2009 Chincoteague Pony Swim Update

2009 Chincoteague Pony Swim Update

Wow, the excitement on Chincoteague Island is palpable. My friend and partner just called me from the Chincoteague Firemen’s Carnival and the inside buzz is that the Pony Swim is estimated to happen between 9am and 10am. That means that if you want to be in position to see this amazing event, you need to get there early.

The Insider’s partner Larry Warwick is nestled in his beautiful and strategically located vacation rental house complete with a pier to video the Pony Swim. Insider readers will be notified when the edited video will be up on www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com.

So far the weather looks optimal. Have a great day at the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim!

Chincoteague Pony Swim Tomorrow

Chincoteague Pony Swim Tomorrow
by S. Serio

The following is an article the Insider wrote for an internet article bank called www.EzineArticles.com. The article serves as a good basic introduction to the premier annual event on Chincoteague Island. The Insider has said it before and I’ll now say it again, “every family should experience the Chincoteague Pony Swim at least once in a lifetime.” The Pony Swim, pony penning and pony auction together will form a memory that never fades. It’s that amazing!

If you go to Chincoteague Island during the last week of July, you're probably there for the Pony Penning and Auction, like approximately 50,000 other visitors. You'll be in for an exciting time, but what you won't see is the sort of round-up which takes place on Federal grazing lands in the Western United States. There'll be no helicopters herding exhausted mustangs into waiting trucks from far above.

The 150 ponies of the Chincoteague Island herd are such old hands at being rounded up (they are gathered twice a year for veterinary checkups) that on the Wednesday of the annual four hundred yard Chincoteague Pony Swim from Assateague Island to the Firemen's Carnival grounds, most of them take the exercise "in stride."

The Chincoteague Island Pony Swim has been taking place since 1925, when the first was held to raise funds for the Chincoteague Island Fire Department. Two disastrous fires in the preceding five years had destroyed much of Chincoteague Island's business district, and the Fire Department desperately needed better equipment. They held a Firemen's Carnival that July, featuring the first Pony Swim and Auction. Fifteen pony foals were sold.

Word of the Pony Swim soon reached Virginia's Eastern Shore, and by 1947, when Marguerite Henry published her classic children's book Misty of Chincoteague, the Fire Department had taken ownership of the wild Chincoteague ponies at the southern end of Assateague Island. They assumed responsibility for the ponies' well-being, and still make sure that only the adults and foals strong enough to manage the Chincoteague Pony Swim are herded across the shallows each year.

One condition which can affect the Chincoteague Island mares with foals is hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia causes mares which are nursing older foals to lose muscular control, and in hot weather the condition is aggravated. It's easily preventable, and in some years up to twelve mares have been treated for it and made the Chincoteague Island Pony Swim in perfect health.

Before every Pony Swim the herd is examined by a veterinarian so that both mares in the late stages of pregnancy and those with very young foals are trailered to the carnival grounds. The rest of the herd is rounded up by Chincoteague Island's famous Salt Water Cowboys, who must time their efforts so that the Chincoteague Pony Swim occurs when the tide is lowest.

Occasionally a foal will become separated from its mother during the Chincoteague Pony Swim, but that's a rare occurrence and any stragglers are picked up by patrolling boats. When the entire herd has made it safely to shore, the Salt Water Cowboys drive them to corrals on the Carnival grounds to be examined once more before the next day's auction.

The second leg of the Chincoteague Pony Swim occurs on Friday, when the Salt Water Cowboys herd the stallions and mares whose foals were sold back across the channel to their home on Assateague. Mares with foals too young for the auction are kept on Chincoteague until the fall. In October the Salt Water Cowboys return them to Assateague during the fall roundup when the entire herd receives pre-winter veterinary treatment.

The Chincoteague Pony Swim and Pony Penning are at the heart of life on Chincoteague Island, and those small horses carry that weight with remarkable willingness! http://chincoteagueislandvacations.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Serio http://EzineArticles.com/?Chincoteague-Pony-Swim&id=2057999

Chincoteague Island Vacations - Fun on a Budget

Chincoteague Island Vacations - Fun on a Budget

The Insider is still reeling from a Blueberry Hangover induced by over-consumption of nature’s tasty blue morsels in various forms at the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. Homemade blueberry ice cream supplied by the Island Creamery, The Ultimate Blueberry Pie from Sugarbaker’s Bakery, fresh blueberries from Dick’s Kitchen and amazing old fashioned Blueberry Shortcake from Diana James. The Insider had more than a taste of all of the above and if you weren’t there, you really missed something.

Bottom Line, the food was fantastic and when you needed to “come down” from your antioxidant and sugar high, there was Pepper Jack Grille to the rescue with substantial cuisine that included protein. The Insider’s personal favorite was the Fish Taco, but I hear the Quesadillas were awesome as well!

All in all, the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival was a huge hit with record attendance, an amazing assemblage of Artists and Crafters, fun stuff for kid’s, music to suit any taste and the rains held off mercifully until one hour after the festival ended.

The Insider highly recommends that you place the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival on your vacation ‘to do’ list for 2010. Your family will love it, but may have to endure a blueberry hangover like mine.

Keep in touch by visiting www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com


O.K. the Insider is continuing a series of Chincoteague Island Vacation budget tips.

Today, we are going to talk about crabbing as a wonderful, low-cost, family friendly activity that can entertain for hours.

Even if you don’t have a way to cook them, catching crabs is a classic Chincoteague Island vacation pastime. The equipment is simple enough: a line to which you’ve attached a chicken neck, a net to scoop up any crabs which take your bait, and a container to store the crabs if you aren’t releasing them.

One great crabbing spot is at the Memorial Park waterfront on Chincoteague Channel. While you’re matching wits with the crabs, the kids can enjoy the park’s playground or skate park, or the basketball and tennis courts. Just remember to pack the right athletic gear!

And then there’s clamming…

Blue crabs may be legendary Chincoteague seafood, but they have nothing on the legendary Lil Nik clams. Set aside a few hours when the tide will be out, and head for Toms Cove on Assateague for your own clam-raking adventure. Both kid and adult-sized clamming rakes are available at the Chincoteague hardware stores.

And don’t forget shopping.

Remember that shopping itself is free. In downtown Chincoteague and on Maddox Boulevard you’ll find art galleries, clothing boutiques, decoy and wildlife carving shops, and even benches where tired husbands can sit! Shopping will give you a great opportunity to mix with the locals and get tips on other free, or almost-free, ways to spend your Chincoteague Island vacation.

Anyway you slice it, Chincoteague is a filled to the brim, non-stop, economical fun machine. So, get out there and enjoy yourself!

Until the next time….

Chincoteague Island Vacations - Do More, Spend Less

Chincoteague Island Vacations - Do More, Spend Less

Are you looking for ways to maximize your Chincoteague Island vacation fun while minimizing your expenses? Here are a few suggestions on how to stretch those vacation dollars as far as you can.

1) Go fly a kite. The Atlantic wind currents of the shores of Assateague Island were made to be mastered, and if you have the skill, master them you will with a double-or-more stringed sport kite from Chincoteague’s Kite Koop on Maddox Boulevard.

If you’re not up to handling an aircraft which can reach speeds of 60mph, the Kite Koop also has plenty of single line kites, including box and butterfly models in dazzling styles and colors.

No wind? The beach is still the beach, and swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing will fill the time until the breezes return.

2) Bring your bikes and hiking shoes. The flat landscapes of Chincoteague and Assateague are made for hiking and biking, and there’s no admission fee for accessing the Assateague National Seashore by either foot or bike. You can also rent bikes (helmets are complementary) from several shops on Maddox Boulevard.

Within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague you’ll find four hiking/biking trails ranging from 1 to 3.2 miles. Exploring them will provide opportunities to spot some of the Island’s more than 300 bird species.

