Jamaica: Things To Do

Appleton Rum Estate Appleton Rum Estate, nestled on either side of the Black River, offers tours of the distillery with plenty of time for samples (adults only). The gift shop overflows with rum souvenirs. 876-963-9215; www.appletonrum.com
tour | liquor

Blue Mountain Tours Take a bus to the top of Blue Mountain and bike down with Blue Mountain Tours. At 7,402 feet above sea level, the peaks are spectacular, with vistas of Cuba on a clear day and fresh coffee beans perfuming the morning air. 121 Main St.; 876-974-7075; www.bmtoursja.com
hiking | biking | outdoors | views

Buy local art From his gallery in Gordon Town at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Wayne Gallimore showcases and sells the work of over 30 Jamaican masters and intuitive artists. Private showings and tours to artists' studios are by appointment only. Alternatively, you can visit the online Jamagination Gallery (see link below), which ships art anywhere in the world. Ocho Rios; Jamagination, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort; 876-476-4417; www.jamagination.com.jm
gallery | trendy | art

Crab sellers The ladies of Kingston gather each afternoon by National Heroes Circle to sell crab, fresh from the sea. Be sure to pick up a slab of macaroni pie and a cob of buttered corn. National Heroes Circle
culinary | local favorite

Devon House An impressive example of Jamaican-Georgian architecture, Devon House owes its real fame to George Stiebel (Jamaica’s first black millionaire), who built it in 1881. Its manicured grounds are an 11-acre oasis in the middle of the city. After touring the building and admiring the hard-carved antique furniture, refuel at the onsite restaurant "Norma’s on the Terrace" (876-968-5488). 26 Hope Rd.; 876-929-6602; www.devonhousejamaica.com
family | architecture | culture | history

Dunn's River Falls Experience the granddaddy of all Jamaica attractions in Ocho Rios. Marvel at the dramatic 600-foot-high falls, limestone caves, and gardens replete with orchids and breadfruit trees. 876-974-2857; www.dunnsriverfallsja.com
family | outdoors

Horseback riding Riding bareback along the beach at sunset will remind you why you booked a vacation in the first place. The family-owned Braco Estates provides horses and guides for tours through the countryside and along the northwest coast of the Caribbean Sea. Braco Estates, 32 miles east of Montego Bay; 876-954-0185; www.bracostables.com
beach | family | tour | horseback riding

Jerk cooking lessons Sign up for a Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour, near Ocho Rios, and explore culinary traditions from field to table with jerk cooking lessons and lunch at the Nyam and Scram Café. Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour; 876-917-2318; www.walkerswood.com
family | culinary | tour

Jerky Stands Hiding out in the mountains to avoid capture by the British, the renegade Maroons (runaway slaves) invented the spicy jerk style of cooking, roasting meat over an open fire pit. Today, Boston Bay is the headquarters for modern “jerkers” who hawk that same fiery chicken and pork under no-frills thatched huts by the waters edge. near Port Antonio; www.portantoniojamaica.com
culinary | local favorite

Kool Runnings Water Park Spread over five acres in Negril, Kool Runnings Water Park is a world of family fun, with ten water slides, a lazy river, and a play area for kids and grown-ups. Discount for those under 48-inches tall (because they can't ride all the slides). Norman Manley Blvd.; 876-957-5400; www.koolrunnings.com
family | water park

Rockland Bird Sanctuary The Rockland Bird Sanctuary, one of the oldest attractions in Montego Bay, is a tranquil reserve for many species of hummingbirds, including the tiny Doctor Bird. Bring your camera and aim to visit in the early morning when the birds are out looking for food. near Montego Bay; 876-952-2009; www.birdlifejamaica.com
wildlife | birdwatching

Tee off Constructed in 1868, the Manchester Golf Club was the first course to open in the Caribbean. With nine greens and 18 holes carved in the rolling hills of Mandeville, the course is nirvana for golfers and history buffs alike. Manchester Golf Club, Negril; Brumalia Rd.; 876-962-2403; www.jamaicagolfassociation.com
golf | outdoors

The Blue Lagoon The shimmering, freshwater-fed Blue Lagoon (made famous by the 1980 movie of the same name) reaches a depth of 200 feet and beckons swimmers, scuba divers, and those who just want to say they’ve been there. 20 minutes east of Port Antonio; 876-993-7791; www.portantoniojamaica.com
beach | diving | outdoors | swimming

The Outameni Experience This innovative interactive time machine chronicles 500 years of history. The Taino Indian term means “come together” and reflects the island’s motto: “Out of Many, One People.” Exhibits include a slave ship simulation, tributes to Rasta and reggae, and a tour through the historic Orange Grove Great House. near Montego Bay; www.outameni.com
architecture | culture | museum | new | history

Underwater tour Jamaica’s only underwater adventure tour journeys to the bottom of the sea for awesome views of the coral and marine life. Wearing a space-age helmet, you can breathe with ease (and avoid soggy hair). Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Doctors Cave Beach; 876-953-6699; www.chukkacaribbean.com
diving | wildlife | trendy