A must-visit destination in the capital city is 41 Fleet Street, a downtown Kingston Street Art Experience.
Located in the middle of the concrete jungle, the project is the brainchild of a visitor to Jamaica who felt art would be the answer to uplifting the area.
Where others saw a large abandoned warehouse, she saw a giant canvas. This was the beginning of the rebirth of the area known as Parade Gardens, with several initiatives in place from the aforementioned Paint Jamaica.
The project sees artists from all over the world arriving to paint their own murals on the walls.
Visitors also participate in the tree-planting initiative, Plant Jamaica. It's definitely another way of beautifying the area using nature’s own colors.
Life Yard restaurant & eco-village
The true spirit of Fleet Street, however, is the unification of the community. Across the street is Life Yard, an affordable organic restaurant, with an “eat what you grow, grow what you eat” philosophy.
Behind the zinc fence walls, is an oasis, not just of lush vegetation but also an oasis in its true sense. If you are a true ambassador of the natural environment, you'll fit right in.
Serving as a haven for the children to play safely and do their homework and feed people with nature’s bounty, Life Yard can be described as the epicenter of Fleet Street in Downtown Kingston.
It is a multicultural eco-village, created by a group of Jamaicans and visitors to the island who share a strong belief in the protection of our natural environment and sustainable community development.
Plan a visit and wander the yard as you take in the art. If you’re lucky enough, go on a day when they hold a fundraising event.
You'll possibly meet craftsmen from broom makers to cobblers peddling their wares, while delicious food is served up all around you and a free live Jamaican music concert takes place, usually with musicians from the area.
There's definitely more to Downtown Kingston awaiting you to explore.
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