Despite a large influx of visitors, Montego Bay retains its own identity. A thriving business-and-commercial center, it functions as the main market town for most of western Jamaica, supporting both cruise-ship tourism and a growing industrial center. Mo Bay, as it's known, is even served by its own airport, Donald Sangster International.
This is the most cosmopolitan of Jamaican resorts, not as hedonistic as Negril but also not as crowded as Ocho Rios. As such, Montego remains the grande dame of island resorts. The draw of Mo Bay is its deluxe hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon, Round Hill, and Tryall.
As in much of Jamaica, your choice of resort here often matters more than your choice of area. If you're determined to honeymoon with your sweetie, go for one of the Sandals properties; if you want to hang with the jet-set, take a villa at Round Hill.
If you're seeking authentic or traditional Jamaica, however, this area is probably not for you
Also on the Frommers site, you can find directions for a self- guided walking tour of Montego Bay, which sounds fairly easy, yet still takes you to an assortment of historical, cultural, and yes, shopping sites.
It includes eight points of interest, beginning with Fort Montego, and ending at Town Houst Restaurant, "the best dining choice in the center of town."
For details of the walking tour, see THIS PAGE at the Frommers site.
If you want to do some shopping, Frommer's has lots of tips and locations for you on their website... beginning with:
Be prepared to be pursued by aggressive vendors. Selling a craft item may mean the difference between having a meal or going hungry, and that situation often leads to a feverish attempt to peddle goods to potential customers, all of whom are viewed as rich. Warning: Occasionally this harassment turns ugly or even violent, so watch your back if you decide to turn it on an angry vendor.
The main shopping areas are at Montego Freeport, within easy walking distance of the pier; City Centre, where most of the duty-free shops are, aside from those at the large hotels; and the Holiday Village Shopping Centre, located across from the Holiday Inn, on Rose Hall Road, heading from Montego Bay toward Ocho Rios.
If you have time for only one shopping complex, make it Old Fort Craft Park ...
For more from Frommer's on Montego Bay Shopping, CLICK HERE.
Once upon a time I decided I was going to try to Pork Pit and really enjoyed it. I was already back on the ship and somewhat excursioned out, but decided what the heck. I asked a cab driver how much for a round trip and it was about $10. I ordered a couple of different jerk dishes and a couple of Red Stripes to go and was back at the ship in a jiffy.
I wasn't really thinking when I ordered the beers and thought they might get confiscated by the ship, but everything passed the xray machine and I sat on the balcony enjoying real jerk chicken and pork.
Next time, I think I'm going to try Sunset Beach. Day passes used to be $20 for all inclusive, but they added a Water Park and I think doubled the admission. Still probably a bargain.
Address Church St, Montego Bay
Phone tel: (876) 952 2775 (info)
Keyword waterfront, religious/spiritual
Built between 1775 and 1782, and later rebuilt after the 1957 earthquake, this is regarded as one of the finest churches on the island. With a bit of luck you'll be blessed with a view of the beautiful interior, which contains a stunning stained-glass window behind the altar. Inside are some fine marble monuments, one dedicated to the White Witch of Rose Hall.
The infamy of multiple-murderer Annie Palmer, AKA 'White Witch of Rose Hall' surrounds this imposing 18th-century house and its inhabitants. Though destroyed by slaves in 1831, it was restored to its haughty three-storey grandeur in 1966. Besides discovering the thrilling legend, an abode full of antiques, mahogany and silk awaits you - as do an old English-style pub, snack bar and gift shop
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