Everyone knows of Jamaica’s tropical climate, famed beaches and bright blue sea, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate, it pays to plan a different sort of island itinerary.

Donna M. Owens discovered a few can’t-miss foodie experiences that provide alternate activities beyond the sun and surf.

Even in the off season, it’s easy to plan a fulfilling sojourn to Jamaica.

We’re talking nothing more than sampling tasty bites, sipping tropical drinks, and reclining in hideaways, with views of the sea or urban terrain.

So come along as we eat, drink and—at the end of the day—enjoy peaceful nights in Jamaica.

1. Irishtown, St. Andrew

Eat/Drink: Whether you’re a Starbucks fan or prefer a homemade cup of joe, the 200-year-old Craighton Coffee Estate and Great House is an easygoing way to learn about Jamaica’s world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee. Staffers provide intriguing tours and history (who knew the coffee plant arrived centuries ago onboard a ship?) and show off creaky machinery that grinds those heady, aromatic beans. Meanwhile the estate itself (complete with a historic house, antique furnishings and a wrap-around porch) provides stunning panoramic views of the mountains. After sampling cups of the dark, rich brew, you won’t want to leave without taking some home.

Dream: Located amid the greenery of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa is a luxury hideaway owned by Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell. Everyone from reggae king Bob Marley to U2 and Grace Jones has visited, and their photos and hit records are prominently displayed. The cozy boutique property boasts 12 Georgian-style cottages decorated with chic, island-style flair and features the Caribbean’s only full-service Aveda Concept Spa (try lemongrass wrap and traveler’s foot bath). The hotel’s restaurant serves new Jamaican cuisine, where nouvelle gourmet takes on classic island fare, so do try dishes like the lobster salad, coconut curried tofu and black-eyed pea salad.

2. Kingston

Eat/Drink: Merchants and others in Kingston are working hard to restore its image, tarnished by images of drugs and crime. But a recent visit to the bustling business district reveals residents and tourists going about their business, safely. There also plenty of places in the area to eat, from Pizza Hut to Jamaican fast food, to eateries inside area hotels. Start the day with a delicious authentic Jamaican breakfast (ackee and saltfish, callaloo greens and roasted breadfruit) at the popular Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

Night owls may want to try the charming all-night dessert and coffee bar in the art-filled lobby of the Wyndham hotel, where everyone from the doormen to waiters at its new Italian restaurant, seem to wear a broad smile.

Dream: The Spanish Court Hotel is the new, hot hotel in Kingston. Fairly unassuming from the outside, the interior of this boutique hotel is va-va-voom, from the sexy lobby awash with tropical flowers, to the lap pool in the sky. Hip accommodations meld contemporary style (raw silk, natural woods, brilliant colors) with fun and helpful touches, such as a 24-hour business center center, Wi-Fi and iPod docks. The hotel’s fine restaurant, Sabor House, is a lovely space decorated in all white. Up-and-coming chef Richie Richards (trained at the Culinary Institute of America) delivers fine cuisine—perfectly grilled filet mignon to freshly caught fish.

Love Jamaican food? Try Jamaican Culinary Adventures: Roadside Food + Recipes!

3. Montego Bay region

Eat/Drink: The long stretches of dusty roads leading to the popular resort area of Montego Bay offer a peek into daily life in rural Jamaica.

One thing you will see in abundance is fresh fruit stands—often so tiny that drivers who whiz by too fast can easily miss them. But that would be a pity since they’re chock full of seasonal fruit like juicy mangoes, bananas, tangerines and other delicacies.

Have the proprietor chop a coconut in half, sip the juice and marvel that no soda will ever taste this naturally sweet.

Dream: If you’re a fan of all-inclusive resorts, well then the sprawling new Secrets Wild Orchid will suit your fancy, plenty. And even if you don’t like that vibe, you will likely leave here impressed.

There’s something sexy about the place, with its swanky accommodations, multiple signature restaurants (Italian, Mexican to name a few), gardens, pools and beach views. Add to that live entertainment, on-site shopping, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a most opulent spa.

4. San San and Port Antonio; Boston Bay

Eat/Drink: Boston Bay is home of the famous Shaggy’s Jerk Shop, known as the site where jerk spices and preparation have been perfected to high art.

There’s nothing fancy about the place—makeshift grills outside and a few communal tables—but the pork, chicken, freshly caught lobster and traditional dishes like “festival”—a type of fried bread similar to a hush puppy—are so delish it draws locals from miles around and tourists from all over the world. Wash it down with freshly made pineapple juice or a Red Stripe beer.

Dream: Overlooking stretches of the bluest, azure sea one can ever imagine (the classic movie Blue Lagoon was filmed nearby), Goblin Hill is serenity personified. This ocean-front resort is rightfully celebrated by discerning travelers as one of the best in the Caribbean—even Jamaica’s top officials vacation here.

Envision fruit trees, comfortable accommodations (spacious furnished villas, some of which offer a view of the sea), tennis courts, a pool, and Mother Nature as close as your window: each morning hummingbirds flit from flower to flower and sing.

On a bright sunny morning here, the staff will prepare custom breakfast or other meals outdoors, with the table set and overlooking the ocean for a most memorable experience.

5.  Port Antonio

Eat/Drink/Dream: Upscale yet laid-back, Mockingbird Hill provides a unique, intimate stay for folks who don’t do cookie-cutter accommodations. Guests hail from all over the globe. Acclaimed for its environmental and socially sensitive operations, the hotel’s location is integrated into the natural environment and provides the best of both worlds: mountain and ocean vistas, mere minutes away from the best beaches on island and other outdoor activities—from bird-watching to rafting and hiking. Proprietors and partners Shireen Aga and Barbara Walker have lovingly designed their establishment to offer guests the warm atmosphere of a private home and gardens, complete with beautiful décor, original artwork by Walker, and relaxing hammocks.

You won’t want to miss a meal while here: they’re extraordinary. The Restaurant Mille Fleurs delights with creative Caribbean cuisine sometimes prepared tableside by a team of in house chefs who are from the community. Daily changing a la Carte menus with vegetarian options offer a selection of delectable, innovative meals—from pumpkin soup, to Jamaican-style steamed fish with house-made jerk sauces.

By Donna M. Owens for PeterGreenberg.com. Donna M. Owens is an award-winning journalist based in Baltimore who reports for print, broadcast and online outlets nationwide.

Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:

• Hidden Gems: Jamaica
• Caribbean Travel section
• Radio Guest List – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Jamaica
• Laid-Back Caribbean Travel: Jamaica’s Southwestern Coast
• Jamaican Culinary Adventures: Roadside Food + Recipes!
• Mush, Mon! The Story Of The Jamaican Dogsled Team