This information as been gleaned and compiled from contributions of volunteer "board members" who took the time to email their commentary and information.

TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING?????

Let's tackle this oft-contentious issue first. Since the whole matter is pretty much one of opinion we can safely say that the range of opinion starts at one end with the " bring everything you can to save money and have exactly what you want folks" who disregard the packing/carrying burdens of same, and finishes at the other end with the "bring nothing, carry nothing and buy everything local folks" who on their part disregard availability and cost.

The "BROUGHT". The following is an unedited list of items that are/have been/will be brought by our contributors:" All of our meat", a gallon of milk, cream, bacon, frozen concentrated drinks, fresh Italian bread, coffee both regular and decaf, measuring spoon for the coffee, pasta, peppermill, Spelda packets, Ziploc bags, frozen tenderloins, frozen strip steaks, anything that is a must for special dietary and/or allergy needs, Kool-aid, hotdogs, chicken, sliced ham, ketchup, crackers, "quick fixing foods", Stilton and Saga Cheese, deli meats, paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, almonds, foil wrap, plastic wrap, boiled peanuts, bread, bread crumbs, canned fruit, cheese of all kinds, cocktail sauce, cookies, daiquiri mix, garlic salt, grits, ham, jelly, ketchup, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Mrs. Dash, canned mushrooms, mustard, Nutty Buddies, olive oil, onion soup mix, Pam, paprika, flavored pasta, peanut butter, peas w/onions, popcorn, potatoes au gratin, Pringles, rice, sliced flavored roast beef, salad dressing, salsa, salt, pepper, sausage, sour cream, tarter sauce, vegetable oil, Velveta, wet napkins, sandwich bags and pork roast.
Note: We are covering only "landlubbers" here, not boaters' provisions.

The "BRINGERS" Case: You are going on a vacation to have the best time you possibly can. Part of that "best time" consists of good meals and beverage. Why should one deprive one's self of the food you really like to eat and would miss if you didn't have it and therefore diminish to an extent that "best time"? You are going on vacation with the kids. Let's keep it simple…the kids love those purple things, and the things with the sugar sprinkles, and the etc. etc. etc. Now we love our kids…but…we are also on vacation and if it takes bringing those things to cut down on the "nag factor" we will bring 'em. MONEY. Everything in Abaco grocery stores costs more than in the States, some way more than others (like spices and paper products). Why spend that money when we can bring the goods with us and save? QUALITY. It just isn't as good as the States (not to exclude Canada and other major outposts of Western (primarily) Civilization). Steaks, deli meats, chicken etc. just don't match up so why not bring?
 

The "NON-BRINGERS" Case: You are going on a vacation to have the best time you possibly can. Why burden yourself with the packing and carrying of grocery supplies when you can buy it in Abaco? The kids? It will do the kids good for them to do without that stuff for a while. MONEY. Of course it costs more in Abaco…how else will the stores pay for getting the stuff there? SHOP LOCAL. It helps the local economy, it offends the locals when they see all that stuff being brought in and you can get everything you "need" (not necessarily "want") in Abaco. The quality and variety of supplies in Abaco has greatly improved over the years…including the steaks.

SUMMATION: Let's start with the fact that almost all are in agreement about alcoholic beverages…they buy in Abaco. Majority consensus is that despite some protestations to the contrary most visitors are economically able to afford Abaco prices. Certainly most eat and drink "out" during their stay…and not just once…as well as rent boats etc. so the amount saved "by packing it in" (figure $100 to$150 for a week) just isn't worth the effort. A number of contributors expressed thoughts along this idea: You are going to a "foreign" country. One of your pleasures should be to immerse yourself in the culture and this would include buying and eating what is available.

BOTTOM LINE: And remember this whole issue is OPINION…sure, bring what you really like and /or need and know you can't get in Abaco (you can get almost everything in the list at the top of this post) but by and large majority opinion is… travel light and bring some extra money.
 

WHERE TO GET IT

MARSH HARBOUR

No question about it Marsh Harbour harbors the widest variety of everything.

In alphabetical order:

Bahamas Family Market located next to Corner Value at "The Old Traffic Light".

