Virginia
Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
Program No. 1054560MEADV-1116-60
Get an insider’s perspective on Chincoteague and Assateague, where you’ll enjoy nature, attend cultural performances, search for wild ponies and wildlife and sample local cuisine.
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800-454-5768
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4 days
3 nights
8 meals
3B 2L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Lecture
Chincoteague Island, VA
2
Explore the Beach, Island Cruise, Museum of CI
Chincoteague Island, VA
3
Wildlife Safari, Wildlife Art, Local Music
Chincoteague Island, VA
4
Local Aquaculture, Program Concludes
Chincoteague Island, VA
At a Glance
Come for a taste of barrier island life! Tucked away on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of the most special places on the East Coast, evoking visions of unspoiled coastal island charm and serving as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the second most visited wildlife refuge in the U.S. Enjoy a small plates dinner featuring historic island recipes that are paired with wine while sitting with views of the water. Listen as a local artist explains how our spectacular vistas and beautiful wildlife inspire her, and observe her technique as she creates a waterfowl painting as she speaks. Learn about the island’s rich history as you explore the exhibits at the Museum of Chincoteague Island.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking a total of up to 2 miles per day, getting on and off a school bus, boarding and exiting a pontoon boat. All of Chincoteague and most of Assateague are flat terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Walk a short distance on the 37-mile-long beach on Assateague Island — the longest undeveloped beach in the mid-Atlantic — accompanied by an expert who teaches you about dune ecology and the natural forces that constantly reshape the island.
- Learn how these islands inspire the arts as you enjoy a painting demonstration from an award-winning wildlife artist, and an evening performance by local musicians who teach you sea shanties, old and new.
- Explore restricted sections of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in search of ponies, Sika elk, waterfowl and migratory birds and learn about the island’s aquaculture industry while cruising local waters.
General Notes
You may be interested in a five-night version of this program, "Chincoteague: Lighthouses, Wild Ponies and Pirates" (#2005).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Nancy Richards West
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant. Her work has won numerous awards and honors, including the Ward Foundation’s top award for painting, and she represented the Commonwealth of Virginia at the White House Easter Festivities in 1996. Nancy received her B.A. with high honors in fine arts from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.. Nancy has been sharing her artistic talents on Road Scholar programs with the Museum of Chincoteague Island for almost 20 years.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Nancy Richards West
View biography
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant. Her work has won numerous awards and honors, including the Ward Foundation’s top award for painting, and she represented the Commonwealth of Virginia at the White House Easter Festivities in 1996. Nancy received her B.A. with high honors in fine arts from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.. Nancy has been sharing her artistic talents on Road Scholar programs with the Museum of Chincoteague Island for almost 20 years.
Beth Scheeley
View biography
Beth Scheeley was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. She has many family ties to the island, which makes her a true "teaguer." Beth has an extensive knowledge for Chincoteague's history. Her childhood memories of Chincoteague's past looks, restaurants and people will call for endless conversations and stories during your time with her. Her go-getter personality and friendliness will surely make you feel right at home on Chincoteague Island.
Darcy Cole
View biography
Darcy has lived on the island for over 15 years. In her early encounters with the wild horses of Assateague, she became fascinated with the idea that each horse had a name and a personality. In those 15 years, she has become a regional expert on the horses, publishing books on the horses and conducting workshops and talks related to the horses. In addition to her many lectures at the Museum of Chincoteague, Darcy serves as a Team Leader on the two annual Service Projects.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
Program Number: 10545
Slave and Free on Virginia's Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has been home to English-Speaking people for almost four hundred years, and for more than half that time it was legal for some of its residents to own other residents who live on the peninsula with them, to buy and sell, use and abuse them for their own purposes and profit. What was it like to live in that day when human bondage was accepted, its mindset and practices firmly embedded in the everyday affairs of ordinary people? Solidly researched, Slave and Free is a good place to begin the study that no one wants to talk about. It will be found accessible and readable by both the scholar and the general reader; as well as by all who know and love Virginia's Eastern Shore. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Once Upon an Island: The History of Chincoteague
Settled for more than 300 years, surrounded by waters which have for centuries provided both livelihood and recreation, known for ponies and wildfowl, seafood and seashore, "old salts" and decoys. Chincoteague Island, Virginia is both colorful and storied. And never until now has its complete history been told.
