There is also an Island trolley service during the summer. Rides are only a quarter, and many hotels give out tokens for free rides. It's a great way to get to the carnival, since parking there is limited.
Wild Pony Auction, day after the swim.
2nd Saturday celebration. Downtown Chincoteague, 2nd Saturday of every month. Local artists and shop owners celebrate the arts and take it to the sidewalks.
Go to the '''Fireman's Carnival.''' It's a small-town festival complete with rides, games, bingo, and delicious oyster and clam fritters. All the rides and stands are run by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Many members of the fire company are World-Famous Salt Water Cowboys.
'''Refuge Golf''' on Maddox Blvd. provides lots of family entertainment. You can play a round of Putt-Putt, race for the finish in go-karts, climb the rock wall, get soaked with bumper boats, and even do a little old-school air hockey or pool inside the arcade.
Riding bikes on the Wildlife Refuge is an unforgettable experience--I highly recommend it. The 3-mile wildlife loop is an easy, flat ride, and the short hike to the Assateague Lighthouse is a lot of fun! For families with kids or those unsure of riding with traffic, rent from the [http://www.refugebikes.com Bike Depot]. They're close to all the paths and the beach too!
If you have time to spare, though when you are on Chincoteague Island, there is seemingly no concept such as "time," enjoy crabbing off the paths located conveniently on Maddox Boulevard, right before the entrance to Assateague Island. The view is lovely and if you do a 180 degree turn, across the 2-way road, you will most likely see some wild Assateague horses grazing and/or running freely about.
Whatever you do, if it's outside, bring bug spray. The '''mosquitoes''' are blood-thirsty!
Sun Screen. Bug Spray. A good beach book.
A t-shirt from the '''Purple Pony.''' It's locally owned and has a great selection of quality t-shirts, printed right there at the store. Don't let these tags fool you though, just because they are cheaper does not mean they are cheaply made. And if you don't believe me, take it from the owners! "We believe in value. But value is often confused with 'cheap'. Good value is high quality and good service with low cost. Cheap is just low quality at low cost .Good value lasts. Cheap will do for now. Good value is a bargain and cheap is not."
An authentic Chincoteague Pony. There are several options for this. Most people looking to buy a pony come for pony penning week (Last Wednesday in July.) and buy one at the Wild Pony Auction. For those that can't make it that week, or are interested in a more relaxed buying experience, the [http://www.chincoteagueponyfarm.com Chincoteague Pony Farm] is a great alternative. Don Leonard has been raising ponies for decades, and now with the help of his sons and grandchildren, he is making a name for the small farm he's owned since the 60's.
'''Maria's Restaurant''' is a great restaurant with a family-vibe and a fabulously friendly staff. The perfect place to go for family-friendly environment that provides a great well-cooked home-styled meal. Reservations are not necessary though due its popularity, it does tend to get a bit more crowded in the evenings and especially on the weekends during the in-season time period. Never fear though, if there is a wait, just add your name to the list and walk next door to "Refuge Golf" (mentioned earlier on site).
'''The Village Restaurant''' is a more high-end restaurant though the draw-backs end there. Overlooking Eel Creek with an exquisite menu consisting of seafood, veal, steak and specializing in fresh Chincoteague oysters, this is the perfect spot to take that special person in your life if you'd like to treat them right. Reservations are highly suggested, though not required, and the doors open at 5:00 pm sharp. Bon Appetite!
'''Sugarbakers Bakery and Cafe''' is a great place for baked goods such as donuts, croissants, and many other delicious bakery regulars. Accompanied with an espresso, gourmet coffee or cappuccino, this bakery is an easy all-in-one stop to start your day off right. Pop in for lunch though and you will find homemade soups, fresh salads, and a variety of desserts to choose from. Located conveniently at 4095 Main Street, Sugarbakers Bakery and Cafe is easily accessible from all parts of Chincoteague. Opened daily from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Otherwise, Sugarbakers Bakery and Cafe is opened Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 am until 3:00 pm.
'''Muller's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour'''. The name says it all! In this old fashioned house that not only provides an adequate amount of seating inside but outside on the screened-in porch as well you will find your taste buds watering for more. Their most requested concoction is a Belgian waffle served with ice cream, fresh fruit and plenty of whipped cream. However, the old classics can still be found here which consist of ice cream cones to ice cream sodas and everything in between including, though certainly not limited to, fresh fruit sundaes, banana splits, malts, and frozen yogurts. Conveniently located on Main Street, to the right of the T-Shirt Factory, this house has been around since 1875 when it was built by William F. Cropper. A great place to enjoy some ice cream and chat with anyone you wish; during the in-season from around nine pm till closing, it is positively packed! Opened from 11 am until 11 pm.
'''Mister Whippy's'''. Located on Maddox Boulevard, this ice cream spot is a guaranteed must for locals and tourists alike. Order a famous Mister Whippy's cyclone, or any other of their fabulous treats which range from ice cream scoops in homemade waffle cones to thick milkshakes, and enjoy it on the front porch in a rocking chair, or inside at the tables if the weather is poor. What could be better? The drive-thru window that is conveniently located on the side of the establishment for those times when you want a sweet treat but have no time to spare. However, if you do have time, be sure to check out the gift shop that is located inside the parlor by the bathrooms. It offers a great selection of shirts, hats, and souvenirs alike.
'''Miss Mollys Inn''', 4141 Main Street, 757-336-6686 or 800-221-5620, [http://www.missmollys-inn.com/]. At this bed and breakfast you will find a warm and inviting parlor that is just the place to curl up with a good book, chat, play board games or just sit by the fire. Famous author Marguerite Henry stayed here while she wrote Misty of Chincoteague.
If you are looking to rent a house for a vacation I would highly recommend that after crossing the bridge to enter Chincoteague, you turn left and head north. The houses located here are perfect for a family stay. Most have docks in the backyard, no swimming allowed, though they do offer fabulous views of the sunrises and sunsets. The people living there year-round that are next to your vacation house are nice and laid-back, as is the vast majority of the locals in Chincoteague.
Talk to the [http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com Chamber of Commerce] for all questions!