Pre-Covid, the Farmer’s Market took place on Tuesday and Friday. During Covid times, it has been hit and miss, so ask around for the current status. The Farmer’s Market is also dependent on the ferry, so if the ferries are not running, there will be no Farmer’s Market.
Typically, the best time to arrive is about 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Some days there will be a lot of great stuff to eat; other days it will be slim pickings. You usually pick up a wire basket under one of the tables, get your produce, eggs, fruit, etc., and then stand in line along the fence and wait for a cashier. Be patient; practice your Spanish or meet your neighbor. Market staff will weigh (and/or tally) the contents of your basket when you check out.
The Farmers’ Market takes debit and credit cards on most days, but it is wise to always be prepared with cash as a backup. Please remember to bring shopping bags, as plastic bags are no longer allowed on Vieques. Some days you can also buy bread and other items from other vendors. You can walk to the Farmer’s Market from Sal del Mar, but it is a long walk and an even longer walk back!
The directions below are not the most direct route, but are the easiest to follow:
- By car, take our one-way street (Calle Baldorioty de Castro) to the corner, then turn right.
As a side note, three blocks up on the right there is a little plaza. You can often find food trucks here, on the corner, or under the big tree. Across the street is El Sombrero Viejo, also known as Kuhns, which is a gringo (American) bar. They have a good wine selection in the back, and it is cool in the wine closet. Prices are above (or below – double-check) the bottles and can be reasonable. Just down the street from El Sombrero, on the other side of the street, is Yerbabuena y Mas, a great little health food store.
- Go to the top of the hill and turn right on Highway 200. Panadería La Viequense (bakery) will be across the street at the top of the hill. There is an ATM there and the donuts and bread (arrive early for Pan Agua) are great. There is a nice seating area inside and it is air-conditioned, typically to icebox levels. They serve breakfast and also have sandwiches, etc. After you have turned right, head down Highway 200.
The first big intersection you get to is the intersection of Highway 200 and Highway 997. There is a corner market on the left-hand side (look for the yellow building just down the street) that sells produce, groceries, and the cheapest beer on the island (Medalla at $20 a case, which includes tax). Along the way, just before the corner, you passed Shawna’s, which serves great, authentic, Puerto Rican food, and right before that, Mama Mia, which serves great pizza and pasta. Don’t forget Casa Navito, the little place by the furniture store, or Bieke’s Bistro, just next door heading toward the plaza.
- Keep heading down Highway 200.
As a side note, about a half of mile and a mile or so down the road on the right you will see (Mi Gente) and then Big Morales (Superdescuentos Morales Market), the island’s other “grocery” stores. They often have a greater selection than Little Morales (Supermercado Morales) in Isabel, and the prices may or may not be a little bit cheaper. The liquor prices at Big Morales are usually very good, and they have an excellent butcher shop.
- Keep going down Highway 200 until you get to Highway 201 and turn left. The old GE plant will be on your right as you make the turn. You will see the Farmer’s Market on the right-hand side of the road. Look for the white tent and the white truck. Parking is along the street. Have fun and healthy eating!
PS – Just up the hill a bit, across from Ferreteria Nales (Nales Hardware Store), is the former Chicken King and Ice Cream, which has relocated and is now known as Aurora’s Chicken & Grill. Aurora’s would be a fast-food equivalent of Kentucky Fried Chicken in the states, but the food is actually pretty good, the fried chicken is excellent, and it is a cultural hot spot! The restaurant is named in honor of the owner’s daughter, Aurora.
PSS – We love Panaderia Lydia, which is just down the street from us, heading toward the ferry, before you get to Subway. Take out only but you can usually find a table outside or be back home in just a few minutes!
Revision Date 030121