If the kids are along, stop in at the Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center before hitting the trails, and ask about the Jr. Birder Booklets. Kids who complete the booklets during their visit are awarded Jr. Birder patches.

3) By planning your Chincoteague Island vacation far enough in advance, you can take advantage of one of the fee-free summer weekends during which there is no fee for bringing your vehicle to the Assateague National Seashore.

Also check before planning your trip to see if any Ranger-guided kids programs are available during your stay. These daily programs offer visiting kids a variety of close-up encounters with the natural world of Assateague. Some programs require advance reservations, but only one of them, “Kayak in the Cove,” requires a $10 fee.

As tourist destinations go, Chincoteague is and always has been a bargain. With a little effort and creativity, you can find many activities for little money. For example, the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival still has one full day left to go. Kids under 12 are admitted for just $1.00. Pick up a coupon in the Chincoteague Beacon, the island’s free newspaper and adults pay only $4.00 for an incredible amount of entertainment.

Discovering Chincoteague Island on a budget can be fun and won’t break the family budget. Enjoy!

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Live from the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival

Live from 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival

Greetings from Chincoteague Island !The Chincoteague Insider has stolen away from the Fine Madness of the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival to give you a live report of this wonderful event. It’s amazing what you can do with a laptop and a wireless card these days.

The crowd came early and has remained through most of the afternoon. Just about everybody was enjoying some form of blueberry confection from Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream to Old-Fashioned Blueberry Shortcake, Blueberry Pie, even Blueberry fried dough, and of course Fresh Blueberries. I never cease to be amazed at the versatility of nature’s healthiest and most tasty of fruits.

As for the main food offerings from Pepper Jack Grille; well let’s just say, forget your preconception of “festival food”, these folks prepared a range of breakfast and lunch plates that pleased the eye and made the mouth water…simply delicious!

The music never stopped. From the Irish and Celtic influenced music of the Celtic Islanders to the amazing Piped Piper, a one man band extraordinaire along with the Gospel tinged bluegrass of Mountain Faith and capped off with the youthful enthusiasm of the acoustic duo Tyler Ringer, visitors to the festival danced, clapped and applauded with great vigor.

And let’s not forget the fantastic assortment of Fine Artists and Crafters who converged on the beautiful Chincoteague Center from 13 states. The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival remains the largest Fine Arts and Crafts Show on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is truly a Shoppers dream come true.

There is plenty of fun stuff for kids as well from Pony Rides to Bungee Jumping.

The Blueberry Festival runs through Sunday July 26th from 9:00am – 4:30 pm and is a great way for the family to enjoy an event that has something for everybody.

For more information you can always visit the website at www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

I hope to see you at the festival.
Until later,
Insider – out!

Chincoteague Kicks Off the Big Week

Greetings from the Chincoteague Insider!

The Insider has been busy the past two days setting up the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival and I can tell you it's going to be a Great One!

Once again, I'm going to enlist the support of the "always-on-top-of the-situation" Evelyn Shotwell of the Chincoteague Chamber to brief my readers on this weeks happenings. As it happens that the Insider is smack in the middle of one of those fantastic "happenings" on the beautiful Chincoteague Island and a little bit overwhelmed. So, take it away Evelyn!


From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 7/23/2009 4:06:43 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT


Good Afternoon all,

It’s here!!!! 84th Annual Pony Penning is upon us! I hope the list of events and activities below and attached will help you steer your guests and customers to all the fun stuff we have to offer during the next week while out & about. There is something to do at every turn. Stay calm, be nice, and enjoy our visitors as they experience the wonder of the Pony Swim and Auction.



OUT & ABOUT



July 24 & 25: CARNIVAL—7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Food, rides, games, raffles…….

July 27-August 1: CARNIVAL



July 23: CCA Summer Cinema Series—“Step Into Liquid” --9 pm at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a fun evening with family, friends and visitors.



July 24-26: 22nd Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival at the Chincoteague Center. Call 757-824-3868 for more information. Go to www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com for coupons.



July 24: Story by the Sea—1 pm—Meet at Toms Cove Visitor Center on front deck for a story and craft about an animal that calls Assateague home.



July 25: Experience the Lost Village of Assateague Island with Matt Heim—Visit the Assateague Lighthouse from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, then meet at the Herbert H. Bateman Center auditorium for the presentation at 7:00 pm. Refreshments provided by the Oyster & Maritime Museum.



July 25 & 28: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant



July 26: Dinner & A Cruise—Delmarva Discovery Center—Enjoy a true summertime crab feast aboard the Bay Queen cruising along the Pocomoke River. Call 410-957-9933 or email events@delmarvadiscoverycenter.org for more information or to purchase tickets.



July 28: Local musician Bill Troxler in concert at Sundial Books—6 pm-8 pm--Free concert of standard, contemporary and original tunes on hammered dulcimer.



July 28:Hospice Grief Support Program—Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St.—1:30 pm to 3:00 pm



July 29: ANNUAL PONY SWIM—ESTIMATED TIME FROM THE FIRE COMPANY---AROUND 9:00 AM Carnival opens immediately after swim.



July 29: Chincoteague Island Library hosts Chico the mind-Reading Monkey and Princess the Magic Bunny at 7 pm. Join the free show at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park.



July 30: ANNUAL PONY AUCTION—8 am at Carnival Grounds

Carnival Opens immediately after auction.



July 31: PONIES SWIM BACK TO ASSATEAGUE—Time to be announced Wednesday or Thursday at the carnival grounds



August 1: Chincoteague Island Family Benefit Sunset Cruise aboard Tortuga—Call 757-894-3616 or 757-336-1884 for more info.





*SPECIAL PONY PENNING WEEK DOINGS: SEE THE BEACON FOR MORE

Pony Penning Art by Jan Eichfield, Mark Z, and Joyce Umphlett Reed at Threadgoodes 4211 Main St.

Meet the authors of local books at Sundial Books 4071-4073 Main St.

Book signings at Oyster Museum at 7125 Maddox Blvd. Call 757-336-6117 for times.

Artist Chris Holmes will be at Island Butterfly at 4107 Main St. to sign his latest releases

July 28-31. Call 757-336-6990 for times.

Book Signings and live music at Kite Koop Book Store Pony Penning Week

Equine Extremist Tommie Turvey, professional stuntman and horse trainer, to appear

at Beebe Ranch (3062 Ridge Rd.) on July 28-30.



*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Thursday-Monday --9am to 3pm



*ISLAND HISTORY TROLLEY TOURS: Every Tuesday & Thursday at 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Ticket sales and tour departures are at the Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive off Deep Hole



*STORY/CRAFT HOUR AT THE ISLAND LIBRARY: Every Thursday thru August 15 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for 4-8 year olds (except July 30, it will be held 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm).



*NASA VISITOR CENTER ACTIVITIES:

Saturdays & Sundays—“Puppets in Space”--11:00 a.m.

Sundays—“Humans in Space” – 30 minute program looks at living and working in space.

Wednesdays—“Virginia Space Flight Academy Rocket Launch”—2:30 p.m. Cancelled if raining or winds exceed 18 mph. Rain date: Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.



*PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE: Follow the links below for activities including bird and nature walks, kayaking, surf rescue demonstrations, beach campfires and night hikes. Find schedules on http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/July%2019-25.pdf.



*CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ACTIVITIES—check at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center for a list of summer events.



*REFUGE WILDLIFE BUS TOURS: Thursday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org.



*“RIDE THE PONY EXPRESS”. We have schedules in the chamber office and you will find it on www.chincoteaguechamber.com.







Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
757-336-6161

Chincoteague and Assateague Ponies Rock

Chincoteague and Assateague Ponies Rock

Chincoteague (pronounced chin-kuh-teeg) ponies come from an island off the coast of Virginia. According to legend, long ago a Spanish galleon got shipwrecked during a storm off the coast of Assateague Island. The ponies escaped and swam ashore. The truth isn't half as interesting. Colonists living in Virginia probably turned horses loose on the island. It doesn't matter how they got on the island, really. Today they are a wonderful American pony breed. They are well-known for flashy colors, lots of personality and intelligence.

