Top 6 Nightlife Hotspots on Montego Bay's Hip Strip

The Hip Strip, located on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a must-see place if you are planning on going to vacation in Jamaica anytime in the near future; as it is loaded with plenty of great bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and other entertainment venues. The Hip Strip is also located in close proximity to many popular beaches including: Doctor’s Cave, Cornwall and Walter Fletcher beach. The following 6 places are among the most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants, located on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, which are frequented by locals, as well as international travelers.

1. Margaritaville

Photo Source: http://bit.ly/VlTgyF/

Margaritaville in Montego Bay, Jamaica, opened in 1995 by two local veteran businessmen, Brian Jardim and Ian Dear of the hotel and real estate industries. Margaritaville is a fun and exhilarating place to go with friends, family, or a significant other to enjoy great local and international food, drinks, and live entertainment on Gloucester Avenue in the heart of the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Margaritaville also has outdoor water activities, including a 120 foot water slide, two water trampolines, and water volleyball, which are only open during the day. Margaritaville is only 10 minutes via taxi or shuttle bus from the Montego Bay Pier for any cruise ship passengers. At night Margaritaville turns into a night club party atmosphere with in-house DJ's and special themed event nights, such as Bare As You Dare, Glow, and Ladies Night. Some of the celebrities who have visited Margaritaville in Montego Bay over the years include: P. Diddy, Nelly; Run DMC; Tiger Woods; Dennis Hopper; Cindy Crawford and Uma Thurman. For more information you can visit the Montego Bay Margaritaville official website at: http://bit.ly/VlTgyF/

Photo Source: http://bit.ly/VlTgyF/

Hours of Operation: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.

Cover Charge: None

2. Blue Beat Ultra Lounge

Photo Source: www.panamericanworld.com (http://bit.ly/1lbE8ZA/)

Blue Beat Ultra Lounge is a more upscale and elegant Jazz and Martini bar located next door to Margaritaville on the Montego Bay harbor front, and is the first of its kind in Montego Bay, which opened in 2004. Blue Beat has live local bands, such as resident band, Scotch, and an in-house DJ; as well as special themed music nights, such as Copacabana Latin Flare and Saturday's Guest List. In addition, there are live comedy nights; an unplugged music series with local and international music artists, and an outside lounge area with couches and chairs, steps away from the Caribbean Ocean.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 A.M. – (no set closing)

Cover Charge: depends on events going on. Check official website for more information.

3. Pier One

Photo Source: www.10best.com (http://bit.ly/1ji8pq7)

 Pier One is a fun and affordable bar located on a small Pier in Montego Bay, which is a great place to have some cheap drinks and dance while listening to live music. Friday's are Pier Pressure, ladies night's ($10.00 cover charge) and rum drinks are only $2.00 on Fridays. Pier One is also a great place to have some food and in particular seafood, for instance, Sunday's are Seafood Sundays. Pier One also hosts  Dancehall Queen and Reggae Sumfest music events on their main stage. 

Hours of Operation: Check official website for more details about their hours of operation.

Cover Charge: Depends on events going on. Check out official website at: http://pieronejamaica.com/ for more information.

4. The Brewery

Photo Source: http://bit.ly/1qv0L0E

The Brewery is one of the cities' most popular nightlife hangout spots that is a cross between a British pub and a Jamaican jerk-pork pit, which has a wooden bar, medieval memorabilia, and a covered veranda at the back, overlooking busy Gloucester Avenue. 

Hours of Operation: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.

Cover Charge: No cover charges.

5. Jamaican Bobsled Café.

 The Jamaican Bobsled Café specializes in “New York Style” pizza; but customers can also order other items, such as burgers, salads and platters, ranging from $5.00 to $22.00 U.S. In addition, the Jamaican Bobsled Café has a large digital clock counting down to the next winter olympics; as well as the Jamaican 1988 Winter Olympics team's winning bobsled, which you can pay to get a photo of yourself and friends and family in. In addition, the Jamaican Bobsled Café has inside and outdoor seating areas.

Photo Source: http://islandbuzzjamaica.com/

Hours of Operation: Not Sure.

Cover Charge: No cover charge.

6. Groovy Grouper

 Photo Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/

The Groovy Grouper is a bar and restaurant located at Doctor's Cave Beach, located within Doctor's Cove Bathing Club, which costs $5.00 U.S. for admission during the day, but is free after 5 P.M. The Groovy Grouper has various specialty rum drinks, such as the bartender's special "Groovy Delight". The Groovy Grouper also has some unique local specialty cuisine, including: Conch Chowder (or fritters) with wings and salad, and Jerked Calamari. Friday nights are all you can eat seafood night for $20.00 U.S./person.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 A.M - 2:30 A.M.

Cover Charge: $5.00 U.S. entrance fee for the Doctor’s Cove Bathing Club (except after 5 P.M., which is free.)

