Recommended Weekend Excursions Around Kingston

Blue Mountains

Jamaica’s Blue Mountains offer an experience not usually expected in a Caribbean vacation: the chance to set off on a steep hike through a national park mountain range across streams and beside waterfalls, through a botanical wonderland. Hikers also pass by coffee plantations, because it is in these mountains that the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is cultivated and blended, so sought after that it has become one of the island’s chief exports. Climbing from sea level, on the outskirts of Kingston, along trails up to the foggy peaks, hikers discover a complex series of ecosystems. En route to the mountains is the Blue Mountain Inn, one of Jamaica’s most famous restaurants. Further on at Irish Town the Strawberry Hill resort is the premier place for food and lodging, having been frequented by the rich and famous. Those not planning to hike, but wishing to enjoy a vista of the mountains can picnic at Holywell National Recreation Park in the area (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm).

Jablum Coffee Company

At the Blue Mountain hamlet of Mavis Bank on the trail to Blue Mountain Peak is the Jablum Coffee Company. The 100-year-old company is famous for its Blue Mountain coffee, and visitors can tour the working factory to watch the production process along with sampling the brew.