Small, friendly place. Open when others aren't. Small but good selection of veggies and fruit items but "few" is the operative word. Take out sandwiches in the form of heroes, chicken and meat pies and hotdogs. A counter top full of fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and some other "gourmet" items such as smoked salmon. Ruth, her family and employees will serve you well.

M & R Market located on Crockett Dr. about a block from K & S Gas Station

M & R is a fairly new "superette" established by Roderick. It's stock is typical of such an establishment. Often open when everyone else is closed such as Holidays, Sundays and evenings. Many items appealing to Haitian tastes are available to try.

Price Right located up the side street from Standard Hardware a couple of blocks.

A recent entrant into the grocery world of Abaco. Originally planned to compete with Solomons and to cater to mainly bulk and larger quantity purchases. With the closing of Golden Harvest they decided to provide for regular retail purchases as well. They carry a standard supermarket line except for meats and fish. Staples are available such as Milk, Bread, eggs etc. and some veggies, fruit and prepared meats. Prices are very competitive, if not lower, on many items compared to Solomon's.

Roderick's located on Crockett Drive two blocks past K&S Gas Station.

This is a very small, higher priced "quikmart" type place frequented by locals and definitely open when no others are…Sundays, Holidays and nights.

Sawyers located down the street opposite Royal Bank.

Much expanded since the demise of Golden Harvest but still smaller in terms of floor space and brand selection. Best variety of fruits, veggies and fresh meats. Carries all standard supermarket goods but again your choice of brands and product variety is limited but not disappointing. Open daily and Sundays until 1 PM.

Solomons located on the street next to the future (?) Golden Harvest.

Now billing itself as a "club" and arguing with the authorities about what they can and can't carry (like Microwaves, chainsaws and oil). Has always been a bulk seller and for the one to two week visitor the quantities you had to buy were for the most part too large. They now have a newly announced policy of allowing standard retail type purchases including meats and veggies but no experiences have been reported to date. They have just about everything

There are enough Liquor Stores in Marsh Harbour to keep you happy. A & K and Bristol Cellars seem to be the most popular (and are nearest the docks and marinas) especially for wine imbibers. Bristol also has (had?) a small store at their original location in Boat Harbour. Cigarettes can be bought at Bristol for the same price as Solomons.

All stores have a selection of over the counter drugstore type items in varying degrees and what one doesn't have the other might. The Chemist Shoppe is a full service Drugstore on Don Mackay Blvd. and right nearby is Island Bakery.

There are other groceries scattered about but probably out of the way for most visitors.

Note that because everything arrives by boat there are often "shortage days" for some items such as milk (sometimes hard to find by Monday) and bread.

All taxis are willing to stop while you shop after your arrival at Marsh Harbour Airport.

HOPE TOWN

There are two stores in Hopetown. Vernon's and Harbour View. Our contributors comment that both stores are "well-stocked". Harbour View does have a dinghy dock that is convenient for boaters and shoppers from Lubbers Quarters. Vernon's Key Lime Pie has achieved a considerable measure of fame. Meats are amply available but frozen. Kiddo stuff like pudding, Jell-O cups, Gatorade, lunchables and chips are found in both stores. Comment was that toiletries and medicines are well provided with the nod going to Harbour View. Vernon's was the pick for fresh produce…veggies and fruits.

Mention was made of Albury's Fish Market in Hopetown but no further info supplied.

Generally speaking the vote is that you can proceed right on to Hopetown without stopping in Marsh Harbour without any major disappointments in the supply situation.
 

LUBBERS QUARTERS

Nada, nil, naught and nothing available. All shopping has to be accomplished elsewhere. Both Marsh Harbour and Hopetown are an easy boat ride with the latter being better for the real small boats.

MAN O' WAR

All right let's get this right out of the way…there are no liquor stores and no bars on Man O' War. We are told that there may be some imbibing however.

There are two groceries on MOW, Albury's Harbour Store and Man O' War Grocery.

