We were excited to explore Assateague Island to learn about the wild life and horses that roam free and have inhabited the island for hundreds of years. Legend has it, they descended from domestic horses that survived a shipwreck on Virginia Coast in the late 17th century. The horses on the Maryland and Virginia section of the Island are kept apart by fencing at the border. Horse population on the Maryland side is controlled by allowing each mare to have one foal. Once every year in July, on the Virginia side, the local “salt water cowboys” gather them to sort for auction on Pony Penning Day.
We went to the Assateague Island National Seashore which offers lots of trails to hike where you will see tons of wildlife. If the weather is appropriate, you can hang out on the beach and maybe spot a wild horse passing through. You can find the wild horses walking through the park at various times.
Things to do Near Assateague
- Ocean City Boardwalk: Offered a nice stroll on the water. Most of the businesses were closed due to the off season. Does offer a nice beach and everything was clean.
- Seacrets: This was really the highlight of our trip. We did the Distillery tour which was amazing. The building is filled with antiques, history and lots of added bonuses. We had lunch next door at one of the restaurants which had a nice atmosphere.
- Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery: This is the cutest little winery with lots of charm! The house is BEAUTIFULLY redone which you can self-tour and the grounds are amazing! Very friendly staff and wine was excellent.
