Chincoteague, Virginia is located on the Delmarva Peninsula, so-called because it is shared by the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Chincoteague is a quaint little fishing village with a colorful downtown which lies mostly along a lovely waterfront. It’s a popular tourist vacation spot, especially during the summer, when people flock to the walking and bicycle trails and to the beach on nearby Assateague Island. Assateague Island is the home of The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge which is home to several species of waterfowl year-round and is a stopping off place for several species of migrating birds during spring and fall. Assateague is also famous for its ponies which freely roam the island, including its roads, and are popular with tourist, and especially photographers, year-round.

Chincoteague is a pleasant 120-mile drive from my home in Hampton, Virginia. The drive takes me to Norfolk across the James River via I64 and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) – and continues on US Hwy 13 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) and up the Delmarva Peninsula to VA Hwy 175. From there, it’s another 10 mile drive, much of which is on a scenic causeway separating the mainland from Chincoteague Island. I visit frequently and usually spend two days and nights. I nearly always stay in either the Comfort Suites or the Hampton Inn and Suites, both of which are on the Chincoteague waterfront and within easy walking distance of the center of town with its shops and restaurants. These two motels are great places to live – with courteous and competent employees, well-stocked free breakfasts, and comfortable accommodations.  I normally get a waterfront room from where I can photograph Sunsets – and sometimes get shots of the Moon rising or setting My most recent stays have been at the Comfort Suites, and the staff there has made me feel like I’m one of their family and truly made me feel at home.