As more and more tourists discover Chincoteague, proprietors Tom and Jacque Derrickson are watchingthe path to the doors of their twin locations on Main Street become more well trod. Newly opened over the last six years, these structures, which sit astride the intersectionwith quiet Poplar Street, deceptively look as though they date from the same era. The Watson House, for architecture buffs, is the real McCoy (dating from the 1890s), but the more elaborately decorated Inn, inspired by a Victorian in Suffolk, Virginia, is of 1995 vintage. Guests at both benefit from the warm, attentive hospitality of Jacque and co-owner JoAnne Snead and the thor-oughness of innkeeper Karen Mason.
The Watson House offers country Victorian furnishings and a claw-foot tub in the Bayview Room. The Inn at Poplar Corner features all Victorian decor, with oak and walnut head- and footboards and a private balcony in Room 1. Operation of the B&Bs is a shared responsibility for the Derricksons and co-owners JoAnne and husband David Snead. Tom and David are natives of the island and, over generous breakfasts and refreshments either at the long antique dining table or on the side porch, may be eager to share stories of growing up among the wild ponies.
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