Trelawny, Jamaica

·         Trelawny: Capital- Falmouth, Major towns- Duncans and Albert Town

Trelawny is located on the northwest end of the island bordered by Manchester and St Elizabeth in the south, St Ann to the east and to the west is the parish of St James, it is the fifth largest parish. This parish is home to the largest  numbers of sugar estates this is also the home of the largest maroon population on the island.  The southern end of the parish is inhabitable, it’s a natural reserve for animal and plant life. This parish is also the birthplace of some very famous record shattering Olympians like who is the current  100 and 200 meters track and field world  record holder Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Sanya Richards and many more.

Places to tour

- If you are ready for another Jamaican adventure then this is the perfect parish for you. This is a nature lovers dream. Jamaica has 27 different species of birds and the majority resides in this natural reserve. Bring your bag pack, binoculars, both your bird and plant species record book also for some underground explorations visit Windsor caves near the capital.

-Good Hope Great House is a 2000 acre working Jamaican estate, it’s the oldest Georgian structure in the parish. A unique feature of this estate is the fact that Martha Brae runs through the estate. Take lots of pictures at this historic site.

-Glistening Waters is not only Falmouth's most natural night time attraction but in all of Jamaica. It is a gleaming Lagoon a natural occurrence. The lagoon is home to billions of minuscule organism that glows an iridescent blue and green color when the water is disturbed. There is a restaurant that overlooks the lagoon and boat trips on the glistening water. So take a tour of Trelawny and let me know how you enjoyed yourself.

Saint Elizabeth

·         Saint Elizabeth: Capital- Black River

St Elizabeth is located on the southwest end of the island, west of the parish of Manchester, to the east is Westmoreland, to the  south  you will find Trelawny and St James. It is the  third largest parish on the island.  St Elizabeth played a major role in the Sam Sharpe Rebellion .Molasses and sugar was the main shipment made in this parish. St Elizabeth is one of the major producers of bauxite. Port Kaiser which is located near the town of Alligator Pond, it has a deep water pier for bauxite export. Black River which is the capital was the center of the logwood trade to make blue dye in Europe. The waterloo home located in Black River was also said to be the first to have introduced electricity on the island. Black River is one of the largest rivers on the island, it is estimated to be around 33 miles for the parts that runs across the parish and 25 miles of traversable waters.

Places to tour:

-Appleton Run Distillery located in the Nassau Valley of St Elizabeth which offers a tour and a lesson in the history of the estate and the rum itself. The best part of the tour is the sampling of the rums.

-YS Falls is located close to the town f Black River. It is privately owned and its unspoiled beauty encompassing a tranquil valley and a 120ft waterfall cascading over beautiful rocks with multiple swimming holes.

-Lover's Leap located in Southfield in the southern end of the parish, offers the most amazing view and a trail down to the bay. Lovers Leap it is not very easy to find, it's off the beaten bath. The cliff itself is a 1700 ft vertical drop down to the waves of Cutlass Bay below. Cutlass Bay got its name because the waters are so rough it continuously cuts the rocks when it rushes alongside its shores. The cliff provides a wonderful view for miles out to the Caribbean sea. It is so high that you may see small aircrafts  flying below. Lover's leap got its name from the story of two young slaves madly in love from the nearby plantation of Yardly Chase. The Owner wanted the young slave girl for himself so he arranged for the young man to be sold but not wanting to be separated from her beloved they jumped off the cliff together hand in hand to their death so they could be together forever.

Manchester, Jamaica

·    ·         Manchester: Capital- Mandeville

Manchester is located west-central Jamaica , bordered by St. Elizabeth in the west ,Trelawny to its north and  Clarendon  is in  the east. It is the sixth largest parish and the only parish not on the coast or a major river. The first free library in Jamaica was established here in 1938. numerous amounts of original buildings can still be seen such as the courthouse, a remarkable structure of cut limestone with a horseshoe stairway and a raised porch sustained by Doric columns and built in 1820.

