Tag Archives: gift shop

Walnut Creek Cheese, Amish Country, Ohio

Visitors come from miles away to visit Walnut Creek Cheese in Ohio’s Amish Country.  Entering the store is an Amish Wonderland of local produce and specialty stores that I could spend hours exploring.  A unique shopping experience, Walnut Creek also includes a small restaurant, a gift shop and an area that sells kitchenware and accessories.  Throughout the store are incredible displays of antiques and nostalgic collectors items.

I decided to purchase a few items to make gift baskets using several items from Walnut Creek and couldn’t believe all of the various flavors of jellies, jams and preserves.

Walnut Creek Cheese and Market began in 1977 when Mark Coblentz the President and Founder purchased a pick up and refrigerated truck  and refrigerated truck at the young age of 21.  Starting small with a few cheese products and Trail Bologna, Mark grew the business developing strong relationships, expanding his line of products and worked with integrity and a solid work ethic.

By 1987, Mark expanded the business by adding several buildings including the retail store and added Coblentz Chocolate Company.  Over the years, he added manufacturing and acquired a few brands as well.   Ten years later, he opened an additional store in Berlin and continues to expand the Walnut Creek brand today.

My favorite part of the shop are the antiques that have been carefully displayed along the mezzanines.  Some of these items I remembered seeing in local Ohio museums and historical sites.  Several of the appliances are used by the Amish today.

After wandering each of the sections of the grocery, it was time for ice cream from the Creamery.   It was a great break from the hour visit through the produce, meats and cheeses.

Of course I saved room for a cherry fry pie, one of my favorite items to purchase at Walnut Creek Cheese.  Seriously, have you tried one?

I would love to hear about your visit to Amish Country and Walnut Creek Cheese if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section.  Many thanks for reading about my visit and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Walnut Creek Cheese
2641 State Route 539
Walnut Creek, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 852 2888

Second Location: 

4727 US 62
Berlin, OH  44610
Telephone:  330 893 3273

Where to Eat:

Walnut Creek Cheese
2641 State Route 539
Walnut Creek, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 852 2888

What to Eat:

Everything!  It is all homemade!

What to Read:

  • Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety

Featured Ohio Winery: Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan

As I travel down the long graveled drive, coming into view is Stoney Ridge Winery appearing more like a schoolhouse or the church of a small congregation.  The pristine white-sided structure with its red brick addition provides plenty of space for wine tastings, events and an afternoon out with friends.  Located in the rural town of Bryan, Ohio, Stoney Ridge is a sprawling estate with over thirteen acres of vineyards to produce their award winning estate wines.

The winery was first opened by Philip and Pamela Stotz who began planting the vineyard in 1997.  Among the varietals grown here are hearty, French-hybrid grapes that can survive the cold such as the Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Vidal and Vignoles.  While all of their wines are produced here, they purchase a variety of grapes from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling.  The winery provides samples of not only their wines, but handcrafted hard ciders as well.

Entering the Stoney Ridge Winery, my eyes are immediately directed to the beautiful woodwork interior and stunning stone fireplace.  A viewing tower and upstairs loft provides spectacular views of the outdoor landscape.  In front of me is the long, light colored granite bar with plenty of space for a large number of wine tastings.  The winery will be hosting an event for the Humane Society and I have arrived an hour before the occasion begins.

While sampling a few wines, I learned that the Stotz family property offered a local farmer’s market where they first began selling produce from their forty acres.  As their endeavor grew, they planted their first acres of vines in the late 1990s.  Visitors can tour the vineyard on a harvest wagon, enjoy samples of their wine and shop in the gift store for a wide variety of foods, gift baskets and crafts.

Stoney Ridge Winery has a great following with about eighty percent of their business local.   Their best-selling wines include Sweet Barn Dance Red, Sunset Cruise, Stormy Nights and their semi-dry Riesling.  I ordered a bottle of Barn Dance Blush and took a seat at one of the picnic tables by the pond admiring the well-manicured trellis vines in the distance.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my winery experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Where to Stay:

Colonial Manor Motel
924 E. High Street
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone;  419 636 3123

Boutique in the heart of downtown Bryan, this motel also includes a complimentary breakfast.

Where to Eat:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Stoney Ridge Winery offers a great selection of flatbread pizzas and appetizers.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy.  I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship.  The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.

The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca.  Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.

Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay.  Farm stays are  perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.

With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm.  This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled.  Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti.  I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.

The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding.  Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.

The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives.  Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles.  What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm.  Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs.  These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.

A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture.  With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.

Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury  accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool.  Additional services include local tours,  onsite events and cooking classes.  The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo.  With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.

Are you a wine lover?  Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved?  Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well.  Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Stay:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Eat:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  39 0583 22088

Fattoria il Poggio’s Menu

During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.

