Headed to Chincoteague/Assoteague!
 

My wife and I are headed to Chincoteague/Assateague next week. We've done some research, but wanted to find out from those of you who have been there what you enjoyed most and/or least, in terms of things to do and places to eat. We'll be there for one week.

We've read as much as we could online, in various visitor's guides/brochures, and have read through many threads here on the forum.

We may also spend 2-3 days in Rehoboth on our way home.

Thanks!

It may not be readily obvious, but Assateague and Chincoteague are not directly connnected. You access the former, the park, by a short drive from Ocean City. To get to Chincoteague, the town and park, you drive down through Virginia (assuming you're going south,) for 50-60 miles from Rte. 50, before turning left.

As pure beach experiences, they're great locations. However, expect to find a lot of businesses closed for the year.

You'll fare much better in Rehoboth. They've done a nice job of extending their fall season. Unfortunately, the beach is in pretty sad shape--check out rehobothcam.com.

While in that area, use a day to explore Lewes. It's always been our absolute favorite of all the Delmarva communities.

You'll have a great time--this is the probably the best season to truly enjoy those shore towns...

Mrs. MileKing took me to Chincoteague a year ago (in June) for my birthday. We had a wonderful time. Stayed at the Hampton Inn there and it is one of the nicest Hampton Inn's I have stayed at (and I've stayed at many). They have bay view rooms that cost more....not worth it as the view is nothing exciting.

Our favorite activity was renting a couple of 'beachcomber' bicycles and riding around the park for the afternoon. Very fun!

As far as restaurants go, there isn't much to choose from. Our favorite was Bill's. Good food and service; seafood as well as other things. For ice cream you have to hit Mr. Whippy's. Perhaps some of the finest ice cream I have ever had.

Enjoy your trip!

Seeing this title brings back memories of reading Marguerite Henry's Misty books. Haven't thought about those in years - but loved them! Anyone else?

Sorry, now back to your regularly scheduled programming. :)

I am pretty sure that there is a very nice part of Assateague you can access from Chincoteague. There also used to be a small NASA museum on Wallops Island nearby. I'm not sure whether that is still open to the public. On your way up to Rehoboth you could stop at the Northern part of Assateague to see another portion of the park. You can't, however, travel from the Southern end to the Northern end unless you are walking or boating.

I too loved the Marguerite Henry books about Misty, Stormy, and Sea Star. Are there any travelers who could share experiences about the wild ponies of the islands? Are they still doing okay? Do they still have the 'roundup'/adoption that benefits the fire department? I would think the ponies would be a big aspect of the islands tourist draw.... Tell us more....

They still have the roundup-in July, I think. The park office in the Maryland section of Assateague has a very informative display about them. It is very easy to spot them in the park. Unfortunately, they have no fear of people because of the idiots that feed them. They are wild animals and can be dangerous. Sometimes they are hit by cars as they run after them begging. Once I saw a group of ponies standing in the surf at one of the public beaches. There were people and dogs right next to them and they weren't fazed at all.

We went to Assateague in July. The ponies were so fearless that they were hanging around campers' tents awaiting handouts.