Jamaica is an exciting vacation destination, with a whole lot of fun, history and pure enjoyment, a great experience for everyone.
The South Coast
Charms of South Coast: Experience the charm of the fishing villages and untamed beaches on the South Coast. Authentic to the south coast is peppered Shrimp, Fish and Bammy.
Some of the attraction on the South Coast
Clarendon Food and Cultural Festival
This is a jerk and cultural festival organized to celebrate the achievements of the Clarendon region. There is a presentation of a cultural entertainment package. Fun kid activities, and fascinated enough to keep the young at heart on their toes.
Spur Tree
Spur Tree, is a mountainous region lying between the parishes of Manchester and St Elizabeth, seems to have been named in honor of the gigantic cotton trees that used to grow in the area, throwing out huge buttresses or spurs, hence “Spur Tree”. The descent from the hills of Manchester to the plains of St Elizabeth is not for the fainthearted. The hill rises at a breathtaking 304 metres per half mile as it crosses the Don Figueroa Mountains that dominate the topography of the two parishes.
Treasure Beach
Travelling on Jamaica’s South Coast, you will discover a treasure chest of coves and bays, where the Caribbean meets our sandy and sometimes rocky shores. A mixture of dark and white-sand stretches, rocky coves, fishermen’s enclaves and secluded swimming spots, the South Coast’s shores promise a range of possibilities. Treasure Beach is a spot that surely lives up to its name. Set against a background of lush greenery, Treasure Beach is a six-mile stretch of coral-coloured and sometimes black sands, private coves and rocky shores. For travellers who want to discover the South Coast’s vibrant local culture and people and are in search of untrodden beaches, a visit to one of Treasure Beach’s four main bays – Billy, Calabash, Great and Frenchman’s– is a must. In Calabash Bay, the largest of the four bays, friendly fishermen dock their brightly painted canoes and unload the day’s catch. Visitors swarm, waiting patiently at beachfront cafes and stands, so they can be first to enjoy it – soon to be seasoned and grilled to perfection. Other uniquely Jamaican dishes, such as curried goat, jerked meat and pumpkin soup are also available at roadside stands at Treasure Beach’s four public beaches. All lovely, laid-back stretches are well-suited for swimming, snorkelling, biking, hiking, surfing, and of course, the mellow vibes of kicking back in the sun with a cold Red Stripe in hand.
This is a must see on Jamaica’s South Coast
Lacovia
Lacovia is the longest village in Jamaica, laid out for more than five miles on either side of the South Coast highway and the Black River, both of which divide the community into East and West Lacovia. Throughout the 18th century, Black River and Lacovia alternated as the capital of the parish of St Elizabeth. At one point in time, the river was the main transportation route for the parish, as road travel through the dense and humid mangrove swamps was treacherous at worst, miserable at best. The name Lacovia seems to be derived from the Spanish name for mahogany – la caoba – when the main industry was the logging of mahogany trees, which were floated down the river to the wharf for export. Today the cashew nut has replaced mahogany lumber as the prime export of the area, and the Black River is no longer used to transport goods to the parish capital.
Lacovia was once home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Jamaica, and the town is still of great importance to the existing Jamaican Jewish community today. There are many interesting remnants of that Jewish heritage, including an old graveyard with many telling tombstones. To date there is no formal site, but do contact the Jamaica National Heritage Trust for more information on Jewish settlements in Jamaica. In Lacovia, the Jewish cemetery falls on the land of one Mr Robinson, who respectfully maintains the tombs and is always accommodating to visitors.
Lacovia is famous for its abundance cashews. Cashews are grown all over the district, and cashew nuts are the area’s largest cash crop. Don't Miss
Beside the Texaco gas station along the main highway, two grey concrete tombs lie raised, almost in the middle of the road. One is unmarked, but the other belongs to one Thomas Jordan Spencer, said to be an ancestor to Winston Churchill and Diana Spencer. Why these men were buried here is a mystery, as are the circumstances surrounding their deaths – but just ask – almost anyone from the area is sure to give an animated account of their personal version of the story.
YS Falls- St Elizabeth
If you love the water, you will enjoy this falls. Rope-swing over the calming cool waters. Let go and plunge into bliss. Exciting!
Appleton Estate Rum Tour
Where our rum comes from! An intoxicating tour through the factory of Jamaican rum heightens your appreciation of our flavourful elixir.
Bird Watching
The South Coast's quiet shores and verdant highlands are perfect for viewing Jamaica's colourful collection of tropical birds.
Lovers Leap
Take in views of the Pedro Bluff and the shoreline of Cutlass Bay and miles of the bluest sea.
Hiking
Enjoy magnificent panoramic views over deep wooded valleys and old plantations on mountain paths and donkey tracks.
Bamboo Avenue
Drive through nature's perfect archway, leading you from one South Coast adventure to the next.
The Black River Mangrove
Take a boat ride up the meandering Black River, past sultry crocodiles and through mysterious mangroves. The Black River area is the largest crocodile habitat in Jamaica, with over 300 rare and endangered crocs living in the surrounding mangroves.
The Black River heritage Walking Tour
The Invercauld Great House, High Street
Built in 1894 by Patrick Leyden, member of a famous British family, Invercauld (formerly Invercall) is the typical 19th century wealthy merchant’s home. Its graceful design is characteristically Georgian, with gabled roofs, bay windows, valances and decorative fretwork. Leyden reportedly imported most of the materials used in the construction from Europe and North America. Recently renovated, Invercauld is a guesthouse with 52 air-conditioned rooms and suites and a restaurant
THE COURTHOUSE
Stop Description: This imposing building overlooking the turquoise bay is the hub of activity in Black River, housing both the Legal Court and the Parish Council Offices. A magnificent Georgian structure, it has an impressive façade with attractive white columns. Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, the courthouse is believed to have been built in the early 20th century. In the past, it has served as the Town Hall, and as a stage for plays, concerts, political meetings, fairs and dances. The two gigantic ficus trees on the courthouse compound are national monuments.