The ponies on Assateague Island are actually divided into two different herds. The Virginia herd is in the south. These are the ponies known as Chincoteague ponies. The northern herd are called Assateague ponies. They are taken care of by the National Park Service.

Every year on the last Monday in July, the Saltwater Cowboys round up all the wild ponies. On Wednesday, the ponies swim across the channel for Pony Penning Day. Hundreds of people line the shores to watch the ponies swim. It takes them five to ten minutes to swim across. It is amazing that even the small foals can make the swim safely!

The wet ponies are then paraded to the carnival grounds. The ponies rest and those who will be in the auction the next day are tagged.

At the auction on Thursday, the foals are sold to people who have come from all over the country. The money raised from the auction helps the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. While it may seem sad to sell the foals, it keeps the herd on Assateague to around 150 ponies. This is an amount the island can support in good health. The foals that are sold get to go to loving homes with the lucky people who bought them.

On Friday, the older ponies are returned to Assateague for another year. The wild ponies are checked twice a year to see if they are healthy. They have their hooves trimmed, they get shots to prevent contagious diseases and they get wormed.

Pony Penning Day used to be the only place you could get a Chincoteague pony. Now there are small herds of these rare ponies being raised in other parts of the country. Now it's easier for those of us who are crazy about Chincoteague ponies to get one of our own!

Chincoteague ponies are on the large side for a pony. They can range from 12 hands to 13 hands high. A full grown pony can easily carry a person up to 150 pounds.

The most famous Chincoteague pony was Misty. She was made famous by the book "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry. The book was written in 1947, and remains a favorite of children everywhere. Like almost every other girl who read Misty's story, I've always wanted to go to Pony Penning Day to get a pony.

Misty even had a movie made about her in 1961. She toured schools around the world for awhile. Misty then retired back to Chincoteague to have babies of her own. Misty died on October 16, 1972. If you're lucky enough to visit Chincoteague, you can see her hoof prints in the cement in downtown Chincoteague. She has a statue honoring her as Chincoteague's most famous pony, too.

Chincoteague ponies have their own registry now, like other horse breeds. It began in 1994. It is known as the [http://www.pony-chincoteague.com/]Chincoteague Pony Association. Since Chincoteague ponies were bred by natural selection, there is quite a range of characteristics. Some ponies look more like Arabians, while others look like small Mustangs. Their heads should be expressive, with a wide forehead. Their eyes should be large and soft. Their nose should be short, and can be either dished or straight. It should end in a firm, tapered muzzle. They weigh about 750 pounds and you can find them in almost any color. Pintos are very common.

The Chincoteague ponies are smart. They do well in horse shows. They learn quickly and are fun to ride. They can be a wonderful breed to add to your stable.

Sydney Rose is a nine-year old girl who is crazy about ponies and horses. Together with her mom, she has created [http://www.HorseCrazyGirls.com]http://www.HorseCrazyGirls.com, a fun and safe place for girls to find online horse games and printables, learn about their favorite horse breeds discuss their favorite horse books and lots more. She is hoping to get a pony or horse for her tenth birthday.

The Chincoteague Insider: Chincoteague Blueberry Festival Press Release

The Chincoteague Insider: Chincoteague Blueberry Festival Press Release

Ducks Among Us

Ducks Among Us

Today the Insider was delivering some Program Guides for the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival to one of the family operated Cabin Rental businesses here on Chincoteague when all of a sudden the owner said, "look out, I have to herd these geese." Well, sure enough right down the middle of his entranceway drive came a couple of hundred large geese. He jumped right in front of them and lead them to the pond at the other end of his property. These geese had to cross a very busy street before they got to his property. I shouted to the owner,"are these your's?" He said, ""no they belong to all of us"! I thought, wow, that is so Chincoteague! We live with the natural world more than any place I have ever lived. Before it was chic, before Government mandates... we do it by nature.



The ducks and other waterfowl of Chincoteague are honored with their own annual celebration in late November, during National Waterfowl Week. The celebration actually continues for 9 days, beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ending on the Sunday following it.

Top billing for National Waterfowl Week belongs to the thousands of snow geese who stop in to rest on their journey to their winter feeding grounds along the Gulf of Mexico. The Wildlife Refuge, in fact, was established in 1943 primarily to provide the snow geese with a pit stop. It was originally paid for, however, by proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps!

The snow geese are joined in their migrations by many species of ducks, including Goldeneyes, Mergansers, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teals, and Ring-Necks. The prime waterfowl-viewing real estate in the Wildlife Refuge is along the lagoon-encircling half-mile Wildlife Loop. Bring along your camera, and time your visit to include sunset for some once-in-a.-lifetime photographic opportunities!

Chincoteague has its ducks even during the winter. The distinctive “Ow, ow, owal-ow” call of male long-tailed ducks often sounds in the shoals off Chincoteague’s coast, as large flocks of these very social birds spend hours happily diving for fish, clams, and crabs.

If you were a wild duck, the fresh seafood alone would make it worth your while to visit Chincoteague Island each year!

And Remember, on Chincoteague we stop for Ducks!

The Chincoteague Insider: Pony Swim on Chincoteague- right around the corner

The Chincoteague Insider: Pony Swim on Chincoteague- right around the corner

Sail on Sailor

Sail on Sailor

Before you decide to tackle sailing the waters of Chincoteague Island on your own, however, you might benefit from the knowledge of the island's charter cruise captains, or from booking a kayaking eco-tour. Either one will allow you to relax and take in the sights during your sail, as you become familiar with the shoreline and the best places to return and view local waterfowl and wildlife.

Short of becoming a Chincoteague waterman, you'll never learn as much about sailing the waters of Chincoteague Island like the watermen do than by experiencing the Coastal Encounter offered by Back Bay Cruises. This is a half-day sail during which you'll be expected to get wet and muddy at the same time you are receiving an education in Chincoteague's water-loving animals and plants.

You'll actually disembark from your boat to explore the island's marshes and mudflats, do some beach combing, learn about clam and oyster aquaculture and harvesting, and perhaps harvest some crabs, mussels, or oysters of your own! You'll also get an earful of Chincoteague's history, including chilling tales of the legendary pirate Blackbeard. The man has yet to be born who sailed the waters of Chincoteague Island any better than he.

Sailing is a way of life on Chincoteague, and you can't say you've really seen this magical place until you've seen it from the water!


Blueberry Festival Alert!

On more of a Landlubber Note, just want ro remind you to preorder your fresh blueberries from the Chincoteageague Blueberry Festival by calling Captain Dick at
703-496-3553. Don't be disappointed and preorder your fresh blueberries, as they always sell out.

To order your to-die-for Ultimate Blueberry Pies please call 757-336-3712.

For more information about the Blueberry Festival, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

And with all due respect to the recently departed Walter Cronkite,

"and that's the way it is."

Sailing the Waters of Chincoteague Island

Sailing the Waters of Chincoteague Island

Assateague Channel. Chincoteague Bay. Little Oyster Bay. Eel Creek. Black Narrows Marsh. Hairy Head Pond.

You've probably heard of two of these bodies of Chincoteague Island water, but unless you're a local or regular visitor to Chincoteague, may be a stranger both to the rest of them and to Chincoteague's five remaining lakes and marshes, and six additional creeks.

Sailing the waters of Chincoteague Island is not a simple matter of heading out into Chincoteague Channel or Assateague Channels or the Bay. If you want to, in fact, you can spend an entire day sailing the waters of Chincoteague while spending a minimal amount of time on any of those bodies of water, as long as you choose the correct craft!