Although this is not a completely exhaustive list of popular nightlife clubs, bars, and restaurants, located on Montego Bay's Hip Strip; these local nightlife hotspots are likely some of the most interesting and fun places to dance, drink, eat, and party the night away, while you are visiting Montego Bay. And at Travel Around Jamaica Tours, we would greatly appreciate it if you would let us know what your favorite Montego Bay bar, club, or restaurant is and why? Also if you are looking to book private transportation to any of these Montego Bay Hip Strip nightlife locations, please contact us via email at: info@travelaroundjamaica.com or if you would prefer to book while you are on the island of Jamaica, please call (876) 287-2180.  

Historical Origin of Jamaican "English Patois" Dialect

Although the official language of Jamaica is English, Jamaicans speak an English dialect called “Patois English”, which has roots in primarily British English, but also Asian and African languages, due to the melding of Jamaican's diverse cultural ancestries. Moreover, the “Jamaican Patois” dialect first arose out of a cultural expression of the Jamaican people and rebellion against their cultural roots and ethnic oppression. Moreover, the Jamaican “English Patois” dialect is a colorful language that is spoken by people that possess a flair for vivid imagery, ridicule and irony, down-to-earth humor and raunchy curse words.

Jamaican “Patois English” is often very difficult for English-speaking travelers in Jamaica to understand, due to the rapid pace at which they speak, as well as the unique variety of local “Jamaican Patois” phrases and slang words, such as "dem" which can be used as a modifier to pluralize persons or things. For instance, “yuh new fren dem” will accompany you to the place “dem that you” need to visit “. In addition, "dem" can refer to a female; whereas males are often referred to as “im“ in "Jamaican Patois" English. The Jamaican “English Patois” dialect is also very interesting in that local native "Jamaican Patois” speakers also tend to speak like New Yorkers, since they often drop the r at the end of words, such as dollar (i.e. “dolla”) or water (i.e. “wata”). Some other popular "Jamaican Patois" English words that you might hear while on vacation in Jamaica, include: “nyam” (eat); “bickle” (food); “go sport” (socialize); “jam” (hang out), "Ital stew” (a salt-free Rastafarian vegetarian dish) ; “skanking” (Rock to Reggae music); “Idren” (friends), and “reasoning” (discussion). If you want to experience a taste of the "Real Jamaica", please check out our Travel Around Jamaica Tours website at: http://www.travelaroundjamaica.com/ 

New Blue Hole (Secret Falls) Tour in Ocho Rios, Jamaica !

At Travel Around Jamaica Tours we are proud to be offering a great new Jamaica adventure tour package, i.e. the Blue Hole (Secret Falls) Tour, which is located on the White River, in the beautiful rainforest, just outside of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 

The Blue Hole Waterfalls are rated as the #1 tour attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Tripadvisor for a reason! Head off the beaten path to this 20 ft cascading waterfall, which is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in the hills of Ocho Rios. Jump or dive off the falls, head down the White River on a tube or swing on a rope like Tarzan! Blue Hole is for adventure seekers or people wanting to see some amazing natural scenery and flora.This Jamaican adventure tour is truly breathtaking with cool turquoise pools and small ponds surrounded by lush rainforest.  

Be sure to make visiting Blue Hole on your list of things to do while in Jamaica, especially swimming in the Cool Blue Hole.

After this exhilarating tour, shopping in the town of Ocho Rios or visiting the famous Margaritaville in Montego Bay can be arranged.

Important Information:

• Entrance fee not included
• This tour is available daily
• Transportation is available from all hotels and cruise ship terminals
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
• Remember to bring a towel, sunscreen, swim wear and a camera
• This tour is approximately 6 hours long 

If you prefer to reserve this tour while you are here, please call 876-287-2180 or 876-292-4174

For more information regarding this tour, check out it out on our website at Blue Hole (Secret Falls) Tour or contact us via email at: info@travelaroundjamaica.com

Ultimate Jamaica Adventurer Check-List!

At Travel Around Jamaica Tours we've came up with the ultimate check-list for the typical adventurous traveler headed to Jamaica for anywhere between 6-10 days. Of course everyone is different, so please use this at your discretion! Also make sure you stop by our Montego Bay Tours and Excursions webpage for great and affordable private Montego Bay day tours and excursions, such as the Jamaica Bobsled Mystic Mountain Tour, Dunn's River Falls Tour, and Jamaica Zipline Adventure Tour, which start from $22.00 U.S ! 

Important Items to Bring With You To Jamaica: 

- USD cash
- Credit and/or debit card
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance
- Airline tickets or e-tickets (with photocopies)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera, film or memory cards and charger
- Binoculars (optional)
- Concealable money belt
- Fleece top
- hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts (i.e. t-shirts)
- Sun hat
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of long pants
- Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
- Sports sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle

- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, DEET bug repellent, and any extra prescription medication you may be taking).

Whats the Best Jamaican Souvenir? Take Home a Favourite Local Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

If you are looking to get a little taste of authentic local Jamaican cuisine; check out this great local Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe from Tracy on Jamaican Travel And Culture's website. And please feel free to try it out and let me know what you think in the comments section below! Also make sure you check out our Travel Around Jamaica Tours website to find great deals on private airport transfers and private Jamaica sightseeing tours and excursions in Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios.

Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to prepare enough jerk chicken for 4 people:

 One 3 1/2 lb chicken (3lb of chicken breasts may be used if preferred)
 6 sliced scotch bonnet peppers (jalapenos may be used if scotch bonnet peppers are unavailable)
 2 Tbsp. thyme
 2 Tbsp. ground allspice
 8 Cloves garlic, finely chopped
 3 Medium onions, finely chopped

2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tsp. ground black pepper

1 to 2 Tsp of the following (to taste) :
-ground cinnamon
-nutmeg
-ginger

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
Juice of one lime
1 cup orange juice
1 cup white vinegar

Preparation
 Chop the onions, garlic and peppers. These do not need to be chopped too fine as they will be liquidized by the blender.

Blend all of the ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a blender to make the jerk sauce. 

Cut the chicken up in to 4 pieces.

Rub the sauce in to the meat, saving some for basting and dipping later.
 Leave the chicken in the fridge to marinade overnight.

Cooking
 Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turn the meat then bake for another 30 minutes.

 or

 Grill the meat slowly until cooked, turning regularly. Baste with some of the remaining marinade while cooking. For best results, cook over a charcoal barbeque (ideally over a rack of pimento wood).

Serving

 Chop each quarter chicken portion in to 5 or 6 smaller pieces using a heavy cleaver.

 Use a wooden spoon (or something similar) to hold the chicken in place whilst chopping and NOT YOUR HAND (you will be chopping with enough pressure to cut through bone!!!)

Serve with festival and salad or rice and peas or hardo bread and the jerk sauce left over for dipping.

Travel Around Jamaica Tours: Montego Bay Highlight Tour

                                                             Margaritaville

Are you looking for a fun and affordable Jamaican travel tour package suitable for all members of your family; I highly recommend our Montego Bay Highlight Tour package.

The Montego Bay Highlight Tour includes the following stops but can be customized to your preference :

1. Usually the first stop on the  Highlight Tour is at the historic Sam Sharpe Square, located in the heart of downtown Montego Bay and is named after one of Jamaica's national heroes, Samuel Sharpe, who led the Jamaican Baptist War Slave Rebellion that began on December 25, 1831. Below is a monument in his honor:

                                  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Sharpe

2. Next tourists will be driven around the second city to various cultural local attractions, including the Richmond Hill Inn, which sits 500 feet above the bustling city. The Richmond Hill Inn was an 18th Century plantation house that in the 1790's was owned by the Dewars' of Scotch Whisky fame. 

3.  The next stop on the Montego Bay Highlight Tour is a local Jamaican Jerk spot where you can purchase delicious Jamaican jerk chicken or pork with rice and peas, festival and and other authentic dishes and beverages made from local fruits and vegetables.

4.  The fourth stop is a local craft market where you can find and purchase Jamaican craft items and souvenirs such as craft jewelry, mugs, t-shirts and wood carvings. As well as chit-chat with the local craftspeople. 

5.  Our final stop on the tour is the world famous Margaritaville, where you can relax and enjoy various activities and services at your own expense.  Swimming and other water activities (i.e. trampolines, slides, etc); as well as food, drinks and music are available.

 Other Important Information: 

Cost: $23 U.S./person in groups of 5-10 or $100 U.S./vehicle (1-4 people). 

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

Pick-up services available from any hotels, villas or pier in Montego Bay or Falmouth, Jamaica. 

If you prefer to reserve this tour while on the island, please call Travel Around Jamaica Tours at  876-287-2180 or 876-292-4174


For more information about the Montego Bay Highlight Tour please visit the official webpage at: http://www.travelaroundjamaica.com/products/-Montego-Bay-Highlight-Day-Tour.html

History of Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Reggae Sumfest was first held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1993, replacing Reggae Sunsplash. Reggae Sumfest is regarded as the world's greatest reggae music festival. The festival attracts millions from around the world each year and visitors come as far away as the African continent, Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA. Reggae Sumfest not only features reggae artists, but also jazz, hip hop, pop and rhythm and blues as well. The festival is usually held the 3rd week of July each year and is customarily kicked off on Sunday with a beach party at the Aquasol Theme Park located on the Walter Fletcher Beach Complex. There is an all-white party held on Tuesday followed by Dancehall Night on Thursday then International Nights on Friday and Saturday at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex. This year, Raggae Sumfest will be held July 13 - 19, 2014 and will include performers such as, Tessanne Chin (Season 5 winner of The Voice), Wiz Khalifa, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Mr. Vegas and Jason Derulo. For more info on Sumfest 2014, go to http://www.reggaesumfest.com/2013/index.php/en/

Reggae Sumfest attracts people of varying age groups, and the stage over the years has been graced by reggae artists, such as Beenie Man, Barrington Levy, Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Queen Ifrica, Lady Saw, Damian Marley, Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer and many many more. The International Artists have included Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Ashanti, Rhianna, Ciara, Alicia Keys and more.

Book your transportation early to this year's Sumfest events by calling 876-287-2180 or 860-499-0256 or by booking online. Travel Around Jamaica Tours is your best way of getting to Reggae Sumfest this year.