Inside Chincoteague 2024

All About Meghan

Top Sales Agent for Long & Foster 2017 through 2022— Southern Virginia Region

Masters Club 2018 & 2019, Platinum Club 2020 & 2021 & 2022

Ranked #116 out of 1.6M agents for units sold in 2022, according to RealTrends “The Thousands List”

Ranked #3 in Va. for units sold and Ranked #26 in sales volume according to RealTrends America’s Best List 2022

#1 in sales volume & units for 2017 thru 2022 for Long & Foster Chincoteague

Ranked in the top 1% of the Real Estate Agents in Virginia, according to “Virginia Living Magazine” 2018 thru 2022

Over $45 Million in sales volume in 2022

Meghan Oliver Clarkson, ABR REALTOR®/Assoc. Broker

CCan you feel the excitement? You’re on the quaint island paradise that is Chincoteague Island, Va! Home of the world-famous Chincoteague Ponies. There is so much to see and do, or relax amid the quiet island charm. While the Ocean side of the island beckons for fun in the sun, the bayside offers breathtaking sunsets on the water. There are savory restaurants, island tours, fun places, and adventure for the whole family, just a shell toss from the door of your vacation spot. To find out more, turn the pages of this book. It’s going to be a great vacation!

On behalf of the staff of Inside Chincoteague, let the fun begin!

The best way to experience Chincoteague is by boat!

Take a tour, leave with a memory!

The Pony Express

About the Trolley

The Pony Express is a seasonal trolley service the Town of Chincoteague provides. This service is open to the public and follows fixed routes covering most of the island, including many motels, restaurants, shops, parks, recreational areas, ice cream parlors, and campgrounds.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) public transportation option is available. Please see below for details. All of our trolleys are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

ADA Public Transportation Option: The Pony Express runs a fixed-route and complementary paratransit services for qualified persons with disabilities. Our paratransit service coverage area includes up to 3/4 of a mile beyond all our fixed routes. To qualify for the ADA deviation option: you must apply and be certified. Applications are available at the Town of Chincoteague office in person or by mail. Certifications from other communities will be accepted.

The operator complies with all ADA rules and regulations. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) trips will be arranged where logistically possible.

After certification, we ask that your service request be made at least 2 hours before your desired departure time. The fare for ADA-deviated route riders is $1.00 (or four tokens). The Town office is open from 8 am to 5 pm. After regular business hours, please contact the Pony Express.

Town of Chincoteague, Inc. – 757-336-6519

The Pony Express – 757-854-8575 (After 5:00 pm)

Island Trolley Stops

For your convenience, Pony Express stops are located throughout the Island. Look for the Trolley Stop signs. You can also hail a trolley along the route!

Just 50 cents per person/per ride!

No Alcohol, No Tobacco & No Pets

Exact change is appreciated.

Free tokens are available at local businesses.

The Pony Express Trolley

The Numbers

Emergency Services : 911

AAA Emergency Road Service - 800-222-4357

Alcoholics Anonymous - 410-219-2117

Atlantic General Hospital - 410-641-1100

Riverside Memorial Hospital - 757-302-2140

Chincoteague Center (Community) - 757-336-0614

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company (non-emergencies) 757-336-3138

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - 757-336-6122

Coast Guard- Chincoteague (emergency) - 757-336-2855

Island Library - 757-336-3460

Marine Police Dispatch - 757-336-3460

Poison Control Center - 800-222-1222

Post Office - 757-336-2934

Police 757-336-3155

Public Works - 757-336-3366

Town Office 757-336-6519

Virginia State Police - 800-582-8350

Western Union - 800-325-6000

Special Activities

First Saturday in May — Annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival 10am-5pm (Ride Free)

Weekends beginning June 28th thru July 27th — 99th Annual Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival

Last Call for Trolley during Carnival is 10:00 pm

July 4th — Old Fashioned Fireworks Display 5pm-12pm (Ride Free Courtesy of the Town of Chincoteague)

July 24th — 99th Annual Pony Swim TBD, Auction TBD, and Swim Back TBD

October 12th — 50th Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival 10am-5pm (Ride Free)

December 5th — Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

Schedule is subject to change. Visit Chincoteague-VA.gov for up to date information.

Lost or Stolen Credit Cards

Discover - 800-347-2683

Master Card - 800-826-2181

Visa - 800-336-8472

Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks

Am Ex. - 800-528-4800

MasterCard - 800-223-7373

Traveler's Cheque - 800-645-6556

Visa - 800-227-6811

“Sweetheart”

Mare - foaled April 18, 2011

Bay tobiano with snip, small roaned star, four stockings, ermine spots. Brown eyes.

Buyback Pony - sold at auction for $4650. Brand “F.”

Sweetheart currently resides in the southern herd, and is part of the famous pony Surfer’s Riptide’s band.

Assateague Lighthouse

Assateague Light is the 142-foot-tall lighthouse located on the southern end of Assateague Island. After crossing the Assateague Channel, you can find the lighthouse in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. It is owned and maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is still used as an active aid in maritime navigation. The "keeper's quarters" are also used today and serve as seasonal housing for temporary refuge employees, volunteers, and interns. The beacon was constructed in 1867 to replace a shorter lighthouse, which was only 45 feet tall and built in 1833.

Renovations totaling over $1.5 million were completed in October 2013. Improvements included the replacement of the lower gallery deck, removal & replacement of glass, restoration of the widow's walk, and exterior paint.

NASA Wallops Flight Facility

The NASA Wallops Flight Facility is located just outside of Chincoteague. The Antares rocket, which routinely travels to the International Space Station with supplies, launches from the Eastern Shore of Virginia facility. If you can’t make it to the Wallops area to view a launch (We suggest you start at the NASA Visitor’s Center on Route 175, the main road into Chincoteague), you can still be a part of the experience through the Wallops Mission Status Center found at NASA.gov. There, you will find information about the mission and links to the live countdown audio and live video of the launch. You can also view live coverage at nasa.gov/nasatv

Misty of Chincoteague

Misty of Chincoteague is a children's novel by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis and published by Rand McNally in 1947. Set in the island town of Chincoteague, the book tells the story of the Beebe family and their efforts to raise a filly born to a wild pony. The fictional story has become world famous and is said to be in part responsible for the explosive growth of Pony Penning.

Misty, the real pony, was foaled in 1946 at the Beebe farm on Chincoteague Island. You can see her footprints when visiting the historic Island Theatre at 4074 Main Street. The hoof prints are on the sidewalk in front of the building. You can also see Misty herself, preserved via taxidermy, at the Museum of Chincoteague located at 7125 Maddox Blvd.

The movie Misty, filmed in 1961, shows daily at 11:00 a.m. during Pony Penning and on Mondays during the summer, too!

