Jamestown Island, Rhode Island: The Search for Sea Glass
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Newport, Rhode Island is one of my favorite quick getaways from Southeast Massachusetts. There is lots of history to explore, wonderful local restaurants, and beautiful beaches. On a recent cruise, I learned some unique historical info about Jamestown Island and decided to put it on my bucket list. I also found out that it is a hotspot for seaglass (and I am a collector). History and seaglass combined – it sounded like it was the perfect daytrip choice for me.
This weekend, I planned a trip to the island to enjoy the beaches, and most importantly, look for treasured sea glass. I began collecting seaglass a few years ago after living on an isolated island off the coast of Maine called Islesboro. I ran into some locals beachcombing one day and they told me all about seaglass (I was actually just looking for shells and had never even heard of it before). It became one of my favorite things to do. To this day, I check out seglass hotspots no matter where I live or travel.
Jamestown is located on Conanicut Island about a ten minute drive from Newport. The island is connected by bridge and you have to pay a small toll to pass.
A hotspot for seaglass
Because of the island’s rich history, seaglass can easily be found on the beaches here. Most often, the glass congregates along rocky coastlines which were former trash dump sites. In the past, bodies of water often served as public trash dump sites. Eco friendly laws eventually put a ban to this practice, but a lot of trash was dumped, and thus a lot of glass remains. The glass has had years to tumble along the rocky shore, and thus, has transformed into brilliant, smooth gem-like stones. Some pieces you find will be smoother than others.
I found several pieces of old blue sea glass, which was great. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a pic, but you can see in the pic below (from Maine) what blue seaglass looks like. Cobalt blue sea glass is one of the most coveted colors as it is very rare. It typically comes from old medicine bottles. You will mostly find brown, white, and green.
Blue stands out so, so you are not likely to pass it over, whereas I find brown and white blend in with the rock colors. If it is sunny out, they tend to glisten more so you can tell the difference more easily. After checking several town beaches, I recommend checking by the ferry for the highest quality glass. The views among the island are beautiful, and I am sure the beachcombing much more enjoyable in the summer months when the temps are warmer!
More hotspots in Rhode Island & elsewhere
Other beaches in Rhode Island where I found a lot of glass include: Teddy’s Beach (Portsmouth), Narragansett Beach, and Easton’s (Newport). I’ve never been to Block Island, but it is quite popular as well.
Update: In recent years, I have collected seaglass at some amazing beaches and lakes around the country. Here are a few places that I recommend planning trips to:
Glass Beach (Ft. Bragg): Home to the world’s highest concentration. Note that it is illegal to take glass here. It is fun to look around though!
Scusset Beach (Cape Cod): This is a little gem right in Massachusetts. I found out about this place randomly while biking in the area. I took a break here after a hard, windy ride along the Cape Cod Canal path. To my surprise, I found a really cool old Coke piece and a few nicely tumbled jewelry grade pieces.
Lake Erie (near Cleveland): Most Lake Erie beaches are loaded with glass due to the area’s industrial past. My favorite beaches to search include: Bradstreet’s Landing (Rocky River), Huntington Beach Reservation (Bay Village), Old Woman’s Creek (Huron), Edgewater (Cleveland), & Conneaut Township Park (near Ashtabula).
More to do in Rhode Island
As one of the most gorgeous states in New England, Rhode Island offers no shortage of beautiful destinations to explore. From low-key beaches, to tranquil nature preserves, there is much to see and do on any vacation to the area. While living in nearby Bristol County (MA), Mike and I had no problem filling up our weekend itineraries with so many wonderful beaches, small towns, nature preserves, and historical attractions. Check out my list of the most beautiful places in Rhode Island.
