Virginia
Chincoteague: Lighthouses, Wild Ponies and Pirates
Program No. 2005RJ
Virginia's only inhabited barrier island and the national wildlife refuge and seashore have stunning vistas, wild ponies, wildlife, miles of trails and beaches and a memorable history.
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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
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
5B, 4L, 4D
)
6 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, History
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Motel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Getting on/off a bus.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, you will be directed where 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.
Dinner:
Catered dinner in the Museum's Legacy Pavilion
Evening:
Orientation: Following dinner in the pavilion, our 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. 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. To close the evening, we’ll have a brief lecture on the unique history of Chincoteague Island 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.
Day
2
Assateague Seashore, Historic Chincoteague Island
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a school bus. Walking up to 1/4 mile; sandy beach terrain.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will hop aboard our bus take a driving tour of Chincoteague Island. We will learn local history and view the Beebe Ranch & several local landmarks. Next, we will 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. We’ll then return to the Museum of Chincoteague.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will tour the Museum of Chincoteague Island, with its rare first order Fresnel Lens from Assateague Island's first lighthouse. Afterwards, A native island waterman and hunting guide will join us in the museum's Legacy Pavilion, and expound upon local lore, hunting, crabbing, and being a guide for hunters visiting our local waters.
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.
Day
3
Seafood Industry, Lighthouse Lecture
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Boarding and departing a pontoon boat.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will be picked up at the motel dock, board a pontoon boat and explore the Chincoteague Bay. We will learn about the seafood industry, and be on the lookout for dophins and water fowl.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
In the Annex to the historic Island Theatre, a local expert will join us to illuminate the topic of lighthouse history. He will describe the history of lighthouses around world and focus in on Chincoteague and Assateague's stunning examples of lighthouse technology. The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy in activities of your choosing.
Evening:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Day
4
Pontoon Boat Ride, Pirates, Lighthouse History
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a pontoon boat.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We’ll take the bus to the island harbor, climb aboard a pontoon boat, and head out the Assateague Channel with our the boat captain, and his first mate, who are local experts. We’ll get the same close-up view of the Assateague Lighthouse from the water that seafarers of old experienced. We’ll hear about the wild ponies and see where the ponies swim across for the annual auction, held by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. We'll also learn about houses moved from the Assateague Village to Chincoteague Island by floating them over. Our experts will point out evidence of the constantly changing topography of the Assateague and Chincoteague barrier islands. Keep an eye out for ponies, dolphins, eagles, ospreys, and other water fowl.
Lunch:
Catered lunch in the Museum Pavilion.
Afternoon:
In the Museum Pavilion, a local expert will discuss the history and legends of pirates who frequented the waterways around Chincoteague and Assateague as well as other areas of the mid-Atlantic coast. We’ll also learn about the surprising connection between piracy and a major, venerable Virginia institution. Next, we will have a short period of free time before dinner.
Dinner:
We will take the bus to a local restaurant.
Evening:
In the hotel conference room we will be joined by a local expert, who will share her passion for the local wild ponies. She will discuss all aspects of wild pony life. This is an optional activity for those who love the ponies!
Day
5
Wildlife Art & Artist, Free Time, Musical Entertainment
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Island Resort Inn
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe
Morning:
We will have the opportunity to observe the techniques of local wildlife artist Nancy Richards West, who is internationally recognized for her sensitive interpretations of this beautiful coast and its wildlife and waterfowl. Through lecture 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.
Lunch:
At the hotel, we’ll have a grab-and-go boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
Free time. This time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
We will take the bus to a local restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll be joined by Salts, 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. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Native Waterman, Program Concludes
Location:
Chincoteague , Va.
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Motel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
Our group leader will join you in the hotel cafe for a closing round table, highlighting the week's adventures. 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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