Treasure Hunting: Discovering the Best Places to Find Sea Glass along the Gulf Coast of the United States

Although there are no beaches on the Gulf Coast that are specifically known for their sea glass, there are some locations where you can find a few scattered treasures along the shore. The Gulf Coast encompasses Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and I have personally visited almost every beach along this coast, from South Padre Island in Texas to Key West in Florida.

As someone who loves Florida, I can attest that it boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the United States. However, when it comes to sea glass hunting, Texas is the clear winner. That being said, you are unlikely to find any type of glass on the beautiful white sand beaches. Rather, your best bet is to search for spots with darker sand, some shell fragments, and a high population density or proximity to populated areas. If you follow my blog, you are likely aware of my affinity for Florida's beaches.

I am only able to find sea glass in four specific locations on a regular basis. While some of the pieces are beautifully polished, others are only slightly tumbled.

Bolivar Peninsula

High Island Beach, Old SH 87, High Island, TX 77623

Out of the entire peninsula, I have only been able to discover sea glass in this particular area. It's an excellent spot to uncover smooth glass in a range of colors.

High Island Beach

 310 Ocean Village Dr, Surfside Beach, TX 77541

Most of the glass is clear.

 Sea Rim State Park

19335 State Hwy 87, Sabine Pass, TX 77655

All colors, but very little

La Quinta Inn & Suites

7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Tons of brown glass

Wishing you luck on your sea glass hunting adventure!

   Sherri

The Impact Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona: Exploring a Natural Wonder

"Well, I'm standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona"......  not exactly on a corner, but on the edge.... of a massive crater! I could not quit hearing those song lyrics in my head the whole time we were there! 😃

My husband and I were headed to Sedona on Interstate 40 and saw a sign saying the crater was ahead. We were ready for a break from ridding, so we took the exit to see it. After driving miles through a cow pasture, we came upon the massive crater and visitor center.

Located  in Northern Arizona, the impact crater was formed from a meteor that hit Earth thousands of years ago.  It is about a mile wide, a mile across, and more than 550 feet deep.

Several observation platforms are located around and at different depths for great viewing of the crater.

The crater was used for training  the NASA astronauts in preparation for the Apollo missions to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s.

Admission:

  Adults $18.00
•    Seniors $16.00 (age 60 years and over)
•    Juniors $9.00 (age 6 through 17 years)
•    5 and under are free

Hours:

Memorial Day to Labor Day we will be open from:   7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Non-summer hours:   8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address:

Meteor Crater Enterprises, Inc.
Interstate 40, Exit 233
Winslow, AZ 86047 USA

Happy Travels! 

Growing Bougainvillea Indoors: Is it a Good Idea?

June 30, 2017

Can Bougainvillea be grown inside your house? Yes. Do I recommend doing this? Well, maybe.

June 1, 2017

I purchased two beautiful pink bougainvillea plants from Lowes in the spring. They grew like crazy over the summer in pots on my porch. They were so pretty!

In November, when I brought all of the non-hardy tropical plants inside, I did not bring these in. I was tired of the dealing with them! The thorns are massive (up to 2 inches) and I had been stabbed all summer trying the keep the vines somewhat confined to the porch columns.

Well about the middle of December, after several freezes on them, they were still blooming. I could not stand to leave them out any longer. So, I brought them inside.

At first, I loved them inside. They were placed in a south window to get sun. Most the leaves fell off from the move, but the brachts and flowers stayed on. Within three weeks, they almost completely covered the windows. By the end of January, after several trimmings, they were covering the windows again. They grew and bloomed like crazy without any special care. I watered them two to three times a week and cleaned up all the mess from the blooms weekly.

I have to admit that I loved looking at the snow covered yard through a window of bright pink vines.

The First week of February was my breaking point! The vines were strangling my mango tree, bird of paradise, and anything else they could reach. It was time for them to go!

Armed with long sleeves, gloves, and clippers, the fight was on! The poor mango tree was mangled a little from removing the vines, but everything went pretty smoothly.

I think all the other plants were glad to see them gone! They had actually stared to lean away from the window because they were getting more light from the ceiling fixture.

So, should you grow bougainvillea inside? If you don’t mind these things:

1. A constant mess from the old leaves and flowers falling off. There will be a lot!

2. The soil does dry out quickly and require frequent watering, even in the winter.

3. The vines have a ton of long thorns! They will need to be placed so as not to cause injury to passersby.

4. You may need to prune them routinely.

I have read so many stories about people having trouble getting their plants to grow and flower. I found them to be aggressive and easy to grow inside and out in my zone 7b – 8a. I still think they are extremely beautiful plants, but I’m not sure if I even want them outside anymore. The pots are stilling on my porch now and still have leaves and look great. I might put them in the ground and see how they overwinter outside next year. Maybe…

  Happy Gardening! 