This book chronicles the often surprising story of a place named for Native Americans who never really lived there, settled not by fishermen but by cattlemen, so individual that it refused to follow the rest of the state into the Confederacy during the Civil War. Here is a full account of how the famous pony penning came to be, of the boom and bust of the seafood industry, and of a hardy people who survived fire, flood and isolation to build a community that has now been visited by millions. It is the story not of one island but of several - Chincoteague, Assateague, Wallops, and of their interplay with both the nearby Eastern Shore and with more distant places familiar to islander who "went to sea" at an early age.
Once Upon an Island is both good, sound history and a "fun read" for anyone who is fascinated by colorful, celebrated Chincoteague Island. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
The Watermen and Wild Ponies: A Chincoteague Waterman Remembers Life on Chincoteague and Assateague
Share the experiences of surviving on Chincoteague and Assateague from the people who have lived them.
In 1912, Chincoteague was emerging as a thriving seaside community. It was the only outside contact for the small village on Assateague Island. The watermen were tough and courageous. They worked long days dredging oysters or tonging clams and return to the island to cull their catch for shucking. They labored building large ocean "pound" traps to catch a wide variety of fish from their local waters. The seafood industry was the focal point of the island economy.
Mother Nature played her part in making life hard on the islands. The hurricanes and floods could be brutal. The relentless changing ocean currents and tidal surges threatened the fragile island home of the famous wild ponies.
The great fires of the 1920s were devastating to the community on Chincoteague. Yet the people rebuilt from the ashes each time with new hope. The creation of the causeway to the mainland and the building of the bridge to Assateague Island were massive undertakings for these persevering people. They are what makes Chincoteague and Assateague unique.
This is their story. The isolation, the struggles, their compassion and courage as told by a Chincoteague waterman. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Misty of Chincoteague
A Newberry Honor book, for children 8 - 12 years old. This is the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe and their quest to buy the elusive Phantom, a wild Chincoteague pony. On Pony Penning Day, they not only bring in the Phantom, but also her colt, Misty. It is a wonderful heart-warming tale of the efforts of two children to achieve their dream. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (MD and VA) (images of America)
This book provides a short pictorial and narrative description of these two barrier islands, their history and relationship. One is a small town community catering to thousands of tourists who come almost year-round to enjoy the beach and view the wildlife on the other. Available in the Museum gift shop in person or online at www.chincoteaguemuseum.com
Program
At a Glance
Duration
4 days
Program Begins
Chincoteague Island, VA
Program Concludes
Chincoteague Island, VA
Meals
8
| 3B |
2L |
3D |
Activity Level
Come for a taste of barrier island life! Tucked away on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of the most special places on the East Coast, evoking visions of unspoiled coastal island charm and serving as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the second most visited wildlife refuge in the U.S. Enjoy a small plates dinner featuring historic island recipes that are paired with wine while sitting with views of the water. Listen as a local artist explains how our spectacular vistas and beautiful wildlife inspire her, and observe her technique as she creates a waterfowl painting as she speaks. Learn about the island’s rich history as you explore the exhibits at the Museum of Chincoteague Island.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Walk a short distance on the 37-mile-long beach on Assateague Island — the longest undeveloped beach in the mid-Atlantic — accompanied by an expert who teaches you about dune ecology and the natural forces that constantly reshape the island.
- Learn how these islands inspire the arts as you enjoy a painting demonstration from an award-winning wildlife artist, and an evening performance by local musicians who teach you sea shanties, old and new.
- Explore restricted sections of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in search of ponies, Sika elk, waterfowl and migratory birds and learn about the island’s aquaculture industry while cruising local waters.
General Notes
You may be interested in a five-night version of this program, "Chincoteague: Lighthouses, Wild Ponies and Pirates" (#2005).
Featured Expert
Nancy Richards West
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant. Her work has won numerous awards and honors, including the Ward Foundation’s top award for painting, and she represented the Commonwealth of Virginia at the White House Easter Festivities in 1996. Nancy received her B.A. with high honors in fine arts from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.. Nancy has been sharing her artistic talents on Road Scholar programs with the Museum of Chincoteague Island for almost 20 years.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking a total of up to 2 miles per day, getting on and off a school bus, boarding and exiting a pontoon boat. All of Chincoteague and most of Assateague are flat terrain.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
4 days
3 nights
What's Included
8 meals | 3B | 2L | 3D |
3 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
3 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Lecture
Location:
Chincoteague Island, VA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the motel café to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
Catered dinner in the Museum's Legacy Pavilion
Evening:
Orientation: In the pavilion, immediately following dinner, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. To enjoy a “taste of the island” we will dine out at different venues, each known for its local cuisine and friendly service. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will end the evening with an overview of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, given by our Group Leader. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Explore the Beach, Island Cruise, Museum of CI
Location:
Chincoteague Island, VA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a pontoon boat. Walking up to 3/4 mile; undeveloped beach.