What to Eat: 

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
  • Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
  • Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
  • Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
  • Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
  • Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
  • Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
  • Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
  • Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.

What to Read:

  • A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany,  by Beth Elon
  • A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
  • A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
  • Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
  • Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
  • The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
  • Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
  • War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo

Photo Guide for Tuscany:

Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:

  • Florence:
    • Canonici Palace
    • Florence Baptistry
    • Florence Cathedral
    • Florence Skyline:  view from Palazzo Vecchio
    • Il Duomo
    • Marcampo
    • Michelangelo’s David statue
    • Montalcino Street
    • Palazzo Strozzi
    • Perano Castle
    • Piazalle Michelangelo
    • Piaza del Duomo
    • Pienza
    • Ponte Vecchio
    • The Streets of Florence
    • Uffizi Gallery
    • Volpaia
  • Pisa
    • The Leaning Tower
    • Marina
  • Tuscany
    • Abbazia San Galgano
    • Abbey of Sant’Antimo
    • Agritourismos
    • Basilica di Santa Magherita
    • Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
    • Carrara Marble Quarry
    • Castel Boccale
    • Chianti
    • Cortona
    • Crete Senesi
    • Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
    • Monte Divalli
    • Montepulciano
    • Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
    • Palazzo Pitti
    • Pitigliano
    • Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
    • Poggio Covilli d’Asso
    • San Gimignano
    • San Giovanni
    • Seminario Maggiore
    • Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
    • Terranuova Bracciolini
    • Tuscan Tunnel
    • Volterra
  • Wineries
    • Avignonisi
    • Barone Ricasoli
    • Capezanna
    • Castello Banfi
    • Castello di Ama
    • Castiglion del Bosco
    • Poggio al Casone
    • Poggio Antico

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Incidental Cruise Line Costs

0928 The Sovereign

Have you ever booked a discounted cruise and realized that there were additional charges that you did not factor in the total cost of your trip?  Here are some hidden costs that may take you by surprise:

  1. Cruise Ship Taxes: The base rate of the cruise is usually listed on advertisements and websites, but it is important to know that this is not the final total that you will be paying for the cruise part of your vacation.  There are those little additional fees called taxes. These include tax on the cruise as well as taxes that are charged by the Port Authority of the various ports that you will be visiting on your trip.  These fees are not controlled by the cruise lines, but rather the government agencies or states that govern the port.
  1. Drinks: Many cruise travelers are surprised to learn that soda is not included in the drinks that are available on the ship.  Of course alcohol is an additional charge and this includes wine unless you happen to be sailing on a European cruise where wine and well drinks may be included.
  1. Coffee Shop Drinks: One of the best services brought on board cruise ships is the inclusion of specialty coffee options.  There are stands that are usually set up around the ship that offer cappuccinos, macchiatos, frappuccinos, etc. and may be available 24 hours or at posted times according to the coffee stands and/or ship’s itinerary for the day.  Specialty coffee drinks require the services of a barista, which is why there is an additional charge for an afternoon caffeine boost.  Don’t be surprised when you receive a bill for the service and you may want to check to see if a tip was already included as well.
  1. Water in your room: Just as in hotels, the bottled water provided to you in your stateroom is not free (unless otherwise indicated).  There is usually a fee for drinking this water and a receipt for the bottled water will be provided to you at some point in your cruise.
  1. Wine Corkage Fee: So you have decided to order a bottle of wine and notice that when the bar service representative presents you with the receipt that there is a “wine corkage fee”, your first instinct may be to ask why you are paying an additional fee on top of the wine that you had purchased for your meal.  What could this possibly cover?  Interestingly enough, this fee is included for the service of opening the wine as well as providing wine glasses and chilling or storing the wine depending on the type that you have purchased.  I consider it a small token for the additional service that is offered to you by the bar staff.
  1. Room Service Fee: Room service can be very convenient, especially during the one or two hours where a buffet is not available.  Many cruises will offer a 24 hour pizza delivery service, but of course, there is a fee for them to deliver the pizza.  It’s a small price to pay for the luxury of having food delivered to your room, but again, it is available and you need to know that there is an additional charge added to your bill.  The information will be outlined in the daily schedules that are provided to you during your cruise.
  1. Gratuities (bar, room attendant, waiter, busboy): In the good old days, before computers and technology, tips to service staff included an envelope in each passenger’s stateroom.  It was the passenger’s responsibility to tip each of the service staff for their work over the number of days that they cruised.  Of course, the cruise director would provide the standard tipping rates and passengers could provide more (or less) as they saw fit for tipping.  Today, the tips are already included in the total cost at the close of the ship’s journey.  You can choose to keep the charges on your credit card, pay cash or challenge the amount that was predetermined at the front desk.  Just remember, the service staff work very hard to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible, so even if you decide to forego the dining hall and eat at the snack shop, keep in mind, that the minimal charge that is added to your bill may be a big help to the service staff, as they depend on these tips for their livelihood.
  1. Shore Excursions: Most people know by now, that if the ship offers shore excursions, there will be a fee for signing up.  These outings are optional, but depending on the port of call, you may decide that you want to see your destination with the assistance of a tour guide, most of whom are local residents.  The ship usually provides a wide range of port options ranging from a day at the beach to a full day of port exploration.  When using the internet, you can select which trips you want to take while you are in port and you can determine which ports you may want to adventure on your own.  Just note that if you purchase excursions apart from the ship’s offerings, you will want to ensure that you board the ship at the designated time or the ship will depart without you.  Please be aware that the tour guides welcome tips, so be prepared to have an amount of cash as you see appropriate.
  1. Laundry service: Did you know that some ships offer laundry service for its customers?  Most likely you will find this service available on “world cruises”, but you may want to check into this service if you plan on taking an extended cruise.  This helps you plan accordingly for packing and can also save you luggage fees for flights if you travel light.  You can leave your laundry in a bag, the room steward will pick up the laundry and you will receive you cleaned belongings ironed and folded in perfect condition.  This of course will incur a fee and you may feel obliged to tip your room steward as well.
  1. Exercise Classes/Gym Use: On most of the ships I have traveled, there is a gym as well as a spa on board.  There may or may not be a gym fee, but spa services are not included in the cruise rate and an additional fee will be charged according to the spa menu.  You may also note in your daily itinerary the various workout classes that are being offered on the ship and something may peak your interest.  Read the fine print to see if there is an additional charge for attending the class and again, if you find the service to your liking, you can opt to tip the instructor as well.

