MoBay Hip Strip after the expo

EACH EVENING when Expo 2005 closes, it is not close of play. The famous Hip Strip, as well as various nightspots around the city, will be very much open and they will stay that way until the wee hours of the morning, so there will be a lot to see and do, dance and smile about.

Along the Hip Strip, the fare is varied and caters to every taste, not only figuratively but also literally, as the eateries range from the 'ready to go' nature of places such as Burger King to the dine-in comfort of the Native Restaurant. Those who find swine divine should find the name Pork Pit highly enticing.

PHOTO BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN One of the many entertainers that performed at Expo 2004.

The newest kid on the block, Jamaica Bob Sled, caters to those who swear by the well-topped slice, providing a variety of toppings on the tasty base of the finest pizza.

Neighbouring Bob Sled, secluded on the world famous Doctor's Cave Beach, is Groovy Grouper which has changed the face of Friday nights with its 'all you can eat' seafood buffet.

HIP STRIP BUZZES

With go-karting fun at the Aguasol Park near one end and the famous 'night beach' experience on the Dead End Beach at the other, and many a dancing spot in between, the Hip Strip buzzes all week round and really hums on a weekend, which fits the expo perfectly.

Chief among the dancing spots is Margaritaville, which gives the choice of the upstairs open-air experience, where the stars seem close and the surf is seen and heard, or the enclosed ambience downstairs, where the music really rocks. A few nimble steps across the road from the 'Ville Lady Luck winks and crooks her finger inside Coral Cliff's Gaming Lounge.

Between Chinese food and a blend of entertainment and chow at The Brewery on Miranda Ridge, as well as the unforgettable experience of watching planes land on the edge of the runway of the Sangster International Airport, visible from Dead End Beach, there is lots to see and do on the Montego Bay Hip Strip.

And there is always a secure stroll under the streetlights, neon signs and the stars.