Breakfast:
In the motel café.
Morning:
We will hop aboard our bus for a history tour of Chincoteague Island. We will then drive a short distance to Assateague National Seashore, the longest stretch of wild, undeveloped beach on the mid-Atlantic coast. As we walk along the sandy shore, our Group Leader will discuss dune ecology and explain the forces that affect the environment of a barrier island.
Lunch:
At the Merritt Harbor, we will board a pontoon boat and sail up the Assateague Chanel. We will see the Assateague Lighthouse from the same area as watermen of the 18th and 19th centuries. Our Captain and First Mate will point out historical sites and evidence of changes tides make to the topography of barrier islands. We will enjoy a boxed lunch while cruising the Assateague Chanel.
Afternoon:
We will head over to explore the Museum of Chincoteague Island, and then have a short period of free time prior to dinner..
Dinner:
We'll have a small plates dinner featuring examples of native island cuisine prepared by a local chef using heirloom island recipes passed down from his grandmother; each course will be paired with specially selected wines; non-alcoholic bubbly juice and water will also be available.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Wildlife Safari, Wildlife Art, Local Music
Location:
Chincoteague Island, VA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Note: Wild pony behavior is unpredictable; we will get off the bus when we stop only if the instructor and Group Leader determine that it is safe to do so.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will hop on the bus and go on a “safari” to explore the interior of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to look for wild ponies, petite Sika elk, nesting terrapin, otters, bald eagles, Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, and other wildlife. A local wildlife expert will be our instructor. We will be going into an area normally closed to the public and will stop often for wildlife sightings and photo opportunities as they appear. Bring your camera and binoculars if you have them.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Local wildlife artist Nancy Richards West is internationally recognized for her sensitive interpretations of this beautiful coast and its wildlife and waterfowl. Through a presentation and an actual painting session, Nancy will demonstrate how she is inspired by nature and how she captures the subtle patterns of color, light, and movement distinctive to the waterways, creatures, and skies of Chincoteague.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll enjoy entertainment by Salts, a trio of seasoned singers/players who present energetic and eclectic performances of Celtic, nautical, traditional, and contemporary music. They will entertain us with witty banter while also teaching about their songs and instruments. Returning to the motel, prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.
Day
4
Local Aquaculture, Program Concludes
Location:
Chincoteague Island, VA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Motel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
A native island waterman and hunting guide will expound upon local lore, hunting, crabbing, and being a guide for hunters visiting our local waters. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
8 Meals
3 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
- Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
- May 18, 2025 - May 21, 2025
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 41 Reviews
Sort By:
I knew a little about the running of the ponies but the RS program opened that world up for me!
I'm hoping that maybe some day my husband and I can attend the entire pony experience in July!
— Review left October 28, 2024
This was our first Road Scholar trip. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and had two full days touring Chincoteague and Assateague. Highlights were the pontoon boat trip—we spotted an eagle and 2 bottlenose dolphins—and the “safari” on Assateague—a group of wild ponies walked right by us. Our guides were great: warm welcoming, and enthusiastic about their community. We thoroughly enjoyed the last night’s concert, too. My husband described the trip this way: “It was a blast!”
— Review left October 27, 2024
A wonderful experience. We learned a lot, had a good time and fell in love with the islands and the indomitable community.
— Review left October 24, 2024
Perfectly balanced to include history, culture, art, music, wildlife, trios, and nice meals together with the other participants.
— Review left June 10, 2024
This was my 10th RS program and the shortest, 4 days, 3 nights. I wondered if it might be too short but I was impressed how much RS included. The number and variety of activities was extensive and well balanced between cultural and educational activities. For those whose main objective in signing up for this program is to see the famous ponies, you will hopefully not be disappointed. We were lucky with the weather (early June) and saw lots of ponies, both on our boat ride as well as our bus trip in parts of the wildlife refuge that RS had special permission to enter.
— Review left June 8, 2024
The program was presented in an excellent manner…I highly recommend it
— Review left June 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this program….every aspect was well run…I highly recommend it..
— Review left June 5, 2024
The people guiding and presenting on the program were excellent however the bus broke down at the beginning of the program and there was no backup plan for the bus so we missed out on some of the program items.
— Review left May 9, 2024
The trip was great, liked how everything was included, no surprises. Learned lots of new things and made some new friends
— Review left April 20, 2024
As a first time lone female Road Scholar, I can only encourage other of my demographic to step out of your comfort zone and explore the world with such an incredible organization. I have no regrets and am planning my next adventure with Road Scholar as I write!
