Rio Bueno
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Rio Bueno
Rio Bueno - Trelawny parish, close to the border with St. Ann Parish
Rio Bueno is one of two places which are believed to be Christopher Columbus's first landing point in Jamaica (the other is St. Ann's Bay). The town has a run-down historic feel with many old Georgian buildings still (just about) in tact. Film buffs may recognise Rio Bueno as the setting for the film "A High Wind in Jamaica".
Churches and forts
Rio Bueno boasts the picturesque pale blue St. Mark's Church. Another eye-catching church is the ruined remains of the Baptist Church, perched high up on the hill overlooking the town.
In the West end of Rio Bueno is the ruins of Fort Dundas. The fort dated from the late 18th / early 17th century when Jamaica's Governor, Lord Balcarres, commissioned it to defend Jamaica against the threat of attacks from Cuba. Fort Dundas gets its name from the British Secretary of War at the time, Henry Dundas.
Joe James' Gallery, hotel and Restaurant
The highlight of a trip to Rio Bueno would be Joe James' art gallery / restaurant / hotel. Joe James is a Jamaican artist who has converted a Georgian wharf building in to a unique hotel. Every wall is adorned with many of his original paintings and every flat surface features a sculpture or two! There is also a large gallery of James's work, you may even see the next masterpiece being created. Delicious food is also served at the hotel's restaurant "The Lobster Bowl".
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