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48 Hours on Chincoteague Island in October

There’s something special about October on Chincoteague Island. The summer rush has drifted out to sea, the air feels clean and quiet, and the marshes glow during golden hour. Two days is just enough time to settle into the rhythm of the island — to … Read more

Chincoteague Ponies and the Leonard Family Legacy

Donald Leonard was a lifetime member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and a rough and tumble Saltwater Cowboy for decades. He seemed to have been born with ponies in his blood. This is not surprising as his great-grandfather, Kendal Jester,… Read more
A great egret flies over a lush, golden landscape at sunset.

October Birding Guide

October is the month the refuge changes over. The last warblers still move through the pines in the mornings, falcons hunt the edges of the marsh, and by the end of the month the first ducks and swans settle onto the water. Shorebirds thin out from t… Read more
A wooden walkway leads into a sunset over a grassy marshland.

Mother's Day in Chincoteague: A Weekend Itinerary

Celebrate Mother’s Day on Chincoteague Island: A Relaxing & Joyful Weekend Getaway Looking for the perfect way to show Mom just how much she means to you? Treat her to a refreshing, nature-filled weekend on Chincoteague Island. With the Refuge Inn as… Read more
A lighthouse stands tall amidst green marsh grass and a backdrop of trees.

A May Weekend in Chincoteague: Seafood, Sunsets and Spring

There is something extra special about Chincoteague in May - the scent of salt in the air, the sound of shorebirds returning, and the energy of the island reawakening for the season. If you’re planning a spring escape, this 3-day itinerary hits all t… Read more
A bearded man carves wood while two young children sit on the ground beside him, surrounded by shavings and tools.

Easter in Chincoteague: A Weekend Itinerary

Easter weekend is one of the most joyful and relaxing times to visit Chincoteague Island. Spring brings blooming flowers, migrating birds, and the return of island traditions that make this community so special. Whether you're looking to unwind by th… Read more
A group of horses of varying colors stands close together in a pasture.

Spring Pony Roundup: A Weekend Itinerary

Spring is one of the most peaceful and beautiful times to visit Chincoteague Island, and the Spring Pony Roundup offers a front-row seat to one of the island’s most treasured traditions. On April 11 and 12, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and… Read more

St. Patrick's Day in Chincoteague: A Weekend Itinerary

Searching for Shamrocks: A St. Patrick’s Day Adventure on Chincoteague Island St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a weekend getaway to Chincoteague Island. Whether you’re searching for hidden … Read more
A lighthouse stands against a pastel sunset, reflecting in calm waters.

Valentine's Day in Chincoteague: A Weekend Itinerary

Valentine’s Day Weekend 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 tours to cho… Read more
A small shorebird walks along a wet, sandy beach with a blurred gull in the background.

MLK Weekend Birding in Chincoteague: An Itinerary

As we approach the long weekend observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, all of us here at the Refuge Inn are thrilled to share all the island has to offer in the cooler months with you! During January, Chincoteague and Assateague Islands hold… Read more