— Review left April 11, 2024
Great program and knowledgeable lecturers. Good introduction to the area. We plan to visit again.
— Review left November 15, 2023
This was my first program with Road Scholar and I will definitely be continuing my adventures with them. The organization, activities, information, and especially the leaders in charge of our program were exceptional. It was exciting, informative, and just plain fun!
— Review left November 8, 2023
This was a lot of fun, and so interesting.Great guide.
— Review left October 19, 2023
An excellent, informative program with guides who made the area and its past, present, and future come alive.
— Review left September 24, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this program - got to see the wild ponies and their foals up close. Waterfowl sightings were plentiful and beautiful, especially the Canada geese/goslings and snowy egrets.
— Review left June 18, 2023
life is a journey.. so go for it....
— Review left June 17, 2023
We had a lot of fun. We were immersed in pony and island lore from start to finish and saw numerous herds. While I understand closer sighting are common ours were somewhat distant and were glad we had binoculars. The hotel is in a beautiful location where we were able to catch wonderful sunsets over the water. The staff were knowledgeable, humorous and well spoken.
— Review left May 27, 2023
Great adventure and accommodations!! Coming from CA made it a true bucket list trip!!
— Review left May 25, 2023
The team that put this program together did a wonderful job. The program was interesting and fun: boat ride, museum, beech, nature preserve, art work, concert, aquaculture - all delivered with humor and warmth. These folks really care for and want to share their community. They welcomed us like family - and of course, the PONIES! They were beautiful and fascinating.
— Review left April 26, 2023
A relaxed easygoing learning experience with an excellent group leader and pleasant extra events. The history was especially interesting.
— Review left October 26, 2022
I am very glad I chose the Chincoteague Island trip as my 1st experience with Road Scholar. I love learning new things and as a photographer I took many pictures I am very pleased with. I am looking forward to my next adventure.
— Review left October 20, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip. It was also my first solo traveler experience. I was pleasantly surprised at how immersive an experience I had learning about Chincoteague/Assateague Islands. The tour guides introduced us to exceptional encounters that I will always remember. This trip will not be my last.
— Review left September 15, 2022
I learned about an area of the country that I had no knowledge of. The explanations about the ponies and the Civil War were very informative. I chose the program because I was going to be in Virginia, and this was a way of breaking up my trip. I'm so glad I did.
— Review left August 31, 2022
Fantastic, up close views of wild ponies by land and sea. Knowledgeable presenters.
— Review left August 30, 2022
An interesting, little known part of the US that encompasses flora, fauna, history and yummy food.
— Review left August 24, 2022
I highly recommend this program. The area is quaint, easy to get around in, the people involved are delightful, and the topics very interesting.
— Review left May 24, 2022
A special treat. This short, 4-day post-Covid pandemic trip was a perfect return to RS travel for my wife and me.
Every aspect well planned, executed by the RS team: Pankey, Beth and Kenny. Great leaders. Well-prepared, personable, professional, engaging and participant-oriented. Organized by the delightful Museum of Chincoteague Island.
What fun. Nothing boring about this trip. Programs were educational and entertaining. Pony presentation by Darcy: Wow!!!! Art: Awesome. Downtown history tour by Cindy was spot on; what a story teller. Aquaculture: all you wanted to know about clams and more -- w/a guy who's funny as heck and a USAF 20-year veteran who "landed" on the island.
Excursions to the Atlantic coastline and a 2-hour boat ride (Daisy Island Cruises) on the Assateague Channel chasing eagles, osprey, wild ponys were thrilling -- complete w/a scrumptious box lunch.
We had time, with early arrival (or stay a day or few late), to explore walking trails at the NWR. Bring your Senior Pass.
Oh, and the evening music entertainers -- strap yourself in for some foot-stomping Irish, sea-faring fun.
Food, OBTW, was spectacular. Breakfast at the hotel -- each room with a spectacular view of the sound -- was wonderful. Lodging was comfortable, clean, refreshed daily.
Lunch, dinner meals were something to die for. Seafood lover's delights, but plenty of mouth-watering non-seafood options. Small-plates dinner with wine pairings was worth the visit alone.
Just go. Especially if you live in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic or Northeast. One-day drive? One overnight? Or fly in from anywhere?
And there are other Museum of Chincoteague-sponsored RS programs to choose from.