A Luxurious Waterfront Oasis

• Stay at two unique properties in Chincoteague, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites and the Anchor Inn, where the waterfront awaits your next visit.

• Enjoy beautiful views while cooling off in our seasonal pool, or watch the sunset from your balcony or by a fire pit.

• Relax in our boutique suites featuring the finest amenities, or take advantage of our fully stocked efficiencies.

• Stroll to local island shops and delicious eateries.

• Dock your boat at our private marina, where the fish house awaits your best catch.

• Have locals assist you with planning your wedding, family reunion, or fishing charter.

• Our hotels offer many green initiatives, including our onsite EV charging stations.

• Whether you are coming for the annual pony penning or a once-in-a-lifetime launch at Wallops Island, enjoy your home away from home with us.

Not a Great Beach Day?

...a few suggestions

Museum of Chincoteague

7125 Maddox Blvd. Chincoteague Island (757) 336-6117

Learn about the people, the culture and heritage that is Chincoteague Island. See Misty of Chincoteague too!

Delmarva Discovery Museum

2 Market Street, Pocomoke, MD (410) 957-9933

The Delmarva Discovery Center on the Pocomoke River serves as a source of learning and discovery for the public through the preservation and interpretation of its cultural and natural heritage.

NASA Visitor Center - Wallops Flight Facility

Route 175 Chincoteague, VA (757) 824-2298

The NASA Wallops Visitor Center is the place to explore the past, present, and future of NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

Museum of Chincoteague Island

Summer Hrs: 11am to 5pm - Tuesday - Saturday

Closed Sunday & Monday. Hours are seasonal please see our website or Facebook page for current times.

ChincoteagueMuseum.com

(757)-336-6117

7125 Maddox Blvd. Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

Enjoying a Chincoteague holiday, this warm-weather flamingo made several appearances in the Fall of 2023.

Assateague Island

From the National Park Service

AAssateague Island is a 37 mile long island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. Most of the Maryland district is managed by the National Park Service as Assateague Island National Seashore. The State of Maryland manages two miles of the Maryland district as Assateague State Park. The Virginia district is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The National Park Service operates the Toms Cove Visitor Center and a recreational beach within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the refuge is located on the Virginia end of Assateague Island; however, 418 acres are on the Maryland side of the island, 427 acres are found on Morris Island, and 546 acres comprise Wildcat Marsh on the northern tip of Chincoteague Island. Additionally, Chincoteague Refuge’s boundaries extend south and encompass all or part of the following barrier islands: Assawoman, Metompkin, and Cedar. The refuge’s location along the Atlantic Flyway makes it a vital resting and feeding spot for a large number and diversity of birds.

Chincoteague Refuge, originally established in 1943 to provide habitat for migratory birds (with an emphasis on conserving greater snow geese), today provides habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and song birds, as well as other species of wildlife and plants.

Refuge staff manage this barrier island habitat to allow many species of wildlife to co-exist, each establishing their own place in the environment. Refuge management programs restore threatened and endangered species and conserve local wildlife and plants. The refuge also provides wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife photography and observation, interpretation, and environmental education.

Nor’easters

H• Hurricanes get a lot of attention, but another kind of storm is more common and more damaging for Delmarva’s coastline- Nor’easters. Like a hurricane, Nor’esters occur in the North Atlantic Ocean. Strong winds and large waves characterize the storms. They are typically accompanied by heavy precipitation and can cause substantial coastal erosion.

Key differences between Hurricanes and Nor’easters:

• Hurricanes are warm water driven, nor’easters are cold water driven and often have multiple low-pressure centers instead of a single eye like a hurricane.

• Hurricanes originate in the tropics and move northwest; nor’easters originate in the mid-Atlantic and move northeast.

• Hurricanes are typically short-lived and weaken over time; nor’easters are longer-lived, strengthening over time.

• Hurricane wind speeds can reach up to 156 mph, while the nor’easter’s gale-force winds have also produced hurricane-force winds; according to NOAA, most are under 75 mph.

• Hurricanes typically happen in a particular area only once a year or once a lifetime, while nor’easters are frequent in the northeast, sometimes producing up to 30 per year.

• Severe damage from hurricanes is typically concentrated to less than 300 miles, while nor’easters usually range up to 1,000 miles and notoriously erode the coast.

Hurricanes typically occur in the United States from JuneOct, while nor’easters are frequent from October to April.

• Nor’easters are driven by a temperature difference between the cold air over land, relatively warmer air over the sea, and changing temperatures. Warmer air holds more moisture, and northeast winds blow this warm, moisture-laden air into the mid-Atlantic, leading to heavy rain, snow, and wind.

Scientists know that storms will continue to have a more severe impact because of rising sea levels. Despite the damage they cause, Nor’easters are not well studied. Different storms mean we need different models and computer simulations of ocean-atmosphere-land interactions to understand and anticipate impacts from future storms.

If you are on the beach during any storm, please heed the guard’s warning to clear the beach for your safety. We suggest staying out of the ocean during any storm, particularly a nor’easter. The surf becomes very angry and unsafe for even the most skilled swimmers. Our beaches are not guarded during these times, making water entry even more perilous.

Excerpts from NPS.gov and NOAA.gov

Beach Safety

Lifeguards — Introduce your child to the lifeguard on your beach. Explain to them that if they get lost, go to the nearest lifeguard and tell them that they are lost. The lifeguards will help family members reunite.

Sunscreen Remember to apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, thirty minutes before going outdoors and again every two hours even if your sunscreen is waterproof. Apply sunscreen to your whole body; your bathing suit can move and expose unprotected skin. There is no such thing as all-day protection. Sunburn is the most common injury that happens to people at the beach. A blistering sunburn during adolescence doubles the chance of developing skin cancer later in life.

Fluids — When you are outside in warm weather, your body needs plenty of water. Remember to drink lots of water even if you are not thirsty. Dehydration can be a serious problem, so drink plenty of liquids. Water is best.

Learn how to swim — If you don’t know how to swim, don’t go in the water!

Never dive headfirst into the water! The water may not be as deep as it looks. Never dive off of piers, rock jetties or surfboards. Diving in shallow water can be dangerous and can even cause you to become paralyzed.

Flotation Devices:

Bodyboards, Noodles, and other Flotation Aids can be considered a hazard in the ocean. Many drownings and rescue incidents are associated with the use of inappropriate flotation devices. Many people associate “safety” with flotation aids and feel safe going out much further than they should. Currents or wind can move an unsuspecting person into deep water or far off shore. This is an invitation to disaster; people may be separated from the device by waves, slipping off or choose to prematurely let go of the device to try and make better progress to shore. Remember, flotation aids that move with waves travel with considerable speeds with the compound force of the wave behind you. The weight of a person on a speeding object may cause an injury if there is a collision with another person or the hard packed beach surface. Hard objects, such as surfboards, kayaks and skim boards can be especially hazardous. For these reasons, Coast Guard approved life-jackets are the only devices allowed on the lifeguard protected beach.

