Chincoteague Island:
Main Street has all your “shops” where you can look at art, decoys, and all the tacky stuff that you have to buy when you are on vacation. The Roxy Movie Theater is exactly as it was when it was built in the 40’s or so – if you want to show your kids what movies were like before multi-plexes in malls, this is it! (And Misty’s hoof print is in front of it from the premier of the movie in the 60’s)
There is a go-kart track, mini-golf and bumper boats on Maddox which are nowhere as fancy as those in Ocean City – but which is fun anyway.
Just poke around the island before and after your beach day – you’ll have fun.
The Wildlife Refuge is fantastic – great undisturbed beaches, wild ponies, tons of spectacular birds, the Sika deer, and of course the endangered grey squirrels (yes you CAN find them if you look hard). The shops are varied and eclectic – a few of the “Boardwalk” style places, but just as many craft and art stores with really unique items.
Nearby Attractions:
The Salisbury Zoo is first rate. It is consistently ranked as one of the best small zoos in America. Admission is free and kids of all ages (like me) love it – check out the otters and the monkeys. This is a great stop either on your way to Chincoteague, or your way home – breaks up the ride and lets the kids run around a bit – there is a great playground at the southern entrance/exit to the zoo. I definitely recommend it!
WARD’S MUSEUM
This is an incredible place that is MUCH better than it sounds. It is the international center of wildfowl carving – but these are so far from “decoys” as to be unrecognizable. You will swear that they will start flying any day – another good rainy day alternative.
Ocean City:
Ocean City is just an hour away with a major Boardwalk and major nightlife. Restaurants of any kind. A really good outlet mall (for the shoppers amongst you). Take the kids to the Boardwalk. If you don’t have kids, check out Seacrets at night – one of the coolest nightclubs I know of. If you want a big splurge dinner – go to Fager’s Island for a first class but expensive dinner.
Golf:
Nearby Captain's Cove has a newly renovated world class 9 hole course. Or -- go to Ocean City for some of the finest golfing on the East Coast!
