague Island and one day on Chincoteague Island. You can ethically visit the horses every other day of the year. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. A death at Chincoteagueonce again A Humane World Wild horses inhabit the protected beaches, pine forests, and salt marshes of Assateague Island, a 37-mile coastal split between Maryland and Virginia. Then, in a grand spectacle, the ponies, accompanied by the Saltwater Cowboys, swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island across the Assateague Channel. The Maryland herd is managed by the National Park Service. They have stocky builds, with short legs, round bellies, and thick manes. When you visit Chincoteague, you can see Mistys hoofprints in front of Island Theatre. Destination Expert for Chincoteague Island Level Contributor 684 posts 45 reviews 26 helpful votes 1. Viewing the ponies during the Pony Swim is a wonderful experience. However Chincoteague has more to offer than Assateague so Id definitely recommend it. These ponies have a very salt-heavy diet so they eat and drink much more than the average pony, thus their stomachs are bloated. Also, the southern ponies are rounded up 3 times a year for check ups and the crossing. The Delmarva area has so much to offer it is always worth a visit. On the following day most of the young foals are auctioned off. Re: Seeing the horses in October? The best time to see the ponies is actually the last Thursday in July on the southern end of Assateague island. These out-of-the-way oases are worth seeking out during your visit. With its variety of old-fashioned charms, Chincoteague has been called America's #1 Beach Town; a "slam-dunk" for grandchildren and one of America's best island towns. Never been to the area but will be there next weekend 4/6/18 and wondering if we visit is there an area to see the wild horses. You can also camp on the refuge but I personally have no experience with that. Chincoteague, Virginia is one of the mid-Atlantics hidden gems. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. As for the northern ponies, there is no "good" time to see them except maybe during the day. You can check out my youtube channel: aglimpseintotheflores I posted 2 videos of our visit and we saw a lot. Thus, the ponies had to swim across the short channel. The vet also checks their hooves and teeth. for your convenience. If you can, enjoy the whole day there. Published in 1947, the story revolves around a wild pony who eludes the round-up each year and the man who desires to own her. You can also visit the Beebe Ranch, see the stalls of Misty . Saturday morning the Saltwater Cowboys begin rounding up the 100 or so additional adult wild poniesthat live in a much larger area further North on Assateague Island. How To See The Chincoteague Ponies - Chincoteague Travel Blog The park also offers late day passes (after 3 pm) for $18.99 and $14.99, respectively. You might just bring home more from vacation than you anticipated. Official Chincoteague Island Pony Swim Guide Its a very beautiful place. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. **** The men who round up the horses are affectionately known as Salt Water Cowboys. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The fence is not solid, but you get a better view if you can look over the top. You can also go to a short Woodland Trail that has a pony overlook. Its just a town that never took off. My mother finally bought it for me because I couldn't wait any longer to read it. The vet will start in the morning and once all the Ponies have been treated they will be released. Your email address will not be published. The foals who are at the Carnival Gounds on Chincoteague, will be brought over to join the southern herd on Saturday morning (depending on weather). Last Minute Hotels in Chincoteague Island, Browse all 828 Chincoteague Island topics . Things to Do in Chincoteague Island Chincoteague Pony Centre Chincoteague Pony Centre See all things to do Chincoteague Pony Centre 4 269 reviews #17 of 34 Outdoor Activities in Chincoteague Island Horseback Riding Tours Closed now Visit website Call Write a review About Your chance to meet Chincoteague Ponies up close on Chincoteague Island! She then discovers lots of ponies, and realizes they are the ponies of chincotgeaue. I tried for weeks to get the book from our school library, but it was always on loan. The story of Misty: This is honestly a bit of a weird story. The Maryland herd is free-roaming and may be seen anywhere in the park. The time varies each year but is announced on the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Companys Facebook page before the swim. The babies are still at the carnival grounds until then - so you can visit them there. You can also wander around the stables and check out the closest remaining descendants of Misty, the pony made famous by Marguerite Henry. Please be aware that this requires a three-mile walk one way (6 miles round trip) on a gravel road. You will need so much bug spray. On the last Wednesday in July the ponies (previously rounded up) at slack tide, swin from Assateague island to Chincoteague island, and are paraded through the streets of Chincoteague to the fair grounds where several will be auctioned off that evening. Every year, proceeds from one foal go to help a regional charity. 10 Cute New England Towns on the Coast (Perfect for a Road Trip), 18 Best Countries to Visit, Chosen by World Travellers, has a wonderful brochure on the islands buildings. These are not the most sociable creatures, but its for your own safety. Since we were going to the wedding, we decided to turn it into a family road trip. On the third day, at dawn, the Saltwater Cowboys drive the ponies along the shore from the Northern Corral to the Southern Corral. The swim and auction take place on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July each year. When we first visited, we thought we could drive through Assateague to get to Chincoteague. Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction returns for its 97th year. Here's Here is a video of a horse saying hello to beach goers. The permit allows a maximum herd size of about 150 adult horses. This guy does a great no frills tour. Each year this small island on, Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce After several detrimental fires in the town of Chincoteague in 1925, residents decided to hold a carnival at the Pony Penning to raise money for equipment for the firefighters. The Buy Back ponies are returned to Assateague Island in order to replenish the herd. In 1994, the Chincoteague pony became a registered breed. Theyve done a lot of research and are more than happy to share their findings with visitors. Get to the carnival grounds early to get a good seat. See The Ponies By Car The south herd can sometimes be seen from the main road that leads to the beach. The trail from the parking lot up to the lighthouse is very light and takes about 5-10 minutes. This area is not accessible to the public during the roundup. The Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel and come ashore on the east side of Chincoteague Island. I am willingto make my book several years ago, but probably no earlier than 1990. The money from the auction goes to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and to help pay for veterinary expenses for the ponies throughout the year. The winners of the Buy-Back ponies get to name them before they are returned to the wild. Sheridan Alexander is a travel writer specializing in tourism, restaurant reviews, hotel information, travel tips, and special events in the southeastern United States. Pets are not allowed in the Virginia district (not even in your car). Since the cordgrass they eat has such high salt content, the ponies drink up to twice as much water as normal horses. The ponies can be found on the beach, but youll also find many different birds including the migrating, federally endangered peregrine falcons who arrive in late September and October. Ponies tend to be on the bay side in winter ocean side in summer but this is not a hard and fast rule and they can turn up anywhere at any season. Written by EasternShore VA RootsRated for Visit Eastern Shore VA. The lighthouse was finished in 1867 and visitors can go to the top to get views of the island from all around. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Which side should I visit, the Maryland side or the Virginia side of Assateague? However, Im going to tell you to skip it because the ponies are basically abused into making the swim. I hope you get to travel to Chincoteague one day because its absolutely beautiful. Penning is a long-held tradition as a way for livestock owners to claim, brand, and break their loose herds.
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