Thanks to Chincoteague Island's booming boat rental business, finding the right craft in which to navigate the less-frequented waters of Chincoteague isn't difficult. Simple skiffs and sleek kayaks are available to tackle the island's inlets and marshes, while ungainly pontoon boats and modest motorboats can handle either crossing Assateague Channel or battling the sometimes tricky currents of Chincoteague Bay.

There are five public boat ramps spread out across Chincoteague Island, requiring purchase of a weekly pass ($5.00) or annual ($20.00) ramp user decal. The Post Office, Town Hall, and Harbormaster Office all sell the passes and decals.

The boat ramps themselves are at Curtis Merritt Harbor on the southern tip of Chincoteague; right across from the Fire Department at the Town Dock; at Fir Landing of Deep Hole Road, and on the eastern side of the island at Memorial Park and on East Side Road. Some of the boat rental businesses also have private boat ramps.

We’ll put a little more wind in our sails on this subject in the next Insider Post.
Until then…
Good Sailing!

On Chincoteague, We Stop for Ducks

On Chincoteague, We Stop for Ducks

If you were a wild duck, you'd be highly motivated to head along the Atlantic Flyway for Virginia's Eastern Shore and Chincoteague Island. One of your biggest motivations would be to hang out with the millions of other ducks who have already discovered the delights of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,000 acre parcel of marshes, forests, beaches, and sand dunes where waterfowl and other birds can safely nest or simply stopping to recuperate on their long migratory journeys between Canada and points south in the spring and autumn of each year.

The Refuge includes not only the southern portion of Assateague and several other barrier islands, but approximately 560 acres of Wildcat Marsh on the northern end of Chincoteague itself.

If you were a wild duck who craved attention, you’d certainly find it on Chincoteague. The Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge attracts tens of thousands of birdwatchers each year, all eager for a glimpse of the black ducks which call Chincoteague home all year long. But they also come in the spring to view the colorful mallards, teal, canvasbacks, and ruddy ducks.

They even show up when the chill winds of autumn begins to blow to witness the arrival of the goldeneyes, mergansers, and other species of divers around the waters off Chincoteague. With that sort of dedicated following, the ducks of Chincoteague are "lucky ducks" indeed!

The people of Chincoteague are fully aware of how much ducks mean to their own economic survival. The Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge accounted for over 3700 jobs in 2006, and drew more visitors than any of the US' nearly eighty additional Wildlife Refuges. Families of ducks waddling their way across the roads of Chincoteague or Assateague are afforded the same rights as human pedestrians. On Chincoteague, we stop for ducks!

!

Eat Blueberries for Optimum Health

To start off, let me remind you that we are continuing our week(or so) of Blueberry Obsession due to the impending arrival of the not-to-miss event known as the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. Held at the beauriful Chincoteague Center at 6155 Community Drive on Chincoteague Island, Va. Show date are July 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2009. For more information please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com



Eat Blueberries For Optimal Health

It is universally acknowledged fact that blueberries can improve an individual’s health if consumed on a regular basis over a period of time. It is one of the very few foods that have excellent properties that everyone can take advantage of without having major drawbacks. Eating blueberries can improve your health for a number of reasons and can thus help you to develop a variety of inner and outer bodily functions and elements. For example, simply enjoying the delights of the blueberry can enhance your immune system, memory and tissue regeneration functionality. That is by no means an exhaustive list. If achieving optimal health is a major goal for you, then read on for information on what the fruit can actually do for you!

Antioxidants in the blueberry are the main sources of all of its major health benefits. They can transcend the blood/brain barrier to stimulate cell regeneration and thus improve memory. They can also encourage the regeneration of other tissue as well as actively erecting a barrier to help prevent future cell damage in the first place. These antioxidants serve to strengthen the circulatory system, which in turn will boost everything else in the body. However, antioxidants are not the only substances within the blueberry that can improve your health.

Many people in society make a good workout a part of their daily routine and that happens to be another area that blueberries can help to ensure optimal health. The natural sugars contained in blueberries provide the body with a steady supply of carbohydrates in order to give an individual more energy whilst working out. The natural sugars account for most of the 81 calories in a 140g portion of blueberries but, when combined with a good workout, those calories are just enough to give you a boost without creating an unnatural high.

Despite the fact that a blueberry’s natural sugars account for most of the calorie content, it is one of the perfect foods for diabetics. Blueberries have an extremely low glycemic load and thus will not aggravate existing problems. If you couple this information with the fact that the blueberry is loaded with vitamins C, E and K as well as various antioxidants then it offers diabetics a viable solution to any enduring problems that diabetes may cause them. It actively boosts the immune system, meaning that it offers protection against cataracts, pressure sores and other complications that may occur as a result of an inability or impeded ability for the body’s tissue to regenerate.

Of course, too much of anything can have a negative effect and in the case of the blueberry it is the high fibre content that may cause some discomfort. Eating too many blueberries can result in constipation. Blueberries also contain oxalates, the substance that is largely found in gallstones and so anyone that has kidney or gallbladder problems should only indulge in the lure of the blueberry once a week or so. However, as long as you consume blueberries in moderation, there will never be any problems or side effects.

Blueberries definitely belong to the elite list of foods that combine healthy goodness with taste. Blueberries are absolutely delicious and so their healthy qualities simply provide a welcome extra something for the people that consume them.

The message therefore is simple – eat blueberries.

A Little Help From a Friend

Greetings from Chincoteague Island!

Once again, Evelyn Shotwell of the Chincoteague Chamber has assembled the Ultimate Chincoteague Island Weekend 'to do' list. It's so "spot on" I have decided to enlist her help for the Chincoteague Insider Post When you visit Chincoteague, please be sure to stop by the Chincoteague Chamber and say Hello!





From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 7/16/2009 3:35:10 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT




Happy Middle of July Weekend to all,

We’re gearing up now for the big week!!! Lots of phone calls and emails from folks who are making last minute preparations for the 84th Annual Pony Swim & Auction. The carnival has been a lot of fun….I hope you have taken time to enjoy it. Thank you to all the volunteer workers for providing such a wonderful source of entertainment and great food. The weather continues to be ideal and thankfully the mosquitoes are behaving themselves…at least we are not getting complaints in the chamber office. What more could you ask for in July!!!





OUT & ABOUT



July 17 & 18: CARNIVAL—7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Food, rides, games, raffles…….

July 24 & 25: CARNIVAL



July 16: LIGHTHOUSE RE-OPENS FOR TOURS—Thursday-Monday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.



July 18 & 19: FEE FREE WEEKEND to Assateague Island National Seashore. Entrance fees will be waived.



July 18 & 22: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant.



July 20-24: Children in the Woods Day Camp. Call Michael Dixon at 757-336-6122 ext 336 to register your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader.



July 22: Dante Bucci Concert at the Senior Center on Church St. at 8:00 p.m. Dante Bucci was born in The Netherlands and trained in voice, guitar piano but found his real love in percussion. Call 757-336-5825 or 757-336-3399 for ticket information.



July 23: CCA Summer Cinema Series continues at the Robert Reed Park with “Step Into Liquid” at 9:00 p.m. Called the best surfing documentary ever made.



July 24-26: 22nd Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival at the Chincoteague Center. Call 757-824-3868 for more information. Go to www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com for coupons.



*ISLAND HISTORY TROLLEY TOURS: Every Tuesday & Thursday at 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Ticket sales and tour departures are at the Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive off Deep Hole



*STORY/CRAFT HOUR AT THE ISLAND LIBRARY: Every Thursday thru August 15 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for 4-8 year olds (except July 30, it will be held 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm).



*NASA Visitor Center Events

Saturdays & Sundays—“Puppets in Space”--11:00 a.m.

Sundays—“Humans in Space” – 30 minute program looks at living and working in space.

Wednesdays—“Virginia Space Flight Academy Rocket Launch”—2:30 p.m. Cancelled if raining or winds exceed 18 mph. Rain date: Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.



