Chincoteague Island Halloween

Have a Chincoteague Island Halloween

Don't be scared! There lot's to do on Chincoteague this weekend and beyond. Let's see what Evelyn Shotwell has stirring in her steamy caldron for the next couple of weeks of Chincoteague Events.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL,

Tomorrow night we will have lots of little ghosts, goblins, witches, pumpkins, ballerinas, princesses, and other characters out and about on the streets of Chincoteague. Please be aware of them while you are driving and help keep them safe as they “trick or treat” from house to house. And, don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour before retiring on Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time ends. We get to recover our lost hour from April!! Yeah!!





OUT & ABOUT





October 30: Chincoteague Police Department hosts “Little Center of Horrors” Teen Costume Dance from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Chincoteague Center 6155 Community Dr. Call 757-336-0614 or 757-336-3155 for information.



October 31: Chincoteague Church of God Harvest Fest from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Call 757-336-5161.



October 31: TRICK OR TREAT—6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. AND…………

Historic Main Street Merchants will be hosting a pumpkin decorating contest under the pavilion at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park for contestants of all ages from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Upon completion of decorating all pumpkins will be placed on the steps of the Island Library and will be judged at 7:00 p.m. The library will be hosting a DVD party right after the pumpkin judging. Children may also Trick or Treat at area downtown merchants displaying a pumpkin decal in their windows from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Attendees must be in costume.





November 5: Senior Education—11:00 am to 11:30 am---Senior Center Church St.

Caregiver Connection—2:30 pm to 4:00 pm—Hospice Resource Center—Church St.



Operation We Care: Harley Owners Group along with Harley Davidson of Ocean City seek donations of supplies for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visit www.easternshorehog.com for more information & a list of needed items. Mr. Baldy’s Family Restaurant at 3441 Ridge Rd. (757-336-1198) is a drop off location on Chincoteague. Contact Jeff Merritt at 410-713-8940 to have your donation picked up.



Customer Service Curriculum Fall 2009—Classes begin October 13 and continue into November. Schedules available in the chamber office or call the Eastern Shore Community College at 757-789-1751 or 757-789-7979 or email rlock@es.vccs.edu.



*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday-9am-3pm

*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: October-November: Sat. 1:00 p.m./Sun. 10:00 a.m.











Please join Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Welcome Center for an Open House!

Stop by NEW CHURCH WELCOME CENTER on THURSDAY, November 5 any time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Preview our new and existing welcome center marketing options for 2010. Take advantage of a 10% discount on new or renewing products. Make Tourism Work Better For You!







Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague Island Sunshine

Chincoteague Island Sunshine

Today I want to say a few words about that precious and all-to-absent of late natural phenomenon otherwise known as sunshine. After 5 days of drenching rains and punishing, chilly winds, Chincoteague Island and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region were finally granted a reprieve and that honey- golden bringer of life broke through the clouds and the island feels reborn.

The play of the sunlight on the skin just feels good and the air is the freshest and cleanest I can remember in a long time. I found myself inhaling deep diaphragm expanding gulps of that air just for the rush…it was good!

I actually kind of enjoyed being cooped-up for those soggy, windy days though. It was a good time to catch up on some reading and think deep thoughts. My son and I held a reading contest since all of his sports were cancelled. I played a lot of piano, had a Birthday, watched some old movies on Turner’s Classics. When was the last time you watched Mutiny on the Bounty with Clark Gable? I even did some cooking etc.

But, there comes a time when you go stir-crazy and you just have to get out. I started to ruminate on the many things you can do on Chincoteague when the weather is bad.

The list can get impressive. For instance you can go bowling at the Libertino Bowling Lanes or hang out at the Chincoteague Library. You can catch a mosie at the Island Roxy. The local game arcade was still functioning much to my son’s satisfaction. You can grab a book and a CD at Sundial Book and a nice cigar at Wine ,Cheese and More and once again retreat to your cave with a steaming cup-a-joe.

See there’s lot’s to do, but I do prefer this sunshine. When it’s this pleasant, a simple walk around Robert Reed Park is very satisfying. You never know who you’ll meet on that little excursion!

I do regret the negative impact the rains had on the Chili Chowder Cook-off. We can all hope for better weather for that great Chincoteague event next year.

