City Centre Plaza in Montego Bay is a plaza devoted almost entirely
to in-bond stores but you will find others in the Holiday Village
and Half Moon Shopping Village, in larger hotels and at Montego Bay
Plaza on the waterfront. Be sure to bargain in these stores - it is
expected.
The main Crafts Market is on Harbour Street in town but there are
two smaller ones in the hotel area, one next to Fantasy Hotel and
another on Fort Street on the site of a 17th century fort.
Art Galleries
A visit to Lester Art Gallery in the hills above Reading can also be
a tour in itself or can be combined with visits to other places of
interest. The Gallery is devoted to works of Polish sea captain and
painter the late Michael Leszczynski, who anglicised his name to
Lester and is famous for the work of his Jamaica period. The gallery
is at his former home and studio which he built in the 1950s on a
cliff side at the village of Belmont. The house has stunning views.
Call 605-1299 and arrange a visit. In the same area are Rocklands
Bird Sanctuary and Mountain Valley River Rafting.
Aquasol Theme Park
Situated on the dazzling white sand Walter Fletcher beach, this
theme park offers enough entertainment to keep you busy all day. It
has a go-kart track with 10 Honda bumper carts and water sports such
as kayaking, parasailing, banana boating and glass bottom boating in
addition to trampolines, wave runners, beach volleyball and two
professional tennis courts. The Voyage sport's bar and restaurant
not only serves excellent food, there are 42 big-screen TV's for
sporting events, pool tables, slot machines and many other games.
979-9447
Montego Bay Underseas Tours
The "Coral See" looks a bit like a submarine but it is really a boat
with an air conditioned underwater viewing compartment six feet
under the surface where you can sit in comfort and watch the wonders
of the Montego Bay Marine Park. Coral, hundreds of different fish,
turtles, and sting rays are all displayed for your enjoyment. 940-
4465.
Belvedere Estate
Belvedere is a family-owned estate set on one thousand acres of land
just minutes away from Montego Bay. It was one of the first sugar
cane plantations in Jamaica and is still a working estate. The
owner, Mr. Pat McGann, has opened it to the public so that all can
share the natural beauty of its rivers and waterfalls, its ruins and
exotic plants and birds. 952-6001
Bird Sanctuary
A visit to Rocklands Feeding Station in Anchovy, only minutes away
from Montego Bay, is a must for all bird lovers and bird watchers.
Feeding time is four o'clock .
Bob Marley Experience and Theatre
Situated in the Half Moon Shopping Village. Shows every hour on the
hour are a touching tribute to Bob Marley. This tastefully produced
documentary film is a must for all lovers of his music and for those
who have never had the pleasure of watching Bob Marley in concert.
The adjoining shop has the largest selection of Bob Marley T-shirts
in the world. 953-3946.
Caribbean Beach Park
Situated at Ironshore, this newly opened facility is the perfect
spot for family fun, with lots of beach activities and lifeguards
certified for CPR. An attractive restaurant, bar and ice cream
parlour are among the services provided.
Caribbean Showplace
This entertainment Centre at Ironshore offers a games room, two
restaurants and a "state of the art" nightclub with two bars cater
to every taste.
Chukka Blue Adventure Tours
Situated at Blue Hole, Sandy Bay, this company offers a horseback-
riding tour through an ancient sugar estate. The tour meanders for
two and a half hours through the picturesque Jamaican landscape and
finishes with a dip in the sea (horse and all). First class horses,
and equipment as well as experienced guides ensure a memorable
experience for all.
They also offer an exciting bike tour through the cool hills of
Hanover down to the beach.
Yet another tour is aptly named the Heritage Tour. Safari jeeps
meander deep into the Jamaican countryside, taking in the occasional
great house on the way. 817-3624
Coral Cliff Gaming/ Entertainment Lounge
A flashing neon sign is the GO signal for the "Hip Strip's" best
seven nights of live entertainment. From live jazz to fabulous
fashion shows, cabaret or vintage reggae, it is exciting,
entertaining and exhilarating. Coral Cliff, Montego Bay's gaming
lounge, is a haven for conservative and adventurous players alike.
Slots range in denomination from US$0.50 to US$5.00 for jackpots as
big as your dreams. 952-4130
Tryall Golf Club
The Tryall resort sits in a beautiful 2,200 acre estate with
sweeping vistas down to the incredibly blue Caribbean sea. The 72
par 18 hole golf course here is world-famous. Call 956-5660.
