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| Photo by Noel
Thompson- Jamaican-born Leroy Smithson (centre in back) and
members of his staff at the Jam Rock Caribbean Café in Old Town,
Kissimmee, Florida. Smithson and his American wife, Marlene
(not in photo), are owners of the restaurant. |
Orlando a top holiday spot
Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The summer holidays are up on us fast and there is hardly any time
left for planning a trip abroad. Airline seats are filling up fast,
so get going now.
For decades, Orlando in Florida has been a favourite holiday spot
for families, primarily because of Disney World, which has found
favour with just about every child.
But did you know that there is another side to Orlando, just as
exciting and fun-filled as Disney, both for children and adults?
Orlando is an ideal place to be for - tropical weather, great food,
an array of attractions, amusement parks, exciting nightlife and
lots of entertainment.
Air Jamaica, voted the Caribbean's favourite carrier, is the only
airline that flies directly into buzzing Orlando from Jamaica.
Recently, Air Jamaica jetted a team of Jamaican journalists into
Orlando to highlight the other side of the city and the bounty of
offerings that it has. We made some interesting discoveries.
Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Heaven, prides itself as the
ski capital of the world and Florida's first family theme park.
Established 72 years ago, the park is still well-kept and offers
many activities for the entire family. For just US$40 per person,
you can enjoy all the rides and facilities for the day, including
fun slide, Triple Hurricane, as well as watching a first-class water
sport show.
Winter Heaven City is home to over 100 lakes, all created by sinkholes,
and Cypress Gardens is built on some, according to Jon Broderick,
Cypress' area sales representative. Cypress Gardens is decorated
with an array of animal and bird sculptures made from sphagnum moss.
On the grounds of the very popular City Walk at Universal Studio
is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, the second largest of the US chain,
seating 900 patrons at a time. On our visit there, it was buzzing
with entertainment and excitement.
General Manager Jason Tremper says Margaritaville is equipped with
a built-in volcano bar. It erupts intermittently while patrons party
away and The Blue Stone Circle resident band provides live entertainment.
excitement
A few blocks away is Bob Marley - a reggae venue named after the
king of reggae. DJ Spice and members of the NRG band provide nightly
entertainment for locals and visitors.
The Old Town Amusement Park in neighbouring Kissimmee is also a
popular pastime spot. Jamaican-born Leroy Smithson and his wife
Marlene operate the lip-smacking Jam Rock Caribbean restaurant,
which has become very popular with people of all races. Leroy says
he is grateful to his patrons, the Jamaican community and Air Jamaica
for their continued support.
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