Yeah, I know, “when the lemons get smashed…make lemonade,” but I prefer the honey- golden color of this Chincoteague Sunshine any day!

Until the next time…
Good Day Sunshine!

A Chincoteague Island vacation in October

A Chincoteague Island Vacation in October

With the cooler temperatures and school in session, October is the perfect time of the year for a Chincoteague Island Vacation. Fishing is great this time of the year! Whether you prefer surf fishing off the shores of the Assateague national Wildlife Refuge, booking one of the many fishing tour boats and letting these experts lead you to some serious fishing or just casting a line off one of Chincoteague Island’s piers, it’s a fabulous way to spend a day on your Chincoteague Island Vacation.

The weekend activities, festivals and special events continue with the likes of the Oyster Festival, for example. A normal crowd for the Chincoteague Oyster Festival is a couple of thousand seafood fanatics who know that they can expect the freshest most delicious seafood delicacies available anywhere. Many folks travel great distances to enjoy this amazing event presented by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. The Chincoteague Oyster Festival celebrates the seafood industry and is held at the start of Oyster season. The 37th annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival was held on October 10th and 11th in 2009. If you missed it, why not put it down on your calendar for 2010. The Chincoteague Chamber will send you a Chincoteague Visitors Guide if you call them at 757-336-6161.

Yet to come in October is the Chili Chowder Cook- Off, a perennial favorite on Chincoteague Island. This is the perfect way to spend a cool October afternoon enjoying a virtual buffet of soups, chowders specialty dishes, live music and much more. All of this with a spirit of friendly competition makes for an exciting day, stay tuned for details.

All in all, October is the ideal time for a Chincoteague Island Vacation. Why not plan your Chincoteague Island Vacation today.

Chincoteague Island Vacation-Oct. Happenings

Greetings from the Chincoteague Island! Here, once again is Evelyn Shotwell's list of things to do while on your Chincoteague Island Vacation in October.

Take it Evelyn!



Happy Oyster Festival Weekend!!!
We hope you can join us on Saturday for the chamber’s big party!! Don’t wait---get tickets now. There are only a few left.
Be sure to tell your guests about the free trolley service on Saturday. Have a wonderful time while out & about eating oysters!!!

OUT & ABOUT

October 6-27: Watercolor: Level II Beginners Landscape Class—Every Tuesday in October--9 a.m. to noon or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Delmarva Discovery Center at 410-957-9933.

October 7: Join Governor Tim Kaine & Eastern Shore neighbors at the Eastern Shore Welcome Center Grand Opening from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Contact Donna Bozza at 757-787-8268 for advertising opportunities.

October 7: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at a riverside residence outside Pocomoke City from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 410-957-9933 for more information.

October 9 & 10: FALL ROUND UP—Go to Assateague and watch our hard working volunteer firefighters round up the famous wild ponies for their annual vet checks and shots.

October 9: Eastern Shore Community College Community Educations program will be hosting a FREE play about the struggles of the watermen of Tangier Island. Play starts at 2:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of the College’s new Business Development & Workforce Training Center.

October 10: OYSTER FESTIVAL----TICKETS GOING FAST—CALL TODAY TO GET YOURS!!!!! BE A PART OF THE PARTY. Shirts (short sleeve & long sleeve T’s and sweatshirts), hats, mugs, posters and bags on sale now in the chamber office. Attached is a flyer about the Trolley that will be running free of charge for the festival.

October 10 & 11: Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Free admission to the Wildlife Refuge on the 10th to enjoy wildlife art shows, photography programs, Circle of Life Fun Run/Walk, exhibitions, Virginia Living Museum Animal Presentation and so much more. Family fun activities to “Give Wing to your Wild Side”.

October 10: Second Saturday Art Stroll—After eating your fill of oysters at the 37th Annual Oyster Festival, spend the evening enjoying the many exhibits, demonstrations, wine tasting, music, and much, much more on Main Street, Maddox Blvd. and Church Street. Schedules at the chamber.

October 10: Pocomoke River Adventure Series—Kayak the Pocomoke—Call 410-957-9933 for more.

October 11: Oyster & Maritime Museum Open House---2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission, local historical collections & refreshments.

