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…



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Chincoteague Blossoms with Spring Events

Wow! What a fabulous week of activities and special events on Chincoteague Island. It all began with the Daffodil Festival held at the beautiful Chincoteague Center on April 4th and 5th.
maplewood Gardens built a beautiful display of flowers plants and more. The weather was just great, a bit windy on Saturday, but as good as it gets on Sunday. The Main building at the Chincoteague center was jammed with beautiful arts and crafts of every description, jewelry, home decor items, fantastic homemade quilts, pet items, paintings and much more. Ice Cream was provided by the incomparable Island Creamery and food by Mr. Baldy's.
A seemingly endless parade of local musicians kept the beat going including the Pied Piper who played two trumpets simultaneously...beat that! A good time was had by all! Thsi event should be pencilled into your calender. Checkout http://www.daffodilfestival2010.com/ for more info.
During the week, I had two friends visit from New Jersey, so I got to play tour guide. They stayed at the beautiful Waterside Inn with a beautiful view of the water. We had a great time touring the island, meeting people, eating at the various restaurants on Chincoteague, but for me the highlight was a chance meeting with my old friend Captain Barry and his lovely wife at Happy Hour in Chattie's Lounge. Chattie's is a local favorite watering hole and Captain Barry is something of a local celebrity. He owns and operates Back Bay Cruises and no trip to Chincoteague is complete without a Captain Barry's Experience.
On Friday, we attended the Easter Decoy Festival at the Chincoteague High School. This annual event features some of the finest artists and decoy carvers on the east coast and is a truly remarkable show. Donna Leonard and Jean Clark along with the Chincoteague Chamber are the organizers and they do a fantastic job.
They have great respect for the waterfowl arts and the way that they showcase their artists is a testimony to that respect.
The week was rounded out by the first of the 2nd Saturday Art Strolls sponsored by the Cultural Alliance. The strolls run until November and they create a festive atmosphere throughout the town with all of the merchants taking part. What a super weekend on Chincoteague.
The island of Chincoteague has definitel emerged from hibernation and the warmer days bring the promise of a fabulous summer season. I can't wait!