*Program Schedule for Assateague National Seashore: Follow the links below for activities including bird and nature walks, kayaking, surf rescue demonstrations, beach campfires and night hikes. Find schedules on http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/July%2012-18.pdf .



*Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Activities—check at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center for a list of summer events.



*Refuge Wildlife Bus Tours: Thursday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Call 757-336-3696 or

visit www.piping-plover.org.



*“RIDE THE PONY EXPRESS”. We have schedules in the chamber office and you will find it on www.chincoteaguechamber.com.





Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Eat Blueberries For Breakfast

Eat Blueberries For Breakfast

If you are one of the many people out there who vow to start a diet every Monday morning but find yourself slipping after just a few hours, you need to revolutionize your diet! Diets are incredibly hard to stick to if you do not find the right combination of food to tantalize your taste buds because it is easy to get bored. However, I would like to offer you a solution – the blueberry!

The blueberry is high on the list of the healthiest foods you could eat and has been for centuries. The amount of goodness that is packed into the blueberry is unique in the fruit world and could actively enhance your health and well being in so many ways. The blueberry is high in fibre, packed with antioxidants to fight free radicals within your body, low in calories and, best of all, is completely fat free! One serving of blueberries, about 140g in weight, can therefore provide the same health benefits as three of four apples.

This information may come as a shock to most people because restaurants and cafes have become adept at using blueberries in more unhealthy snacks in the last fifty years or so. This undoubtedly overshadows the blueberry’s healthy properties. For example, if asked to think of blueberry foods, most individuals would automatically think of muffins, pies, cobbler and the few blueberries that come with a chocolate-filled pancake at the local diner! However, if you can see past that, you will undoubtedly be able to stick to any healthy diet of your choosing!

Eating blueberries on a regular basis can revitalize your system, especially if you eat them for breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it serves to get your metabolism going, thus enabling your body to burn more calories and fat over the course of the day. Obviously this will not work if you then eat fried foods all day long, but as part of a balanced diet, blueberries can really kick start your system.

There are literally hundreds of ideas and recipes out there for breakfast time with blueberries so there is bound to be at least a handful you like. There are, of course, the obvious ones such as fruit salad, blueberries sprinkled on your cereal and natural yoghurt sweetened with blueberries and a touch of honey. Of course, all of these choices are healthy and taste great, but you should view breakfast as an opportunity to let your imagination, and your taste buds, run wild!
Use breakfast as an opportunity to try out new recipes. For example, you could try low-fat and low sugar blueberry pancakes with a fruity blueberry sauce over the top. You don’t need to worry about leaving the sugar out because the blueberries will sweeten the mixture as well as adding a bit of zest! Simply make your usual pancake mix but leave half of the usual amount of sugar out and add 200g of blueberries instead. To compliment that, you could put a handful of blueberries in the blender along with chopped apple, raspberries, a tablespoon of honey and a cup of natural yoghurt. Blend it until the mixture is smooth and then you have your own breakfast smoothie!

The recipes above are all quick and very tasty. However, you have license to experiment. Try making some of your own breakfast concoctions and, before long, I guarantee that you will find one you like! It isn’t hard to eat a healthy breakfast if you enjoy it so board the blueberry train.

The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival starts July 24th and runsthrough the 26th in 2009
For more information visit http://www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

Chilly Blueberry Soup

Chilly Blueberry Soup

Welcome to the Blueberry overload! The blueberry overload is of course in preparation for The 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival which occurs a scant 9 days from today. Held at the beautiful Chincoteague Center at 6155 Community Drive from 9Am to 4:30PM on July 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.


The following recipe is delicious in taste and prefect for those hot, humid summer evenings. The Chilly Blueberry Soup is a wonderfully fresh dish that works well in between barbecue meat courses. Also, the fact that the antioxidants are kept at their health promoting best in this dish makes it all the more attractive.

Chilly Blueberry Soup



Makes three servings.
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed with juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground coriander
Dash ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves
1 Tbsp dry red wine
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup sour cream
Mint sprigs and additional sour cream for garnish
Puree the blueberries and water in a blender and pour into a small saucepan. Add the lemon juice, sugar, and spices; and while stirring, heat to a boil. Reduce the heat, covering and simmering for five minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat; pour it into a medium bowl, and refrigerate it until cool. Add the wine and stir; repeat with yogurt and sour cream. Cover and chill thoroughly before serving; after ladling into serving bowls garnish each with a dollop of sour cream and sprigs of fresh spearmint.

The Ultimate Blueberry Muffin

The Ultimate Healthy Blueberry Muffin Recipe

With the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry festival only 10 days away, we continue our program of blueberry obsession with a great blueberry muffin recipe.

Are you a blueberry muffin addict?

Do you remember when midsummer meant that every available surface in the kitchen was given over to fresh blueberries in cartons, ready to be put into pies, and muffins, and pancakes, and casseroles, or waiting to be frozen, canned, or turned into jam?

Blueberries and cinnamon and nutmeg, in a buttery, flaky pie-crust; blue-violet blueberries stuffing baked yellow-orange acorn squash; home-made vanilla ice cream with fresh warm blueberry topping; blueberry custard with honey and fresh spearmint from the herb garden. And, of course, blueberry muffins Was there ever another fruit as adaptable as the humble blueberry?

Have you carried the memory of those home-baked blueberry muffins of your youth through the years, searching for their equal like a swallow searches for the shores of Capistrano?

Have you sampled “fresh” blueberry muffins from bakeries and restaurants wherever you were? Have you, in desperation, eaten blueberry muffins out of packages and even something called “Blueberry Bites”, with the color, taste and texture of sawdust?

And, in recent months, having been enlightened as to the amazingly powerful nutritional punch of the same little blue fruits which gathered in the kitchen of your youthful summers, have you begun to making blueberry muffins of your own? Are you reaching the age where you need all the nutritional help you can get, or are you looking at your kids reaching for junk food, and feeling desperate to provide them with them a nutritious, mouth-watering alternative?

How about a healthy home-baked blueberry muffin, made from the Ultimate Healthy Blueberry Muffin recipe, which will still your cravings for those warm, golden, fragrant, blueberry muffins from long ago?

Cooks.com offers a healthy blueberry muffin recipe which doesn’t require you to buy exotic ingredients like artificial sweeteners, but allows you to vary its taste to you liking.

Try it with canola oil, or applesauce–for those who want to cut their fat content to the minimum. A one-half whole-wheat flour/one-half pastry flour blend works well for those who are not completely disciplined. Substituting vanilla-flavored soymilk for dairy milk really does increase the muffins’ moistness. If you use frozen blueberries, place them between paper towels to absorb excessive moisture as they thaw.

SCRUMPTIOUS AND HEALTHY BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. honey
1/4 c. oil
1/3 c. milk
1 lg. egg or egg substitute
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. frozen blueberries
(Pastry flour adds a lighter texture).
(Soy milk can be substituted and vanilla. Soy milk adds a very delicate flavor and moist texture.

1. Sift together the (4) dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center.
2. Beat together the remaining ingredients (except the berries). Pour this into the well, and stir gently until just blended, gradually adding the berries.
3. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
4. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.
5. Cool in pans 5-10 minutes before removing.

Enjoy!

Sam Serio is a true blue devotee of the blueberry and a life long student of health and nutrition. Sam Serio is also the producer of the Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival which is held the third weekend of July on the beautiful island of Chincoteague in Virginia.

This midsummer celebration of nature’s tastiest and most healthy gift - the Blueberry is combined with a “Christmas in July” Craft Shopping Extravaganza the premier Fine Art and Craft event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

For more information, please visit http://www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com
and pick up your free e-book entitled “A Healthy Taste for Blueberries”. This free special report reveals everything you ever wanted to know about blueberries, but were afraid to ask. Also includes recipes, beauty secrets, health benefits and much more. Get yours now at http://www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.

Chincoteague Watersports - Pt.2 - Make a Splash!

