What kind of container is this shard from?

by Pat
(Hatteras Island, NC)

June 2025, South Beach, Buxton, NC

June 2025, South Beach, Buxton, NC

It is light blue and has part of Brooklyn NY embossed on it in cursive. Found on South Beach, Buxton, NC

Comments for What kind of container is this shard from?

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 01, 2025
 Beachcombing and seaglass, Buxton
by: Kelsey

**Beachcombing South Beach, Buxton, NC**

Tucked away on Hatteras Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, South Beach in Buxton is a hidden gem for beachcombers. Unlike the more tourist-heavy stretches of the Outer Banks, South Beach offers a more serene, untouched coastal experience. Here, beachcombing becomes not just a hobby but a meditative journey into the past, guided by wind, tide, and time.

South Beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a protected area that stretches across miles of barrier islands. It’s known for its dramatic coastal scenery—rolling dunes, windswept sea oats, and seemingly endless stretches of sand. But what makes this beach especially appealing to beachcombers is its unique positioning on the southern edge of Buxton Point. Here, the convergence of two ocean currents—the Labrador Current from the north and the Gulf Stream from the south—creates an ideal location for treasures to wash ashore.

After a strong storm or high tide, the shoreline comes alive with possibility. Shells, driftwood, coral, sea glass, and even long-lost relics from shipwrecks occasionally make an appearance. It’s not uncommon to find Scotch bonnets—the state shell of North Carolina—and other rare specimens like whelks, olive shells, and pieces of coquina. The sand here is a little coarser than at neighboring beaches, which helps preserve fragile finds that might otherwise be pulverized by fine, shifting sand.

Early morning or just after a storm are the best times to comb. The light is soft, the breeze is fresh, and the crowds are minimal. Many seasoned collectors know that patience is key; a slow, scanning walk with eyes on the wet sand line often yields the best results. Some even bring small rakes or sieves to search beneath the surface. Children and adults alike can be seen marveling over colorful sea glass or comparing shell sizes with fellow beachgoers.

Beyond the tangible finds, beachcombing South Beach is about connection—connection to nature, history, and the rhythm of the ocean. The area is steeped in maritime lore. Known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," the waters off Hatteras Island have claimed hundreds of ships over the centuries. It’s possible, even likely, that some of the driftwood or iron nails washing ashore today were once part of those tragic wrecks. The mystery only adds to the allure.

Accessibility is fairly easy, though the beach remains rugged and natural. There are no boardwalks or commercial vendors here—just you and the sea. Nearby, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse provides a majestic backdrop and an ideal place to begin or end your day. Whether you're a seasoned sheller or a first-time visitor, South Beach offers the chance to slow down and experience the wonder of nature in its rawest form.

In the end, beachcombing here is about more than collecting—it’s about discovery, reflection, and a quiet joy found in nature’s small gifts. South Beach in Buxton isn’t just a beach; it’s a living shoreline with stories to tell.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Identify Your Sea Glass.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.