Sights

The heart of historic Port Antonio, known as Titchfield Hill, is best visited by strolling around the peninsula, consuming little more than an hour at a leisurely pace. Titchfield Hill is today a run-down neighborhood dotted with several buildings that hint at more prosperous times with decorative latticework and wide front steps leading up to wraparound verandas. The Demontevin Lodge (21 Fort George St., tel. 876/993-2604) is a case in point. It was once the private home of David Gideon, who became Custos of Port Antonio in 1923. Today it is a tired hotel operated under unenthusiastic management and not recommended for lodging, but its decorative gingerbread house ironwork reminiscent of old sea captains’ homes on the Massachusetts coast is striking and worth a look. Demontevin hosts a popular karaoke night on Fridays.