• About Us
  • Write for PlayStayEat
  • Work With Us
Play Stay Eat
  • North America
    Let the Good Times Roll © Scott Kendall

    Lafayette, Louisiana: A Blend of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and More

    Scott and Julie with Enrique © Elise Sanford

    A Memorable Evening With Enrique Tirado, Winemaker for Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year, Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Blend

    Roatan boats on shore © Scott Kendall

    Regal Princess Cruise: Galveston to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel

    Welcome to The Hospitality Show © Scott Kendall

    The Hospitality Show 2024 and the HSMAI in San Antonio

    Fairview Inn © John Goodrow

    Explore Jackson, Mississippi, the City with Soul 

    Cleveland public art exhibits celebrate musical themes © Gwyn Goodrow

    Discover Cleveland, Mississippi: A Journey of History, Culture, and Southern Charm

    Wagner cab franc grapes © Scott Kendall

    Wagner Vineyards and Ginny Lee Cafe on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes in New York

    Alamo with Texas flag © Scott Kendall

    San Antonio: Alamo, Riverwalk, Winery, World Heritage Center, Gardens, CityPASS

    Letchworth Upper Falls with bridge © Scott Kendall

    Livingston County: Letchworth State Park, Grand Canyon of the East

  • Europe
    Sacre Couer with pink flowers © Scott Kendall

    Paris: Montmartre, Notre Dame, Orsay Museum, and Great Food

    Epernay globe on Avenue de Champagne © Scott Kendall

    Toasts to Top Champagne Houses and Grill N Chill in Epernay

    Reims tower with golden angel © Scott Kendall

    Reims: Fabulous Champagne Houses and Dining at Michelin Starred Arbane

    Braunfels castle turrets © Scott Kendall

    The Braunfels, Germany and New Braunfels, Texas Connection

    Amsterdam: Magical City of Canals, History, Art, and Anne Frank

    Lisbon – Jerónimos Monastery © Scott Kendall

    Portugal: Lisbon to Fatima, Porto, Evora and In Between

    Old Town view from the Bosphorus © Scott Kendall

    Historic Istanbul, A Tantalizing Mix of Old and New

    Edinburgh Castle view from Princes Street Garden © John Goodrow

    EAT: 9 Great Places to Eat near Old Town’s Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

    Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel Architecture © Gwyn Goodrow

    Stay: 5 Regal Accommodations near Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal Mile

  • South America
    Machu Picchu in the Andes

    Cusco to Machu Picchu

    Pisco Tasting in Ica

    Pisco Tasting in Ica, Peru

    Journey by Train to Huancayo, Peru

    Lima to Huancayo

    Hotel B Barranco

    Hotel B-Historic Mansion Now a Luxury Boutique Hotel

    Model of Layout of main buildings excavated in Pachacamac

    Pachacamac – Daytrip from Lima

    Machu picchu

    Overview of Lima, Peru

    Amazing colors of Magic Water Circuit Lima

    Lima – PLAY

    Hotel B Barranco

    STAY IN LIMA

    La Rosa Nautica Miraflores

    Lima – EAT

  • Asia
    The gorgeous beach at Kurumba – nothing to do but relax! © Daphne Ciufo

    Maldives: Exotic, Luxurious, Beautiful, Beachy

    A small snapshot of the BIG city of Tokyo © Daphne Ciufo

    Tokyo Highlights: A Small Snapshot of a Big City

    SHRINES AND TEMPLES ABOUND! © Daphne Ciufo

    Marvels of South/Central Japan

    Seabourn Encore (photo by Jim Thomas)

    The Wonders of Wadi Rum, Jordan

    The Treasury and the Facade Used in the Indiana Jones Movie

    Jordan Photo Journal

    Israel PhotoJournal

    terracotta army, china, xi'an

    XI’AN AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY — CAN YOU DIG IT?

  • Africa
    Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, Johannesburg © Elsa Dixon

    A Slice of Johannesburg and Soweto by Tuk-Tuk

    Table Mountain from MSC Cruise Ship, Cape Town © Elsa Dixon

    Nostalgic Steam-Train on the Ceres Rail from Cape Town, South Africa

    Fresh produce at Far Far Kréol in Sainte-Suzanne, Reunion © Elsa Dixon

    Far Far Kréol: Creole Cuisine on the Island of Reunion off the Coast of Southern Africa

    Seychelles tugboat © Elsa Dixon

    Mahe, Seychelles: Magical Tropical Island In The Indian Ocean

    Sega dancers © Elsa Dixon

    Explore The Diverse Cultural Heritage of Mauritius

    Gideon Kabitulila and Jeremiah Ngoko, HM Safari, Tanzania © Elsa Dixon

    7 Memorable Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania, Before Going on Safari

    View of The Train on the Bridge © Elsa Dixon

    Shalati Train on the Bridge

    The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World

    Solo Travel to Amazing Egypt During the Pandemic Era

    Wildflowers along the Flower Route, Namaqualand, South Africa

    NAMAQUALAND – Wildflower Route on the West Coast of South Africa

  • Map
No Result
View All Result
Play Stay Eat
  • North America
    Let the Good Times Roll © Scott Kendall

    Lafayette, Louisiana: A Blend of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and More

    Scott and Julie with Enrique © Elise Sanford

    A Memorable Evening With Enrique Tirado, Winemaker for Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year, Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Blend

    Roatan boats on shore © Scott Kendall

    Regal Princess Cruise: Galveston to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel

    Welcome to The Hospitality Show © Scott Kendall

    The Hospitality Show 2024 and the HSMAI in San Antonio

    Fairview Inn © John Goodrow

    Explore Jackson, Mississippi, the City with Soul 

    Cleveland public art exhibits celebrate musical themes © Gwyn Goodrow

    Discover Cleveland, Mississippi: A Journey of History, Culture, and Southern Charm

    Wagner cab franc grapes © Scott Kendall

    Wagner Vineyards and Ginny Lee Cafe on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes in New York

    Alamo with Texas flag © Scott Kendall

    San Antonio: Alamo, Riverwalk, Winery, World Heritage Center, Gardens, CityPASS

    Letchworth Upper Falls with bridge © Scott Kendall

    Livingston County: Letchworth State Park, Grand Canyon of the East

  • Europe
    Sacre Couer with pink flowers © Scott Kendall

    Paris: Montmartre, Notre Dame, Orsay Museum, and Great Food

    Epernay globe on Avenue de Champagne © Scott Kendall

    Toasts to Top Champagne Houses and Grill N Chill in Epernay

    Reims tower with golden angel © Scott Kendall

    Reims: Fabulous Champagne Houses and Dining at Michelin Starred Arbane

    Braunfels castle turrets © Scott Kendall

    The Braunfels, Germany and New Braunfels, Texas Connection

    Amsterdam: Magical City of Canals, History, Art, and Anne Frank

    Lisbon – Jerónimos Monastery © Scott Kendall

    Portugal: Lisbon to Fatima, Porto, Evora and In Between

    Old Town view from the Bosphorus © Scott Kendall

    Historic Istanbul, A Tantalizing Mix of Old and New

    Edinburgh Castle view from Princes Street Garden © John Goodrow

    EAT: 9 Great Places to Eat near Old Town’s Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

    Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel Architecture © Gwyn Goodrow

    Stay: 5 Regal Accommodations near Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal Mile

  • South America
    Machu Picchu in the Andes

    Cusco to Machu Picchu

    Pisco Tasting in Ica

    Pisco Tasting in Ica, Peru

    Journey by Train to Huancayo, Peru

    Lima to Huancayo

    Hotel B Barranco

    Hotel B-Historic Mansion Now a Luxury Boutique Hotel

    Model of Layout of main buildings excavated in Pachacamac

    Pachacamac – Daytrip from Lima

    Machu picchu

    Overview of Lima, Peru

    Amazing colors of Magic Water Circuit Lima

    Lima – PLAY

    Hotel B Barranco

    STAY IN LIMA

    La Rosa Nautica Miraflores

    Lima – EAT

  • Asia
    The gorgeous beach at Kurumba – nothing to do but relax! © Daphne Ciufo

    Maldives: Exotic, Luxurious, Beautiful, Beachy

    A small snapshot of the BIG city of Tokyo © Daphne Ciufo

    Tokyo Highlights: A Small Snapshot of a Big City

    SHRINES AND TEMPLES ABOUND! © Daphne Ciufo

    Marvels of South/Central Japan

    Seabourn Encore (photo by Jim Thomas)

    The Wonders of Wadi Rum, Jordan

    The Treasury and the Facade Used in the Indiana Jones Movie

    Jordan Photo Journal

    Israel PhotoJournal

    terracotta army, china, xi'an

    XI’AN AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY — CAN YOU DIG IT?

