Have you ever wanted to visit Chincoteague Island, Virginia? If so, then the following article is for you! This blog article gives a quick rundown on what Chincoteague is, with an emphasis on the tourist attractions.
Map of Chincoteague
The article discusses the attractions on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. This map of the island will help visitors find their way around.
A Tourist Guide To The Chincoteague Island, Virginia – Map of Chincoteague Photo Gallery
History of Chincoteague
Chincoteague Island was first inhabited by the Monacan Indians in 1699. The island was purchased in 1776 by John Smith, an early explorer of the Chesapeake Bay area. Smith named the island “Chincoteague” after a Chincoteague pony he had taken on his voyage.
Smith’s grandson, Col. James Owen Ingraham, began to develop the island as a horse and cattle ranch in 1879. He built two hotels – the first on Assateague Island and the second on Chincoteague Island – and established a golf course. In 1916, Ingraham’s granddaughter Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney bought Chincoteague and converted it into a luxury resort for ocean-going tourists. The resort closed in 1979 but reopened in 1995 as a wildlife refuge. Today, Chincoteague is one of Virginia’s most popular tourist destinations with over 25,000 visitors each year.
National Park Service Places on the Island
Chincoteague Island is a small, uninhabited island in the middle of the James River. The National Park Service manages the island as a national park. The island was designated a national park in 1933 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
The island is home to wild ponies, which are descendants of horses that escaped from a circus that stopped on the island in 1879. The ponies live on the island and are managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can visit the ponies at various times during the year, but they are busiest during spring and summer when they are out grazing.
The Island has many natural attractions including salt marshes, coves, freshwater ponds, forests, and fields. There are also several historic attractions including an 18th century fort, an early 20th century fishing village, and an abandoned Civil War artillery battery. Chincoteague Island is a great place to visit if you enjoy nature and history.
Distinctive features of Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague Island is a vacation spot that’s known for its wild ponies, white sand beaches, and picturesque waterfalls. The island is located eight miles off the coast of Assateague Island National Park and one mile off the state line of Virginia.
The island was originally inhabited by the Chincoteague Oystermen who fished the Chesapeake Bay. In 1791, William Temple, an entrepreneur from London, purchased the island and began breeding horses there. He named the island after the Chincoteague pony herd he imported from England. The ponies were descendants of Spanish stallions that had escaped from Spanish haciendas in Florida. By 1883, there were 1,600 horses on the island. Today, only about fifty remain.
The island’s main industry today is tourism. Visitors can ride ponies on the beach or go canoeing or fishing in the ocean. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay on Chincoteague Island, there are a few places to consider. The island is home to a wide variety of lodging options from small family-owned bed and breakfasts to large chain hotels. Many of the larger hotels offer golf or other amenities that can be enjoyed during your stay.
Below are some recommended accommodations:
• The Inn at Chincoteague: This inn is centrally located on the island and offers comfortable rooms with plenty of amenities, like a heated pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness center. The inn also has a restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.
• The Swan at Chincoteague: This stylish hotel offers guestrooms with fireplaces and plenty of amenities, like an indoor pool, golf course, and spa. The Swan also has a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Chincoteague Island Guest House: This inn is located on the eastern end of the island and is perfect for visitors who want to get away from it all. The Guest House features private cottages with porches that offer beautiful views of Assateague Island. Guests can enjoy morning coffee and tea and a full breakfast in their sitting area. Guests can also enjoy dinner at the inn’s restaurant or barbecue on the beach.
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for a place to get a good meal on Chincoteague Island, head to the waterfront. There are several restaurants there that will serve up some delicious seafood dishes. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try one of the island’s two cafes – both of which offer sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Finally, be sure to stop by the store for snacks and drinks on your way around the island – there’s nothing like a cold drink after a long day of fishing!
