As we approach the long weekend observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, all of us here at the Refuge Inn are thrilled to share all the island has to offer in the cooler months with you! During January, Chincoteague and Assateague Islands hold plenty of adventure to keep you busy, and overflow with the peace and serenity our island paradise has become known for. Join us for excellent birding, local culinary treats, and small town vibes this MLK Day.
Weekend Itinerary
Arrive on Friday, January 17 and check into your room at the Refuge Inn. Order delivery from Famous Pizza and take advantage of the tropical vibes of our indoor, heated pool and hot tub, which doubles as a greenhouse for all of our potted plants in the off-season. Sign out a key for our sauna and borrow a book from the lending library or DVD (and DVD player, if your room doesn’t have one) from the front desk for a quiet, relaxing night in.
On Saturday, January 18, go birding! Take advantage of our 7am breakfast delivery, and take the short drive from the Inn over the bridge to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. With less cover vegetation, wildlife are much easier to see and photograph in the winter.
The pools and waterways throughout the refuge play host to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds, who are spending the winter here before flying back north to their breeding grounds in the Spring. Expect to see species such as Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, White Ibis, and American Black Duck hanging around in small flocks.
Want to get out of the car for an easy hike? Take a walk along the Woodland Trail and see what passerine species are overwintering on the island, including Brown Headed Nuthatches, Fox Sparrows, Brown Thrashers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Be sure to take the small detour to the Pony Overlook as you are likely to get a much closer view of the ponies in the wild then while driving on Beach Road! If you are bundled up and feeling like a brisk, breezy beach walk, the Assateague beach is a lovely spot to practice your gull identification skills, as well as see loons, sea ducks, shorebirds, and snow geese in droves. If you are lucky, you might see a raptor or two, like a Peregrine Falcon or American Kestrel, hunting the dunes.
We recommend checking out eBird (https://ebird.org/home) to keep up with what species are being seen around Chincoteague during your trip! As always, feel free to log any birds that you see! The information from birders using eBird helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (and other scientists around the world) understand birds better!
After your birding expedition, thaw out with a cup of happiness and a bite straight from heaven at Amarin Coffee. We recommend the chocolate croissant and topping your drink of choice with cold foam.
After lunch, take a trip downtown to visit Sundial Books to browse the used books and wonderful Erik Sahler artwork, and then walk a couple doors down to visit the beautiful Chincoteague Island Library. Work on the community jigsaw puzzle, chat with a volunteer, and check out the collection.
For dinner, enjoy local shellfish at Don’s Seafood on Main Street. They’ve been in the same spot for over 50 years providing locals and visitors alike with Chincoteague favorites including Tom’s Cove Clams and Chincoteague Oysters.
Catch the 7pm showing (For January 18, it’s a new one and a good one-- Twisters) at the Island Theater, which is our non-profit, art-deco inspired, historic movie theater in town. Or, catch the Commanders game and some great apps and drinks at our local sports bar, Steamers.
On Sunday, January 19, pull those black out curtains closed and sleep in! Enjoy breakfast delivery or walk across the street to Blackfin, which never disappoints. After most of the guests at the Inn check out, you’ll have the place practically to yourself! Visit with the ponies, kick back in the hot tub, and check out the marsh platform and rooftop observation deck.
Enjoy Sunday Dinner Chincoteague style with Beef ‘n Dumplings at Steamers Restaurant. Eat in the bar if you like, and catch the Eagles or Ravens football game at the same time. Head next door to Island Creamery for everyone’s favorite homemade local treats. Watch the sunset from Don Leonard Park on North Main Street, and head back to the inn for your final hours of relaxing and recharging. Finish your book, soak in the vibes, and post your weekend birding finds to eBird.
Check-out Monday morning, and head back home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to tackle the week.
Above all, we welcome you to plan your lodging with us at the Refuge Inn in order to make your weekend getaway perfect. As part of our special Virginia is for Lovers promotion, you can stay two nights and get the third one free. Give us a call today at 757-336-5511 or visit www.refugeinn.com for more information on our rooms, rates and amenities.