Hang Out
If it sparkles, dangles, or otherwise enchants, you’ll find it at Flying Fish. Amid the sea of handmade crafts (from birdhouses to salt and pepper shakers) made from glass, metal, wood, and pottery, we found a collection of glass cufflinks, some inset with a map of Italy, others with regal ponies, the island’s official mascot. (Far more practical than taking home a life-size version.) 4086 Main St. 757-336-0522.
On the Edge
We dare you to find something you can’t live without at Main Street Shop & Coffeehouse, part gift boutique, part coffee bar (try the Chincoccino, made with espresso, whole milk, caramel syrup, frappuccino powder, and ice). Best catches range from the urban beaded City Girl Jewelry to the super-sturdy plastic purses and tote bags in a rainbow of colors. 4288 Main St. 757-336-6782, http://www.mainstreet-shop.com.
Go West
Take home a framed memento of the island from Island Arts, owned by Nancy Richards West. The local artist’s oil paintings and pastels reflect the area’s natural beauty, from solitary egrets wading in the salt marshes to wooly ponies. Other locally made items include crafts, jewelry, pottery, and handmade clothing. 6196 Maddox Blvd. 757-336-5856, http://www.nancywest.com.
Let It Whip
It wouldn’t be a trip to Chincoteague without a visit to Mr. Whippy, the only ice cream joint we know of with a drive-thru. Dishing out soft-serve ice cream since 1950, Mr. Whippy specialties include ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, milkshakes, and dipped cones in flavor, such as peanut butter, orange, and coconut. We gobbled down a chocolate/vanilla twist and a butterscotch dipped cone, but next time, we’re going after the Nutty Buddy, a chocolate-dipped cone with peanuts. 6201 Maddox Blvd. 757-336-5122, http://www.misterwhippy.com.
Sentimental Journey
June Cleaver would have loved this place. Alive with 1940s shabby-chic accessories, Vintage Rose Antiques is the place for everything retro: wiggle dresses, LP records, Hawaiian prints, antique wicker furniture, glassware, and embroidered linens. We couldn’t resist trying on the 1950s pink lace prom gown, the perfect complement to a guy in a white sport coat and a pink carnation. 6207 Maddox Blvd. 610-334-0031, http://www.vintagerose-antiques.com.
