Live the Sweet Life at Pure Chocolate Jamaica

Did you know that Jamaica produces some of the world’s best chocolate? According to the International Cocoa Organization, Jamaica is one of only eight countries globally to exclusively produce fine flavour cocoa beans which makes the best chocolate. For centuries, Jamaica mainly exported its cocoa beans and very little chocolate was produced here. However, there are now half-a-dozen local chocolatiers and Jamaican chocolate brands changing the game, one of which is the award-winning Pure Chocolate Jamaica brand in Island Village Mall, Ocho Rios. Every weekend, this chocolate factory opens its doors to chocolate lovers from across the globe, allowing them to participate in a two-hour interactive workshop. I finally made it to Pure Chocolate Jamaica’s workshop last month, so here’s my recap of the tour and how to plan a visit.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

Stony Gut: Birthplace of Jamaica’s National Hero

Walking through Stony Gut is like walking on Jamaican holy ground. Stony Gut, a tiny village located in St. Thomas, was the birthplace of the Rt. Excellent Paul Bogle, a Jamaican National Hero who led an uprising in 1865 that revolutionized the quality of life of Black people in Jamaica. There isn’t a lot to see there, but the site holds sentimental value. Here’s the history of Stony Gut and what to expect at this National Heritage Site.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

Logos Hope Returns to Jamaica: A Must-Visit Book Fair in 2025

After a five-year hiatus, the world’s largest floating book fair, Logos Hope, is back in Jamaica! Their last visit to Jamaica was in 2020, just before the pandemic halted international travel. I have fond memories of Logos as my mom took me aboard the Logos II in my childhood, an earlier vessel which was retired from service in 2008. Logos Hope is more than just a ship— it’s a floating bookstore, cultural centre and community outreach vessel operated by GBA Ships, a non-profit Christian organization. Logos Hope had its maiden voyage in 2009 and welcomes an average of one million visitors on board each year! Logos Hope has visited over 150 countries and distributed countless books and educational materials. The ship is currently staffed by 350 volunteers from 65 countries who receive sponsorship from friends, relatives and civic organizations. With that said, here’s all you need to know to visit Logos Hope in Jamaica for 2025.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments

Five Museums You’ll Want to Visit in Jamaica

The island of Jamaica, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, offers both locals and visitors the opportunity to delve into its history and artistry through its diverse array of museums. These museums provide a captivating journey into the heart of Jamaican culture, revealing the island’s colourful past and traditions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best five museums in Jamaica that offer a glimpse into the country’s dynamic heritage for 2025 & beyond.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

Walk in Bob Marley’s Footsteps at These 5 Places

Reggae music was born in the streets of Kingston, Jamaica during the mid-1960s, emerging from the precursor genres of ska and rocksteady. By the end of that decade, reggae had become Jamaica’s most popular genre of music. Over the next decade, reggae expanded beyond local shores and acquired a massive fanbase in the United States, Europe and Africa. Kingston was home to Bob Marley, one of the most iconic reggae musicians in history, and so a visit to Kingston which happens to be the capital city and my hometown, offers Marley fans a unique opportunity to walk in his legendary footsteps. In this article, we explore five must-visit locations in Kingston, Jamaica for an immersive experience which traces Bob Marley’s life and legacy- the ultimate pilgrimage for fans of the reggae king. Visiting Kingston? Consider booking a Bob Marley tour day trip.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle17 Comments

Bob Marley: One Love Movie Premiere (No Spoilers!)

Bob Marley is one of the most famous Jamaicans of all time and his legacy lives on through his family and timeless music. Hailed as the King of Reggae, the Bob Marley: One Love movie celebrates his brief life from the humblest of beginnings in rural Jamaica and his eventual rise to superstardom. The movie was made in partnership with Hollywood producers and his family, and was shot in Jamaica and the UK. I was fortunate to win a fan ticket to this movie premiere via the Jamaica Observer, so here’s a review of the movie launch and why I believe this film is a must-see when it launches on February 14, 2024 in theatres worldwide. No spoilers, I promise!

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle36 Comments

The Olympia Art Gallery in Saint Andrew

Nestled in the heart of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, the Olympia Gallery stands as a testament to the island’s rich artistic heritage and its thriving contemporary art scene. What’s interesting about this gallery is that it is housed inside a residential complex, designed and built in the mid-1970s by Jamaican civil engineer A.D. Scott. As an avid art patron and sometime sculptor, he wanted to create a residential hotel within a centre for the arts. Forty years later, his vision still lives on. Here’s why you should pay a visit to this free art gallery in Kingston, Jamaica: the Olympia Gallery.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments
Gathering of people around performer on stage

Where to Get Weekly Live Music in Kingston

Kingston, Jamaica, is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, art scene, reggae music, and pulsating rhythms. If you’re a reggae music enthusiast looking for an authentic live music experience, you’re in for a treat. Kingston is home to a plethora of venues which cater to roots reggae lovers, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to immerse themselves in the island’s rhythmic beats. In today’s post, we’ll explore four live music venues in Kingston where you can groove to the infectious beats and sounds which make Jamaica’s music scene so iconic. These venues host weekly events which make up Kingston’s music calendar. Before you go, learn more about Jamaica’s music history here.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments

Unveil Kingston’s Art Scene With These 6 Gems

Art is an integral part of the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Kingston, Jamaica. As the capital city and cultural hub of the island, Kingston boasts a diverse art scene that reflects the island’s history, struggles, and triumphs. From street art to contemporary galleries, the city offers a wide range of artistic expressions. In this article, we will delve into the budding world of art in Kingston and explore six places that exemplify the city’s creative spirit.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle11 Comments

Feast & Fun: 10 Must-Visit Food Festivals in Jamaica

In recent years, Jamaica has been diversifying its tourism product by adding vibrant food and drink festivals to the annual line-up of events. Jamaica’s cuisine was influenced by our Amerindian ancestors, as well as the various ethnic groups which have made the island home for various reasons, namely the British, West Africans, Indians, Chinese and Lebanese. From spicy jerk chicken and sizzling curries to refreshing tropical fruits, Blue Mountain coffee and rum, Jamaica’s food scene is a sensory explosion that beckons food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. In this article, we will dive into the tantalizing realm of ten Jamaican food & drink festivals where traditional recipes, international influences, lively music and infectious energy blend together to create an unforgettable gastronomic and cultural experience.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle28 Comments