​Admittedly this tour is not for everyone.

​The tour is crafted with a specific traveler in mind. It is not for those who want to keep their distance, it is for those who wish to be immersed in the local culture. It is not for those who will falter in the heat. It is for those who understand that in the city temperatures can climb above 35 degrees Celsius in the summer months and who love that. It is for those who wish to travel like the ordinary Jamaican. It is for those who like adventure, busy streets, bright colours, Jamaican food, and new experiences.

It's free.

​It's offered each Thursday.

​It's organized by Jamaica Cultural Enterprises and the tour guide is Karen Hutchinson.

​Space is limited to 5 but the tour takes place even if there's only person.

​It's free. Check it out.

Many devotees of legendary reggae star Peter Tosh have made the trip to his burial ground in Westmoreland. Visitors to Kingston will now have an opportunity to experience the story of Peter Tosh. According to a recent release a museum dedicated to the life and music of Peter Tosh is to open in Kingston in the summer of 2016. The museum will house "a collection of fascinating Tosh memorabilia and artefacts... including Tosh's famous M16 guitar." 

Simply put, we're excited.

To read the remainder of the Gleaner article, click here.

To book music themed tours, email karen@travelkingstonjamaica.com for more information. 

On Thursday, January 28th, artist Amy Laskin will be instructing interested persons in the fine art of charcoal drawing at Olympia Gallery and Art Centre in Kingston. This introductory class kicks off at 6 pm sharp and will be focused on teaching basic charcoal techniques. 

Pre-payment of $4,000 per individual is required to confirm reservation. Included are all necessary drawing tools, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and refreshments.

Special framing discount offered on your "masterpiece" for all participants.

You may call 1 876 927 1608 or email artcentregallery.ja@gmail.com for additional information.

​For information about art tours in Kingston email karen@travelkingstonjamaica.com or call 1 876 374 6370.

Imagine, JAD400 per adult (less for children and senior citizens) to view as many as 4 researched and thoughtful exhibitions. That's less than USD4. This is the great value that you get from a visit to the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ). And what you see and learn is very interesting as well. For example, at the time of the writing of this post there were three exhibitions on display: Rastafari (highly recommended), Taino Display, and the Memorial for the Morant Bay Rebellion 1865. This is not even counting the exhibitions at the Jamaica Music Museum or the National History Museum.

​True, the IOJ is a little like a rabbit's warren and the displays are spread out, but it's cool, kind of like being on a fantastic voyage. The guides are very helpful (big up, Abebe, Stephanie and Ayana!) and can provide help on navigating through some of the Admin snags. Or you can simply book a tour that takes you there.

Tips:
1. Buy tickets first at the gift shop. If you are facing the IOJ you will see a set of grand-ish looking stairs. About a third of the way up go to the left and there's the gift shop.
2. It's always useful to book ahead, especially if you'd like a guided tour. 
3. Expect lots of school children in September and October. It's the new school year and Heritage Week, the third week in October, seems to all but require teachers to take students out of the classroom. Depending on your temperament, this could be fun too.

To learn more about the Institute of Jamaica visit their page http://www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm/

To hear more about tours going to the Institute of Jamaica email karen@travelkingstonjamaica.com

Kingston is a diverse destination perfect for persons interested in art, food, music, and history. A visit to Life Yard on Fleet Street in inner city Parade Gardens is a fascinating glimpse into authentic Kingston life. Life Yard is a co-operative organic farm run by a group of young Rastafarian men who have been getting a great deal of attention locally and internationally for their community spirit and self sufficiency. After chatting with Shane Morgan and his fellow brethren, after sipping natural juices prepared by the young men, you can take a walk through the community to view stunning murals on display. 

It's a little off the beaten path, not likely to be in guide the books, but definitely worth the visit.

To schedule a tour call 1 876 374 6370 or 1 876 540 8570 or email karen@travelkingstonjamaica.com.