Jelly Fish

Wind Direction

Right Wrong

Most jellyfish in our area are not toxic enough to give you more than a little sting and a rash. If stung by a jellyfish, get a medical professional or marine animal expert to help determine the type of jellyfish to help assess the proper method of treatment. Check to see if lifeguards are flying a purple flag.

The Unsecured Umbrella: An umbrella blown across the beach by the wind has caused many injuries. When strong gusty winds blow, umbrella tops should be set facing into the wind. Make sure a good size hole is dug and pack in sand firmly around it.

You might want to think twice before digging that hold to China…beach dangers can occur in the sand as well as the surf! More people are killed or injured every year from a sand hole collapsing than a shark attack. When people dig really large holes, we’re talking multiple feet deep, they run the risk of the hole caving in on them. What’s more, the collapsing sand completely submerges the victim, leaving no evidence of what just occurred—a scary thought if no one was watching. Digging sand tunnels can also be dangerous and can collapse on the person digging the tunnel. How to avoid a sand trap? Don’t dig holes deeper than your knees and fill in any stray holes you may see at the beach.

Shark: During the rare occasion of a shark sighting, the beach may be closed to entry. A closure may also occur if a school of bluefish are in a “feeding frenzy.”

The risk of a shark attack is low however; there are ways to lower the risk even further. For instance, don’t swim at dawn, dusk and night, swim with a buddy, don’t go in the water if you are bleeding and stay clear of schooling bluefish and other schooling fish.

Strong Surf

Onshore winds cause waves. Because ocean winds vary, waves change from day to day. All waves deserve respect. Body surfing and swim fins are allowed in the lifeguard area – be careful! Do not try to ride waves that are too forceful for your level of skill. Sand abrasions, broken limbs, dislocated shoulders and spinal injuries are not uncommon as a result of being thrown to the hard packed beach bottom. To escape a waves great force, you can duck under or retreat from breaking waves. If you are riding a wave in some fashion, and are thrown off, try and prevent direct head and neck contact with the ocean floor. Do not run and dive into the surf if you do not know the depth and topography.

Rip Currents

When people picture deadly threats at the beach, the heart-stopping image of a shark fin emerging from the water immediately comes to mind. However, beach goers are 10 times more likely to be killed by a rip current than a shark attack. Rip currents are fast moving streams of water that knock swimmers off of their feet and drag them further away from shore. When this happens, it is best to swim with the current, not against it, as counterintuitive as it seems. Most victims of rip currents actually die of exhaustion, not drowning, because they tried to fight the rip current and ultimately lost. Swimmers are advised to swim parallel out of the current then back into the shore.

Shore-break — Stay away from the big waves that crash onto the shore. This is called “shore break” and the waves can hurt you. These waves are unpredictable and dangerous because they can cause shoulder, neck and back injuries to even the most experienced swimmer. When body surfing, it is recommended doing so with your head up and your arms out in front of your body to protect yourself.

Shore Topography

Be aware that the surf zone topography can be variable. A beach face may be narrow or steep. The trough and terrace may contain ridges, holes and drop offs. Often, when the depth is only waist deep on the sandbar, the water will be over your head on the way out. In other areas, it may be shallow the whole way out to the sandbar. For your protection, people will be kept off the sandbar until it is reasonably safe for young people and poor swimmers alike, to access the sandbar.

Lightning — is the third deadliest threat for carefree sunbathers and swimmers every year. When a storm rolls in, beaches will often close: that’s because even though beaches are not as tall as skyscrapers, they are common places for lightning to strike. Get out of the water and leave the beach if you see lightning or hear thunder. The lifeguards are in constant communication with the National Weather Service and will clear the beach if lightning is near. Listen to the directions of the lifeguard at your beach at all times and do what they say. So when the clouds start forming and the winds begin to howl, don’t wait for it to blow over—pack up that umbrella and head home.

Berm Face Terrace Trough Sandbar

Depth is often overhead Beach

Lifeguards On Duty

Assateague Lifeguards provide proactive lifeguard services from Memorial day until October. For a safe recreational experience, locate near an on duty lifeguard and swim within the boundaries of the red over yellow flags.

When swimming outside the lifeguard area or during off duty hours, take extra precaution by wearing a life-jacket. On average, Assateague Lifeguards make 78 ocean rescues, provide 73 first aids, find 31 missing persons and make over 8000 safety contacts and enforcement actions a year. We have achieved the goal of zero drowning within the lifeguard area since the establishment of these operations!

Safety Advice

• Swim near an on duty lifeguard

• Learn to swim

National Park Service Beach Flag Safety System

Yellow with black circle flags are permanently placed 50 yards beyond the lifeguard area and represent a safety zone. No fishing, no rigid craft, no open beach fires and no dogs permitted between these flags.

Red over yellow flags represents the area supervised by lifeguards. For safety, recreate within the boundaries of these flags.

Yellow flag indicates a moderate warning for surf conditions. Caution should be exercised

When you hear the whistle: Lifeguards will not signal swimmers simply because they are in deep water. The lifeguards will signal swimmers toward shore because they are approaching a hazardous area or they are moving too far out for adequate supervision.

First Aid and Rescue: The Lifeguard operation is equipped with rescue equipment and first aid supplies. The lifeguards are trained in ocean rescue and are certified Emergency Medical Responders. If you need assistance, contact a lifeguard or call 911.

Visitors with physical disabilities: Physically challenged individuals who require special consideration in aquatic recreation may want to use the protected beach. Beach wheelchairs are available. Contact a Lifeguard or Ranger for direction and assistance.

Surf Rescue Demonstrations: If you want to learn more about our lifeguard operation and more about beach and surf safety, attend one of our Lifeguard Surf Rescue Demonstrations. Mon., Wed., and Fri. 10:00 am.

Red flag indicates a high hazard exists such as strong surf and seaward currents.

Purple flag indicates potentially dangerous marine organisms such as stinging jellyfish are present.

Double red flags indicate a severe hazard and a closure is in effect. Visitors will be kept out of the water until the hazard subsides.

Rip Currents

We all love our summer vacations at the beach. The sun, sand, and surf are something that we look forward to all year long. The ocean is so restorative. However, it's also a force of nature, and depending on the day there could be a dangerous force lurking in the sea; Rip Currents. These rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water that are very powerful. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves; they most often form at low spots or breaks in the sandbars. They can be found along most coasts of the United States, including the East, Gulf, and West Coasts. Rips can also be seen along the shores of the Great Lakes. The term "rip current" is often confused with "riptides," but the two are unique occurrences. A riptide is a specific current that describes that swift movement of tidal water through the mouth of estuaries, harbors, and inlets. Rip currents can be as narrow as 10 or 20 feet in width, though they may be up to ten times wider. The length of the rip current also varies. Rip currents begin to slow down as they move offshore, beyond the breaking waves, but sometimes extend for hundreds of feet beyond the surf zone.

