t The city hills of Kingston, spilling down to the large harbor
Spreading inland from a natural harbor and cradled by the peaks of the Blue Mountain range, Kingston is Jamaica’s cultural and commercial center. The city is loosely divided into two halves: New Kingston holds the manicured Emancipation Park, while Downtown is home to banks, offices, and most of the city’s historic buildings.
t The city hills of Kingston, spilling down to the large harbor
Experience Jamaica
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Shady gardens surround the splendid Devon House, built in the late 19th century by the nation’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Today a national monument, the museum – a blend of Georgian and Caribbean architecture – is furnished as if he had never left. The larger complex and gardens, with their lush green lawns, are populated with restaurants, boutiques, and a spa, is a popular place to head for a snack or to relax outside.
At the northern end of Hope Road are the Hope Botanical Gardens. Colloquially known as “Hope Gardens”, these are set in a former sugar estate and filled with rare trees, plants, and animals. The many rare species include Jamaica’s national tree, the blue mahoe (Hibiscus elatus).
The pulsing heart of Downtown is centered on leafy William Grant Park, pinned by a statue of Queen Victoria. The park is surrounded by colonial-era buildings, including Bramwell Booth Memorial Hall and Ward Theater on the north side.
On the waterfront, behind the lawns and swaying palms of Ocean Boulevard, the National Gallery houses the best collection of homegrown art in the country. The superb repertoire ranges from pre-Columbian days to the present. Its varied events program often includes film screenings and musical performances alongside the exhibits.
This multi-faceted gem spans three buildings and several museums relating to Jamaica’s heritage. The principal venue is the National Museum, which is home to over 17,000 exhibits, while the Natural History Museum also fascinates with its bug- and beast-themed displays. The Jamaica Music Museum documents the rise of the island’s indigenous genres.
EXPERIENCE Jamaica
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Stay Terra Nova Hotel This luxurious retreat, a former Great House, offers stylish period furnishings and a popular bar. The dining is superb. ⌂ 17 Waterloo Rd ∑ terranovajamaica.com \\\ The Courtleigh An old-school charmer that fuses traditional and contemporary styling. Don’t miss the weekly poolside BBQ with live music. ⌂ 85 Knutsford Blvd ∑ courtleigh.com \\\ |