I suppose it is obvious that there are additional items where one could spend money on a cruise ship, such as gambling, internet use, purchases from the gift shop, bingo and raffles.  But if you plan accordingly, these additional fees and charges will not come as a surprise.  This will allow you to enjoy your vacation without stressing about the final bill, which will appear in your room the night before departure.  When in doubt, contact the front desk to keep your charges in check or if you have any questions about the status of your charges, they will be happy to help.

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Postcards from Hell, Grand Cayman

Our plane touched down on the island of Grand Cayman where the weather was a balmy 80 degrees in January of 1997.  Traveling with my friend Cheryl, we were excited to pick up our rental car, check into our hotel on Seven Mile Beach and begin exploring the island,  most known for its spectacular diving.

Located 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman is one of three of the Cayman Islands which is a popular cruise ship port for the Western Caribbean itineraries.  I had visited here while working for the cruise lines and longed for its laid back atmosphere, friendly stingrays and beautiful white sand beaches.

After checking into our hotel, we didn’t waste time exploring the island starting with a visit to Hell.  Staying on Seven Mile Beach, we drove north until we reached the island’s West Bay.

The attraction was surprisingly small, but since it was free, we followed the boardwalk towards acres of black-covered limestone formations.  The rocks appeared to have been scorched from a raging fire,  leaving an eerie landscape resembling a Biblical apocalypse.

Hell’s owner, Ivan Farrington was well known by the locals as he became famous for wearing a devil costume at the site.  Visitors could pose for photos with the  “Devil in Hell”, a picture perfect opportunity.

UPDATE:  As of spring of 2019, Ivan is selling his geological attraction of Hell for an outstanding eight million dollars.  Any takers?

Hell was really not much to write home about, but we thought it would be fun to send a postcard back to family and friends from the post office.  We browsed the gift shop, posted our cards and decided to drive back to the hotel.

We found The Cracked Conch, a nearby restaurant where we dined on unbelievable seafood.  After dinner, we decided to enjoy the pool before a big day of adventure tomorrow.  We planned to wake up early and drive towards the east of the island to explore its interesting attractions and shoreline views, so we will be needing a great night’s sleep.

Have you visited Grand Cayman’s West Bay town of Hell?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.   Many thanks for reading about my throwback visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Devil’s Hangout
Hell Road, West Bay
Hell, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Telephone:  +345 949 3358

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Cracked Conch
847 North West Point, Road, West Bay
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 345 945 5217

This award-winning restaurant is located on the West Bay of Grand Cayman offering fresh seafood (namely conch) with spectacular oceanfront views. Order the outstanding conch ceviche, followed by the Pan Seared Snapper served with creamy chorizo, local cho cho, Madagascar beans and tomato vinaigrette. Save room for the Guava Glazed Bread & Butter Pudding!  You won’t believe their amazing liquor selection.