— Review left May 21, 2022
This was a short excursion, but packed full of really good things. We saw the ponies up close and personal, and had wonderful tales told to us by a lady who basically lived among the ponies. We also saw a wonderful artist describe how she did her art and actually show us how. The music event by Three Sheets was really good and rollicking, and the gentleman who described clam farming was really very interesting. The hosts and our bus driver were all very helpful, and the food was wonderful!
— Review left May 1, 2022
This program made me to cancel my future trips inside the country. Definitely I prefer international. It was a very big group for the time we are living with the Covid 19! plus, we were always inside a bus with windows close. The program is very inactive. Almost boring. Chincoteage is a very small place that invite to walk. But we went by bus even to the first restaurant around the corner. Most of the participants asked why! Food for the most part was fine. Except for the last dinner. Not good at all. The hotel was ok: had mold smell.
I enjoy the nature of the place and making some friends.
— Review left January 10, 2022
Dear RS,
Enjoyed all aspects of the trip particularly the local people who were
involved in educating us on various topics. The artist, the aquaculture
guy, the naturalist from museum, chef from Bill's Prime - all were
great presenters. Beth was a super group leader.
Only issue I had was being with group in small conference space and
1/2 people did not wear masks. Really not a comfortable situation.
Hotel was nice and meals were good. I would recommend this
trip to others.
Lynn Wearsch
— Review left November 12, 2021
We came a bit early since the program was so short and because we were there with friends. Staying after the program would have provided a welcomed orientation to the islands and services. If you do stay a few extra days and have a national park senior pass bring it for "free" access to Assateague. Very interesting community and history. Two special events involving food and music were terrific. The program supports the local museum, also a plus.
— Review left November 11, 2021
Road Scholar trip to Chicoteague and Assateague was very enjoyable, informative and interesting.
— Review left November 9, 2021
Chincoteague is a surprising delight. Road Scholar provided terrific speakers and an excellent leader, all of whom had much to share about their views of the island and culture. All were humorous and fun to be with. We enjoyed a great imaginative small plates dinner with wine and a delightful concert by a local group as well as a boat ride, lectures, excellent meals and a lovely comfy place to stay...all in 2 and a half days. Go!
— Review left October 28, 2021
Fabulous trip to Chincoteague and Assateague! I learned a tremendous amount about this area and met lots of nice folks. I was a solo traveler but I never felt alone. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has an interest in the wild ponies or the barrier islands.
— Review left October 4, 2021
Very interesting and informative. A great option for get back into group travel. Beth and the other leaders were knowledgeable and able to show us a lot about the area, even with the constraints of Covid-19. We spoke with watermen and women, had a terrific concert of nautical and historical songs, a private dinner and a tour of the wildlife refuge. You won’t get the best experience of this rich community without the Road Scholar crew to guide you.
— Review left October 3, 2021
I have wanted to see the Chincoteague ponies for a very long time. I enjoyed learning more about the area and found the small community to be friendly. We did see the ponies during our field trip on the bus through a portion of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The group leader was very engaged and I really enjoyed the lecture on the clamming industry by a local clammer. Even though not on the itinerary, I enjoyed the pretty sunrise/sunsets and beautiful coastal birds. The small Chincoteague museum is filled with various interesting historical displays.
— Review left September 27, 2021
The trip to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands was extraordinary. If you are traveling for the first time with Road Scholar, I highly recommend this one especially if it is within driving distance for you. The food that was presented was outstanding, our tour guide knew the town from inside out and also many of people in the town. It felt like being part of a new family. I truly did not want to leave this charming town and the folks who attended this program with me.
— Review left October 27, 2019
If you've ever heard or read the story MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE and wondered if it was fact or fiction; if you've ever wondered whether there is a place where wild ponies rule; if you've ever longed to walk the shore of an ocean and feel the waves tickle your toes, then a Road Scholar trip to Chincoteabue is for you.
— Review left June 23, 2019
Anyone who likes animals, ponies: large males, sweet mothers, and little babies, on their wobbly legs cannot help but love this program. Also it was great learning about the sheep that used to be on the island while their coats were shorn and prepared for spinning and we must not forget he painting demonstration in which a duck appeared before our eyes after we all learned perspective using our own finger AND eyes...his was new to me!!
— Review left June 16, 2019
The Chincoteague trip went beyond my expectations. I learned so much about Chincoteague from our local leader and lecturers and saw more ponies than I could count. Definitely recommend this trip!
— Review left June 15, 2019
Easy to use and navigate while offering countless options for travel whether alone, with companion(s) or with family.
— Review left June 12, 2019
