When I was in second grade, my family took one of the only vacations we ever experienced as a family. For one week we explored Chincoteague, made famous for the Wild Ponies, and nearby Assateague Island National Seashore.
My memories from that trip were so wonderful that when I had children of my own, I dreamed of taking them to Chincoteague so they could somehow understand why it held such a special place in my heart. Of all the places in the US we’ve experienced, Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague have always remained one of our all-time favorite places to visit.
From the roaming wild ponies, to the beachcombing along the sandy shore, to plentiful bird watching opportunities, and hiking the short trail to the lighthouse, Assateague Island is a nature lover’s dream.
At 142-feet-tall, the Assateague Lighthouse was built in 1867 to replace a shorter lighthouse. It is located in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The lighthouse is open to the public and I’m sure the view from the top would be stunning. Unfortunately, we visited after hours but then, maybe that’s a good thing. It gives us a reason to visit Assateague Island National Seashore one more time.
Have you ever returned to a location that you vacationed as a child?
I’m joining with Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Photo Friday at Delicious Baby and Friday Daydreamin’ at R We There Yet, Mom?
amber
Sunday 29th of July 2012
I want to visit here.
Cathy Sweeney
Saturday 28th of July 2012
I hadn't heard of the Assateague Island National Seashore before. It sounds like a great place and I always like an old lighthouse. We traveled a lot when I was a kid and I've enjoyed re-visiting as an adult many of the places I loved as a kid such as the Grand Canyon. We're lucky to have such wonderful travel memories, aren't we?
Phyllis at All Things Beautiful
Friday 27th of July 2012
Yes, I went back to Charleston SC for my honeymoon because I loved it so much as a child. I love Assateague/Chincoteague, too. My son called it ponyland.
Tonya
Wednesday 1st of August 2012
After visiting the Maryland side, I could certainly understand why your son would call it that. The ponies were all over!
Lisa
Friday 27th of July 2012
I'm glad that your experience with your kids was as great as what you remembered as a child. I remember reading Misty of Chincoteague when I was a young girl and I have always wanted to visit there to see the wild ponies!
Tonya
Wednesday 1st of August 2012
We actually read Misty of Chincoteague before visiting with the kids. They couldn't wait to visit and especially wanted to visit during the Pony Penning Days.
InACents
Friday 27th of July 2012
Interesting. I had never even heard of this area. Thanks for sharing something new for us to adventure out and see. I've learned about so many great places thanks to wonderful travel bloggers!
Tonya
Wednesday 1st of August 2012
Chincoteague and Assateague Island National Seashore is wonderful! If I can locate all of my pictures I'll write up a more detailed post. Chincoteague is a tad more commercialized than I remembered as a child, but I thought Assateague Island remained unchanged. It's beautiful and well worth the trip!