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Virginia

Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Family

Program No. 22788RJ
Discover the real-world setting of Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague” with your family and explore the island habitats where wild ponies roam with other wildlife.
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Regional StudiesFamily ProgramsLiteratureAges 8 – 17
Length
6 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,699 / ADULT
949 / CHILD

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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Chincoteague , Va.
2
Misty of Chincoteague and the Beebe Ranch
Chincoteague , Va.
3
Beach Time, ancient creatures, Museum of Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague , Va.
4
Tom's Cove, NASA Wallops Visitor Center
Chincoteague , Va.
5
Boat Cruise, Free Time, Chincoteague Picnic
Chincoteague , Va.
6
Round Table with the Group Leader
Chincoteague , Va.
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At a Glance

Chincoteague is a magical island, where herds of wild ponies run free, bottlenose dolphins play in quiet coves nearby and eagles soar over marshes teaming with marine critters. Chincoteague has fascinated children for generations, thanks to the island’s most famous resident in history: Misty the wild pony and the main character in a famous children’s book (and movie). Learn Misty’s story as you and your family visit her home, and learn how she has helped this island community. Play and swim at one of the longest undeveloped shorelines on the Atlantic coast, and meet park rangers as you collect marsh specimens and learn about local sea and marsh creatures. Plus, visit the NASA Visitor Center on Wallops Island to find out about the rockets that launch there! **NASA visit is contingent upon them opening to the public.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one-half mile on level ground, getting on and off a school bus, getting on and off a pontoon boat
Family Programs
Family Programs
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Visit the Beebe Ranch, once home to Misty, the iconic Chincoteague pony, and spend time with a “Saltwater Cowboy” firefighter to learn how the wild ponies have survived.
  • Get close to wild ponies, bald eagles, terrapin, deer, elk and other animals as your Group Leaders bring you to exclusive spots in the wildlife refuge that nobody else gets to see and normally are restricted.
  • Ride the island waters by pontoon boat to watch for porpoises, water birds and ponies as you sail past the Assateague Lighthouse.

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 8 and up. For a comparable intergenerational adventure for just grandparents and grandchildren only, check out "Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure With Your Grandchild" (#18685)!
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Cindy Faith
Cindy Faith has been a Group Leader and lecturer at the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s Road Scholar programs for many years. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, her knowledge of the region’s natural and local history is encyclopedic. Her expertise runs the gamut from horseshoe crabs and wild ponies to pirates and the Civil War’s impact on the Chincoteague region. Combined with her warm sense of humor, Cindy’s vast knowledge assures Road Scholar participants of an informative and interesting experience.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Cindy Faith
Cindy Faith View biography
Cindy Faith has been a Group Leader and lecturer at the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s Road Scholar programs for many years. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, her knowledge of the region’s natural and local history is encyclopedic. Her expertise runs the gamut from horseshoe crabs and wild ponies to pirates and the Civil War’s impact on the Chincoteague region. Combined with her warm sense of humor, Cindy’s vast knowledge assures Road Scholar participants of an informative and interesting experience.
Profile Image of Hunter Leonard
Hunter Leonard View biography
Hunter Leonard has extensive knowledge in so many different aspects of Chincoteague. He is one of many generations of Saltwater Cowboys in his family, a member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, a boat captain, owns a duck hunting business and has a bachelor’s in marine biology and a minor in environmental science from The College of William and Mary. Hunter prides himself in being able to answer any and all questions related to Chincoteague Ponies..
Profile Image of Beth Scheeley
Beth Scheeley View biography
Beth Scheeley was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. She has many family ties to the island, which makes her a true "teaguer." Beth has an extensive knowledge for Chincoteague's history. Her childhood memories of Chincoteague's past looks, restaurants and people will call for endless conversations and stories during your time with her. Her go-getter personality and friendliness will surely make you feel right at home on Chincoteague Island.
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