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Birding With Kids: How We Make It Fun

Birding with kids doesn’t have to look like quiet walks, perfect checklists, or long stretches of stillness. In fact, the best birding moments often happen when expectations are low and curiosity is allowed to lead the way. Here on Chincoteague, bird… Read more
two hearts made of red ribbon rest on a wooden boardwalk

2026 Valentine's Day Getaway

Valentine’s Day Weekend 2026 on Chincoteague Island   Love is in the air on Chincoteague Island! If you’re looking for a romantic and adventure-filled getaway, there’s no better place to spend Valentine’s Day weekend than here. From scenic boat … Read more
dolphins swimming in calm ocean water at sunset on chincoteague island

Your Guide to Summer on Chincoteague Island

Summer on Chincoteague is full of possibilities — and can be completely stress-free with the right insider information. This local guide keeps it simple with easy ideas you can mix and match. You’ll find ideas for beach days, our favorite trails, and… Read more
coastal marsh sunset with winding water channel tall golden grasses and colorful sky near refuge inn on chincoteague island

8 Spring Outdoor Adventures on Chincoteague Island

Spring on Chincoteague Island has a way of pulling you outside. The air feels cool but comfortable — perfect for outdoor adventures. The marsh turns bright green again. The island stays calm in the best way. If you’re craving fresh air and simple adv… Read more
A cozy meal of cioppino and oysters rockefeller is presented at Bill's Prime Seafood and Steaks, complete with table lamp, white tablecloth, and thoughtful place settings.

Winter Dining Guide

Your Winter Dining Schedule on Chincoteague Island Winter brings a gentler rhythm to Chincoteague — quiet streets, trails where you'll encounter only wildlife, and the kind of beach walks that make a warm meal taste even better. While some restaurant… Read more
christmas by the sea is illuminated in red letters next to a santa hat and christmas tree with colorful lights. The famous LOVE chairs are visible in the background.

Our favorite Chincoteague traditions

We love looking back at the traditions, both big and small, that shape the heartbeat of Chincoteague. Each one marks the passing of a season and reminds us why this island feels like home for so many of our dear friends and guests. These aren’t just … Read more
Two tundra swans feed in the shallow wetlands of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Birding photography by Wesley Finneyfrock.

December Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

As December settles over the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge transforms into a sanctuary of winter calm—wide-open skies, muted marsh colors, crisp air, and some of the best waterfowl birding of the entire year. Ne… Read more
snowy beach on chincoteague island

Your Guide to Winter Adventures on Chincoteague Island

There’s nothing quite like winter adventures on Chincoteague Island. The air feels crisp, the beach is quiet, and the trails are open for exploring. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busy summer season. Spend your days spotting Chincoteague ponies, bir… Read more

Top 10 Unexpected Birds of 2025

You’d Never Expect to Hear these birds at The Refuge Inn, but we did! If you’ve stayed at The Refuge Inn, you may have noticed the soft chorus of island life that surrounds us: wrens calling from the pines, robins at dawn, and the chatter of grackles… Read more
A Scarlet Tanager with bright red body and jet black wings pauses on a tree branch with lush green leaves

Coolest birds of 2025

Cool Birds of The Refuge Inn Our BirdWeather sensor records hundreds of feathered visitors each season — some familiar, others delightfully unexpected. From deep-forest travelers to ocean wanderers, these are a few of the coolest birds we’ve hea… Read more