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According to locals, Ocho Rios gained its name from a derivation of a Spanish phrase which means 'eight rivers'; other claim it comes from a bastardized phrase of 'Las Chorreras', meaning 'waterfalls', as waterfalls are one of the more prominent natural attributes of the surrounding area. Regardless of the source of origin of its name, Ocho Rios is indisputably a Jamaican vacation paradise. While many think of the typical vacation schedule as nothing more than eat, drink, sunbathe, repeat (*and you can certainly execute this exact plan in Ocho Rios if you choose), this particular piece of Jamaican paradise also offers a much more.
Perhaps you are an appreciator and lover of art? In Ocho Rios there are two nice boutique galleries that are worth checking out. Harmony Hall resides in a beautifully restored mansion that once housed the local followers of the Methodist religion; the building has since been painstakingly restored and is home to an eclectic assortment of work from past and present local artists, with a focus on painting and sculpture. There are multiple exhibitions throughout the winter featuring jewelry and various local projects. For a different art related experience, try the Wassi Art Pottery Tour. You can watch potters at work as they create their art before your eyes and see the work of other local artisans.
If local culture and history are more your speed, you're in luck as Ocho Rios has many outlets for visitors to learn about, and to experience the local history with its various facets of local living. Take a tour of Firefly, an historic local house that was once the vacation home of lauded playwright Noel Coward. Now maintained by the Jamaican heritage Trust, Firefly has played host to many famous visitors over the years - Queen Elizabeth II, Laurence Olivier, and Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. Firefly is best visited in the evening, when the insects after which it was named, emerge to create a wonderful visual display, and the site itself is a strong link to Jamaica's past.
A plantation tour should also be on your list of 'to-dos'. The Prospect Plantation is one of the islands oldest plantations and is now a fully functioning tour site as well as a functioning and operational plantation - banana, avocado, and the all-important sugar cane are amongst the tropical produce you'll find being grown here. There are a few different ways to see the plantation; you can use trail bikes or take a horseback tour. A handy convenience is the small golf course, open to players, that is part of the property.
If art and history don't hold much interest to you and you'd rather stay outdoors, there are a number of nature reserves and parks for additional relaxation, and these sites are without the crowds that usually persistent at some of the more popular beaches. Overlooking Ocho Rios itself is the Shaw Park Gardens, a wonderful starting point, and one that is easily traversed by foot. Comprised of a 25 acre site, the botanical gardens are open to visitors. Move on from there and see the Cranbrook 'Flower Forest' next. Just off the North Coast Highway, these gardens are laid out in an easily traversable manner, and there are numerous opportunities for bird watching here too, plus pond fishing and horseback riding.
One must, if one gets the chance, take in the Green Grotto Caves, and see for yourself the green algae that covers the cave walls. While many locations across the world offer cave tours, this particular location is unique in that there are two well defined levels within what is classified as a 'flank' or 'margin' cave - this means that there is a mixture of fresh water and sea water. The innermost cave houses a substantial underground lake. While much of the cave system is accessible to the public, there is also a non-visitor area that has a number of 'wild caves' whose ecosystems are for the most part untouched and natural. The James Bond film 'Live and Let Die', which you may have seen, used the Green Grotto caves as the setting for the film villain's underground secret lair.
The above information is only a small sampling of Ocho Rios 'alternate' activities; have a look at various Jamaica specific Internet pages to find more ideas and possibilities for activities. Also, visitors can always check with the staff or concierge at their accommodations for additional ideas and information. Enjoy your holiday!
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