Jamaica on a Budget

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This locally owned franchise is making inroads into the fast food market. Its attractive two-floor restaurant in Twin Gate Plaza is one of the few 24-hour fast food outlets in Kingston. The menu reflects a Jamaican flair, with delights such as callaloo rice, roast fish and jerked chicken. These meals are not complete without "festivals," a flour, cornmeal and sugar mixture fried with a hard brown crust. There are outlets in the Sovereign Shopping Centre, Spanish Town, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. They also have outlets in London and Miami.

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Here's a photo opportunity! Worthy of a visit, the Bob Marley statue greets you at the entrance to Independence Park -- a "must" if you're a visitor to Kingston. Heralded as one the most famous personalities to come out of Jamaica, Robert Nesta Marley was the first to expose Jamaica's indigenous music, "Reggae" to the world.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nightlife mecca of Jamaica

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New Kingston is the nightlife mecca of Jamaica. There is a restaurant on every corner running the gamut from casual to five star dining. At day time, New Kingston is business central and is home to most major offices and a few shopping centers but at night it becomes party central. You may want to check out the bar at the Hilton Hotel or swing by Christopher's at the Quad - a four level nightclub which is always swinging. If these are not to your taste, there is plenty to choose from, just ask the concierge at your hotel for suggestions.

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We can't all be Tiger Woods or enjoy the luxury of exclusive golf clubs. However, playing a few holes, 18 to be exact, is still within our reach. Think gorgeous gardens, artificial turf, streams and background music and you will get an idea of this picturesque setup. Instructors are on hand to give lessons on improving your golfing skills. Plans are afoot to introduce an after work session and a bar. This should make this spot an even more ideal place to hangout.

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Ice cream in the gardens, popular with lovers and great for the kids

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Replete with old world colonial charm, Devon House is a mansion built by Jamaica's first black millionaire. Devon House features antique furnishings and paintings but its current claim to fame is its gardens which are ever popular with young lovers, its one of a kind ice cream with flavors unique to Devon House, its pastry shop which is also an antique brick oven aptly named The Brick Oven and its restaurants and craft shops. Just about anything you want can be had on the grounds of this beautiful mansion.

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Visit the ruins of the old town, enjoy freshly cooked fish on the roadside or take a trip across to the beach at Lime Cay

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As the pirate capital of the New World, Port Royal was labeled as "The wickedest city in Christendom." The bustling city sank beneath the waves during the earthquake of 1692, but left enough evidence to tell its story. Silent cannons still keep watch over Fort Charles as they did under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson. Many artifacts have been recovered and are displayed in the Port Royal Archaeological and Historical Museum. Today, tourists flock here to see the remnants of another era, enjoy fine restaurants and buy some souvenirs.

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Café What's On offers not only expertly-brewed coffee beverages and wireless Internet access, but a delectable array of soups, salads, pasta dishes, seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. Although the small scale of the dining room at first may be deceiving, it is sure to please in a big way. Located in the popular Devon House, Café What's On offers outdoor dining among the trim and pristine green and scenery Devon House is known to offer. And if that isn't enough, nowhere in Kingston consistently serves a better cup of cappuccino! - Rushel Miller

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A risque ride in a fishing boat take you to the unspoilt beaches of this tiny cay.

Description:

If you happen to be in Kingston and still want a taste of Jamaica's lovely beaches, take a ride over to Lime Cay, a small islet just off the coast of Port Royal. A short and exciting ride in a fishing boat or chartered yacht takes you across to the unspoilt beach where you can wade, swim or relax and read a book. You may just want to pack lunch and make a picnic of it or try lunch at nearby Morgan's Harbour before or after your trip as the food selection and amenities on the cay may be a bit limited.

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At the foot of the Blue Mountains, great for hiking, picnics or camping

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Every urban centre needs a place where people can escape from the pressures of metropolitan living. Kingston's hideaway is this park amidst the ridges and peaks of the fabled Blue Mountain Range. Visitors come for the picnic and camping areas, cabin facilities and beautiful trails through lush Jamaican rain forests and mountains. The park offers a panoramic view of Kingston and its environs, and it is a haven for indigenous species of birds. This sanctuary encapsulates the magnificence of the Jamaican mountains and is a must-see for visitors. Call for camp rates.

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For those with stamina, the scenic Blue Mountain hike is the perfect activity

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Challenge yourself with this truly breathtaking hike to Jamaica's highest point. Traverse the undulating and sometimes risqué foot path that leads to the Blue Mountain peak. Starting at Gordon Town and passing through Newcastle, this at times demanding hike takes you deep into the flora of the Blue Mountain with streams gushing from the most unexpected places. The exhilarating feeling of being high up in the clouds and away from civilization makes the burn well worth it. Be sure to arm yourself with the hiking basics and you may just want to overnight at the rustic cabins at Portland Gap before setting off for the peak in time for sunrise. Alternatively, you could try the downhill bicycle ride which involves no pedalling!

Our Local Expert Says:

Best beach in Ocho Rios

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This beach has taken on a secret "007" identity of its own. Make a day of it- you can laze by the sea and work on your tan, take a tour on a glass bottom boat or rent a "toy" and have some fun. Kayaks, wave runners and snorkeling equipment are all available for a small fee. It's less than 90 miles from Kingston and attracts both locals and tourists - loved by all. The sandy retreat is home to both a full-service bar and a restaurant.

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This secluded spot in the heart of New Kingston is a haven for Jamaicans and visitors who crave upscale ambiance, great food and excellent service in an enchanting garden setting. Customers have a choice between atmospheric indoor dining rooms, or outdoors on the terrace or courtyard in a picturesque garden. The Jamaican-contemporary menu offers a wide variety of international dishes with a local touch. A fully stocked bar adds to the offerings. As the name implies, jazz and blues is the music of choice. The cosmopolitan setting is complete with an on-going art exhibition, and gift shop.

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This is undoubtedly one of Kingston's finest pastry shops. Customers flock to purchase freshly baked snacks, pastries and natural juices. This shop is located in historic Devon House, where well-manicured lawns and gardens and clay brick walls reminiscent of the property's rich history add to ambiance. Diners enjoy fresh pastries, snacks, patties (of all sorts), natural juices and teas in designated areas of the historic mansion. The Brick Oven staff gets in on the fun by dressing in the island's traditional bandana style.

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This eatery in New Kingston caters to the lunchtime crowd, but is also a convenient place to grab a bite for those out late. This joint has both an upstairs and downstairs eating area. Decorative glass blocks, red clay tiles, white and burgundy paint makes it one of the most attractive in the chain.

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The is a recent addition to a growing list of "jerk centres," which have opened in Kingston. It is located in a small plaza in Matilda's Corner, Liguanea. The somewhat biased staff claims that they concoct the "best" jerked pork and chicken, using of a secret jerk seasoning prepared from local herbs and spices. The menu is quite extensive and offers a wider range of local dishes.