Weekend in Chincoteague Island, Va., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Getting there: The nearest airports are Salisbury, Md., (50 miles) and Norfolk, Va., (85 miles). One-way rates from $118 and $139, respectively and based on 14- and 21-day advance notice; American/USAirways via Charlotte, N.C.
Trip tips: Unspoiled and unhurried Chincoteague Island, located in the northeast region of Virginia's Eastern Shore, is the only resort island in Virginia. The federally owned island is 7 miles long and surrounded by miles of nature, an abundance of wildlife — including wild ponies — and safe sandy beaches. The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival combines a celebration of one of nature's healthiest fruits and the largest Eastern Shore Arts & Crafts event on July 24-26 at the Chincoteague Center; $5, $1 under age 12. www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com. Up to 50,000 visitors are expected to gather on July 29 to watch the 90th year of Chincoteague's annual Pony Swim, when the herd of about 150 ponies swims across the Assateague Channel. Plan trips at www.chincoteague.com.
BUDGET
Stay: The Best Western Plus offers an ideal location to explore outdoor activities including fishing, biking, hiking and golf. Rates from $97, including a full breakfast, Wi-Fi and access to the pool and fitness center. 7105 Maddox Blvd., 757-336-6557, www.bestwestern.com.
Eat: Enjoy authentic Mexican tastes at Right Up Your Alley, a food trailer with open table waterfront seating. Chicken quesadillas ($4.99), carne asada fries ($4.99) and mahi-mahi fish tacos ($2.99) are the most popular items. Other choices, $2-$8. 4102 Main St., 757-990-2069.
Experience: The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops Flight Facility offers numerous free programs and activities coordinating with astronomical events and space missions. Admission is free; located 5 miles west of Chincoteague Island. 757-824-1344, www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops. Bands of wild horses live and graze on scenic island coastlines. Enjoy a relaxing two-hour back bay cruise of Assateague and Chincoteague islands to spy out bald eagles, osprey, dolphins and the wild Chincoteague ponies. Choose from three daily departures; $40 adults; $30 age 12 and under. 4391 Main St., 757-710-1783, http://saltwaterponytours.com.
MODERATE
Stay: Catch a sunset from the 220-foot private fishing and crabbing pier at the family-owned Waterside Inn. On site are an outdoor heated swimming pool overlooking Chincoteague Channel, solar-heated Jacuzzi, fitness room, tennis court, grills and picnic tables and rose gardens. Take a half-mile stroll to downtown shops and restaurants. Rates from $100. 3761 S. Main St., 757-336-3434, www.watersideinn.biz.
Eat: Pull up a picnic table for lunch at the Sea Star. Fresh wraps, cafe sandwiches, salads, soups and sweets under $10. Many vegetarian and vegan choices. 6429 Maddox Blvd., 757-336-5442, www.seastarcafeci.com.
Experience: Celebrate the history and traditions of the Eastern Shore's seafood industry on May 2 at the 47th Annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival. This all-you-can-eat event offers fresh, local seafood and landlubber items, live entertainment, and an artisans' tent; $40 (under age 5 free). Tom's Cove Park, 8128 Beebe Road, 757-336-6161, www.chincoteaguechamber.com. The 43rd Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival will be held on Oct. 10 ($40). www.chincoteagueoysterfestival.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: It's a short bike ride to town restaurants and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge from Cedar Gables Seaside Inn. Amenities include Jacuzzi bath, gas fireplace, entrance to the waterfront deck on Little Oyster Bay and a seasonal pool. Three-night weekend stays required; $185-$225 per night including a sumptuous breakfast. 6095 Hopkins Lane, 757-336-6860, http://cedargable.com.
Eat: Fresh daily seafood served at AJ's on the Creek with blue crab, scallops, and oysters to $26; $30 steaks. 6585 Maddox Blvd., 757-336-5888, www.ajsonthecreek.com.
Experience: Kayak the backside waters and peaceful natural habitats along Assateague and Chincoteague islands and barrier island areas only accessible by watercraft. Take a quiet break on a remote Assateague beach. Full-day single sit-in or sit-atop kayak rental $49; $65 tandem. Available mid-April through mid-October. 2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive, 757-336-5956, www.assateagueexplorer.com.
About the Author
