Betcha can’t pick up just one!

Remember Lay’s famous slogan, “Betcha can’t eat just one”? Sea glass is exactly like that. (Please don’t eat the sea glass. In fact, keep it out of your mouth entirely. But you get the point!)

If you haven’t hunted for sea glass on island yet, it’s time to get yourself out there! Plenty of first-timers are skeptical at first. “What am I going to do with that?” But after one hunt, they’re hooked and can’t get enough.

What is sea glass?

Sea glass starts out as broken bits of old bottles and jars. Over many years, the waves tumble those pieces against sand and rock, wearing down the sharp edges until they’re smooth and rounded, with that soft, frosted look collectors love. Every piece has been on quite a journey before it lands at your feet.

Getting your “sea glass eye”

At first, it can be tricky to spot the glass among the shells, coral, and everything else the tide brings in. But once you develop your “sea glass eye,” watch out. You’ll be hooked. I guarantee it! (At least, that’s what I think, and it’s what everyone tells me!)

Ready to go? Here’s what to bring:

The good news is that sea glass hunting takes almost no gear. All you really need is a baggie to hold your treasures, and Casa de Vista has you covered there. Check the kitchen drawer for several sizes and pick whatever works for you.

A few extras can make the hunt easier, though none are required: water shoes, a scoop or two (you’ll find them hanging in the hall closet), and of course, sunscreen. You may also want to wear a swimsuit or something you don’t mind getting wet. Sometimes the hunt stays on shore, and sometimes it wanders right into the water!

When’s the best time to go?

Anytime! But if you want the “best-best” time, head out after high tide or after a storm, when everything has been churned up, and new pieces have washed ashore. I’ve also been told that if you’re hunting near the pier in Frederiksted, the day after a cruise ship has been in port can be a good time too.

Keep in mind that every day is different, on the shore and off, crowded or empty. No matter what you find, just take the time to enjoy the hunt.

Where should I go?

Head to the shoreline, right where the saltwater meets the sand, and start scanning. Get those eyes focused in! My favorite spots are on the West End of the island: Frederiksted Beach, Dorsch Beach, and the stretch just north of Rainbow Beach. No promises about what (or how much) you’ll find, and that’s half the fun. You just have to go look!

Display it!

Here’s the best part. Not only have you helped clean up the beach by collecting bits of glass, but you now have a keepsake from your trip to Casa de Vista and St. Croix. A clear, uniquely shaped bottle makes a perfect display. Drop your sea glass inside and set it on your desk at home, a bookshelf, or a sunny windowsill where the light can shine through.

One more hunt, please!

With all this talk of sea glass, I’m itching to get back out on a beautiful St. Croix beach and keep adding to my own collection. Kelly green, brown, and white are the colors you’ll find most often, but part of the thrill is never knowing what might turn up next. Soft seafoam green and pale aqua are always a happy find. Lavender pieces, which often come from very old glass that slowly turned purple in the sun, feel like a little piece of history in your hand. Cobalt blue, once used for medicine and specialty bottles, will make you stop in your tracks. And then there are the true treasures: pink, yellow, red, and orange, the rarest of them all. Most collectors hunt for years hoping to find just one. Will this be your lucky trip?

Now book your stay!

Your sea glass adventure is waiting. Book your stay at Casa de Vista at www.casadevistastx.com, grab a baggie from the kitchen drawer, and head for the shoreline. We can’t wait to hear what you find!