The Costco Connection

PETER GREENBERG

Peter Greenberg is the multiple–Emmy Award– winning travel editor for CBS News and host of The Travel Detective

on public television

( petergreenberg.com).

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At costcoconnection.com, search “Travel Connection.”

TRAVELCONNECTION

I’VE BEEN going to Jamaica since the ;;;;s, and the beauty of this island country is that it never really changes. Of course, there are always new hotels, resorts and restaurants. But what hasn’t changed is the topography, the climate and, most of all, the people. Spend at least ;; percent of your time exploring the hidden gems of Jamaica outside your resort or hotel, and experience the stuff you won’t find in the guidebooks or brochures.

Reach Falls

While many tourists enjoy Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios, I prefer the more remote Reach Falls in Portland Parish, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Kingston. This is a quiet destination—in fact, the government prohibits vendors from selling anything there. (That’s the good news, but it also means BYO when it comes to food.)

The park where the falls are located is home to many species of tropical flora and fauna, including black-billed and yellow-billed parrots and wild pigs. There are underwater caves to explore and several crystal-clear pools to swim in. Guides are available to show visitors through the falls, and the park is open daily from ;:;; a.m. to ;: ;; p.m. Admission is ;;; for adults, ;; for children ages ; to ;; and free for children under ;.

Rose Hall Great House

On a ghost hunt? Check out Rose Hall Great House, a plantation house that the locals claim is haunted at night (both day and night tours are o;ered). It is located behind the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay. According to legend, the “White Witch” roams the great house at night, the spirit of a woman who once lived in the plantation house and practiced voodoo. The nearby golf course is named after her, and more than a few bad games have been blamed on her in;uence.

Scotchies

There are a few Scotchies restaurants on the
island. Lacking frills, with a rustic appearance
and very reasonable prices, these local places are
my favorites for all things jerk. You can order
pork and chicken by the quarter and half pound.

The meat is hand-seasoned with Jamaican spices and cooked over pimento tree wood.

Of course there are side dishes: sweet potatoes, yams, roasted breadfruit, peas and rice, or Jamaican festival bread (fried cornmeal). But beware the hot sauce—it’s really on fire. That may explain the long-standing ritual of washing it all down with an ice-cold Red Stripe beer. (The kids can try a cold drink of coconut water or a bottle of Ting grapefruit soda.) You can also order ;sh, which is fantastic!

Martha Brae River

Just ;; minutes outside Montego Bay is the Martha Brae River, where you can take a bamboo raft through lush jungle. It’s a great way to learn the history of the island. Make sure to bring cash for food and trinkets.

Blue Hole Mineral Spring

Blue Hole Mineral Spring is a great o;-the-beaten-path swimming location in Negril. The spring hole is surrounded by karst limestone;

naturally occurring minerals help to keep the water sparkling clean.

Mayfield Falls

Finally, check out May;eld Falls, located an hour from both Negril and Montego Bay, dead center between them. You’ll pass several mountains and small towns on the way to the hike, letting you glimpse the true Jamaican culture and way of life away from the resorts.

Once you’re at May;eld Falls, the hike along the river takes approximately ;; minutes and visits two waterfalls and a number of natural pools. Don’t have lunch before you go, because at the end of the hike, there is a little cafe that o;ers some of the best jerk chicken around. Pro tip: Bring water shoes. C

T O D D BI GEL

O W My secret Jamaica
Some lesser-known island delights
*COSTCOCONNECTION***

Costco Travel offers packages to several locations in Jamaica, including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. To learn more, click “Travel” at Costco.com or call 1-877-849-2730. THE