District Home Magazine Fall II October 2014 | Page 46

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beach to bay
living

A Perfect Weekend Getaway
for Nature Lovers

AssAteAgue
Photo courtesy of JPaul A. Souders/CORBIS.

Island
Free roaming horses, flawless beaches and a historic
lighthouse—just three hours away from Washington,
you can find all of these on Assateague Island. A thin
strip of land stretching from Maryland into Virginia
off the eastern coast of the Delmarva peninsula,
Assateague Island is a glamorous natural beauty
with incredible recreational activities.
rotected from any kind of development, the entire
island is a wildlife park, along with Chincoteague
National Wildlife Refuge on nearby Chincoteague
Island, accessible from Assateague by bridge. Besides
being on the same island as beautiful pelicans flying,
wild horses galloping and deer inhabiting the sand areas, there are a
lot of other nature activities that are very appealing.

P

Assateague Island beach is a true gem of the Atlantic Coastline.
While during summertime it is a great place for seashell collecting,
sunbathing, crabbing and wildlife viewing, it becomes a great
attraction to many visitors later in the year as a place to enjoy the
cool sea breezes and relax. It also is a great spot for surfing.
Another adventurous activity that is entertaining for everyone is
kayaking. Not only it is fun but it is also a great way to engage
in the beautiful things that the nature of Assateague has to offer.
You will get to see the famous Assateague Lighthouse, paddle while
enjoying a view of wild ponies, eagles and dolphins. Another option
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for exploring the hidden natural treasures in the island is wildlife
cruises that leave from Chincoteague Island.
In an island full of crab, clams and fish of course fishing is one of
the most popular activities; however, it is only permitted outside
the preserved areas in order to protect the pristine natural habitat.
While you are enjoying what the island has to offer, you are also
making sure you are not damaging anything in the environment,
which gives a sense of connection with nature.
With its bountiful natural beauty, Assateague is a great place for
camping.You can enjoy a gorgeous view of the sea while overlooking
to the Assateague lighthouse, or you can be camping by the
woodlands, exploring the trails and bicycling around the island.
Whichever activity you choose, Assateague Island is a great location
to get away from the hustle of the city and reconnect with all the
amazing things nature has to offer!
— by Irem Cesur