Chincoteague Watersports - Pt.2 – Make a Splash!

Let’s call it like it is, today is a hot, sticky, summer day here on Chincoteague Island. The temperature and humidity stand in sharp contrast to the unseasonably cool and breezy days we have experienced for much of the season. So now is the time to get wet! That’s right it’s time to enjoy Chincoteague from an aquatic perspective and you have numerous choices.

Swimming, of course, is the number one choice for Chincoteague vacationers, and the bath house close to the Toms Cove Visitor's Center provides toilet facilities, changing booths, showers to rinse off the sand, and even fresh drinking water if you swallow too much of the salty Atlantic!

Once you move out of range of the lifeguards, you can try your hand at surf fishing (the National Park Rangers at Toms Cove offer instructions in the art.) If the surf is up, trade in your rod and reel for a surfboard or bodyboard, which you'll be able to rent from any one of a number of Chincoteague water sports equipment providers. They are available in sizes for every surfer!

The summer sun shines bright on the shores of Assateague and Chincoteague, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to work on your tan. When that gets old, why not rent a jet ski to explore Chincoteague's eastern shore or try your luck shell-seeking along Little Beach at Toms Cove?

Does jet skiing seem a bit too intrusive in such a pristine setting? Two of the most popular Chincoteague watersports are kayaking and canoeing. Kayak rentals are available right next to the surfboard rentals at Oyster Bay Outfitters in Chincoteague.

You can also book a guided kayak tour and get a close-up look not only at the Chincoteague Ponies, but at the Assateague Lighthouse and the dozens of waterfowl species which call the island's waterways home. If you're not experienced at paddling, relax. Instructions are included.

The most unforgettable Chincoteague watersports experience you could ask for (and one of the most unforgettable of your life), however, happens neither in nor on the water, but above it. Book a parasailing adventure, and see what millions of birds see each year from 400 to 800 feet above the Bay as they migrate down the Atlantic Flyway to nest at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

On Chincoteague, you're never far from the water, and that means you're never far from fun!

Now, go on out and make a splash!

Have a fabulous day!

Chincoteague Watersports - Wet Fun for Everyone Pt.1

Chincoteague Watersports-Wet Fun for Everyone Pt.1

When you visit Chincoteague Island off Virginia's Eastern Shore, you'll be getting double the fun for your vacation dollar. Chincoteague Island, made famous in 1947 with the publication of Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague, has been attracting vacationers to its annual Pony Swim and Penning since 1925.

But there'd be no Pony Swim and Penning, and no ponies either, were it not for Chincoteague's much larger neighbor to the east, Assateague Island. The thirty-seven mile length of Assateague, is divided by the Virginia/Maryland State Line, and has been preserved as the Assateague National Seashore, and is the year-around home of the Chincoteague ponies.

Both the Atlantic and Chincoteague Bay sides of Assateague offer the sort of beautiful beaches which have earned Assateague a place among Condé Nast's Top Twenty US Beaches in 2006. The possibilities for fun in, on, along, and even over the water in such a place, as you might imagine, are nearly limitless!

Vacationing in Chincoteague during the summer means that the beach at Tom's Cove, just across the bridge on the western side of Assateague, will be watched by lifeguards so that you and your little ones can relax and let your surroundings work their magic. With miles of white sand backed by unspoiled sand dunes, you'll have your choice of Chincoteague watersports.

The Chincoteague Insider will dive into specific Chincoteague Island water sports in the next post. In the meantime, if you are visiting Chincoteague, don’t try to stat dry…get wet!


Just a reminder to get your pre orders in for fresh blueberries and the Ultimate Blueberry Pies. The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival is just two short weeks away. These mouth-watering delicacies always sell out, so pre-order and be guaranteed these culinary treasures. For more information, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

Have a berry nice evening !

Insider…out!

Chincoteague Main St. Friend in Need

Chincoteague Main St. Friend in Need

Friend’s of Main St. Merchant John Bishop of Book Hounds Book Store are rallying to his aid after a recent brain surgery. With John having to rely on a wheelchair, he will need a ramp to be able to access his store. I f you would like to join this effort to help the ramp become a reality, you can do this with a donation of materials, labor or a little money. Let’s do what we can to help a friend in need. To learn how you can help, please contact Owen Hook at 757-336-3399, Megan at Egret Moon 757-336-5775 or Janice (John’s mom) at Book Hounds (336-5775).

Be sure to pay a visit to John at the Book Hounds Bookstore on Main St. across from Bill’s Restaurant during the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll.

The 2nd Saturday Art Stroll for the month of July is happening this Saturday. Coordinated by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance this monthly event generates more enthusiasm every month.

The majority of events occur between 6 and 10pm. The stroll is a rich blend of artistic and cultural activities sprinkled throughout various locations around the Town including many of the local shops and galleries. Music, poetry readings, demonstrations and more are what can be expected at the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll.

Insider prescription for a perfect Chincoteague Island summer evening:

1. Cocktails at waterfront in the late afternoon.
2. Dinner at one of Chincoteague’s Fine Restaurants
3. Ice Cream for dessert
4. A pleasant stroll down Main St. and over to Maddox Blvd. during the 2nd
Saturday Art Stroll.

What could be better?

See you at the Stroll!

Until next time…

Assateague Lighthouse Makeover

Assateague Lighthouse Makeover

With the possible exception of the image of the Chincoteague Pony, there is no greater symbol of the twin islands, then that of the lighthouse located at the Wildlife Refuge on Assateague. No doubt made of the same sturdy stuff that has characterized the island’s native’s throughout the centuries, the lighthouse has endured many changes. Just for a bit of perspective here, the lighthouse was once located on the coast, but due to the shifting topography, now is farther inland.
Well, the Assateague Island Lighthouse is having a few progressive cosmetic procedures that will eventually include a top to bottom paint job and a few structural improvements. Those construction projects have been temporarily halted in order to yield to the visitors during tourist season. The Lighthouse reopened to the public on July 4th. The Insider highly recommends taking that climb to the top and a walk on the deck which looms 130ft. above the ground, but offers a spectacular view. Call for times of operation at 757-336-3696.

It’s amazing just how many authors and poets either reside or spend considerable time in Chincoteague or the Shore in general. For example, Poet Irene Rouse will be making an appearance complete with a reading from her new book” Petty Street” at Sundial Books on July 12 from 2:00 – 6:00pm. “Petty Street” is an autobiographical series that deals with the poet’s life during the Great Depression. To learn more about this event, call 757-336-5825.

By the way, Jane Richstein, co-owner of Sundial Books is writing the Local Books Blog on www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com , it’s definitely worthy of your time, so check it out!

Chincoteague is having a remarkably cool summer, with temperatures dipping into the 50’s at night. This in stark contrast to the hot,humid norm. Great sleeping weather!

There’s a whole lot more going on this weekend, notably the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll. The Chincoteague Insider will delve into that a bit in the next post.
Have a great evening!
‘til later…



.

Chincoteague and Blueberry Health Secrets

Chincoteague and Blueberry Health Secrets

With the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start singing the praises of the blueberry. The Blueberry Festival here on Chincoteague celebrates nature’s tastiest and most healthy of fruits, the blueberry. So, let’s get on with it!

Did you know that the blueberry is one of the most underrated fruits commonly available to us today? It has a long and illustrious history in America but yet the majority of us do not count it amongst our favorite foods. When you look at the health benefits we really should. There’s nothing like a good portion of tasty, juicy blueberries to treat our taste buds and help our bodies to stay as healthy as possible.

In this day and age, there is always going to be press reports about how certain foods are bad for your health, even if it was previously considered to be good for you. Blueberries, on the other hand, you can feel completely safe with. As one of nature’s little gems, it can provide many health benefits that manufactured foods cannot.

