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Virginia

Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Program No. 10545RJ
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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National ParksRegional Studies
Length
4 days
Rating (4.92)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,099

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Itinerary
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. Read More.
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 )
4 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
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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 with the hotel.
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.
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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will be joined in the hotel conference room by a local expert, who will share her passion for the Chincoteague ponies. Next, we will hop aboard our bus and travel to the Beebe Ranch, where Marguerite Henry met the Beebe's and Misty of Chincoteague, and where Misty spent much of her life. We will have the opportunity to meet a couple of Misty's descendents!
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:
In the museum pavilion, 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.
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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