| No vacation in Jamaica is complete without a little bit | | | | For those who prefer a more upscale shopping |
| of shopping to bring home a souvenir or two from | | | | atmosphere, Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay is |
| your Jamaican journey. Aside from souvenirs, there | | | | sure to satisfy. This busy thoroughfare hosts an |
| are a great number of local products that are | | | | eclectic blend of boutiques and strip malls, set |
| available nowhere else. In addition, the local art | | | | amongst some of the best hotels and eating |
| community is famous for creations that can grace | | | | establishments on the island. Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios is |
| the collection of any art enthusiast. The first step to | | | | a shopping mall built on a grand scale, featuring a |
| enjoying a successful shopping experience is to know | | | | variety of upscale products, and also offers some of |
| where to look for those special, unique items that will | | | | the best coffees, rums, and cigars on the island. |
| allow you to bring home a little piece of island culture. | | | | Kingston is one of the best places in Jamaica to buy |
| Harbour Street, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, features an | | | | quality artwork by some of the nation?s best artists. |
| open-air craft market, where locals come to sell their | | | | Frame Center Gallery and the Mutual Life Gallery are |
| wares. Among the many varied offerings, you?ll find | | | | among the best known, and are recognized even |
| hand-made jewelry of beads and semi-precious | | | | beyond the island for the quality of art made |
| stones, textile products, including clothing of varying | | | | available for viewing and purchase. |
| style and quality, some of which are richly colored | | | | Those desiring a degree of authenticity, something |
| cottons and sturdy natural fibers. There are often | | | | representative of the culture beyond the tourist |
| hand carved, wooden household items and small | | | | industries would do well to pay attention to the small |
| wood sculptures, created by some of the island?s | | | | shops and stands to be found throughout the island. |
| many skilled artisans. | | | | The further away from the tourist centers the |
| Island Village, at the Turtle beach Complex in Ocho | | | | better when it comes to finding those special, unique |
| Rios, is the perfect shopping area for those | | | | items that reflect native culture. Some of the unusual |
| interested in reggae and island music culture. With | | | | take home items to be found in this way include the |
| more than 30 shops offering a variety of Bob Marley | | | | spices used in native cuisine and home items that are |
| souvenir items, reggae culture inspired clothing, | | | | both artistic and practical. |
| books, posters, and, of course, music, you?ll need a | | | | There are many wonderful areas for shopping in |
| full day to explore this village. Staying the day, | | | | Jamaica, whether it is local crafts and creations or |
| though, will be no problem. There are many cafes | | | | upscale bargains that interest you. It is important to |
| and restaurants, and an assortment of sights to be | | | | note that a certain degree of haggling over prices is |
| seen, including a museum devoted to reggae and | | | | expected, and is just a part of the experience. |
| island culture. | | | | |