Wildseed Farms: A Floral Haven in the Heart of Texas

This place was one of those “Hey, that looked interesting. Let’s go back. “stops. We were on a girl’s trip, the only kind where you can do that kind of thing, headed to Fredericksburg. We had such a good time there! It wound up being one of the highlights of our weekend.

Wildseed Farms is the nation's largest working wildflower farm with over 200 acres of colorful blooms in season. These fields have been used for seed production for over 35 years.

Bright red Corn Poppies and three colors of Texas bluebonnets greet you in the parking area.

Gloriosa Daisy, cosmos, Corn Poppies, larkspur, phlox, sunflowers, and Texas Bluebonnets are some of the flower varieties you will see growing in the fields during your visit.

A half mile trail lined with a wood look fence leads through the display and trial gardens. Sitting areas and water features are placed along the route.

The Brewbonnet Biergarten offers a place to grab something to eat and drink. Unique jams, jellies, salsas, and other goodies are available for purchasing. They all looked amazing!

They are one of the largest plant nurseries in Central Texas with large selections of annuals, perennials, herbs, tropicals, cactus and succulents.

The gift store is packed with, unique pottery, garden accessories, clothing, seeds and much more.

Parking and admission are free. Hours are from 9:30am - 5:00pm daily.

We visited in April. Check here to see what will be in bloom for your visit.

Location:

 Fredericksburg is located 78 miles west of Austin and 70 miles north of San Antonio.

Address:

100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

    Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Rich Artistic Heritage of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Arizona

Nestled in the heart of Sedona, Arizona lies the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a unique destination that celebrates the rich artistic heritage of Mexico. Founded in the 1970s by a group of artists and architects, this beautiful complex is a hub for artists and craftspeople, and a mecca for art lovers.

The name Tlaquepaque comes from a town in the Mexican state of Jalisco, which is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. The Sedona village is modeled after this town and features stunning Spanish colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and lush courtyards. The village covers six acres and houses more than 40 art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Wander through the charming streets and discover an array of handmade crafts, from pottery and blown glass to jewelry and textiles. The village also showcases a wide range of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Every corner of the complex is a feast for the senses, with colorful mosaics, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful fountains.

One of the highlights of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. Many of the artists who work here use techniques that have been passed down through generations, such as hand-painting ceramics or weaving intricate textiles. Visitors can watch these artisans at work in their studios, and even take classes to learn the skills themselves.

In addition to its art and craft offerings, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is also a foodie's paradise. The village is home to several restaurants and cafes, each with its own unique flair. You can savor authentic Mexican cuisine, sip margaritas in a charming courtyard, or indulge in gourmet chocolates and pastries.

Overall, a visit to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is an experience that will delight and inspire. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, this charming complex has something for everyone. 

Address:

336 AZ-179

 Sedona, AZ 86336

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Parrot Key Resort: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of Key West, Florida

Nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida, Parrot Key Resort offers a unique tropical getaway that will transport you to a world of relaxation and tranquility. This stunning resort is surrounded by lush, vibrant gardens that feature over 400 palm trees and a variety of exotic plants, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

At Parrot Key Resort, you can experience the best of both worlds - the beauty and serenity of a tropical paradise, combined with the convenience of being just minutes away from all the action and excitement that Key West has to offer. With easy access to the island's top attractions, you'll never be far from the fun.

One of the standout features of Parrot Key Resort is its Balinese-inspired architecture and decor. From the moment you step inside, you'll feel like you've been transported to the lush jungles of Southeast Asia. The resort's beautiful guest rooms and suites are decorated with rich, warm tones and feature luxurious amenities.

When it comes to dining, Parrot Key Resort has you covered. The resort's award-winning restaurant, Cafe Blue, serves up delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a romantic dinner for two, Cafe Blue has something for everyone.

Of course, no tropical vacation would be complete without a day spent lounging by the pool. Parrot Key Resort features four sparkling swimming pools, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you prefer to relax in the shade or soak up the sun, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.

If you're looking for a truly memorable vacation experience, then look no further than Parrot Key Resort in Key West, Florida. From its beautiful gardens and Balinese-inspired decor, to its luxurious amenities and convenient location, this resort truly has it all. 

Address:

Parrot Key Hotel and Resort

 2801 N Roosevelt Blvd

 Key West, FL 33040

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri