| Mother Nature made horses, and Mother Nature made | | | | keep things hopping, and both breakfast and lunch |
| ponies. But Mother Nature also made a remarkably | | | | provided by the Pepper Jack Grille--including hot dogs |
| tough, intelligent, and beautiful breed of horses whose | | | | and grilled cheese quesadillas for the kids, and a grilled |
| small stature has meant that they are universally | | | | chicken sandwich with blueberry mayo! |
| referred to as ponies, and turned them loose to roam | | | | After such a great kickoff, the family fun on |
| the shores and wilds of Assateague Island, Virginia. | | | | Chincoteague continues to build throughout Pony |
| Today, however, they known as the Chincoteague | | | | Penning Week. While you wait for Pony Penning Day |
| Island ponies, for the Virginia coastal island directly to | | | | to arrive, you and the kids can bike the wildlife trails on |
| the west of Assateague. The ponies are a major | | | | Assateague Island, visiting its Wildlife Refuge Center, |
| reason why Chincoteague and Assateague Islands | | | | and earning your Junior Birding badges. Get a closer |
| have become magnets for families vacationing on | | | | look at the ponies so integral to life on Chincoteague |
| Eastern Shore. | | | | by visiting the Chincoteague Pony Centre on Carriage |
| These two small stretches of land are overflowing | | | | Drive. Treat the kids to a pony ride or riding lesson! |
| with family-friendly attractions, including a National | | | | No family vacation on Chincoteague and Assateague |
| Wildlife Refuge, a National Seashore, and a Maryland | | | | is complete without a day at the beach. The |
| State Park. Chincoteague Island has gained | | | | Assateague National Seashore includes nineteen miles |
| international fame thanks to the annual Pony Penning | | | | of undeveloped beaches where you and the kids can |
| and Auction, which occurs at the height of summer | | | | hike, beach comb, or sunbathe while learning how |
| when the weather, fishing, water sports, and other | | | | Assateague was before the arrival of civilization. Swim |
| opportunities for outdoor fun are at their peak. An | | | | and surf to your heart's content, or try your luck surf |
| entire week at the end of each July is set aside on | | | | fishing. |
| Chincoteague for Pony Penning. | | | | There's more family fun every Friday and Saturday |
| The week begins with the annual three-day | | | | night of July, and throughout Pony Penning Week, with |
| Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival bringing artists | | | | the Chincoteague Carnival benefiting the Chincoteague |
| and crafters from ten states. They are greeted by | | | | Island Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy all the |
| thousands of mainlanders anxious to experience | | | | traditional carnival rides, games, and food, as well as a |
| blueberries in every imaginable form, from soup, | | | | spectacular July 4th fireworks display. The highlight of |
| pudding, and shortcake to muffins and, of course, the | | | | the Carnival is the Pony Auction on Thursday of Pony |
| Ultimate Blueberry Pie. There's plenty of live music to | | | | Penning Week. |