263072 Fri Aug 15 11:10:04 -0700 2003 10 54 Caribbean 0 1389888 We're off for a 10 day jaunt to Virgin Gorda next week - my first foray into the Caribbean. We're renting a cottage with a kitchen, and hope to cook most of our meals ourselves. My question is: what's the situation with fresh produce, fish, spices, etc. on Virgin Gorda? Are there good "farmer's" markets or stores that we should frequent? Are there items we should carry with us? We're very adventurous in terms of food that we cook and eat, so adaptability is not an issue. Also, we would love to go have cocktails at bars or resorts in the evenings. We'll be staying near the Baths, any recommendations? All pointers are welcomed. Thanks! Fri Aug 15 11:10:04 -0700 2003 0 Miele Maiale 1 1389895 The bars at both Bitter End YC abd Biras Creek resorts are spectacular. The view from Biras Creek where you can sit and look at both the Carribean and Atlantic is a great place to watch the sunset. We always were onboard a sailboat so I don't know about provisions onshore Fri Aug 15 16:47:25 -0700 2003 1389888 0 Dennis 1 1389900 I have been to V.G. to snorkle on at the Baths. Am not totally familiar with the island, and I'm sure there must be some provisions at the locale of the ferry dock and at the north end of the island. But, common sense leads me to belive you would be much better off trying to provision yourself in Tortola, if possible. All vegetables are flown/ferried in from Puerto Rico and Stateside. Don't have any large expectations in the freshness dept. Unless it's tropical fruit nothing is grown locally. Everything is very expensive. But take heart, you are going to one of the most incredibly beautiful places on the face of the earth. Enjoy. Sat Aug 16 00:41:19 -0700 2003 1389888 0 toni10 1 1390715 Visited Virgin Gorda for the first time just last year....and looking forward to a return trip this spring. You'll love it! One of my favorite island destinations of all time. Perhaps the one and only negative thing I can say is that we had little luck finding fresh seafood and produce to cook ourselves. Don't get me wrong, the restaurants are wonderful....however, the one grocery store we visited (Bucks) had a limited selection. There may be other places to shop, but I didn't find them. This year I'm hoping to find where the locals shop and hope for a better result. You mentioned being close to the Baths, so you'll have to try a mixed drink at Mad Dog's. It's by far my favorite. Afterwards, try Top of the Baths (a stone's throw away from Mad Dog) for some of the best views on the island. Good conch fritters too. At night you might want to consdier the Mind Shaft (especially if they're having a Full Moon Party)....ask for Lincoln, the bar tender, he'll treat you right and tell you lots of island tid bits. Lastly, try out the Bath and the Turtle for their Wed. night Jump Up dance party. With that said, does anyone know the bartender's name at Mad Dog. I'm writing a small freelance piece about the bar..........I want to mention the famous bar tender that makes the legendary drinks. Does anyone know her name???? Thu Oct 09 11:01:47 -0700 2003 1389888 0 Paul 2 4333009 Her name is Edith! Fri Jan 16 14:10:18 -0800 2009 1390715 257830 Chevela 1 3500003 Sounds like we've booked the same trip . We're staying at a small house on Guavaberry Springs Bay and we'll be cooking. Can anyone provide specific advice about foods to bring and places to shop on Virgin Gorda? Mon Mar 17 06:15:11 -0700 2008 1389888 55135 GrumpyDad 2 3562212 GD, you'll have a great resource right at Guavaberry. Their commissary is very well stocked and the prices are great. We usually hit most of the markets during our stays. Buck's at the yacht harbor is very convenient, Rosy's and SupaValu are a little off the beaten path (not like there's much of VG on the beaten path) and are a little cheapter, Roadtown Wholesale is the Sam's club of the islands - they sell most items in minimums of 3. That's where we pick up our liquor and mixers. There's also a Buck's at Leverick Bay and they have a good wine selection at prices I can't get here in the states. No tax on wine there. I always bring coffee, sweetener and small amounts of the dried spices I like to use. Have a great time! Fri Apr 04 13:09:02 -0700 2008 3500003 180416 MizChiffon 3 3648162 Thanks for the advice! I'm not the OP, but I will be in Virgin Gorda this summer. How was the meat/fish situation when you were there? It completely blows my mind that people have repeatedly warned that there's no fresh fish! How does that happen on an semi-tropical/tropical island?? Also, when posters say that tropical fruits are grown locally, any idea what they're referencing? I've rarely met a fruit I don't love, so the idea of fresh tropical fruit seems pretty appealing! Thu May 01 15:36:31 -0700 2008 3562212 182589 bex109 4 3686188 We own a villa in the island and have for 14 year now. The food shopping is somewhat limited but using one's creativity is helpful. The is usually an abundence of fresh fish at Buck's depending in the day.Rosy's is a bit less expensive than Buck's. The island is so small that they have little or no space to grow their own. We grow our own on our property! Be sure to go to Fat Virgin for lunch, Saba Rock for dinner buffet - best value on island, Little Dix Monday night buffet - very expensive but well worth it- need to wear collared shirt and no shorts allowed. Chez Bamboo is delightful and has great live music at least once a week, just call to see what night. Wed May 14 09:49:28 -0700 2008 3648162 192182 vgbvi 1 3652604 Suggest you check out the website below for more info on the BVI's... http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=bvi Sat May 03 05:52:16 -0700 2008 1389888 15712 cavandre 1 3652712 Generally groceries are pretty expensive since food is shipped to st thomas and then put on a smaller ferry and shipped to Virgin Gorda. I think the key is to be flexible too. Its not like back home where you plan your meal and then go to the grocers. You need to tailor your meal to what they have at that particular time. Sounds like you have that mentality. My advice is to plan your meal around killing and cooking one of the damn roosters that you see all around the baths. Contrary to popular myth...Roosters do not just crow at the sight of the rising sun. They also crow at passing cars, the moon, other roosters, trees, buildings, sand, rocks, coulds, rain. Mad dogs is pretty good for lunch and amazing for drinks after sundown. Great vibe. The baths are so amazing. I need to go back Sat May 03 07:00:35 -0700 2008 1389888 53967 chrisinroch