Jamaica has more than beaches

With its white-sand beaches fringed by palms, Jamaica’s north coast -- from Negril in the west to Port Antonio in the east -- has the island’s most popular destinations for vacationers. In fact, it’s easy to plop down in the sand and barely move for a week or more. However, there’s much more to Jamaica than the gorgeous beaches: For example, there are lush hills and river valleys plus the romantically misty Blue Mountains.
If you like to be active, a very popular trek is to visit Dunn’s River Falls, about two miles from Ocho Rios. The falls spill down a series of large terraces, sometimes pausing in calmer lagoons. Guides can show you the safe routes up and down the slippery rocks. Unusually, the falls empties directly into the sea. Spend some time on Dunn’s River Beach, feeling the mix of the warm sea and the cool waterfall.
Hike through the Bluefield Mountains, about an hour away from Negril, to see some of the hundreds of colorful bird species such as saffron finches, orange quits and “doctor birds,” -- the common name for streamer tail hummingbirds -- that live there.
Not far from the north coast port of Falmouth, you can ride a bike or a horse around the sugar cane fields and papaya groves of Good Hope Plantation. The plantation’s Great House, now a hotel, overlooks the beautiful Queen of Spain Valley. Tour the restored historic buildings, and then relax with a cool drink on the veranda of the Great House.
If you love to explore local cuisine when you travel, Jamaica is a feast for the taste buds. Distinctive jerk seasoning is used with barbecued chicken and pork, often accompanied by fried plantains or rice mixed with pigeon peas. The national dish is ackee and salt fish: boiled ackee fruit sautéed with salt cod. Curry goat is common as are Jamaican patties, which are pastries with savory fillings.
To discover everything that Jamaica has to offer, including the golf courses, shopping, river rafting, mountain biking or coffee and chocolate plantations, talk with your travel professional.


Moe Rondeau is the owner of Travel Leaders/Travel Advisors International at 204 Front St. in Lincoln. Contact him at (401) 725-1234 or moe@taitrips.com.