Smokey hole cave locates is the longest cave on the island . It is located about 10 miles from the capital town of Mandeville the district of Cross Keys and New Broughton. The name comes from the locals because whenever there is heavy rainfall a thick fog comes from the cave. The Northern Caribbean University formally known as West Indies College is also located in Mandeville.

Places to tour

-High Mountain Coffee Factory aka Baronhall Estate- located in Williamsfield, Manchester, a product line of Jamaica standard products (JSP). They also produces two exceptional Jamaican coffee line,  the world famous High mountain Coffee and Baronhall Estate Jamaica Gourmet Coffee,  this is the place to get that coffee high for all those coffee connoisseurs out there but for a tour an appointment is needed so just call ahead.  Baronhall Estate is one of the oldest family owned estate in Jamaica  going back to the reign of King Charles I of England.  They have many other quality products like their line of sauces and spices found in many grocers around the world.

-Pioneer Chocolate Factory- located in Williamsfield  just  minutes away from the JSP factory, you will be able to see how this exquisite chocolate is made from fine Jamaican cocoa. You will also need to call ahead for an appointment tour.

-Mrs. Stephen's Garden- a beautiful, well maintained private home garden in Mandeville. Her marvelous collection of orchids is not to be missed in this charming oasis. The owner Mrs. Stephens herself will give you a tour. Her famous garden has often won  first place at the annual Horticultural show.

Hanover, Jamaica

·         Hanover: Capital- Lucea, Major towns- Sandy Bay and Hopewell

This parish is located on the northwestern tip of the island bordered by Westmoreland to its south and St. James to the east.  Lucea is 25 miles west of Montego Bay and sits between Montego Bay and Negril. It is also a part of the world famous beach stretch from Montego Bay to Negril but often does not get credit for its unbelievable beauty and charm. It is the third smallest of the fourteen parishes. It is the birthplace of one of Jamaica's seven national hero's Sir Alexander Bustamante. It is also the birthplace of Jamaica's beloved Olympian and world champion sprinter Merlene Ottey also called the "Queen of the track" because of her success and longevity as  top international sprinter. In the mid 18th century, Lucea was an important sugar growing region and had a very prosperous sugar port. Fort Charlotte was located on one side of the entrance to the Harbor and was built as a defense to the harbor. In the center of Lucea there is a fully functioning clock tower so when in this town you can say you always know what time of day it is.

Places to tour

There are several coves in this parish for the more adventurous visitors one that is more popular is the Miskito Cove which is seven miles east of Lucea. Its beautiful surroundings is fitting for water sports and leisure fishing. Hanover shares Negril resort areas so, some hotels and attractions are said to be located in Negril but in fact they reside in Hanover but who's really cares , I have to say through, most of the parish does not have many tourist attractions but this unique parish has such a rich history, there are still tots to see.

-Booby Cay is located is a small island that sits off the shores of Hanover in close proximity to Negril.  Its names comes from the booby bird which is family toa type of seabird called Tern that comes to the island to breed and lay its eggs because of the seclusion. This island can be reached by a chartered boat, catch a ferry in Negril town or arrangements can be made through your hotel. There are many different charter operators and each has its own unique experience but they all have a very good reputation, they are fun, safe and very friendly. You can stay a full day or just half a day enjoying the tranquility of this small island.  Most go for the glass bottom boat operators to maximize their sightseeing experience . On the island, the sand is soft and the beach is beautiful. The perfect setup for a family picnic, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling or if you want to be more adventurous, there are a few paths that leads further inland that can be explored.

-Tryall Estate- this is now a luxury club with villas but was once a sugar plantation then coconut plantation. The main attraction on this estate is the giant  waterwheel that is over 200 years old, still operational and very well maintained. The wheel is powered by water carried along a two mile channel from the Flint River. This estate was once home of the Johnny Walker Golf Tournament, it boasts an 18 hole course, is a world class facility with views of the historic ruins and of the beautiful Caribbean sea.