The antioxidants found in blueberries actively fight free radicals, the substances that are produced within the body in increasing amounts as we get older and cause irrevocable cell damage as well as affecting our DNA. Both of these side effects of the free radicals may enable diseases such as cancer to occur and spread more easily. However, as the blueberries’ antioxidants neutralize the free radicals within the body, they actually promote health and may go some way to helping our immune system to prevent and fight off such threats.

The antioxidants that blueberries contain have a wide range of other benefits, such as prevention of urinary tract infections and overall memory improvement, but they are not limited to the health properties that the antioxidants promote. 140 grams of blueberries actually only contains 1 gram of fat, and all of it is healthy fat that is used by the body to maintain healthy tissue rather than the saturated fat that the body cannot use.

The blueberry is completely healthy as far as nutritional content is concerned. They contain no salt (listed as sodium on nutritional content tables) or cholesterol, both of which have well documented adverse affects on the collective health of the nation these days and can put our individual health in jeopardy. The 140-gram portion of blueberries also contains 2% of our recommended daily iron intake as well as 15% of the Vitamin C daily recommendation.

The overall health benefits of the blueberry make it one of the most invaluable tools in our personal arsenal in the war against disease. In fact, in terms of long term benefits, blueberries are by far the best fruit, and even food in general, to consume and make an integral part of your diet. After all, can we really afford not to make the most of one of nature’s tastiest and most healthy gifts?

The 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival begins on July 24th and runs through the 26th, 2009.

The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival celebrates this amazing fruit by featuring fresh blueberries, blueberry ice cream, blueberry pies, blueberry shortcake, and much more. Combined with great music, fine arts and crafts, hot breakfast and lunch and fun for the entire family, this festival is fast becoming one of the island’s summer favorites. To learn more, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

Look for some great blueberry recipes in upcoming posts in the Chincoteague Insider this month as we continue to obsess about blueberries in anticipation of the 22nd Annual Blueberry Festival.

Chincoteague Sport Fishing - Pt.2

Chincoteague Sport Fishing Unreeled – Pt.2.

As cooler spring conditions yield to the warmer days of early June, schools of enormous bluefish introduce the Chincoteague sport fishing offshore season, followed by several species of sharks. While mako sharks are in highest demand, blue, tiger, thresher, bull, and even hammerhead sharks frequent the deep waters around Chincoteague.

Bluefin and yellow tuna also arrive in June, but prefer cooler water and spend most of their time below 20 fathoms, so are caught by trolling. The best game fish arrive with July and the height of Chincoteague's tourist season. Wahoo, which can swim at up to 50 mph; mahi mahi (dolphin fish), which are terrific eating; and marlin now come to join the fray.

White marlin, which normally run between 40 and 60 pounds, blue marlin, which can weigh as much as half a ton, and swordfish converge on the underwater canyons between 40 and 70 miles off Chincoteague Harbor. These canyons are also excellent lobster hunting rounds. Mahi mahi flock to the orange buoys attached to the lobster traps, and marlin flock to the mahi mahi!

One word of caution: it's a nearly universal (and expected) practice of Chincoteague sport fishing to release both blue and white marlin.

The Chincoteague sport fishing trip of a lifetime would be a nighttime excursion in search of the greatest of all game fish, the swordfish. Swordfish have the stamina to fight a line for hours, and commonly grow to weigh several hundred pounds. That's several hundred pounds of truly delicious fish!

During daylight, however, swordfish feed in the deepest waters, approaching the surface only after dark. On overnight swordfish runs, Chincoteague sport fishers cover their bases by setting lines with glow sticks attached to their leaders at several depths. Mackerel and squid are popular baits.

As autumn sets in, Chincoteague's second run of flounder arrive, along with more tautog and sea bass. By late October, it's time for the red drum and striped bass, and the end of the offshore Chincoteague sport fishing season.

The striped bass, however, are kind enough to stick around all winter. Thanks to them, Chincoteague sport fishing is available all year long!

That’s right! If you are a fisherman of any level or stripe, Chincoteague Island has unlimited, year-round opportunities to enjoy this rewarding pastime. Chincoteague is truly a sport fishing paradise!

Chincoteague Sport Fishing Unreeled - Pt.1

Chincoteague Sport Fishing Unreeled – Pt.1

In addition to being Virginia's only resort island, and located right next door to the undeveloped beauty of the Assateague Island National Seashore, Chincoteague Island has long been known as one of the best sport fishing venues on the entire Atlantic Coast!

If you're a newcomer to Chincoteague sport fishing, the first thing you'll notice on arriving on the island is its many marinas and charter boats lined up Chincoteague Bay. The demand for spots on Chincoteague sport fishing charters is always high, because regardless of the season, there are great game fish just waiting to test the skills of their would-be conquerors.

Chincoteague Harbor and Ocean City MD are the only two major sport fishing ports for the entire Delmarva Peninsula. Chincoteague fishing charter boats are available for all kinds of sport fishing: inshore, offshore, and fly fishing.

Spring on the mid-Atlantic coast can be a windy affair, but on calm days, it’s the season to angle for sea bass and tautog around the shipwrecks off Chincoteague's coast. Spring is also when the first run of legendary Chincoteague flounder arrives and inshore fishing begins.

The flounder settle along Chincoteague's inlets and creeks, beginning in late March. Their numbers peak during the end of April and beginning of May. Spring also brings gray trout, bluefish, kingfish, rockfish, bluefish, black drum, and red drum to Chincoteague's inshore waters.

Sport fishing in the waters off of Chincoteague Island is a dream come true for many visitors to the island. There are numerous opportunities for all levels of experience and many fishing boat excursions with seasoned Captain’s to guide you . Why not give Chincoteague sport fishing a try!

More Chincoteague fishing information in the next Chincoteague Insider posting.

Until then…

Chincoteague July 4th Weekend 2009

Chincoteague July 4th Weekend 2009

Let Freedom Ring! So, goes the song and the meaning behind the celebration known as Independence Day. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday!

With the opening of the 84th Fireman’s Carnival and the Forth of July fireworks, some major milestones in the Chincoteague summer itinerary have been passed. Now I don’t know if there is such a thing as perfect weather for these types of events and I know folks have differing views on these matters, but for me these low humidity days and cool nights suit me just fine. That was at least until today when the rain showers rolled in putting the kibosh on matters concerning the beach.

So, I say just roll with it! What a perfect opportunity to visit some of those Main Street Merchants that have been on your list or go exploring down some of the backstreets and discover one of those off-the- beaten - track Chincoteague Art Emporiums and gift shops. Have a brew at the Chincoteague Inn on the waterfront or just grab an ice cream and relax. It’s “all good” as the hipsters say. Later, you can take in a movie. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is playing at the Island Roxy for parents with kids and Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp is the late feature.

If you are reckless enough to pick up and read a newspaper, you will discover endless hand-wringing about why Sara Palin resigned as Governor of Alaska, or that Marion Barry got arrested again, this time for stalking to add to his list of notable public service achievements. You might learn about yet another drug that was discovered in the “King of Pops” deadly regimen…but why torture yourself? Put that paper down. Right Now! Please…

On the subject of newspapers, I would like to point out and give a thumbs-up to Greg Merritt’s commentary in his Island Perspective on page 2 of this week’s Chincoteague Beacon.
Greg nailed this one! It was entitled “Give our rescue personnel their space, respect.”
Good work Greg! I urge all to grab a copy of the Beacon and read that piece.

Just a reminder about the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival which will be rolling into town on July 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009 at the beautiful Chincoteague Center. This is the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival and it has expanded it’s musical, culinary and entertainment offerings, while retaining it’s low family friendly admission price.

To learn more about the Blueberry Festival, you can go to www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

Don’t forget to Preorder your fresh blueberries and Ultimate Blueberry Pies. These festival favorites always sell out. Don’t be disappointed…preorder both and be happy!

Makes me hungry just thinking about those pies!

