Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - If you're ready to discover something new and exciting this Saturday, then come down to the Old Town Farmers' Market in Zona Romantica. You're sure to find a treasure chest of "must-have's" as you tour though the over 90 vendor stands of exceptional "make it, bake it, grow it" products and services.
One of the most unique products sold at the Market are the hand-drawn maps of Mapa Jeff Cartography. Jeffrey Obser, the owner and artist behind this budding business, got his start in cartography when he created a much-needed map for Yelapa in 2005. It was a hit, and Obser eventually went on to create a map of Puerto Vallarta in the same angular fashion. Since then, he has explored his way through towns, villages, and neighborhoods along the Banderas Bay, creating road and poster-sized maps.
"My maps provide the most accurate picture of our area," says Obser who draws from his experience as a journalist. He takes the time to research each area personally, often exploring by car or on foot. His signature style showcases fine details such as stairways, bridges, and pathways. One such project is a framed version of Obser's Cabo Corrientes map hanging in El Tuito's city administrative office.
"Most customers buy my maps as art," says Obser. "They are drawn in by the visual aspect, which is colorful, whimsical, and quite a bit more appealing than typical commercial maps." If you would like to learn more about the artistry of Mapa Jeff Cartography or inquire about customized services, visit MapaJeff.com or his Facebook page.
As you continue making your way through the Market, stop by to see Gloria Lopez Salazar of Jugos y Aguas Gloria. She makes and sells juices as well as her own special blend of aguas frescas or "fresh waters."
These refreshing drinks are especially good during those hot, humid days of summer. Aguas frescas are traditionally made with fruit, herbs, spices, grains, or seeds. Although you can buy them from street vendors all over Mexico and Latin America, Gloria brings her own special blend to you in the Old Town Farmers' Market - Tianguis Cultural International Food Court.
Jugos y Aguas Gloria's juices and aguas frescas are all natural. Gloria uses the freshest of ingredients, hand-selecting, cleaning and peeling the fruit before mixing it with purified water, ice, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the natural flavors. Every Saturday, her customers are quick to select their favorite flavors from among the watermelon, orange, passion fruit, rice, pineapple, jackfruit, and jamaica selections.
"My customers are passionate about my aguas frescas," says Gloria, "and it is that enthusiasm that is the main ingredient in my products." For three seasons, Gloria has been serving refreshing beverages to thousands of guests who come through the Market each week. Which flavor will be your newest Jugos y Aguas Gloria favorite?
Discover the treasures and refreshments that await you at the Old Town Farmers' Market - Tianguis Cultural. Located along Basilio Badillo between Olas Altas and Ignacio Vallarta, this "make it, bake it, grow it" Market is open from 9:30 am to 2 pm from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in May. For more information, visit OldTownFM.com, or follow the Market on Facebook.Click HERE to learn more about the Puerto Vallarta Old Town Farmers' Market.