-Rhodes Hall Plantation- located about eight miles from Negril, this plantation has remained a true eco friendly environment. A few of their rooms looks like beautiful wooden cottages, the television, is very small but who visits a beachfront plantation to watch television anyway and the rooms are designed to reflect the old world charm. The location is over 550 acre range with many different types of terrains perfect for horseback riding which they offer. Rhodes Plantation horseback riding is an unforgettable experience simply because of their terrain and the untouched coastline which you can ride right into the ocean for a cooling off. They have the largest crocodile reserve in western Jamaica. While sitting on the veranda  of your room or strolling the grounds, you will see peacocks, parrots, hummingbirds and a plethora of wildlife enjoying the environment with you. This plantation is also unmatched when it pertains to snorkeling, the bay's coral reef is one of the healthiest in Jamaica you don’t have to go far, just swim out a few feet and you will discover a majestic  underwater adventure of various forms of life. 

Saint James, Jamaica

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·         Saint James: Capital- Montego Bay, Major Town- Montpelier

This parish is located on the north-west end of the island bordered by Saint Elizabeth to the south, east of the parish is Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover to the west.  A fun fact about the capital city is its name Montego (Manteca) which is the Spanish word for Lard. The name was formed because there were many wild hogs roaming around when the parish was found and it became the export point for lard. In later years sugar export became very popular in the town of Montego Bay.

Montego Bay is also the birthplace of one of Jamaica's seven national hero's Sam Sharpe. He advocated throughout his life for the freedom of slaves and led his last rebellion which turned violent in 1831 which he was hanged for his participation in Montego Bay Market known today as Sam Sharpe square. A life size statue of Sam Sharpe and his men of that rebellion is a focal point in the square today.

Jamaican sprinter and gold medal Olympian Yohan Blake (the beast) was born in this Parish but keep your eyes sharp because you may catch a glimpse of him sprinting by if you are ever that lucky.

Montego Bay is also one of two international airports located on the island called Sangster International Airport.

Places to tour

-Rose Hall Great House host many tourist each year because of the legend of "the White Witch of Rose Hall" which haunts this house. It's an old mansion where the ghost called Annie resides and she reportedly haunts the property.  She was the wife of the John Palmer the owner of the house which was built in 1770.  This great house was destroyed in the Sam Sharpe rebellion of 1831 and later rebuilt to its present state.

-Martha Brae River Rafting located about twenty miles from Montego Bay.  This is a tranquil and romantic experience. The ride is operated over a three miles of the Martha Brae river and last for one hour, there is also a stop on the rafting tour to take a swim in the beautiful river.

-Margaritaville Caribbean Bar and Grill. This is the party place on Montego Bay's hip strip where many bars, restaurants and clubs stay open until wee hours of the night. This is the place if you really want to just have be free and dance no matter what time of day or night. Oh did I mention they have a 120ft waterslide that drops you into the warm Caribbean sea, two giant water trampolines and the floating margaritaville deck anchored offshore and a different theme each night? Just another way of showing their guest that having fun is all that is required.

Westmoreland, Jamaica

·         Westmoreland: Capital- Savanna-la-Mar, Major Towns- Bluefields and Negril

Westmorland as it name say is the westernmost parish on the island, it is south of Hanover and southwest of St James. It is 312 square miles and the eighth largest parish in Jamaica. Manny rivers run through Westmoreland, the 25 miles Cabaritta River that drains into Georges' Plain and can accommodate a ship that weighs up to eight tons.. This parish is home to one of the most famous tourist destination; Negril. The Ciboney Indians were said to be the earliest settlers in Negril, believed to be from South America, they were known as cave dwellers and lived along the cliffs mazelike caves and passageways below what is now the Xtabi hotel and restaurant. This is a wonderful location to capture the most amazing sunset atop this Cliffside piece of history. 

 One of Jamaica's inactive ports is located in Savanna-la-mar, it was used for shipping banana and sugar cane.

