Kingston is a city, a parish and a brand.
Make sure Kingston is on your bucket list when you visit Jamaica.
Kingston on a Budget
I love spending time with the elderly, especially when they are a going concern. They have places to go and people to see, and they manage it all within their budget. Two such were my apartment-days neighbours, Mrs Davies and Miss Gordon. Always on the go, and never without their lipstick. What I learned from them is that Kingston can be thoroughly enjoyable, even on a budget. So, as I slide gracefully into my retirement years, keep in touch with me here and I will share with you some gems; places and events that make for memorable and affordable experiences, right here in Kingston.
A Jamaican Cookbook is a great takeaway; a keepsake loaded with good memories
A bookshop is a great place to idle-a-while, and Bookophilia is the best. They are so accommodating, with their coffee/tea stand with deelish muffins, free Wi-Fi, their lounge area for reading - anything from the shelves -, their children's Storytime area, their book launches, and other events such as art exhibitions, Open Mic where you can share your talents, and movie and discussion night. There are a host of special events each month.
Keep in touch with Bookophilia's activities on Facebook and Twitter to find out what's on while you are here in Kingston. Phone and visit them at 92 Hope Road in Liguanea. You are sure to find a great book on Jamaica or by a Jamaican author to take home as a memento of your visit here, or as a gift for a friend when you return home.
My sister believes it is always good to support local businesses. She gives two reasons; you keep them in business so that they are there for you, and it reduces your environmental footprint. So, why trek across town for a night on the town when there is our new wine bar in Manor Park, Cellar 8. There are even more reasons to support it. The decor, menu, wine selection, service. When you stay at Neita's Nest, Cellar 8 is just a 5-minute drive away, going south.
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Five minutes north of Neita's Nest, and for a completely different dining experience is Chateau 7 Jerk Centre. Start with their Conch Soup; it is to die for, and opens the palettes for some of the best jerked meats this side of Portland, home of the original jerk. |
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The Institute of Jamaica
The exhibition on the Morant Bay Uprising is one of several showing now at the Institute of Jamaica on East Street.
“The people were freed in 1838, but the material basis of real freedom was denied them.”
(Historian Don Robotham)
still
The difinitive Rastafari Exhibition is/\on at the Water Lane Gallery of the Institute of Jamaica. Come see how this religious and cultural movement has taken on the world, one peaceful step at a time.
Bird Watching at Hope Gardens
Imagine a leisurely stroll at 6:30 am through the landscaped gardens of the Royal Hope Botanical Gardens on Old Hope Road! Come with your cameras, binoculars, your keen eyes and ears, and comfortable shoes, and just US$2.00. After 2-hour guided tour by a member of Bird Life Jamaica you want to go buy Frank Bernal's book , Birds of Jamaica, available at Craft Cottage for under US$10
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The Military Band plays
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Our Hope Zoo
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Kingston on a Budget
Downtown Kingston, rich with our city's history and popular culture, is not to be missed. Museums, exhibitions, and lunch hour concerts are among my favourites
Institute of Jamaica
Just US$4 gets you into the Jamaica 50 Exhibition, the Jamaica Music Museum's exhibition, the Museum of History and Ethnography and the Natural History Museum of Jamaica
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Bank of Jamaica
The Bank of Jamaica hosts a free Lunch Hour Concert each month on the last Thursday of each month. In addition if has a beautiful Coin and Notes Museum and the largest corporate collection of Jamaica art.
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Liberty Hall
The home of the Marcus Garvey Museum at 76 King Street. Marcus, our first National Hero "Up you mighty race! You can accomplish what you will". His sayings have been used as lyrics in many songs, including some by Bob Marley. Only US$4 to enter, yet so much to learn there.
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National Gallery of Jamaica
Only US$3 to enter and tour, or US$30 for a guided tour. Check out the National Gallery on the last Sunday of each month when entry is free, and so are the guided tours!
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