October 12: Small Business Workshop—Learn How to Make your Small Business More Successful—sponsored by Delegate Lynwood Lewis & ESCC featuring presentations from Virginia Department of Business Assistance—5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—ESCC Workforce Development Center--- RSVP to delllewis@house.virginia.gov or 757-787-1094

October 14: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at Cypress Park & Dock from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 410-957-9933 for information.

October 17: 10th Annual Chili Chowder Cook Off—Robert Reed Waterfront Park---10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—Arts & Crafts, boat rides, great food, family fun, live music. Little Miss Chili Pepper & Mr. Hot Stuff Competition. Boys & Girls ages 3-6 are encouraged to enter. Contact Karen Murphy at 757-894-3544 or mike.murphy2@verizon.net. Application deadline is Tuesday October 13.

October 17: Chincoteague Island Library Official Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the north porch of the library on Main St.—3:00 p.m.

October 17: Walter “Wale” Liniger performs blues at the Senior Center on Church Street at 7:30 p.m. call 757-336-5636 or visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org for ticket information.

Customer Service Curriculum Fall 2009—Classes begin October 13. Schedules available in the chamber office or call the Eastern Shore Community College at 757-789-1751 or 757-789-7979 or email rlock@es.vccs.edu.


*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOUR: October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: October-November: Sat. 1:00 p.m./Sun. 10:00 a.m.

***The Town of Chincoteague along with Kevin Krome and Steve Potts, owners of Bill’s Restaurant, are working to improve the Christmas Pole Decorations along Main Street and possibly extend them down Maddox Blvd. If you would like to make any amount of donation to this worthy project to enhance the beauty of the island during the Holidays, please call Kevin at 757-894-0051.





Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Have a Chincoteague Island Vacation

Have a Chincoteague Island Vacation



Chincoteague Island is a 7 mile stretch of natural beauty, coastal charm, and Southern down-home hospitality on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Thousands of visitor’s from around the world vacation in this small paradise that’s big in tradition, an abundance of natural charm and an atmosphere of romance
If you decide to take a page from their travel itineraries, you'll soon understand how easy it is to succumb to the spell of Chincoteague Island. That same spell has captivated the Chincoteague colony of artists, who do their best to capture the spirit and substance of life on their beloved island in paint, sculpture, glass, metal, and wood and of course carve decoys.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia can be your stepping stone to the undeveloped wilds of Assateague Island, the 37-mile barrier island to its east which for millennia has protected Chincoteague from the worst of the Atlantic's legendary gales. Assateague is where you'll find the world-famous ponies of Chincoteague running free.
The Chincoteague ponies, spend their days happily grazing and sunning in and along the marshes, forests, and beaches of the Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of Assateague. This all changes when they are rousted for the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. They share their territory with over three hundred different migratory bird species which make Chincoteague and Assateague the best bird-watching haunts on the East coast.. Bring your binoculars for a truly unforgettable Chincoteague Birding Adventure.

You won't understand why the ancient Algonquin Indians named Chincoteague "The Beautiful Land across the Waters" until you've witnessed the sun setting across its marshes or stood on the Assateague shore at dawn as the Atlantic waves tumble along the pristine sands. Spend as much time as you like exploring the solitude of Assateague's protected waterways by kayak, canoe, or nature cruise. Cast your line from a deep sea charter for marlin and other great gamefish, or dig for a supper of legendary Chincoteague "Lil Nik" clams.

Step into the Eastern Shore of yesteryear by reserving your accommodations at one of Chinctcoteague’s exceptional 19th century bed and breakfasts, one of which was built before the Chincoteague Islanders displayed their characteristic independence by remaining loyal to the Union during the Civil War. Drift off to sleep and awaken again to the gentle whispers of the surf and the island breezes, and start your day's adventure with a breakfast of mouthwatering Southern delicacies. A Chincoteague Island Vacation is best enjoyed with a full stomach.

Chincoteague Island boasts a full array of Chincoteague Hotels from Big Name players like the Hilton, The Comfort Suites, The Waterside Inn, the Island Motor Resort and of course the Refuge Inn. Perfect for a romantic getaways or a full- blown Chincoteague Island Vacation, these big players stay open year-round. Many of the smaller hotels, motels, cabins and campgrounds are available year round as well. Any season of the year is the perfect time for a memorable Chincoteague Island Vacation.
Take time to mingle with the local artisans and shopkeepers. View the ceiling mural at wood carver Jay Cherrix Sistine Shed, as well as his life-size sculpture of a Chincoteague pony foal. Get up close and personal with Chincoteague's marine life at the Island Aquarium where the touch tank will give you a hands-on introduction to both fish and shellfish.