Rose Hall Beach Club
They call themselves the water sports capital of Jamaica and with
great reason. Name any water sport and they have it — waterskiing,
wave runners, para sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing, snorkeling,
hydrospeeding. The list goes on. If you are a water sports fan or
would like to learn any of the above. this place is a must. The club
now offers family and corporate memberships at very reasonable
prices. 680-0969
Rose Hall Great House
This is without doubt the most celebrated Great House in Jamaica. It
was once the home of the notoriously wicked Annie Palmer, the White
Witch of Rose Hall, who murdered three husbands and terrorized her
slaves. U.S. entrepreneurs, John and Michele Rollins, restored it to
its original glory, complete with furnishings from the same time
period. Charming Jamaican hostesses will chill your blood with tales
of the evil Annie. A refreshing walk in the beautiful gardens will
restore your equilibrium — or should you need stronger sustenance
you can find it in Annie's Pub in the dungeon of the Great House.
953-2323
Tours To Cuba
Vacation Outlet and Tropical Tours can add a Latin flavour to your
holiday with a side trip to Cuba which lies a mere 90 miles from
Jamaica's north coast. Day or weekend trips are on offer. Tour
historic Havana, dance to the rhythms of salsa. Call Vacation Outlet
at 971-3859 or Tropical Tours at 952-0400
Water Sports
Companies like Cool Aqua Sun Sports (680-0969), North Coast Marine
Sports (953-9266), Captain's Watersports & Dive Centre (952-5860),
offer expert services. Call for weather and visibility conditions.
Cambioman
At 8 Market Street, Montego Bay changes money at very competitive
rates. 940-0691
Restaurants
Whatever your culinary fancy, Jamaica has it all. If you want to
grab a quick bite or luxuriate through a seven course meal; if you
want to eat Italian, Japanese, French or even Jamaican food, there
are chefs to cater to your every whim and there are prices to suit
every pocket. Beyond advising that you should not leave Jamaica
without trying such delicacies as ackee and saltfish, rice and peas,
pumpkin soup, roast breadfruit, jerk chicken, Jamaican patties or
ginger beer, we simply present you with a list of restaurants and
leave the choice to you. Most restaurants offer a pick-up service
when you call to make a reservation.
Akbar is an authentic Indian restaurant, as the attractive decor
designed by Jamaican artist, Dawn Scott, proclaims, and it more than
lives up to the reputation of its renowned sister establishment in
Kingston. The menu offers dishes with such exotic names as Chicken
Tikka Masala and Vegetable Jaipupi and will please beginners as well
as long-time devotees of the cuisine. Call 979-0133.
Belfield 1794 on the Barnett Estate is unique in that it stands in
what was once a sugar mill. The sturdy circular, stone building
round which oxen once plodded, turning the great press which
squeezed the juice from the sugar cane, has been creatively
remodeled into an attractive dining room and bar. Soft lighting
warms the stone walls and creates a cozy atmosphere where diners can
enjoy the best of fare. A tour of the Barnett Estate Great House
could be an added bonus to an enjoyable meal. 952-2382.
The Brewery on Miranda Ridge offers a cozy, pub atmosphere in its
sports bar and tasty bar food with no less than 12 varieties of
burgers on the menu. They also have an attractive restaurant patio,
overlooking the bay. 940-2613
Caribbean Cafe at Caribbean Showplace in Ironshore is open from 7
a.m. to 2 a.m., offering casual dining with island foods and
specialties. 953-8263.
Day O Plantation. A pretty garden terrace for dining under the
stars. Seafood features strongly. The Day O Snapper is one of our
favourites. Host is musician Paul Hurlock, so live music goes with
the scenery and at weekends a steel band and dancers add to the
entertainment. Wonderful setting for weddings. They will make all
the arrangements for you. 952-1825.
Docks Caribbean is on the beach, by the pool at the Coyaba Hotel,
five minutes to the east of Montego Bay airport. Food is excellent,
prices are reasonable and the home-made cakes are "out of this
world". Open 10-30 a.m to sunset. Enjoy a live Reggae band every
Thursday night. 953-9150.
Dolly's - situated on Sunset Boulevard at Hotel Gloria Plaza,
between Sundance Resort and the airport, Dolly's clientele comes
from all the resort area hotels especially to enjoy her Jamaica-
style cuisine. You can't leave Jamaica without sampling her sweet
potato pudding served warm with a special sauce, so good it was
featured on NBC television. Prices are reasonable and smoking is
permitted on the outside patio. 979-0045.