  • Africa
    Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, Johannesburg © Elsa Dixon

    A Slice of Johannesburg and Soweto by Tuk-Tuk

    Table Mountain from MSC Cruise Ship, Cape Town © Elsa Dixon

    Nostalgic Steam-Train on the Ceres Rail from Cape Town, South Africa

    Fresh produce at Far Far Kréol in Sainte-Suzanne, Reunion © Elsa Dixon

    Far Far Kréol: Creole Cuisine on the Island of Reunion off the Coast of Southern Africa

    Seychelles tugboat © Elsa Dixon

    Mahe, Seychelles: Magical Tropical Island In The Indian Ocean

    Sega dancers © Elsa Dixon

    Explore The Diverse Cultural Heritage of Mauritius

    Gideon Kabitulila and Jeremiah Ngoko, HM Safari, Tanzania © Elsa Dixon

    7 Memorable Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania, Before Going on Safari

    View of The Train on the Bridge © Elsa Dixon

    Shalati Train on the Bridge

    The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World

    Solo Travel to Amazing Egypt During the Pandemic Era

    Wildflowers along the Flower Route, Namaqualand, South Africa

    NAMAQUALAND – Wildflower Route on the West Coast of South Africa

  • Map
No Result
View All Result
Play Stay Eat
No Result
View All Result
Home North America

Wild and Free-Spirited Assateague – Maryland’s and Virginia’s Barrier Island

by Roxie LaFever
April 29, 2021
0 0
Welcome to Assateague – Maryland side © Roxie LaFever

Welcome to Assateague – Maryland side © Roxie LaFever

Story and photos by Roxie LaFever (unless otherwise indicated)

Assateague Island National Seashore

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Assateague Island National Seashore
  • Map of Assateague in Eastern Maryland and Virginia
  • Chincoteague
  • Things To Do Around Assateague
  • Camping on Assateague Island
  • Mind the Signs / Rules
  • The Assateague Wild Horses, aka Chincoteague Ponies
  • The Loss of Pivot
  • May All Run Wild and Free

Is it time to get away from the rest of the World…to unplug, reboot? Somewhere quiet and pristine where you can walk for hours on empty beaches alongside wild horses….and yet oceanside to see where the whales and other sea life migrate?

Then this is the place – a barrier island, also known as the National Seashore at Assateague. Since it is a national park, check out this website for the latest information regarding fees and COVID requirements: Fees & Passes – Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Then bring your relaxed attitude and commune with nature in this little bit of heaven.

Also, check the weather forecasts before coming as temperatures can range in a cold month like January to an average low of 44 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 79 degrees. But then, in a warm month like July or August, it will range from a low of 50 degrees to a high of 100 degrees. Make sure to layer up to accommodate temperature swings of 40 to 50 degrees in a single day.

Map of Assateague in Eastern Maryland and Virginia

MapQuest Map of the Region – Assateague is surrounded by Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
MapQuest Map of the Region – Assateague is surrounded by Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia

A barrier island is a stretch of land or beach that stands between the Atlantic Ocean and, in this case, the States of Maryland and Virginia. The top two-thirds (northern part) are technically in Maryland, and the lower third in Virginia. While primarily uninhabited, the National Parks Service manages these lands, including a national seashore, state park, wildlife refuge, and the home to a large group of feral horses. The sands have shifted due to the tides, and this 37-mile stretch is now on its own.

Chincoteague

Crossing Over to the Barrier Islands from the Mainland by Car or the Adjacent Walking Path © Roxie LaFever
Crossing Over to the Barrier Islands from the Mainland by Car or the Adjacent Walking Path © Roxie LaFever

Chincoteague is a neighboring island to the South, which used to be a barrier until Assateague descended and shielded it from the Atlantic Ocean in the mid-1800s. In 1650, the first land grant was issued for Chincoteague, and settlement began in 1671. By 1838, there were 36 houses and several farms on the island. A settlement had also slowly begun on Assateague until a 1962 nor’easter storm changed their plans. All structures on Assateague were destroyed, and the town on Chincoteague was completely underwater and without electricity for several days. While Chincoteague was rebuilt and, as of the 2010 census, was home to about 3,000 people, the Assateague Island is preserved as government land.