As in Hopetown you can get what you need but not all you might want. There are fresh veggies but the meat is frozen. Given the fact that the "Bringers" who import their own meat have to freeze it anyhow you should be able to provision yourself for a week between both stores if you choose not to stop in Marsh Harbour and do the groceries on the Ferry thing.

GUANA

As far as grocery stores go the Guana Harbour Grocery located towards the end of the harbor from the ferry dock is the ball game. Our reporters say that for a week or so visit you can make do right there. Meat is frozen…steaks on the "thin" side…and there is chicken, pork, ham and hamburger. Stock comes in on Thursdays and Fridays such as milk, veggies, cheese, yoghurt and other cooler items and supplements arrive on Monday and Tuesday. Fresh bread is available most of the time and sometimes cinnamon buns. Fresh veggies and the usual staples are all there as well as health products, film, paper products and the like. Not open on Sunday.

Milo's is a vegetable and fruit stand right on the Harbour and the choice varies with the crop season. Tomatoes, cukes and citrus are on the list. Rumor has it that Milo's brother is opening a fish market and we will add to the list when it happens. Island Time Mon. Fig Tree Liquors on the Harbour will keep you supplied, at a price, but for serious grape and single malt Scotch better stop in Marsh Harbour.

GREEN TURTLE CAY

New Plymouth has three grocery stores, a liquor store and a bakery. All the stores are within easy walking distance of each other on the "loop". Macintosh Bakery produces fresh bread daily including coconut bread. Also a selection of pies and pastries. The 3 groceries…Lowe's, Sid's and Curry's follow each other as you walk the loop where you must pass the liquor store Plymouth Rock as well.

And what can you find? Well for a start our reporters did not come up with a long list of fruits and veggies …potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, apples bananas, limes, bell peppers, carrots and lettuce were mentioned. Cheeses, eggs, bacon, cereals, frozen meats, chips, cookies crackers, rice, pasta, sauces and salad dressing and the usual shelf items are readily available unless they're not…it is an island and supplies can get skimpy at certain times. As on the other outer cays your certainly won't go hungry. The liquor store is well stocked including a number of white wines…they actually ran out of beer for two days during one board members visit which much have caused some small amount of panic on island…an unusual occurrence we are sure. B & M Seafoods is near Miss Emily's (are Goombay Smashes considered a staple?) and is "sporadically open". There is also a grocery store and liquor store at the Green Turtle Club in White Sound where it is reported that you can save many a trip to "town" if you are staying up that way. Stores are closed on Sundays. Curry's has extended Saturday hours…8:30PM.

TREASURE CAY

TC has a fully stocked market open until 6PM Monday through Saturday. There is also a well- stocked convenience store that is open until about 10PM and on Sundays. Fruits, veggies, milk and juice arrive on Thursdays…usually.

The Mini Market, we are told that the name belies the stock, has all the standard supermarket items and stateside brand names. Beef and chicken are fresh and pork and lamb usually frozen. Fresh veggies, seasonal fruits. Non RX pharmacy and health care goods. By Wednesdays the fresh stuff is quite depleted. Bristol Cellars now owns the newly remodeled liquor store with a good selection of all you want to imbibe. The Convenience Store has some fresh produce and fruit and the meat is probably frozen…no firm report on that. Florence's Bakery "is to die for", so goes the report, with fresh breads, pies etc. Annie's Laundry can sometimes be a source for fish…don't look in the washing machines for it. There is also Kula's, a convenience store out on the highway near the entrance, and one in the gas station near the airport. There is another liquor store on the right as you enter TC, Spankys …reputed to be well stocked. All in all TC provides a pretty self contained source for all you need.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS

The above is to be considered a work in progress. Places open, places close, places change. We will try and keep this updated. Meanwhile, if YOU can add to, subtract from, expand upon, correct or comment feel free to email: YP@oii.net.

You will note, for instance, that we are short a lot of "hours" for many of the businesses mentioned. You will also note that we have not provided info on places such as Coopers Town, Sandy Point etc..All the smaller communities do have stores with goods available in varying degrees.

Anyhow…hope this provides many of the "newbies" with a modest balm for their supply worries and at that it at least answers the simpler questions…like "where do I buy groceries"?