Dunn's Villa, a short hop from the Wyndham Hotel, has an excellent
chef. Jamaican country-style dinner is served every night and we
especially recommend the steamed fish in coconut milk and their home-
made ginger beer. Happy Hour from 6 pm to 8 pm. Friday night
is "Jerk Night", a barbecue featuring Jamaica's famous jerk spices,
by the pool. Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 am to 3 pm. Their
garden party is a special event. Call ahead for reservations. 953-
7459.
Glistening Waters in Falmouth. A dining experience you should not
miss. Dinner beside the magic waters of the luminous lagoon with its
darting fish etched in eerie light. Seafood is the specialty. Open 8
am to 11 pm every day. 954-3427.
Greenhouse on Gloucester Avenue opposite Doctor's Cave, has a
pleasant, coffee shop ambience with good food at reasonable prices.
952-7838.
Estate Cottage at Caribbean Showplace in Ironshore is open from 6-30
p.m. to 11-30 p.m. Reservation only. The decor blends old Jamaica
charm with ultra-modern elegance and the cuisine is international,
featuring Caribbean specialties. 953-8263.
Guangzhou on Miranda Ridge, offers daily lunch time specials which
attract a faithful local clientele while its superb panoramic view
of the bay make it a romantic setting for dinner. The genuine
Chinese chef will prepare your favourite Chinese dish to order. 952-
6200
Ma Lou's. Take a culinary cruise and taste the Caribbean at this
gourmet jewel. From her journey to the islands, Ma Lou has captured
the essence of their indigenous flavours and prepares an exciting
array of delectable dishes just for you. 952-4130
Marguerite's is one of the finest seafood restaurants in the island.
Enjoy an romantic and intimate dinner served on the starlit water's
edge terrace by an attentive staff. Creatively prepared Caribbean
seafood specialties include Cognac Lobster, Pimento Smoked Blue
Marlin and Tijuana Shrimp. Flambeau specialties are prepared at your
table and an imaginative selection of imported steaks, vegetarian
specials and pastas complete the culinary experience. Open for
dinner only. Reservations are preferred and complimentary shuttles
are provided in the Montego Bay area. Call 952-4277.
Margueritaville, centrally located on the Hip Strip and where the
party never stops. By day bounce about on the water trampolines,
relax in the rooftop hot tub or ride the monster slide that plunges
110 feet into the Caribbean. At night the danceteria swings to the
latest international and local sounds. But whenever you visit sample
the grilled specials, fajitas, burgers and authentic local fare.
Wash it all down with one of the 52 tropical flavors of margueritas
or bongs of beer. Something's always happening at Margeritaville.
Call 952-4777.
The Native in an attractive location on Gloucester Avenue. Excellent
Jamaican food at reasonable prices. Their Boonoonoonos (Jamaican
for "excellent") Platter lets you sample a number of local
delicacies while their salad bar overflows with tropical goodies.
Seafood specials on Fridays nights. Superb lunch buffet Fridays and
Sundays. Call 979-2769 for free pickup.
Orlando's Cuban Cafe, a must for lovers of Cuban cuisine. Located on
the Hip Strip. 952-8554.
The Pelican. For thirty five years a favourite eating place for
locals and visitors. A comprehensive international menu is enlivened
with daily Jamaican specials while their Jamaican breakfasts are a
Montego Bay institution. Round off your meal with one of their
famous sundaes or a banana split and you'll still be within your
budget. Situated on Gloucester Avenue. 952-3171.
Richmond Hill Inn at the top of Union Street, on the top of a hill
with the best view in town, offers European cuisine with a Jamaican
touch. Lobster is a specialty of the house. Open 5-30 pm to 11 pm
every day. 952-3859.
Rose Hall Beach Club has an attractive restaurant right on the
beach, offering a wide variety of snacks and dishes to keep your
energy going while you sample their watersports. 680-0969.
Royal Stocks, an authentic English Pub and Steakhouse at Half Moon
Shopping Village with gleaming wood and polished brass decor. Darts,
satellite T. V., "good oldies" music and blackboard menu add to
the "pub" atmosphere. Good old English favorites like steak & kidney
pie and fish and chips. Great steaks, fresh garden salads, Caribbean
seafood and daily chef specials offer hearty fare. A children's menu
to welcome youngsters is available. 953-9770.
Rio Brac Rest Stop half way between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios is an
ideal place to break your journey.
