We love Caribbean life; the weather, the food, and the atmosphere!
But let’s chat a little bit about our tour in Ocho Rios…
We spent Valentine’s Day 2017 in Ocho Rios. ♥♥ It was Valentine’s Day so we decided on an adventure we could both enjoy. Honestly, I could’ve spent the entire day shopping but hubby loves tours because he’s a historian by heart. So we booked a tour with Mark’s Exclusive Tours (visit him on Trip Advisor or his website MarkTours.com) Mark did a fantastic job showing us Ocho Rios, educating us of its history and upon completion, dropping us off in the heart of the shopping district!
We had a fantastic time there. Now check out what I found so intriguing!
1. Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Breathtaking architecture and landscape… The walls of this Spanish style church was built in 1534 and was originally built by the area’s first settlers, the Spaniards. Today, the church is listed as Roman Catholic and is also one of the top venues for destination weddings in Ocho Rios.
2. Ackee Fruit
Never heard of this fruit until then… The ackee fruit is the national fruit of Jamaica and is often eaten with saltfish which is their national dish. The first seed was introduced to Jamaica by a slave ship captain that brought it from West Africa. We bought a bottle of Journeys End Ackee Wine and tasted the ackee fruit in liquid form. Not only is it delicious but packed with nutrition.
3. Scotchies
THE BEST JERK PORK EVER… The spice starts in the name, named after the Scotch Bonnet Pepper. This unique outdoor hut style establishment is the perfect place to taste one of Jamaica’s well-known staples. The meat is cooked on an open pit concept and the flavor is as authentic as it gets.
4. Marcus Garvey Statue
Wait, he’s from Ocho Rio? Mr. Garvey actually was a “Jamaican born” political leader, born in St. Anne’s Bay. When he was a boy, his father owned a library and that’s when he gained his love for reading. In 1964 his body was (removed from its original resting place) taken to Jamaica, where the government proclaimed Mr. Garvey Jamaica’s first national hero.
Bradley's Homestead 