Things To Do Around Assateague

The Pony Express Offers Limited Essentials and Souvenirs © Roxie LaFever
The Pony Express Offers Limited Essentials and Souvenirs © Roxie LaFever

So many things to do – all of it tied to nature:

Swimming with the pristine ocean waters
Snorkeling to get a better view of marine life
Surfing is also possible in these waters
Setting up Camp for a Night or Weekend
Testing your Outdoor Cooking Skills
Hiking the beach – all 37 miles
Seeing how many wild horses you can find
Just relaxing on the beach and feeling daily stresses unwind

Camping on Assateague Island

While camping is available on the barrier island, it is not for the faint of heart! I love this notice from the National Park Service on their site. In other words, experienced campers only like to be “off the grid.”

Camping at Assateague will be a pleasant experience if you plan ahead! The barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared. Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Campers are reminded to bring firewood (locally purchased), sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.

There is a gift shop on the island and a small restaurant for food. It is quite a distance from the campground, so drive and park in the lot before heading out.

And you can also spend the night at a nice hotel – say in Ocean City, Maryland, which isn’t far away!

Disconnecting from the demands on the World with the Beauty of Sand Dunes © Roxie LaFever
Disconnecting from the demands on the World with the Beauty of Sand Dunes © Roxie LaFever
Clearly a Place to Commune with Nature © Roxie LaFever
Clearly a Place to Commune with Nature © Roxie LaFever

Mind the Signs / Rules

Pertinent Information is Posted for All © Roxie LaFever
Pertinent Information is Posted for All © Roxie LaFever
Keep the Beaches Safe By Following the Rules @ Roxie LaFever
Keep the Beaches Safe By Following the Rules @ Roxie LaFever

When approaching the beaches, note all the signs for the latest information. Essential information to be aware of includes:

Weather Updates – Do not risk being caught in a thunderstorm
Rip Current Warnings – Ocean swimming is not the same as Pools, and There is No Lifeguard
How to Report a Whale Sighting – Migration is tracked
How to Cohabitate and Share the Beach with Wild Horses – They always have the Right of Way
What Items are Prohibited Beach Side – No Glass, No Littering, etc.
No Pets on the Beach – Other Species Live There in Peace
One of the reasons this beach is so beautiful is because the rules are followed – and the beach is monitored.

Do not let all the signs and warnings scare you away; it is only because few people are around to “watch over you,” so signs are the best way to create awareness.

Swimming is an “At Your Own Risk” Activity © Roxie LaFever
Swimming is an “At Your Own Risk” Activity © Roxie LaFever
Thunderstorms can be Dangerous – Head Inside © Roxie LaFever
Thunderstorms can be Dangerous – Head Inside © Roxie LaFever
This Beach Uses a Safety Flag System © Roxie LaFever
This Beach Uses a Safety Flag System © Roxie LaFever

The Assateague Wild Horses, aka Chincoteague Ponies

Grazing in the Peaceful Swamps and Marshes on the Border Island © Roxie LaFever
Grazing in the Peaceful Swamps and Marshes on the Border Island © Roxie LaFever

While the island is beautiful for many activities in its natural landscape, it is known primarily for the feral ponies that have lived here for decades. Legend is that the original horses descend from horses aboard a Spanish Galleon that sank off the east coast in 1750, but then again, they may just be descended from domestic stock allowed to roam since the 17th century. Either way, they still roam free, protected by the government.

The herd’s integrity and size are managed annually with an event called the “Pony Penning.” On the last Wednesday of July each year, the herd is rounded up and escorted across the shallow waters from Assateague to Chincoteague. Pregnant mares, little ones, or weak ones are ferried over by barge. This event draws thousands of spectators watching as the ponies cross the waters and are herded down Main Street to large pens. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department auctions yearlings or new foals on Thursday, and the rest of the herd return to Assateague the next day.

