sundance1

My family has been to Chincoteague numerous times and once we saw the ponies swim across. We stood at the park that is near Toms Cove. Not alot of things to do, but good for a long weekend trip. We have stayed in a number of hotels,, my favorite was Anchor Inn when you come into town make a right and it is a few blocks down on the bay.
The Vol. Fireman run the pony swim and money is suppose to be for the firemen the firemen also have a carnival the month of July.

Activities, rent a bike and ride around the Ast. Wildlife Ref., rent a boat and go fishing, miniature golf, during the pony swim the movie theater plays the movie Misty for free. Lots of good places to eat.

Driving in off of 13 I don't recall any places to stay.

Philip

I went to this year's pony swim, and while not everyone's cup of tea, I found it very interesting.

The pony swim takes place in Chincoteague's local park. And yes, you do have to be up at the crack of dawn to watch it and there are hordes of people on the beach. I drove in and parked (free) at the high school.

Chincoteague has a wonderful bus system set up for the hordes of "Misty" lovers that come to watch this event. This little town has to be commended for handling so many people, so efficiently.

From the high school, you ride a school bus to the park. The area is quite marshy, so it's important to bring sunblock, bug spray, water, and something to sit on, as well as sturdy shoes. Plus bring a pair of binoculars for a better view. There were many people just standing barefoot in the water, which looked fun but cold.

Because there are many factors involved in the pony swim (weather, strength of the tide, readiness of ponies, etc.) you may be in for a long wait. This year I was on the beach by 5:30 am and the ponies didn't swim until 8:30 am. (Someone told me last year they didn't swim until 11 am). Also keep in mind, that the swim lasts only about 15 minutes, so if you are off to the bathroom you might miss it. There are boats that sit in the water to watch the swim. (If interested you might contact the chamber of commerce to see how that is arranged).

After the ponies swim, there is a small parade where they are herded through town to the fair grounds. The firemen sponsor a carnival (food, rides, games, etc.) and you can take a look at the ponies that made the swim (usually 150 of them).

I was quite surprised at how many of the people I talked too returned year after year to watch the swim.

All in all it's a fun day for the horse lover. Those bringing children might take note that it can be a long wait for a child and getting up early makes it a long day overall.

Susan

Thanks for the great responses from those of you who visited recently. It is nice to know people read these postings and reply!

To the one asking about the age for the Misty books (there are quite a few)I suggest at least 9 yrs. unless you want to read it to your girls. My daughter and I take turns with the chapters. And yes, you can get them at the local library. Still the best deal in town!

S

Thanks, Susan. With an 11 year old and a 7 year old, they'll both enjoy the book.

L

The swim is one of those events left for the future, and your kids' imagination. Hot, boring, buggy, strange, not to mention crowded and traffic. My partner's family dragged me to this thing ... and my revenge was that bugs normally leave me alone while ravishing anything standing or moving in my vicinity. Perhaps it was a reward for my not smacking one of the varments one time. Anyway, the culprits were eaten alive. I noticed even the ponies failed to get into the swim of things. Later, some were auctioned off to benefit the island fire department ... presumably for riding and not for some dog food concern. Nonetheless, positive I am about most, but not for waterlogged things going from one island to the next, and then back to their soggy environment by the beach. Somehow the absense of even Golden Arches on the island for many years (well in the past) always seemed a commentary on the swim. Wish I'd shown some horse sense and gone to the outlets that day. Ciao

Bozo

I think it would be funny if, when the ponies were crossing from Chincoteague, scores of sharks would swarm the silly little ponies and eat them all up while the yuppie mommies and their kids watched in horror.

J T Kirk

To all of those who are interested, there is an article on Chincoteague in the most recent issue of Backpacker magazine. The article mentions the book and the ponies. There's a good photo, too.
See ya.

Sue

Topping for Clousie...

xxx

Top for more info...

Jim

Here's a link for the 2002 scheduale...

http://www.chincoteague.com/pony/ponies.html

ttt

Topping for Gretchen

Gretchen

Thanks for pulling this info up for me!!!

Molly

Philip, when my family went to the pony swim, many people were wading or swimming out into the water. I was considering joining them, as it was a hot day, until I saw one boy stung by a jellyfish. He was quite miserable for awhile! I'm not sure why there were jellyfish in the bay, but not iin the open ocean.
The pony swim is a "been there, done that" kind of experience in my mind, though I have heard of folks who attend year after year.
If you go to the carnival, be sure and eat at least one of the wonderful clam or oyster sandwhiches and sweet potato fries - I can almost taste them!

judy

We've been to Chincoteague several times during the pony swim and carnival usually renting a cottage. We've always really enjoyed the small town feeling, the wonderful fresh seafood cooked for you at Melvins's (ask anyone for directions) and the great ice cream at Mr. Whippy. The beaches are beautiful and the nature refuge is full of birds and wildlife not to mention the ponys. It's a wonderful family vacation but maybe too simple for some folks.

Jane

We are going to DC in August, and then on a driving tour of Virginia and were thinking of spending a day in the Chinoteague area. Is it common to see the ponies in their natural environment - roaming freely?

Molly

Yes, I've never gone, to the Virginia side anyway, without seeing horses along the trails. You're less apt to during pony-penning days of course, since they'll be rounded up, but they do have {or did} a "safari" ride around the island to watch the horsed being corraled the days before the swim.

Freddie

Outside of Gatlinburg, the absolute worst Americana in America. Bugs, dust, heat, smells, rednecks, bloated ponies ... and that's the good part. And then comes the auction, when the fire dept. sells them to raise money for new equipment. The legend of Misty indeed. This is a town where the opening of MacD. was the big event of the year. Have a fun time - my prediction is you'll never go again.

Molly

Freddie, I think that you're in the distinct minority in your dislike of Chincotaegue - Asateague; I can't imagine not liking this area! However, you bring up a good point about the pony's welfare. Is it cruel to corral them, subject them to the swim, then auction them off?