Plan your Chincoteague Island Vacation to coincide with the 2ndSaturday Stroll, a Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Event, or one of the many festivals like the Chincoteague, Daffodil Festival, the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival, Chincoteague Bike Week, the Chili- Chowder Cook Off, the Oyster Festival and many others.
Experience seafood in a different way by lunching on clam chowder or crab cakes at one of Chincoteague's several outstanding seafood restaurants.
Follow lunch by crossing to Assateague Island on a rented bike for some wildlife viewing on the Wildlife Refuge's loops.

Put the perfect ending on your day in Paradise by boarding Captain Barry's champagne evening cruise. You'll be entertained with the Captain's encyclopedic knowledge of Chincoteague history and enchanted by the sight of the sun setting on Chincoteague Bay!
All in all, Chincoteague Island is loaded with all of the ingredients for a truly unforgettable Chincoteague Island Vacation.

You are invited to learn more about Chincoteague Island by visiting www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com
Or
www.chincoteagueoutlook.com






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Chincoteague Bridge - the bigger problem

Chincoteague Bridge – the bigger problem


Today I would like to comment on the front page story in the Chincoteague Beacon that appeared in that paper this week. It was title, “Bridge delays upset drivers.” The full article can also be found on www.delmarvanow.com. The article was written by Carol Vaughn a staff writer for the paper. The reporter goes into great detail about the tremendous traffic back ups on the causeway leading to and from Chincoteague Island and the frustrations that ensue.

First of all, let me confess that I believe almost no one hates traffic jams more than I. I am nearly phobic about being trapped in a line of cars with no option but to sit and wait. I will go to great lengths to avoid situations such as this and the general absence of problems like these on the Eastern Shore of Virginia are a big reason why I choose to live here.

Apparently, this nightmare is going to continue well in to January and I guess we will have to “tough it out,” but I have greater concerns than mere inconvenience.
.

I have witnessed first-hand how a major construction project can have a devastating effect on local businesses. When I was in my twenties, I worked at the Lexington Market in Downtown Baltimore, MD when a buffet of major Urban Renewal Projects including the building of the subway were happening simultaneously. It literally killed business in many of the downtown areas including Lexington Market. No one wanted to go anywhere near the area for a long time and it took years to recover. Many businesses never did recover.

It is clear that the bridge construction is having a seriously detrimental effect on the Chincoteague Island businesses and is even affecting some of the upcoming events and festivals

So here is my appeal to all of the residents and visitors to Chincoteague, in the coming months please go out of your way to buy locally. I mean really, really locally. Buy on Chincoteague. Buy your Holiday and Christmas gifts from local gift shops and stores. Forget Amazon and buy your books at Sundial Books, the Book Hounds or the Kite Koop. If your taste runs to the gourmet, you’ve got incredible selections at Wine, Cheese and More or Threadgoods

Buy a piece of art from one of Chincoteague’s Fine Artists.

Make an extra effort to keep your “eating out” dollars on Chincoteague. If you are looking for a Romantic Getaway, then rent a luxury room at the Hilton, the Waterside,
The Comfort Suites, the Island Motor Lodge or the Refuge Inn .

Be sure to attend the Oyster Festival, the Chili Chowder Cook off, shop at the Farmers Market, and do some gift shopping at the Holiday Craft Extravaganza at the Chincoteague Center or the Thanksgiving Craft Show at the Chincoteague High School.

Attend one of the many wonderful Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Events.

Keep your hard earned dollars here!

Chincoteague Island simply cannot afford to lose any of our fine local merchants. Now is the time to help your neighbors. We all have to spend, so please spend your money here on Chincoteague and we will all make it through this difficult time.

Also, how about a prayer or two for good weather and a speedy completion of the Chincoteague Bridge Project. Hopefully, the new bridge will herald a new era of prosperity on Chincoteague and these inconveniences will be viewed as merely “growing pains.”

Until the next time…Spend locally!