MAGDALA HOUSE
Stop Description: An excellent example of Victorian architecture adapted to a tropical climate, Magdala House displays a concrete foundation, wooden structure and window coolers. Originally owned by Tom Leyden, one of the richest men in 19th century Jamaica, the house now belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and serves as a home for abandoned children.
RESTORED HOUSES
Stop Description: These include the offices of the parish council and the reputed former home of the Griffith family, the first family in Jamaica to own a motorcar. Both buildings may date from the 19th century.
WATERLOO GUEST HOUSE
Stop Description: Formerly owned by John Leyden, this elegant townhouse faces Black River’s waterfront. In 1893, Waterloo became the first building in Jamaica to be illuminated by electricity. It is said that Leyden, a racehorse breeder, wired the house to an electricity plant at “York Terrace” (now called School Street) because he wanted to air-condition his stables. Generously, Leyden decided to supply the whole town with electricity, making Black River the envy of the island. A few years later, however, the Leyden family ran out of money and closed the electricity plant, pitching Black River into darkness once more. The town went without electricity until 1936. Today, Waterloo has been restored as a guesthouse, and is a shining example of Black River’s storied past.
ST ELIZABETH PARISH CHURCH
Stop Description: Erected in approximately 1837 (on the site of a previous chapel dating back to the 1700s), this graceful yellow brick building is a mixture of classical and gothic architectural styles. Topped with battlements and corner pinnacles, the tower boasts quoins and other intricate details. Inside the church are mural tablets to Messrs Munro and Dickenson, the benefactors of two of Jamaica’s most recognized boarding schools, Munro College and Hampton School for Girls.
THE HENDRICKS AND CO. BUILDING
Stop Description: Believed to have been built over 100 years ago, this charming building houses the Black River Jamaica Tourist Board office. Drop in and say hello to the JTB representative, who will gladly answer any questions about the area and Jamaica in general. The building has belonged to the Hendricks family since William Hendricks built it in the 1900s. At that time, it housed a general store that stocked household and hardware items. Outside the Hendricks and Co. Building, a cannon protrudes from the asphalt street, a relic of the town’s heyday, when a small fort and several guns protected the town’s riches. Back then, old cannons were often used as “hitching posts” for horses.
Eco Marine Tour of Bluefields Bay
Our eco-marine tour of historic Bluefields Bay starts from Belmont Beach, where fishing has been a way of life for more than 1400 years. The two - hour tour with a fisherman guide takes us to the east, where we pass close to the entrance to some sea caves where cave swallows build their nests. Our next stop will be at a partially exposed coral reef, which is home to a myriad of multicoloured fishes and sea creatures. A wide range of corals can be seen in the clear waters – these include sea fans, sea whips, stag’s horn and brain coral. The warm shallow waters of the bay are an important breeding ground for marine life. Dolphins and flying fish are sometimes seen, and we also occasionally encounter large turtles and manatee. From Moor Reef, we chart a course towards the old Spanish port of Sav-la-Mar. We will stop for a few minutes to haul in our fish - pots and examine the catch of the day together, before returning the fish to the water. Another five minutes along the route, we will stop at the site of some 17th - century anchors. Here, we will be entertained with tales of the famous seafarers who visited Bluefields Bay – Henry Morgan, Captain Bligh and others. Next, we will pass by the mangrove - fringed wetlands of Paradise property. It was here that the Taino Amerindians lived from around 650 AD. We will discuss the Taino and their way of life and hear about the importance of the mangrove which help protect our shores from tidal waves. Many seabirds will be seen cruising over the bay or diving for fish - brown pelicans, brown boobies, royal terns and magnificent frigate birds. On our return journey we will pass by old plantations and historic sites. If you take an evening trip, you will hopefully get the opportunity to experience one of our breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. The morning tour includes a swim at Bluefields Bay and a dip in the refreshingly cool Bluefields River. There are great packages available at good rates.
Bloomfield Great House
Visit the fascinating Bloomfield Great House, a 200-year-old Georgian-style coffee plantation main house.
Taste of Jamaican Flavor
Little Ochi
South Coast
Treasure Beach
Tel: 876-965- 4450/4449
Little Ochi Seafood Restaurant overlooks the black sand of Jamaica’s south coast shoreline to present laidback get-away from ‘city life’. They offer fresh from the sea, lobster, shrimp and fish served with a choice of steaming hot bammies and/or festivals. Its annual Seafood Festival is an essential event for seafood lovers. The quiet character of the south coast makes Little Ochi a popular respite for the weary.
This service and food very excellent at little Ochi
The Vineyard
South Coast
Mandeville
Tel: 876-625-6113
Fax: 876-962-1288
E-mail: trevorfal@cwjamaica.com
Nestled beneath a canopy of bamboo trees, against a backdrop of palms and graced by magnificent fig tree on the front lawn, The Vineyard is an unexpected oasis of relaxation in the heart of Mandeville. They offer international cuisines at unbelievably modest prices.
Casa de Viola
26 Grove Road
Mandeville
Tel: 876-625-8269
E-mail: casadeviola@yahoo.com
Casa de Viola is a trendy upscale Restaurant with a very hip Lounge and Bar. Nestled in the heart of Mandeville, offering international and local cuisine. The food is great, the service is excellent and the ambience is like no other! Its a great place to unwind...
Source: The Jamaica Tourist Board
No comments:
Post a Comment