Before there was the Town of Chincoteague there was an island paradise hidden from the rest of the world. Only a few natives visited the island they called “beautiful land across the water”. Today more than a million visitors come each year for the islands rich recreational activities, ecotourism opportunities and shopping adventures.
Tucked away in Virginia’s only island resort are gift and specialty shops, clothiers, galleries and eateries that break away from the chain store variety of retailers to which most of us have become acquainted.
-small%20cropped-125.JPG "Island Butterfly-a Chincoteague Retail Store-the place to find vintage items")
The Island Butterfly, a beautiful retail store on Chincoteague Island is the place to find one of a kind vintage items of home décor items, high quality jewelry and an exclusive line of handmade jewelry by local owner/artist Scharlene Leonard. Visitors enjoy the unique character and diversity found in this Chincoteague Island boutique. Stop in and brose through their top brand like new second hand clothing which includes a large selection of accessories.
The Island Arts, fine arts & crafts, gallery and gift shop located on Chincoteague Island features the art of Nancy Richards West and other local artists. The gallery specializes in pottery, jewelry, sculpture, hand-made clothing and limited edition prints. Located at 6196 Maddox Boulevard the gallery is open on weekends for spring and fall and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call 757-336-3113 for an off season appointment.
Just past the bridge on a stretch of historic Main Street is a charming collection of stores, many in beautiful buildings dating to the early 1900's all with inviting shops. Once only a summer vacation destination Chincoteague is being discovered as a great place for off season getaways. More and more shop owners and popular restaurants are now open year round. The Historic Main Street Merchants Association, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, the Chincoteague Center and Chincoteague Island Vacations are working together to spread the word “we’re open for business year-round.”
A group of shop owners, cafes and galleries from the Historic Main Street Merchants Association and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance are open for business after the summer vacation season is over. A list of these businesses and their hours can be found by clicking the link on the right.