According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), more than 80 percent of the surf beach rescues, performed by lifeguards, each year, involve rip currents.

Rip currents are not always easy to identify. Quickly changing wave heights, which occur when a large set of swells rolls in, can trigger a rip current. Some visual signs that may indicate the presence of a rip current include a break in the pattern of incoming waves, choppy water, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward, a channel of churning choppy water, or an area where the water appears to be a different color from the surrounding water. The risk of rip currents is determined by many factors, including weather, tides, local variations in beach shape and how waves break offshore. Some beaches may have rip currents nearly all the time, while other beaches almost never see the dangerous flows. Even if you don’t spot any of these signs, a rip current could still be present. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) recommends wearing polarized sunglasses to see these ocean features more clearly.

Why Rip Currents are Dangerous

Rip currents are the leading hazard for all beach-goers. They pose the most significant risk to those that are weak or non-swimmers. Typically rip current speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but there have been speeds as high as 8 feet per second recorded; faster than an Olympic swimmer!

What to Do If You Find Yourself In A Rip Current

Rips are fast-moving currents of water that can that can even grab a hold of the strongest swimmer and begin to pull them away from the shore. Your initial instinct is to try and counter the rip current by swimming straight back to the beach. However, this approach can put you at risk of drowning from fatigue, as you try to fight the flow. If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, there are a couple of things that you can do to get out. If you are a strong enough swimmer you can try and swim out of the current in a direction that follows the shoreline; “swim with the current.” Once you are free, you can then begin to swim back to shore. If you are unable to get yourself out of the current, you can float or tread water until the current has stopped. If neither of these options works, then wave your arms and call out for help. The potential for rip currents is a prime reason to "keep your feet in the stand until the guard is in the stand!"

If you are on the beach and happen to spot someone that is caught in a rip current, the first thing to do is get help from a lifeguard. If there is not a lifeguard available, call 911. It is never a good idea to try and rescue the person yourself unless it is a last resort. There is always a chance that you too could end up caught in the rip current and become a victim as well. If you do decide that you need to help the person immediately make sure that you have someone sort of flotation device with you; a raft, bodyboard or a life preserver. Try to toss the flotation device to the victim without getting too close to the current. You could also try to yell instruction to the person in distress on how to try and escape the rip current.

To keep yourself safe when visiting the beach this summer, it is always a good idea to check the latest National Weather Service forecast for your local beach conditions. When you arrive at the beach, you can always ask one of the lifeguards about the chance of encountering a rip current that day and also learn of any other hazards that may be present, such as jellyfish.

How to Identify Rip Currents

Look for any of these clues:

• a channel of churning, choppy water

• an area having a notable difference in water color

• a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward

• a break in the incoming wave pattern

One or more of the above clues may indicate the presence of rip currents. Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. For your safety, be aware of this major surf zone hazard. Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip current clues provided above.

How to Avoid and Survive Rip Currents

Learn how to swim!

• Never swim alone.

• Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!

• Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.

• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

• If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

• Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

• If you are still unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.

• If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Island Boat Tours

by Sandy Phillips

II have taken several boat tours on Chincoteague Island and have never been disappointed in the adventure. You might think that if you go year after year, you see the same things repeatedly, but that is so far from the truth. Even if you book with the same tour company, the odds are you’ll get a different captain each time, and each captain tells the local history just a little bit differently. Some are a little more colorful, some a little more detailed, but it’s always a learning experience, and you will surely gain something new and fascinating about the Island.

Some captains subscribe to the story that the famous ponies arrived on the Island after a Spanish Galleon crashed ashore during a storm and that the surviving ponies found freedom on Assateague. Marguerite Henry made this version famous in her book Misty of Chincoteague. If you came to the Island to see the world-famous ponies, you may have read the book and learned about her version. Island captains tell it differently, versions handed down through their families. Some tell the tale of those who moved their livestock to the Assateague to avoid the tax collector, others that when the steam engine came along, those horses no longer had much value, and feeding them became expensive. Hence, farmers and horse traders let them loose on Assateague. There is also a story that focuses on the hunt for fresh water for the local farmer’s ponies and how they found that fresh water on Assateague, a story that can be tied to courthouse records. Who really knows the whole story or which version is true? Hearing all the versions can help find a common thread.

Speaking of the ponies, I have never been out and not seen ponies. These local captains know all the spots the ponies frequent, many know which band is where, and they are most knowledgeable in which pony is which when you’re right in front of them. Ultimately, they cannot guarantee you will see ponies because they are wild animals, but these captains make so much effort to stack the odds in your favor. It’s a beautiful sight to see the ponies in the wild. Perhaps in the earlier part of the spring, you will catch a glimpse of the Island’s newest foals, and on a trip later in the season, you might spot the same youngster a little larger as they grow to sizes that allow them to find new homes in the annual pony penning and auction. If you’re touring in the Fall, the wild ponies

look stunning against the fall backdrops and the blue of the water. It’s just always a great time to book a tour!

After making that statement, I would be remiss in not mentioning that you should never let inclement weather dampen your fun. One of the best tours I have been on found me in a bit of fog and light drizzle. If there are safety concerns regarding the weather, the tour company will reschedule; otherwise, grab your slicker and get on the boat! The animals are still about, and many of the captains have a few tales of mystery to tell that make them even more exciting with a little foggy backdrop.

While out with Daisy’s Island Cruise Captain, Russell Fish, I learned that all land south of the watchtower was underwater during WWII. It was quite an expanse of water, and it was deep enough for German U-boats that were often offshore. As the captain continued sharing stories about WWII, he spoke of an oil tanker that was torpedoed off Chincoteague and how his grandfather, Wilmer Clark, of the U.S. Coast Guard, participated in the rescue of the crew. Fish said as his family tells the story, Clark began pulling men from the water, and the “very first man came out with an axe in hand,” ready to engage, as he was not sure if his rescuers were friends or foes. The axe is now a memento of that water rescue and an artifact from the Fish family legacy. You can see the axe and other items from that night currently on display in the Chincoteague Museum. Hear the stories first, then a visit to the museum will come to life.

Be sure to ask about the story of how Tom’s Cove got its name; while it too is debatable lore, it’s also a fun story, and I would prefer to believe that “Tom” the mule was the namesake.

