PRE‐EVENT ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, March 12th
Early Registration at Refuge Inn
ACTIVITY
2:00pm-4:00pm: Sign-up to follow
Option #1: Join Chincoteague Step Through Time Tours for a walking history tour of the island with local historian, Cindy Faith. The tour is limited to 40 people and free parking is available downtown. After your ½ mile walking tour, there is an option from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. to visit the Beebe Ranch, where Misty of Chincoteague lived.
Option #2 – Step aboard a complimentary guided boat cruise around the island (weather permitting) with Daisey’s Island Cruises, looking for wildlife and wild ponies in their natural habitat while learning about our rich history from a knowledgeable captain. The pontoon boat will leave from Curtis Merritt Harbor, 2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive, promptly at 2:30 p.m. Bring a warm jacket! Blankets will be available. This tour is limited to 60 people.
Option #3 – Enjoy a tasty option and enjoy some homemade ice cream at the Island Creamery, 6243 Maddox Boulevard – just voted ‘Best Ice Cream Shop in the U.S.’ by USA Today, or you can enjoy some retail therapy in our eclectic shops and boutiques located in historic downtown.
5:00 pm- Registration & welcome reception with private dinner party compliments of Steamers Restaurant located at 6251 Maddox Blvd. There will be a cash bar available, and reception will begin around 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13th
Chincoteague Study Tour
8:30am-5pm
The Chincoteague Chamber and the Chincoteague Center have put together a fun and informative study tour that is sure to captivate your senses. We will visit the Assateague Lighthouse and beach on Assateague Island as well as the NASA Wallops Research Center and Flight Facility. We will also meet a “Saltwater Cowboy” at Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to learn about the islands most famous residents.
Thursday, March 14th
Seminar Program
8:30am-4pm
Seminar programming is still being finalized but a few highlights include:
- News and updates from the VA250 Commission Executive Director for America’s 250th Anniversary of the the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War and US independence.
- Updates from Civil War Trails
- Tom Kirk, Director of Digital Marketing with Virginia Tourism, will present on nation’s newest advancement in technology, Artificial Intelligence.
Lunch will be sponsored by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and will include a raw bar of freshly shucked clams and Chincoteague “Salts” generously donated by Mike McGee. Other lunch offerings will feature local restaurants and chefs for a “Taste of Chincoteague” experience.
Please contact Val Guffy [email protected] with any questions.