It is estimated that there are 150 ponies on the Virginia side and 80 on the Maryland side. Those returned after the roundup may also be treated with contraceptives to prevent overpopulation further. New blood has been introduced through the years to minimize inbreeding. Blood types introduced included Wild Mustangs, Arabian, and Shetland ponies.

There is a book entitled “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry that is recommended for children. Misty was later purchased by Ms. Henry and hopefully lived happily ever after.

This Little Guy will Likely be Sold at Auction in July © Roxie LaFever
This Little Guy will Likely be Sold at Auction in July © Roxie LaFever
Wild Horses are not Pets – Stay Back and Enjoy From a Distance © Roxie LaFever
Wild Horses are not Pets – Stay Back and Enjoy From a Distance © Roxie LaFever

The Loss of Pivot

Maintaining a Respectable Distance © Roxie LaFever
Maintaining a Respectable Distance © Roxie LaFever

On a sad note, our visit coincided with the passing of Pivot, as noted by the warning sign while walking on the beach. Breaking News Alerts also encouraged all to stay away as the 30-ton whale’s remains were being removed.

Pivot was a 15-year-old female humpback known to researchers and trackers all along the East Coast. How did she get that great name? Evidently – by those who got close enough to see – she was recognizable by a geometric compass shape on her right fluke. Compasses “pivot” while drawing an arc.

First identified in 2008, she has often been seen in the Gulf of Maine and is believed to follow the typical migratory paths along the coast from Maine to the Caribbean, where they breed. No one knows why she became stranded this time, leading to her death at Assateague, but samples have been taken so that researchers can determine any causes other than natural death. Let us hope this is an isolated event.

It took two days, heavy equipment, and many members of the park staff to move Pivot to a place where she could naturally revert to nature’s elements over time. May she rest in peace.

May All Run Wild and Free

Clouds Roll In and Sunset Awaits the End to a Great Day © Roxie LaFever
Clouds Roll In and Sunset Awaits the End to a Great Day © Roxie LaFever

Assateague is a beautiful place – standing still in time – where all can run wild and free. Perhaps your family needs to take an off-grid break and get away from day-to-day stresses. A barrier island like this is about as far as you can roam without crossing a closed border. Enjoy the pristine beauty!!

Tags: aka Chincoteague PoniesAssateague Island National SeashoreCamping on Assateague IslandChincoteagueMap of AssateagueMarylandNorth AmericaThe Assateague Wild HorsesThe Loss of Pivot the humpback whaleThings To Do Around AssateagueVirginia’s Barrier IslandWild and Free-Spirited Assateague
ShareTweetPin
Previous Post

Play, Stay and Eat in St. Augustine – Oldest City in the US

Next Post

Kenny & Ziggy’s: Best Jewish Deli in Houston

Roxie LaFever

Roxie LaFever

Based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Roxie LaFever likes her town but knows she needs to explore the world and search out her own truth. Without creating even an “unofficial bucket list,” she’s been to all 7 continents, seen all 7 Wonders of the World and over 40 countries. With each trip – she tries to identify a way to step out of her comfort zone – and grow. Whether she’s jumping off a mountain in Rio to hang-glide down to the beach, exploring the world’s largest waterfalls by ultra-lite or zodiac, hiking at high altitudes in Bhutan and Peru, or doing the “Walk of Faith” on the world’s longest glass bridge in China, you’ll want to travel along. In addition to freelance travel writing and photography, Roxie manages a lifestyle and travel blog at www.RoamingwithRoxie.com.

Next Post
Ziggy with famous Luck Be a Latke sandwich © Paula Murphy

Kenny & Ziggy's: Best Jewish Deli in Houston

Standing Pier Side Ready to Explore the Coast of Maine © Roxie LaFever

Exploring Coastal Maine – On Land and Sea

Find the best places to Play, Stay, and Eat

Book a Room

Book a Tour

Book a Restaurant

Book a Car
As Seen On Logos copy resized
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

PLAYSTAYEAT – The Woodlands, Texas 77381 – Email: editor@playstayeat.com

PlayStayEat.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. © 2024 PLAYSTAYEAT

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Blog Posts
  • Map of Destinations
  • About Us
  • Write for PlayStayEat
  • Work With Us

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.