Are you looking for a great mid-summer outing?  If so, consider a trip to the Eastern Shore where every July, wild ponies from nearby Assateague make their annual swim to Chincoteague Island.

A Virginia tradition since 1925, the pony swim and penning memorialized Marguerite Henry’s treasured children’s book, Misty of Chincoteague. Eighty-eight years later, the tradition continues on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July (this year’s dates are July 24-25) when the local volunteer firemen round up the ponies and swim them across the shallow channel water to the banks of Chincoteague Island.  After their swim (those too young or small are actually put on a barge and ferried across the water) and a good rest, the ponies are led down Main Street with great fanfare to the Carnival Grounds. The next day the foals born during the year are auctioned off to happy new owners who come from all corners of the country to purchase a prized Chincoteague pony.

While on this enchanting island, be sure to enjoy the area’s beautiful beaches, charming bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, local restaurants and a round or two of miniature golf. And if you are in the market for a piece of adorable Virginia history, don’t forget to bring your wallet and horse trailer!