Rumjungle. Located at Coral Cliff, Montego Bay, this cafe and bar
adds an exciting twist to Montego Bay's nightlife. More than 100
varieties of rum, an incredible list of specialty drinks. An exotic
Caribbean menu and live entertainment into the wee hours of the
morning. Unwind and be intoxicated by the mysteries of the Jungle.
952-4130.
Sugar Mill on the Golf Course at Half Moon Hotel. A pretty spot for
lunch, under the shade of the almond trees and a romantic spot for
dinner by candlelight, under the stars. The cuisine is international
with a touch of Jamaica and the Caribbean serenely blended to remind
you, if you were in any doubt, that you are in the tropics. Seafood
features strongly on the menu 953-2314.
Tapas. This restaurant is hidden behind the Coral Cliff Hotel and is
well worth searching for. The name originates in Spain where bars
serve snacks with wine. Montego Bay's Tapas has a strong Spanish
influence with Arabic overtones and a dash of Caribbean flair. All
this is orchestrated by Canadian-trained chef, Oliver Magnus, who
changes his menu every week. We especially enjoyed his "Tapas" dish -
a sampling of several items on the menu, such as smoked duck and
lamb with jerk sauce and guava glaze. 952-2988.
The Vineyard is at Coyaba Hotel, five minutes beyond the airport to
the east of Montego Bay. The hotel is the only "Small Luxury Hotels
of the World" in Jamaica and the dining room certainly reflects that
distinction. Executive Chef, Oliver Oertel, who hails from Germany,
is a former Gold Ribbon winner and was voted "Chef of the Year" in
Jamaica. The food is excellent and well worth a visit. 953-9150.
The Voyage at the Aquasol Theme Park on Gloucester Avenue in Montego
Bay is a sports bar and restaurant right on the beach. It offers
such old-time Jamaican favourites as Jerked Chicken and Oxtail and
Beans along with a comprehensive international menu. Personalized
pan pizzas let you do your own thing. 979-9447.
Town House on Church Street. A favourite dining place of the rich
and famous, their guest book includes such famous names as Sean
Connery, Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel.
The red brick walls with their fine art collection, and candlelight
gleaming on glass and silverware gives this place a strong
character. A well established restaurant, the Town House's
reputation for great dining and fine wines has not dimmed in over
thirty years. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every
day. 952-2660.
Night Life
Sunset in Jamaica is symbolic, not so much of the end of the day,
but the beginning of the throbbing tropical night. Sunset watching
is a required pursuit; there remains only to choose the spot.
Restaurants with bars or vice versa, or just night spots, provide
plenty of after-dark activity. Some have live entertainment or
satellite T. V.
Annie's Pub, situated in the dungeon at the Rose Hall Great House
naturally has great atmosphere. They sometimes host live music
events.
Coral Cliff Entertainment Lounge at the Coral Cliff Hotel offers
varied entertainment seven nights a week with live jazz, fashion
shows, cabaret and vintage reggae. There is no cover charge and free
transport from your hotel cab be arranged. Call 952-4130
Coyaba Hotel offers Seafood by the Sea on Thursday with a live
Calypso band. On Friday there is live jazz in the Polo Grounds Bar
and on Saturday a lively Native Show on the beach. Non-guests are
welcome. Call 953-9150.
Margueritaville swings every night until the last guest goes home
and there is always something different to do. Check it out at 952-
4777.
Royal Stocks. English Pub and Steakhouse at Half Moon Shopping
Village has all the atmosphere of a genuine English pub. Good food,
good booze and good company, darts, satellite T. V., slot machines
and occasional live jazz. 953-9770.
The Brewery on Miranda Ridge celebrates Happy Hour every day from
4pm to 6 pm with Karaoke on Tuesday and Friday. 940-2613
Witch's Hideaway at the Dunn's Villa, close to the Wyndham Hotel,
has Happy Hour every evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. 953-7459.
The Voyage at the Aquasol Theme Park on Gloucester Avenue hosts
regular beach parties and theme nights throughout the year with live
entertainment and fun galore. Call to see what's on during your
visit. 979-9447.
SUNSET CRUISES
Cool Aqua Sun Sports claim they have the best sunset cruise ever
onboard their "Lady Sharon". Enjoy their lavish hospitality from 5
p.m. to 7 p.m. with complimentary rum drinks and Jamaica Reggae
moves as the sun slowly sinks in the west. 680-0969.
Sharky's, the distinctive tour boat with the gaping jaws, offers
occasional evening dance parties from Pier 1. Call 971-1049.
