Recently, the U.S. along with Canada, the U.K., and several other countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens about travel to Montego Bay. Some government warnings even told people not to leave their resorts. Well, not only did I come down here to Jamaica, I immediately left the resort. So, I can safely share some of my hidden gems of Montego Bay.
Located on Jamaica’s northern coast, Montego Bay, or “mobay”—as it’s sometimes called—is the capital of St. James Parish. From the mid- 17th century, and into the 20th century, the city was primarily a sugarcane port. But today, with an international airport and a cruise ship pier, the city is considered the island’s “tourist capital.”
Croydon Plantation
High in the mountains, about an hour outside of the city, you’ll find Croydon Plantation—a 132-acre forest reserve and working coffee and fruit plantation, where you can sample all kinds of fruit that’s grown on the property—including more varieties of pineapple than you probably even knew existed.
Hampden Estate Factory
If you’re looking for some rum to go with your pineapple, you’ve come to the right place. Most people go straight to the Appleton Estate factory, the most well-known of Jamaica’s rums. But if you want to avoid the crowds and get a more authentic experience, hop in the car and head to the Hampden Estate. It’s a pretty bumpy drive, but well worth it. You’ll step back in time to one of the oldest sugar estates in Jamaica. The fermentation house in the distillery looks nearly the same as it did in the 1700s.
Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
From there, drive back to Montego Bay, where you’ll head up a mountain. About 2000 feet above sea level you’ll find the “Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden.” Ian Williams, aka Ras Natango, and his wife Tamika, purchased the hilltop property in 1988 for the view, but ultimately decided to build a terraced home, garden, and gallery to showcase the family’s artwork. You can come to visit the gallery and garden—not to mention one of the best views in the city—but if you want to do something really cool, you can take part in your own art lesson.
If you want the truth, here’s the bottom line: I found it quite safe to visit Jamaica. Not only should you come, but you should also get out of your hotel and see some of my hidden gems of Montego Bay.
To see more of Peter Greenberg’s segments from his television show The Travel Detective, check out:
Hidden Gems of Memphis, Tennessee
By Peter Greenberg