‘til later…

Chincoteague Blueberry Festival Press Release

Chincoteague Blueberry Festival Press Release
July 24, 25 & 26, 2009
Preorder Blueberry Pies and Fresh Blueberries Now!

The 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival will be held at the beautiful Chincoteague Community Center a t 6155 Community Drive on Chincoteague Island, Virginia on July 24, 25 and 26, 2009. The Blueberry Festival will be held from 9:00 to 4:30 pm rain or shine.

The Blueberry Festival remains the largest Fine Arts and Crafts event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with exhibitors from 10 states including many excellent local artists. This large Fine Arts and Crafts exhibit brings a unique Christmas in July shopping atmosphere to Chincoteague. The Arts and Crafts exhibits are located both inside the Chincoteague Center building and outside on the green space and parking lot.

The fresh gourmet blueberries will once again be provided by Dick’s Kitchen. These succulent delicacies are a huge favorite of Festival visitor’s and sell out every year. To guarantee yours you should Preorder your fresh blueberries. For fresh blueberry preorders please call Dick Jones at 703- 496-3553 or 540-273-2963.

The Blueberry Festivals’ net profits from the fresh blueberry sales will be donated to the Chincoteague Police Departments ” Ride for Kids” Program to benefit local children.
Buying fresh blueberries at the festival provides not only a tasty and nutritious treat for the family, but helps the kid’s in need as well! Blueberries freeze extremely well and many of the festivals blueberry devotees stock up for the entire year

The Ultimate Blueberry Pies will once again be made and sold by Sugarbakers Bakery. These delicious offerings also sold out last year and should be preordered. To Preorder pies, please call 757-336-3712.

The blueberry confections continue with Blueberry Ice Cream from the Island Creamery, old fashioned blueberry shortcake from Diane James and much more!

Breakfast and Lunch will be served by Pepper Jack Grille. Come hungry! For a complete menu, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.

The musical offerings are expanding for the 2009 Chincoteague Blueberry Festival to include the Celtic Islanders, the Piped Piper, Mountain Faith, Tyler Ringer and Ron Cole and Wayne Young. Musical performances will continue for the entire event. For a complete musical schedule, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.

Some other new attractions for kids include bungee jumping and pony rides from Against the Wind Farms.

To receive a free copy of the Chincoteague Blueberry Festivals publication “ A Healthy Taste for Blueberries” please visit http://www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com


For Discount Coupons and additional information please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com or email samserio@esva.net
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Chincoteague Camping Continued

Chincoteague Camping Continued

In the last Chincoteague Insider post we discussed a bit of the background to the Chincoteague Island camping experience. Today we will take a brief look at some of the campgrounds on Chincoteague.

At Toms Cove Campground, for instance, three fishing piers and a marina with a private boat ramp give the perfect excuse for a fishing-only camping vacation. The non-fishing members of the family, however, can relax by the pool, entertain themselves with the jukebox and video games at the clubhouse, and shop at the campground store for souvenirs or any camping essentials they forgot!

The thirty-seven yellow pine-covered acres of the Pine Grove Campground are ideal for a woodland Chincoteague camping adventure. Six ponds providing refuge for a wide range of ducks, swans, and other waterfowl species will captivate wildlife enthusiasts. If you’d like to boil up a traditional Eastern Shore dinner, the town crabbing dock is just a short stroll away. You'll also be camping in within a stone's throw of Assateague Island and the Chincoteague ponies.

Even closer to Assateague is the Maddox Family Campground, with all the amenities to make you feel right at home during your Chincoteague camping vacation. The playground and swimming pool will keep the kids happy in between family outings. Hot showers and a laundry room will handle sand and dirt accumulated from outdoor fun, and the campground store as everything from groceries and RV supplies to gifts for the folks back home.

Peak Chincoteague camping season extends from June until Labor Day, and the peak of the peak occurs during Pony Penning week at the end of July. If you're planning a camping vacation during Pony Penning week, you'd be well-advised to reserve your campsite a full year in advance. During the summer, Chincoteague's campgrounds are consistently between 70 and 80% full, so deciding to go camping to get away from it all might be best left to the spring or autumn.

If you'd really like to get away from it all, backcountry camping is available on the Maryland side of Assateague Island. Count on backpacking or canoeing your gear anywhere from 2 1/2 to 13 miles to reach one of the backcountry sites, and be sure to bring an adequate amount of fresh water with you because none will be available at your campsite.

Water, woods, wildlife, and world-class seafood-- they're all waiting when you decide to go Chincoteague camping!

Chincoteague Camping - a Natural Choice

Chincoteague Camping - a Natural Choice

Getting back to nature on Chincoteague Island is as simple as booking a stay at one of the island’s campgrounds, packing up the RV, camper, or tent, and making sure to include plenty of mosquito repellent and sunscreen along with the swimsuits and marshmallow toasting sticks!

Now, don’t get me wrong modern camping on Chincoteague Island looks quite a bit different than it did in 1925 when the first Chincoteague Pony Swim took place. It even has progressed considerably beyond the camping rigors that were common when Marguerite Henri’s classic children’s book “Misty of Chincoteague” launched Chincoteague into world famous status. Modern camping on Chincoteague Island brings with it most of the comforts of home, but just a little bit closer to nature Chincoteague style.

There are many families for whom the tradition of Chincoteague camping goes back generations, simply because of the multi-generational attractions of this unspoiled island with its small-town charm. One of the common island sights during peak camping season is that of families of bike-mounted campers traveling in single file along the island’s roads, just like the families of ducks paddling along the island waterways they pass.

When they aren’t biking (and the flat terrain of Chincoteague is perfect for biking!) they can swim, fish, sail, kayak, surf, hike, hunt for crabs, oysters, or clams, comb the beach and the shops of Chincoteague for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the amenities of Chincoteague’s outstanding campgrounds.

With this bit of background on Chincoteague Camping we can get into some specific camping opportunities in the next Chincoteague Insider Post.

I look forward to it! Until later…

Pony Swim on Chincoteague- right around the corner

Pony Swim on Chincoteague Island- right around the corner

Most of the year, Chincoteague Island is a relatively quiet place. The majority of visitors to this resort island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia enjoy laid back activities such as boating, fishing, crabbing, enjoying the beautiful beach on Assateague Island and of course shopping at the various and sundry gift shops, bookstores, boutiques, art galleries and the like.

The last week of July brings out an entirely different side of this fascinating place. This is when Chincoteague pays tribute to the legacy of Misty the spotted gold and white pony that has become Chincoteague’s icon.

Misty is the star of the children’s literary masterpiece from the pen of Marguerite Henri. Ms. Henri’s classic masterpiece, written in 1947 changed the worlds perception of Chincoteague Island forever. The Chincoteague Pony Swim which initially and for more than a decade after it’s creation was pretty much a local happening. A highly anticipated celebration for Chincoteaguers’ and a small group of outsiders. All that changed after the release of Misty of Chincoteague.

To this day Ms. Henris’s book still manages to fly off the shelves of bookstores everywhere and entertain legions of eager young readers of every stripe.

Similarly, the Chincoteague Pony Swim still attracts up to 50,000 eager spectators annually. Every family should attend this amazing spectacle at least once. The experience is unforgettable and will forge a memory that every family will treasure forever.

The Chincoteague Insider is proud to announce a new feature at http://www.chincoteagueoutlook.com

Introducing the new Local Books Blog by Jane Richstein co-owner of Sundial Books and a good friend of The Chincoteague Insider. Read Ms. Richstein’s review of the seminal literary work, Misty of Chincoteague as it’s the subject of her Premier Blog entry. Be sure to read it at http://www.chincoteagueoutlook.com and while you’re there, read Jon Richstein’s Music Blog as well. Both will contribute weekly Blogs and we are thrilled to have them onboard.

When in Chincoteague, pay a visit to Jan and Jon at Sundial Books and get to know two hardworking and very knowledgable Chincoteague Main Street Merchants.

Until later...