NIGHTCLUBS
Tropigala Night Club, situated at Caribbean Showplace in Ironshore,
is open from 8 p.m. with game shows, cabaret with glamorous
showgirls and international performers. Call 953-8263 for more
information.
BEACH PARTIES
Check Aquasol Theme Park 979-9447, Rosehall Beach Club 953-2341
Caribbean Beach Park 953-8263, Cornwall Beach, 952-4439, to see what
is on.
2006 Jamaica Carnival
Below is the schedule of events for Carnival 2006:
Sun. Mar 5th - Kingson - Carnival Heart Institute of Jamaica 3k Walk.
Fri. Mar 10th - Negril - Carnival Ocean Blue. Come out in your Blue -
Jungle Club.
Sat. Mar 18th - Junction - Carnival Mermaids in Green. Come out in
your Green - Pines Centre.
Sat. Mar 25th - St. Thomas - Carnival Three Finger Jack. Come
dressed as Pirates and Wenches - Colonel Cove.
Sun. Mar 26th - New Kingston - Carnival Harbour Blast. Sailors in
White - Street Dance.
Sun. Apr 2nd - Port Antonio - Carnival Sinking Sands. Beach Party -
Folly Grounds.
Sat. Apr 8th - May Pen - Carnival May Day. Red Alert wear something
red - Jamalco Sports Club.
Sun. Apr 9th - Montego Bay - Carnival Bay Watch. Beach Skimpy & Hot -
(Mid-Nite Mas).
Sun. Apr 16th - St. Ann - Carnival Chukka Cove. Tidal Wave - Ride
the Waves.
Sat. Apr 22nd - Kingston - Carnival Vintage vs Soca - Pegasus
Poolside.
Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Kingston Road Parade.
Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Grand Finale and Last Hurrah
Concert at the National Stadium.
2006 Red Strip Reggae Sumfest
Below is the schedule of events for the 2006 Red Strip Reggae
Sumfest Concert:
Sun. July 16th - Montego Bay - Reggae Sumfest Blast Off Beach Party -
5 sound systems, beer inclusive, Reggae on the Runway fashion show.
Crazy vibes from afternoon to the night, Stews peas Festival,
Whitehouse Fish Fiesta, Food stalls from Montego Bay's top
restaurants, dominoes, ludo, Get ready for the vibes get ready for
the beach get ready for the beer. Free Red Stripe beer from 12 Noon
to 12 Midnight. Featuring: Black Chiney, Renaissance, Coppershot,
Tony Matterhorn, Pure Playaz, 3rd Degree and Black Cat.
Mon. July 17th - Montego Bay - Reggae Sumfest Mad Monday Ultimate
Street Party - Firelinks of Hot Monday, Swatch from PassaPassa,
Stone Love from WeddyWeddy, and Pure Playazz from Montego Bay. Arts
and craft ,Super-sized bar, the best of the delicious, Hip Strip
cuisine just bring your energy vibe, you're gonna need it.
Thur. July 20th - Montego Bay - Reggae Sumfest - Storm Front, The
Explosive Dancehall Night - This is the big one, Stormfront-The
explosive danncehal night is the world's biggest night in dancehall.
Capleton the Fireman will bring the fire and the fury Elephant Man
promises an explosive performance, Baby Cham rides into town with
his Ghetto story, the young warriors Busy Signal and Idonia promise
much. Representing for the ladies are, Lady Saw, Spice and of course
the sexy Macka Diamond, with her stories of 'Bun' (cheating)
Turbulance, Wayne Marshall, Mr. Vegas, Gyptian and Voicemail are all
expected to bring the vibe to the Stormfront Bounty Killa, Capleton,
Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Baby Cham, Lady Saw, Mr. Vegas, Wayne
Marshall, Turbalance, Macka Diamond, Spice, Left Side & Esco,
Idonia , Voicemail, Gyptian and Busy Signaland Much More.. Look out
for two BIG Additions!
Fri. July 21st - Montego Bay - Reggae Sumfest Ignition, The
International Fire Blazes - Montego Bay the Vibes City, ignites with
the biggest and most exciting stars in the world on stage at
Catherine Hall. A night of Jamaica's greatest and the world's best.
Sat. July 22nd - Montego Bay - Reggae Sumfest Summit, Jamaica's
Greatest, The World's Best - Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, presents The
Summit, Jamaicas and the worlds top performers all at the top of
their game on one stage.
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