This family-owned inn is located just a few steps away from the entrance to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where families will find the beach. Wallops Island Space Flight Center is also nearby.

Kids will love the indoor/outdoor pool, but the inn’s own Chincoteague wild ponies will be even more popular! The ponies are not for riding, but are still fun to watch. A bike depot is also onsite for families who would like to rent a bicycle and ride through the nearby trails.

The spacious guestrooms feature a private balcony or patio, mini-fridge and free Wi-Fi and the one-bedroom suites feature a full kitchen with the addition of a microwave. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning.

Each guestroom or suite features its own unique country-chic décor so no two rooms are alike. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request at a $10 nightly fee. A microwave is located on each floor for guest use, as well, and a DVD player is available upon request. Connecting rooms are also available.

Family Deluxe Rooms
The family deluxe suites feature king or queen beds, a mini-fridge and a Smart TV with Netflix capabilities. A balcony or patio area is also featured.

Pine Suite
The large Pine Suite, which sleeps five comfortably, features a large kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, sink and dining table with chairs. The separate living room area features a sleeper sofa and chairs and little nook area features a twin bed with a window in the hallway towards the master bedroom. A Jacuzzi tub is featured in the bathroom and the bedroom room features a king bed. Sky lights keep the living room bright and the large balcony has several chairs on it to enjoy the wooded view.

Veranda Suite
The large Veranda Suite, which sleeps six comfortably, features a full kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, a stove and oven, microwave, two sinks and a large kitchen island. The separate living room area features a sleeper sofa and chairs and the spiral staircase leads up to a loft area, where a futon can be found. There is a dining table that seats six and a large screened-in balcony porch features great views of the Pony Pasture and the lighthouse. A couch and plenty of seating can be found on the porch area. The large bedroom features a king bed and has its own private balcony. There is one bathroom in the suite, a large walk-in closet and two televisions.

Indoor/Outdoor Pool
The pool is unique at Refuge Inn because it features both indoor and outdoor options. In the winter months, the heated pool is enclosed like a greenhouse, which allows guests to enjoy a swim no matter the temperature outside. In the summer months, half of the pool is open to the outside, but a tall roof area over the other half of the pool offers some shade and coverage for swimmers. Chairs surround the pool deck and a hot tub is also nearby. The pool depth runs from about 3 to 8 feet and no lifeguards are on duty. Pool towels are provided.

The pool hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pony Pasture
A few Chincoteague ponies take up residence at the Inn's Pony Pasture and kids will love to feed and watch them. Kids are given a free bag of pony food at check-in and guests are welcome to feed the ponies. Unfortunately, the ponies can not be ridden since they are wild, but the ponies are very friendly and love to visit with guests. Some of the guestrooms feature great views of the Pony Pasture -- consider requesting one of them for an extra fun experience!

Observation Deck
Somewhat hidden away, guests can climb a spiral staircase to the Observation Deck that sits on top of the Inn. The deck offers a great place for sunbathing or stargazing, along with great views of the Chincoteague Lighthouse and rocket launches from NASA Wallop Flight Facility. Lounge chairs surround the deck, and it is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swing Set and Recreation
A small set of swings can be found in the grassy, picnic area off of the pool. There is plenty of space to run under the cover of the tall trees. Picnic tables can be found throughout, along with a grill.

The Bike Depot
If you forget to pack your bicycles, don't worry because there is a bike rental shop on the Inn property. Guests can charge the bike rentals to their room and rent for the day or the week. If you have a patio room, you can even park your bike right outside your room. Families will find beach gear, boogie boards, bike gear and umbrella rentals inside the depot, along with outdoor essentials like bug spray, sunscreen, beach chairs and beach toys. The bike path into the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is only a few steps away from the Refuge Inn, so rent a bike and go explore.

Breakfast
A full hot, complimentary breakfast is available to guests in the area off the lobby. Families will find eggs, sausage, yogurt and fruit from 7:30 to 10 a.m. each day. Coffee and tea are also available all day for guests.

All About the Extras
Gift Shop
Jewelry, snacks and souvenirs can be found in the gift shop located off the lobby.

Vending Machines
Vending machines, a microwave and ice machines can be found on each floor.

Beach Shower
A large semi-enclosed beach shower can be found just off the pool and is a great spot for getting sand off the kids or beach chairs or toys.

Meeting Space
The large conference room feature a full kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and stove and oven. The room is available for kids' parties and there is a large TV, projector and DVD player, along with a large screened-in porch area.

The Art of Smart Timing
The high season runs from May through Labor Day, as Chincoteague Island is a beach town. However, there are several fall and spring festivals that bring visitors to town, too.

Getting There
The Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport, located in Maryland, is about an hour from the Refuge Inn, and Norfolk International Airport is about two hours away. Driving to Chincoteague Island is a family's best option.

Getting Around
There are several restaurants and shops near the Refuge Inn. Families can walk or bike to the beach, as it's about 3 miles away. Driving to the beach is about 4 miles from Refuge Inn and parking is available. If you plan to venture off the island, a car is needed.

For Mom and Dad
Sauna
Relax in the enclosed sauna that can be found just off the pool area. Warm up and relax in the quiet sauna, and then cool off in the pool.