Captain Henry Snyder of Saltwater Pony Tours can tell you more about the pony’s heritage and the quest for fresh water. It was here that I heard about how the fire department saw the need to start pony penning to raise money for fire equipment. Before the formation of the Chincoteague Fire Department, island residents had to depend on fire equipment from nearby communities. Businesses and homes were often lost to the blaze as those fire companies traveled from several miles away before even reaching the 4.3-mile causeway. How do the ponies fit into the story at this point? Had they been acquired from the farmers looking for that fresh water? Captain Snyder knows.

It’s not just ponies, you know. The Island is teaming with wildlife. Dolphins are another highlight of any boat tour, and they often frolic in the boat’s wake. Perhaps you’re on a tour boat to see area birds, like, cormorants, bald eagles, or great blue herons, and that’s just for starters. There are sika deer, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, and more. It’s going to the zoo without cages, and it’s your keen eye that will spy them in their natural habitat.

There are also views of the town you can’t get to see any place other than on a boat. You can see “Pony Swim Lane.” Yes, both tour companies will take you right through the same body of water the ponies swim through during pony penning. It’s a bit of a swim for them once you are actually there. I should tell you that as a horse owner myself, many horses love to swim. My mare thoroughly enjoyed it in her younger years, so don’t be put off by the distance. Many of the Island’s veteran ponies lead the way and arrive, meeting the saltwater cowboys before the men ever get there in anticipation of the annual swim.

If you have never booked a Chincoteague Island boat tour, do it now. If you have been before, book now. There is always something new to learn, and as I compose this article, it’s October 30, and it’s currently 78 degrees with a gentle wind. It’s a great day to be on the water.

Might I suggest, in no particular order: Daisey’s Island Cruises DICruises.com Saltwater Pony Tours SaltwaterPonyTours.com

Please tell them we sent you.

The Bike Depot

The closest bike rentals to the beach!

Offering a wide selection of over 200 standard and specialty cycles for riders of all ages. Trail maps included with every rental.

Friendly, knowledgeable local staff. Sorry, no reservations.

Hourly, Daily, and Weekly rates available. Open March-November.

Island Adventure

7070 Maddox Blvd. next to the Refuge Inn

RefugeBikes.com

757-336-5511

MMiles of beautiful estuaries, calm waters, and an abundance of wildlife lies all around the island. Kayak tours are available almost any time of year, weather permitting, and are an excellent way to explore the quieter side of the resort. Many outfitters staff Naturalists that are well versed in local flora and fauna. Guided tours are not only fun but educational as well. Some tours take you to Assateague Island, a nearby barrier island, where you can view the world-famous ponies in their island habitat. Get an up-close look at local aquatic or avian life. It’s an immersion experience no touch tank can match!

Year ‘Round Chincoteague to Assateague Island Boat Tours

On our nature cruises you will experience Assateague Island in a way that is simply not possible from land. Let us show you the hidden beauty and wildlife of Assateague Island. Tour with Daisey’s Island Cruises for a truly memorable experience. Custom and private large and small boat adventures available.

Family and Dog friendly Small and large boat adventures

Embark on a mission to explore the uniqueness of the NASA Wallops Flight Facility through a self-guided tour of the Visitor Center. Interact with exhibits, watch short films, and tour the rocket garden. Explore NASA’s missions first hand by attending a special event, public program, or by scheduling a program for your group.

Visitor Center Information

September through June Open Tues. - Sat. 10am - 4pm

July & August, Open Daily 10am - 4pm

www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitor center

Stay Connected

Find the NASA Wallops Flight launch schedule here:

www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops or download the “What’s Up Wallops” App!

to Crisfield, Tickets at the Capt. Tyler Motel

Chincoteague Island Outfitters

Your vacation rental resource!

Anyone who has been on vacation, especially with children, knows the struggle of packing, not just packing for your destination, but repacking to leave as well. You always have more stuff at the end of the vacation, and somehow, things do not fit as easily as before.

Chincoteague Island Outfitters (CIO) strives to make that experience a little easier by offering a variety of beach equipment, tables and chairs, kayaks, and much more all for rent. They also have unique gifts available for purchase. Don't be caught on the hot sand without a chair!

All the fun stuff for your family vacation is just a call or click away, and we deliver to your door!

Come to CIO for all your vacation rental needs. We are always adding to our inventory, so please ask if you don't see something on our list! Free Delivery on the Island!

Bottoms Up Tiki Tours

Casual cruising with no strings attached!

We offer so many ways to enjoy the water:

• Enjoy an early morning cruise with a mimosa in hand.

• Soak up the sun on a mid-day cruise and enjoy a catered lunch.

• Bask in the colors of sunset with perfectly paired wine and food.

• Or party into the night on our floating tiki'.

• Celebrate any reason or for no reason.

• Private and group tours are available.

Decoys Decoys Decoys

MMan has hunted waterfowl since the dawn of time. Ducks, geese, and other fowl appear in European cave paintings from the last Ice Age. There are paintings of the hunt etched in the tombs of Ancient Egypt. Duck harvesting is depicted in the art of ancient Peru, dating to 200 BCE. Waterfowl have provided sustenance and feathers for bedding, clothing, and other human comforts for Melania. They are believed to be the longest-hunted animals in the world and a vital human resource.

Native Americans have been crafting and using duck decoys for centuries to lure flocks from overhead.

Archaeologists have discovered decoys made from plants and duck feathers, dating to about 300-100 BC, in a cave near Lovelock, Nevada. Ducks are often crafted from tradition, which continues in the modern day.

While many famous carvers are worldwide, two such men call Delmarva home: Lemuel T. and Steven W. Ward, from Crisfield, Maryland. Barbers, by trade, the brothers began carving ducks on slow days at the shop. With their life-like carving and painting skills, their decoys became highly prized by collectors. Today, few examples of their work survive on the open market, as private collectors and museums now own most of their original works.

Decoy collectors worldwide visit the tiny island of Chincoteague to visit the largest decoy shop in the East, Decoys Decoys Decoys. It's a quaint shop along Main Street with an immense selection of decoys from hundreds of outstanding, famous, and champion carvers. The shelves brim with primitive pieces and stunning, detailed modern-day art; you never know what you might find.

Serving both hunters and collectors alike since 1988, owner Yvonne Bowden, who is a part of the Ward family, can help you choose just the right decorative decoy. She has a lifetime of skills and in-depth knowledge of every piece in her shop. Even if you're not a collector, visiting the store will help you appreciate the vast diversity of waterfowl from the island and surrounding peninsula, another layer of Chincoteague's rich history.

Daisey’s Island Cruises

Year ‘Round Chincoteague to Assateague Island Boat Tours

On our nature cruises you will experience Assateague Island in a way that is simply not possible from land. Let us show you the hidden beauty and wildlife of Assateague Island. Tour with Daisey’s Island Cruises for a truly memorable experience.

Family and Dog friendly. Custom, large and small boat adventures.

Ticket Office located at 4103 Main St. Downtown Chincoteague Island Boat departs from 2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive.