What to Eat:

  • Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
  • Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
  • Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
  • Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
  • Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
  • Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read: 

  • The Firm by John Grisham
  • Founded Upon the Seas:  A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
  • The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
  • Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman

  • Cayman Crystal Caves:  stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
  • Rum Point:  beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
  • Seven Mile Beach:  pristine white sand for miles
  • Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
  • Stingray City:  above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
  • Sunset over the Edge Cafe:  amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

It was our one-year anniversary and my husband wanted to take a dive trip to Jamaica.  We had decided to stay in Ocho Rios so that we could visit the Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most visited attractions.  We found an all-inclusive resort that was close to the falls, offered fabulous amenities and provided an airline discount.

We flew into Montego Bay and took a bus to the hotel.  The drive seemed to take forever but after an hour and a half, we finally arrived to a welcoming staff at this luxurious, gorgeous estate.  The hotel was absolutely stunning and we could not wait to explore the exquisite grounds.  Renting a villa away from the main house, we were offered plenty of privacy and our own private pool.

Ciboney Ocho Rios was considered one of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels with a AAA Four Diamond Rating.  Located on the northern coast, east of Montego Bay, it sat on 45 acres offering a long list of unbelievable amenities to include watersports, concierge, on-site basketball, golf, and volleyball, a salon and spa, gift shop, boutique, and several fabulous restaurants.

We made reservations for the Italian restaurant and decided to stay on the resort for the remainder of the day to enjoy all of the complimentary offerings.  We were excited to check out the resort’s entertainment and found ourselves dancing until 3 o’clock in the morning.  Each night was based on a theme, and we just happened to arrive on disco night.

We awoke for breakfast and had several hours before meeting our tour group for an afternoon snorkeling excursion.  The restaurants served fantastic food with so many options. We loaded up on fresh fruits and made to order omelets that kept us full until lunch.

Heading back to the room after breakfast, we took a short nap and then sat around the pool until it was time to meet our tour in the lobby.

Our afternoon snorkeling trip was a bit uneventful but we were able to see horseshoe crabs and handle sea urchins.  I was hoping that our dive in a few days would provide more excitement with colorful fish or sea rays and sharks.  It would be Mike’s first underwater dive and I was hoping he would be hooked to finish his underwater certification.

We had a free day before returning home and scheduled a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. We were excited for the opportunity to climb up the 600 foot waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical forests.  From the bottom of the falls, we posed for photos and then carefully made the trek behind a large group of tourists as a local guide directed us through the climbing process.  The water was refreshing and it took us about an hour and a half to reach the top.

We boarded the transport back to our hotel and enjoyed an afternoon at the small beach across from the resort until it was time for dinner.

Placing an early reservation, we changed out of our swim gear and showered before enjoying a lovely Italian dinner.  The food was excellent and we took advantage of our last night at the resort enjoying the entertainment with drinks and dancing.

We absolutely loved our vacation at Ciboney in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and would highly recommend the resort.  We later learned that the Ciboney had been purchased by Sandals Resorts and had been renovated and renamed the Sandals Ochi.

Have you been to the new Sandals Ochi or perhaps you had actually been to the Ciboney resort?  I would  love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my celebratory visit to Ocho Rios and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dunn’s River Falls & Park
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Telephone:  876 974 2857

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $25; Child: $17 (ages 4 – 12).
  • Hours:  8:30AM to 4PM daily (regular hours); When cruise ships are in port, the facility opens at 7AM
  • Guided Tours:  Included in the admission price
  • Amenities:  Guide during the falls climb, tubing, beach bar, dolphin swim, zipline, catamaran cruise and city tours are included in the Dunn’s River Falls Tour Packages
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  If you are staying at a local resort on the island, schedule your visit when the cruise ships are not in port. Wear comfortable old tennis shoes or water shoes for climbing the falls.  Bring your camera and the guide will take photos for you.  Tipping is not included in the fee for visiting the falls and the guides expect more than what you would expect to pay in the US, so be aware.

Where to Stay:

Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone:  888 726 3257

Where to Eat:

ValenTino’s Cucina Romana
Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone:  888 726 3257

What to Eat: 

  • Bammy was one of my favorite treats in Jamaica.  Made from cassava or yucca, this sweet dish is then soaked in coconut milk and deep fried.
  • Coco Bread is made with coconut milk, giving it a lovely sweetness.
  • Jerk Chicken is the national dish for the island of Jamaica.  Made with a blend of spices, the Jamaicans also provide jerk pork, jerk fish, etc.
  • Jamaican Curry Goat is another meal that is popular with Jamaicans, but is difficult to find at touristy restaurants.  Half Moon is highly recommended for trying this Jamaican delicacy.
  • Jamaican Meat Pies are similar to empanadas, a pastry filled with meat.
  • Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper is a staple in making the island’s hot sauce.
  • Rice and Peas are really a dish of rice and red beans and is a popular side dish that goes well with Jerk dishes.

What to Read: 

  • Jamaica Me Dead, by Bob Morris
  • Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys
  • Rasta Heart, by Robert Roskind

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.