Mother’s Day on Chincoteague Island

Family vacations are precious. Not only do they allow you to spend time with your loved ones, but they also give you the opportunity to get to know the locations that rejuvenate the people closest to you. Mother’s Day Weekend is only a week away, and there is no better excuse to pack up the car and head to our lovely shore. Restaurants and activities are opening up all over the island this month, so we’ve included three must-try activities for families seeking a relaxing May retreat.

Market Strolls
The Farmer’s Market opens for the season on Mother’s Day weekend. After breakfast, treat mom to a leisurely stroll to browse products from local farmers and artisans. From experience, we know there is nothing like a small tub of blueberries or a gorgeous tomato from one of our local growers. Your family can also take home unique souvenirs crafted from yarn, glass, or shells to commemorate your special trip. How is this different from your local farmer’s market? Specialty crafts aside, you will never forget the experience of shopping with the sea breeze in your hair just minutes away from the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Boat Cruises
Take mom on one of our unique boat cruises to view ponies up close! You will see parts of the island that you cannot see by visiting solely on foot. For a hands-on authentic experience, try Cowboy Cruise Company. Board their skiff and go searching the winding waterways of the Assateague marshes for brand new wild foals, hear stories and ask questions about the ponies and roundups from your Saltwater Cowboy captain, or get your feet wet and dig for clams and learn to shuck oysters with the pros! You can also sit back and enjoy, but the interactive cruises give the more adventurous members of your family a chance to fully immerse themselves into life by the sea. Another option to see the best of Chincoteague and Assateague is on a pontoon boat with Daisey Island Cruises’ Scenic Wildlife Boat Cruise. The Martha Lou and Osprey II have bathroom facilities on board. Bring snacks and binoculars, and prepare to relax as your family enjoys views that only Assateague Island can offer.

Seafood Tour
Not going to make it to the Seafood Festival on May 6? Take your own Seafood Tour of our little island. Stop by Ray’s Shanty on Chincoteague Road for Chincoteague Clams and Oysters. This fan favorite also offers locally caught seafood such as drum, rockfish, flounder, tuna, Mako shark, and more. Dine in or take fresh seafood to go! Your family will also enjoy Don’s Seafood on Main Street. Don’s was established in 1973 (the same year as the Refuge Inn!) and features gorgeous views of the Chincoteague Bay. Their steamer and raw bar features shrimp, crab, oysters, and clams. Don’s also offers gluten free and dairy free menus, making it a perfect location for those in your family who need specific dining options.

Make this a Mother’s Day to remember by surprising the mom in your life with a trip to Chincoteague Island! Give us a call at 757-336-5511 and allow the Refuge Inn to welcome your family to a weekend of relaxation and fun.