(757) 336-5556 DICruises.com

Hollyhocks

Boutique Shopping in Historic Downtown

SShopping is another fun part of any vacation. There are shops nestled all along Main St. offering a variety of keepsakes to remind you of your Chincoteague vacation. There are gourmet delectables, local art shops, specialty shops, boutiques selling beachwear, and all the gear you may have forgotten when you packed. Maybe you're in the mood for something new and stylish to wear back home or even a bottle of wine to take back to your room.

We are sure you can find it on Main St.!

Flying Fish Wine Coffee & Gourmet Island Butterfly

Osprey Nest Art Gallery & Gifts

Home of artist Kevin McBride

Kevin McBride has owned the Osprey Nest Gallery for 40 years. You can find original works, giclees, and digital prints of the Chincoteague Ponies, wildlife and landscapes by Kevin McBride and other artists. The Osprey Nest offers custom framing on all works including your own; ranging from artwork, photography, needlework, repairs and more. The Gallery also has a wide selection of pottery, jewelry, mugs, Christmas ornaments, and unique gifts. In the historic downtown area, the Osprey Nest Art Gallery is a must-see!

4096 Main St

Chincoteague Island

(757) 336-6042

Sundial Books

Your full service, locally owned independent book store

Sundial Books, has been your locally owned, independent bookstore on Chincoteague for almost 20 years. Our shelves include an eclectic mix of new and used books, local favorites and unexpected treasures. We also have a great selection of gifts and local art as well as new and used music CD’s and new LP’s. Stop in and browse!

Coming to Chincoteague for vacation and have a special book you want to read during your stay? Order online before you travel and have books waiting for you when you arrive on the Island.

Buy books online at sundialbooks.net.

4065 Main St

Chincoteague Island

(757) 336-5825

Flying Fish Gallery has an assortment of glass, clay and metal art/jewelry. The store has been delighting visitors, since 2005 with that perfect vacation keepsake. You will find over 100 American artist on display, including 30 local and regional artist in the gallery.

4088 Main St. Chincoteague Island

(757) 336-1731

Decoys Decoys Decoys

So many choices!

One of the largest selections of hard-carved waterfowl on the East Coast. You will find antique, primitive and decorative carvings; many complete with full feathering. The shop boasts over 99 skilled carvers.

4039 Main St.

Chincoteague Island

(757) 894-0818

(757) 336-1402

Island Artisans

Unique crafts made locally

From children’s items and gifts to fun island keepsakes and all made right on the Island, the Eastern Shore and beyond. Browse often as things change frequently!

4098 Main St.

Chincoteague Island

(757) 536-4687

Hollyhocks is a destination to visit when you are in Chincoteague. The shop features an eclectic blend of home decor, unique finds and much more... sourced from all over the world as well as from local artisans.

4090 Main St. Chincoteague Island

Island Butterfly Jewelry & Jubilee

Open year-round, Island Butterfly provides the island’s most unique selection of Jewelry, Gifts, and Handmade treasures. Locally owned and operated since 2005, you won’t want to miss experiencing our unforgettable shop right in the heart of historic downtown!

Connected to Wine, Coffee, & Gourmet with the doorway to the land of temptations...something for everyone oozing with small-town charm and personal customer service! Hope to see you soon!

Locally owned by an Island native! 4107 Main St. Chincoteague Island

A Chesapeake Bay Favorite - Old Bay

The story of Gustav Brunn

Gustav Brunn was born in 1893 in the small town of Bastheim in southeast Germany. He quit school at 13 because the cost became too great for his family. He then entered into an apprenticeship with a tanner and with a medical exemption for WWI; he soon had a small, thriving business buying and selling hides from local farmers.

So many things were in short supply after the war, and Gustav saw an opportunity in the spice industry. So, he began making connections to spice importers in Hamburg and Holland. This would be his first adventure in spices and would be quite lucrative until late in ’38.

By the late 1930s, Brunn had his own family, and while his business was successful, they would face numerous challenges as Jews. At times, things were quite difficult for the children in school, and an increasing number of people would not do business with him because of his religious beliefs. With that in mind, Brunn moved his family to Frankfurt, hoping that a larger Jewish community would benefit the family and business. However, anti-semitism would become an even more significant concern with the growth of the Nazi party. Oral history, documented in the Jewish Museum of Maryland, tells us that the Brunn family encountered few problems with the Nazis, although there were attentive to their conversation in case they were nearby.

That was until the famed night of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. It was November 9, 1938, when violent mobs throughout Nazi Germany and Austria looted and burned Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues. The Nazis rounded up 30,000 Jewish men that night and sent them to the concentration camps.

Fortunately for the Brunns, they were living in a second-story apartment in a building with no other Jews, so they were spared from the round-up. Yet, the next day, the Nazis ordered all citizens to surrender their firearms to the nearest police station. An avid hunter with several rifles, Brunn complied. However, he was taken prisoner by the Nazis when he turned in his guns and spent the next 16 days in Buchenwald.

Looking back a year

With the concerns of the growing Nazi presence and declining sales amidst growing anti-semitism, Brunn had been talking with a relative in the States, and he had applied for visas for the family to move to the US. They already had plans to leave Germany by late 1938, and with those papers waiting for them, Bianca, Gustav’s wife, paid a “ransom” of 10k marks for her husband’s release. In an interview with Ralph Brunn, son of Gustav, appearing in the Jewish Times, “some Jews had the opportunity to be bailed out of Nazi detention — at a hefty price. There was a lawyer in Frankfurt known to the Jewish community,” said Ralph. To bail out a family member, the payment was “5,000 marks at the beginning and 5,000 marks once ‘the merchandise’ was received. If the second 5,000 marks weren’t received, ‘the merchandise’ went right back where it came from.” With the ransom paid, the family left for the States within a week.

Early in 1939, the Brunns settled in an apartment in Baltimore. Gustav eventually found work at McCormick & Company, but he was only there briefly, as his English still needed to improve. With few prospects for another job, he returned to his entrepreneurial roots, establishing his own line of spices. He already had one key component for blending, a small spice mill that he brought from Germany. Brunn made several trips to New York, working with a spice company connected to a spice business he had previously worked with in Holland. While he had little to no capital to start a business, this company gave him credit, and with that support, others did, too, something unheard of during the Great Depression. It was the founding of the Baltimore Spice Company.

In 1940, Gustav began making crab seasoning. At that time, US law began to mandate that manufacturers list each ingredient on the label. Fearing that his competitors would copy his recipe, he added tiny amounts of this and that, creating a unique flavor. They were spices that you wouldn’t expect to season seafood with, throwing off any attempts to replicate the recipe.

