Call or email for assistance planning your trip: +1 (212) 203-0064 | reservations@moonjamaica.com
Bump Grave (admission by donation) is the final resting place of Nanny, the legendary Maroon leader and Jamaica’s first national heroine. It’s the principal attraction in Moore Town; a plaque and monument recall her glorious leadership and victory over British forces that tried unsuccessfully to conquer the Maroons.
Nanny Falls is a small waterfall within an easy hour’s walk from Moore Town. Ask any local to indicate where the trail starts, just above Nanny’s grave. There is also an alternate, longer route, about three hours round-trip, if you’re looking for more of a workout. The Colonel can help arrange a guide (US$10).
The Moore Town Maroon Cultural Center is at time of writing still in the conceptual stages, but there is adequate momentum from the Maroon Council and the Institute of Jamaica to guarantee that the project will develop over the coming years. The concept is to establish a museum and cultural center for the exhibition and preservation of Maroon heritage.
Ambassabeth Cabins (Bowden Pen, from US$70-90 for two; US$25 for a tent that can sleep eight), owned and operated by the Bowden Pen Farmers Asssociation, is the most remote accommodation option in the Rio Grande Valley, located above Millbank. The famous Cunha Cunha Pass Trail leaves from Ambassabeth, as does a trail leading to Bernard Spring Falls.
Barrett Adventures offers transportation to and from the Blue and John Crow Mountains, as well as a hiking expedition from the Portland side or from Kingston.
The region east of Port Antonio is dominated by the John Crow Mountains, which run northwest to southeast and butt up against the Blue Mountains, where they meet with steep slopes falling down to the sea near Hector’s River.
Boston was bustling in the early years of the banana trade, when it took the name of the North American city that made it prosperous for a brief period. Boston is the alleged origin of jerk seasoning, but the Boston Jerk Center that claims this fame has become overrun with hustlers unmindful of the fact that their harassment has damaged the area’s reputation.
Boston Beach (free) is located in a picturesque cove with turquoise waters that sees more local than foreign visitors, especially on weekends. Boston Bay can have a decent swell suitable for surfing and is the only place around where you can rent boogie-boards and surfboards.
Great Huts (US$60-400 nightly) is a stylishly rustic accommodation option in the heart of Boston, offering Bedouin-style tents, breezy cottages and tree houses. Great Huts is the brainchild of Brooklyn native Paul Rhodes, who has been shuttling between his medical practice in Washington D.C.
Boston Jerk Grill (cell tel. 876/878-5015 or 876/993-8093, garnetk13@hotmail.com, open 10 a.m.late Mon.Sat., restaurant closed on Sun.) may be a better option than the neighboring Jerk Center. It’s also a good place for local dishes, with friendly management under Garnet King. King can arrange catering as well.
