Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 51

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Old Town Farmers Market

The Old Town Farmers Market is one of the favourite weekend attractions. However it is only open from 9:30 a. m. – 2 p. m. from the first Saturday in November through the last Saturday in May. The market features “make it, bake it, grow it” selections, including farm to table produce, herbs, flowers and artisan foods such as oven fired breads, baked goods, salsa’s and dips, jams, jellies, chocolate, organic coffee, locally made Mexican & Italian cheeses, fresh pasta, quiche, meat pies, perogies, Greek yogurt and more. There is also a wide assortment of unique arts & crafts made by local producers: custom-made bathing suits and sandals, jewellery and accessories, greeting cards, home accessories, hand-rolled cigars, tinctures, all-natural skincare products, Huichol art and traditional Mexican musical instruments. There are also many talented local and international performers are on the live music schedule.

Forever Spring Farmer’s Market

Forever Spring Farmer’s Market was formed 5 years ago as a charity and community event held weekly at the BBCC in Bucerias. They open on Wednesdays from 9 a. m. – 1 p. m. during the high-season months. It starts mid-November and concludes after the second Wednesday in April.

They are currently based out of the Rosa Mexicano restaurant and their next door neighbour the Happy Shrimp, a location near the beach. Both of the restaurants have gardens and offer a quiet and friendly location with on-street parking and clean bathrooms. The market now totals over 80 vendors and is going from strength to strength with charities being offered free or subsidised spaces. Charities that are supported are Investours, the Children’s Library of Bucerias, the BBCC, Tercera Edad and the JO Food Drive, Madre Selva and the Prison of Tepic. What you find here is wonderful food, art, crafts, jewellery, glass blowing, finger painted tiles, rugs and tablecloths/bedspreads and much more. This shopping venue aims to have live music during the market to create a wonderful ambience with indigenous music. Forever Springs Farmers Market supports entrepreneurs in Bucerias and within the surrounding area. If you can, come out and support this fun and lively market, and purchase from local hard working people who have made Banderas Bay their home. The current breakdown of vendors is that there are just over 75% Mexican businesses with the other made up of Argentinos, Europeans and N. American/Canadians. The market’s main focus is on quality and ethical trading.

Continued in part 52