Having challenges getting local seafood companies to buy the blend, Gustav gave a 5-pound box to a local crab steamer, and things took off from there. Originally called “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning,” the seafood seasoning quickly became popular with women purchasing fresh seafood in the harbor. In time, you could find the seasoning on crabs served at local pubs. At that time in history, crabs were so plentiful that steamed crabs were served at area pubs, much like peanuts served before COVID. Seasonings were added so that patrons consumed more beer.

As Gustav began planning new and fresh promotions for his seafood blend, the spice with the long name needed something simpler and more catchy. A friend in the advertising business suggested he call it “Old Bay” after a weekly steamer traveling from Baltimore to Norfolk. That is also believed to be why the original logo for the Baltimore Spice Company included a steamship.

With the growing success of Old Bay, McCormick and other large companies began sales of a similar product. A rivalry heated up, which didn’t end until five years after Gustav’s death. In 1990, the Baltimore Spice Company sold the recipe for Old Bay Seasoning to McCormick, who sells the famed spice worldwide.

Dine Coastal

Get ready for a coastal dining experience. From Shore traditions to ethnic cuisines, you’re sure to find something delectable.

Seafood is caught daily from local waters, and fresh catch often includes Mahi Mahi, tuna, sea bass, sword, and even shark! It can be prepared in many ways: steamed, broiled, blackened, sautéed, the list goes on. Whichever you choose, don’t miss out on the local catch!

Some of the world’s finest shellfish are found right off the coast, and local chefs are experts in its preparation. Chincoteague is famous for its oysters, and while aquaculture is part of modern-day island life, Teaguers have been harvesting and sustaining the mollusk for generations. Indeed, some of the best oysters you will ever eat are from these waters.

Don’t forget dessert or a refreshing ice cream treat after a long day on the beach. Island Creamery was voted “Best Ice Cream in the Country,” by USA Today. You can’t miss out!

Ropewalk Chincoteague

The freshest ingredients, in a comfortable setting

Ropewalk features waterfront dining and a beach with a tiki bar, fire pits, and a children’s play area. The Island’s premier waterfront restaurant offers a familyfriendly atmosphere, first-class indoor and outdoor dining, and the best sunset views in town. Enjoy fresh and enticing entrees on our varied menu, and relax at the full bar, which includes local craft brew selections. Ropewalk is perfect for events, from their tropical beach to the beautiful Narrows Ballroom.

6262 Marlin St. Chincoteague Island

(757) 336-0512

We churn out frozen desserts daily, in small batches, right in our shop. We use an all-natural premium butterfat mix ensuring a rich, creamy ice cream. Inspiration for flavors come from the local fruit available to us or from tasty inclusions made in our kitchen. Since 1975, our family has served the Island and its neighboring communities as well as countless visitors.

6243 Maddox Blvd. Chincoteague Island

(757) 336-6236

The

This year will be the 99th Chincoteague Pony Swim, made famous by Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague." Tens of thousands of people from around the globe gather to watch this annual tradition, and it's a week-long event!

Approximately 50 adult ponies and their foals live on the southern end of Assateague Island. On Saturday afternoon, the Saltwater Cowboys will begin rounding them up into the Southern Corral. This corral is located on Assateague, on the road to the beach, and is accessible to the public. The public can view the Ponies in the Southern Corral all day Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Approximately 100 adult ponies and foals call the north end of the Island home. Those ponies are rounded up on Sunday morning before Pony Penning and herded to the North Corral. While this corral does not have public access, bus trips are available to view them at this location. Space is limited. Inquire at your hotel for more information.

Monday, July 22 - Beach Walk

On Monday, at daybreak, the official "Beach Walk" gets underway as the Saltwater Cowboys move the ponies from the Northern Corral south along the Atlantic Ocean and join them with the ponies in the Southern Corral. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will open at 5:00 a.m. on Beach Walk day to view the Pony's journey down the beach.

Tuesday, July 23 - Vet Checks

A vet will check all of the Ponies. This activity can be viewed by the public in the Southern Corral on the road to the beach.

Wednesday,

July 24 - Pony Swim

Pony Swim is the peak of this week-long celebration as the Saltwater Cowboys swim the ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The Ponies will swim across the channel on the slack tide (the actual swim time varies from year to year and is typically between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.) and come ashore on the east side of Chincoteague Island.

The primary public viewing area is Veterans Memorial Park, 7427 Memorial Park Drive. The Ponies arrive on the shore just a bit south of the Park on Pony Swim Lane, but that particular area is very "marshy," and space there is very limited. A large screen in the Park offers a live feed of the swim and dry ground.

The Town of Chincoteague provides a free Pony Shuttle service, as early as 4:00 a.m. The Pony Shuttle runs between many locations on the Island and Veterans Memorial Park is the best way to get to and from the swim. Crowds are notoriously large, so plan proactively. Check with your hotel for the closest Shuttle stop and the most up-to-date time for the actual swim.

The first foal to come ashore will be named King or Queen Neptune and given away in a raffle drawing at the carnival grounds later in the day. Tickets for the raffle are sold each night at the carnival and amongst the crowd waiting for the swim. You must have a ticket and be present during the drawing to win!

The Parade to the Carnival Grounds typically occurs after the ponies have had a 45-minute rest after swimming the channel. The Saltwater Cowboys then "parade" them down Main Street, completing their trek at the Carnival Grounds.

Thursday, July 25 - Auction

The auction of the foals begins at 8 a.m. at the Carnival Grounds. The annual round-up, swim, and auction help control the size of the herd, keeping it manageable and healthy. The event is also a fund-raiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company uses a portion of the proceeds for veterinary care of the herd throughout the year. All winners are provided with credentials indicating the purchase of a true Chincoteague Pony.

Each year, the Fire Company members designate a select few ponies as "Buy Backs" ponies included in the auction. These foals will return to Assateague Island to live out their lives. Buybacks perpetuate the herd for its long-term existence. Winners of Buy Back Ponies get to name the Pony before it is returned to Assateague. It's also Interestingly, Buy Back Ponies have become some of the highest-priced ponies sold at the auction.

The Fire Company also donates the proceeds from the sale of one foal annually to a non-profit and has included beneficiaries such as Wounded Warriors, Hospice, Palliative Care of the Eastern Shore and Alzheimer's Adult Care.

Friday, July 26 - Return Swim

The Return Swim to Assateague is a great time to see the ponies in the water. Crowds are typically smaller as the week-long event comes to a close.

All times subject to change.

Take Home?

Gratuity in 2024

Proper tipping shows others that you are “socially groomed. You are not a cheap skate or a showoff. It is, however, better to tip generously than badly, but there are critical limits on both ends of the spectrum. The gratuity amount depends on the service and is usually a percentage of the total bill.

Proper tipping also ensures good service, particularly from a bartender. If there is a party of four or more, tip the bartender $10 on your first round. They will remember your generosity and pay particular attention to the group. Then, tip the standard for each round: $1 for a beer and $2 for a mixed drink.

The acceptable tip for food servers, cocktail servers, and bartenders is 18% to 20% of the total bill.

Housekeeping staff at your accommodation will be delighted with a tip. They work behind the scenes while you enjoy your day, assuring that your return for a shower or bed is a pleasant experience.

If you are hesitant to tip because you received poor service, do not skip out on gratuity; instead, ask to speak to the manager. Most will be very appreciative of less-than-quality service, and sometimes, all the wait staff needs is a little direction to improve their level of service.

Other than wait staff at a restaurant, others appreciate tips for quality service. You will sometimes find a “tip jar” in a central location; proper standards are much appreciated here, too. See our tip guide for standards.

Barista - $1

Bartender - $1 for a beer, $2 for mixed drinks

Waitstaff $20

Tour Boat Captain 20%

Maid Service - $3-$5 for 1-3 people/ day

$10/day for 4-6 people

Pizza Delivery Person - 10%

The Captains Biscuits

by Cindy Faith & Theresa Petroni-Conaway

Joshua L. Chandler was born in October of 1829 and, by 1850, was apprenticed in Delaware with a printer’s family. Shortly after that, Chandler met and married Catherine Mary Lynch. As his family grew, Chandler took advantage of the thriving mid-Atlantic seafood industry and worked as a mariner. He worked on the water until the Civil War when he enlisted in the Union Army.

Concurrently, Virginia had submitted articles of succession, and residents of the thriving coastal community on Chincoteague Island faced a difficult decision: join the rest of Virginia and sever their ties with the Union or stand alone in solidarity to protect their lucrative trade in Northern ports.

Beyond monetary ties, Chincoteague hosted a diverse community with no enslaved population. With a nearly unanimous vote, the islanders rejected Virginia’s secession and remained with the United States. Northern newspapers lauded Chincoteague’s courage and loyalty, and northern markets echoed the sentiment. Oysters arriving from the island were now called “Patriot Oysters” — until the 1930s.

By the 1870s, the popularity of Patriot Oysters and the national oyster craze meant that Chincoteague oysters were in high demand. Men like Joshua Chandler saw Chincoteague’s opportunity and brought their families to the island. The Chandlers arrived on Chincoteague in 1872. Joshua and his boys worked the trade. In response to the oyster boom, the Virginia Assembly imposed license fees and seasonal limits to combat illegal oystering and the depletion of its oyster beds. Yet, authorities needed more finances and fleet to enforce the new laws.

Yet the 1870s proved poor for oysters. Several storms and heavy freezing events caused a drop in the number of oysters available for harvest. With fewer oysters and stricter regulations, many watermen chose to fish on days perhaps better suited to stay in to provide for their families and retain their crews.

On October 21, 1877, Captain Chandler proceeded with the day’s oyster harvest. The skies were overcast, but they had gone out in worse. Two of Chandler’s sons, Ebe and Joshua B., joined the crew that day. As the day progressed and the harvest continued, a storm brewed. Unfortunately, Chandler went below deck to get a tin of rosemary biscuits for the crew that his wife had made just that morning. As he reemerged on deck, one hand holding the brass railing, the other holding the tin of biscuits, lightning struck. Chandler was killed instantly, and the ship’s mast was destroyed simultaneously.

Devastated, Chandler’s sons poled the disabled schooner back home and buried his body in a lone plot on the corner of the family’s property. A few months following Chandler’s death, his wife and younger children moved back to Delaware to be with their remaining relatives, leaving his solitary grave at the now locally named “turntable” on North Main Street. Many still visit the grave and show their respect by leaving a stone or shell behind. The grave bears the iconic memento mori epitaph, typical for the Victorian Era:

“Farewell, wife and children dear; I am not dead but sleeping here. As I am, someday you will be; prepare for death and follow me.”

As they brought Chandler and the boat back home, his crew wanted to remember their Captain’s last act of kindness and generosity. They each took a biscuit to remember him by. One was placed in a family jar and passed down from generation to generation. In 2018, the Chandler family’s biscuit was donated to the Museum of Chincoteague Island. It is now 147 years old and carefully preserved in the same sealed jar. You can see the biscuit at the Museum of Chincoteague Island as part of our exhibit featuring tales where fact is stranger than fiction.

The Museum of Chincoteague Island is located at 7125 Maddox Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm in the summer and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm in the spring and fall. Admission is just $7. Children under 13, active-duty military and museum members are admitted free.

WWe can't think of a better place to wake up than near the beach. The smell of the salt air, the warm breezes, and the relaxed pace set the stage for an amazing vacation. There is no better time to make your reservation than before you leave the island. Chincoteague Island offers many different accommodations, including bed & breakfast, private motels, nationally branded hotels, rental cottages, homes, and investment properties for sale. If you're planning for the next year or decades to come, the lodging and real estate businesses among the pages of this book can help you set the scene for another amazing Chincoteague vacation!

Comfort Suites

Enjoy the Suite Life.

Refreshed & ready to exceed your expectations. Our award-winning waterfront resort offers an array of on-site amenities, exceptional customer service, & easy access to the island’s most popular restaurants, boutiques, and attractions.

Life is better on the Bay.

Nautical-inspired resort with breathtaking views, amenities to suit any traveler, and the ideal location to enjoy all that Chincoteague Island offers. Let time slow down, and breathe in the salty air from your private cottage.

Island Life

Yes, please! Imagine waking up to a stunning water view or just the charm of the Island. Life is simpler in Chincoteague and on Virginia's Eastern Shore in general. A walk or run on the beach in the morning is a beautiful way to start your day. Then head to the local coffee shop for a fresh cup from a barista who knows your name and your favorite brew.

Do you work from home? You can draw great inspiration from a beautiful view. Maybe you're headed out to work. The Shore is an exceptional place to come home to at the end of a busy day. When your job is complete, there are evening, weekend, and seasonal activities to round out a rich life. We will leave it here so you can write your own Island Life experience.

We are the oldest real estate broker on Virginia's Eastern Shore, and no one knows the landscape better. We pride ourselves on professionalism and excellent service; when you hire a Weichert, Mason-Davis agent to market your home, you hire the entire office. We work closely to be sure your goals are met or exceeded. Let our experience get you to your next real estate destination.

AJ’S ON THE CREEK

Delight your senses when you dine on the creek with fresh salt-air breezes and scenic views of lush green marshland. Savor the taste of the finest and freshest ingredients Chincoteague has to offer.

where island comfort meets island legacy

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and classic Chincoteague-inspired dinners. A blend of beautiful, innovative flavors from the land and sea awaits. The AJ’s team is committed to bringing you the best the island has to offer in service and fare.

Reservations suggested at ajsotc.com