A few places to tour

Williamsfield is a unique little town ten miles outside the city of Savanna-la-mar, there you will find an attraction known to the locals as " Fenton falls".  You may need some help from the locals to find it but when you do, the experience is unmatched by any other. It’s a smaller untouched version of Dunn's' River without the tour guide. Don't be surprised if you are the only one relaxing on a rocks with the force of this cool river water beating away the aches in your back.  Fenton Falls also known as Venture river flows into the Cabarita River, this synergy is known to the locals as "meeting". The meeting of both rivers.  

Roaring River-  A former slave plantation located in the community of Petersfield eight miles outside of the city of Savanna-la-mar. In some parts of the river, the water is very forceful thus the name "Roaring River". On the banks of the river you will see various limestone caves with parts of the river running through it. There is an association that maintains the river and offer guided tours through the caves. There are parts of the river that you can go in for a swim, and also a garden area where you can have picnics. This river is also the source of water for ports of the parish.

Bluefield's Beach is another amazing place to relax on your trip through Westmoreland.  Belmont is a town within the city of Bluefield where famous reggae singer Peter Tosh was born and spent his early life before moving to Kingston and eventually being a part of Bob Marley and the Wailers. This beach is a hotspot for the locals in this parish.  On any sunny weekend you will find the locals hanging out with their family  on the white powder like sand, listening to some nice reggae music and taking a dip in the warm Caribbean sea.

Saint Ann, Jamaica

·         Saint Ann: Capital- Saint Ann's Bay, Major Towns- Brown's Town and Ocho Rios

This is the birth and burial place of famous reggae legend Bob Marley  in his hometown of nine miles, a quaint little town just outside the city of Browns Town, St Ann. This little town of nine miles is the inspiration for many of Bob's famous lyrics. You can also take a tour of the Bob Marley Mausoleum. You will be able to visit his childhood home and learn a little history about Bob and his family. There are numerous excursions that offers daily tours.

-Green Grotto Cave, located in the town of Runaway Bay ,is one of Jamaica's most prominent natural attractions. The primary feature of the Green Grotto is its large intricate limestone cave with very only one of its kind rock formations, its overhead ceiling pockets, stalagmites and bats. This amazing mystical cave is surrounded by beautiful lush foliage and the source of its water supply is hidden beneath the caves landscape. The English invaded the island in the early 17th century and these caves were used as a hiding place for the Spaniards who were being driven out by the British. After the second world war the Jamaican Government used the entrance of the cave as storeroom for barrels of rum. Green Grotto is also known for having the island best rum punch but you can determine whether the rum barrels from the 20th century had anything to do with that claim to fame.  Across the street is an eatery called The Ultimate Jerk Spot where you can grab an order of jerk chicken, festival and a cold red stripe. If you are lucky to stop by on a Sunday afternoon you may catch a cricket match, just pull up a chair and watch the players hit a couples sixes.

-Reggae Beach is a hotspot for the locals located outside the city of Salem, just bring along your beach bag and soak up the sun while you chat with the friendly locals and groove to the reggae music that’s always playing on the reggae beach.

- Dunn's River Water Falls  is located in the town of Ocho Rio. Visit this attraction and you will be able to climb 600 ft climb to the top of a waterfall with a skilled tour guide. This is one of the most famous attractions throughout the Caribbean. There is also a beach at the base of the falls that the river flows into if climbing waterfalls is not to your fancy just relax by the beach or do a bit of retail therapy at the many craft shops that is on this property and pick up a few souvenirs' to commemorate your trip.

http://www.dunnsriverfallsja.com/

-Mystic Mountain is the place to be 10 minutes outside the city of Ocho Rios. This attraction offers a different type of adventure. One attraction  they are most famous for would be the Bobsled, no; this is no mistake and yes, we are still a beautiful tropical island without any promise of snow. Take a ride on Jamaica's first bobsled through the rainforest for the most thrilling time of your life, you may feel like you are a member of the Jamaican Olympic bobsled team after this ride.

http://www.rainforestadventure.com/