YOUR MISSION: To spend as much time as humanly possible shopping, eating, jamming and beaching on Montego Bay's Gloucester Avenue, also known as the "Hip Strip."
DAY ONE: Get up early to watch the sun rise over the Strip, which borders the beach (most spots along the sidewalk provide an unobstructed view). Pop into The Pelican for a hearty breakfast of bacon-and-eggs or Jamaican ackee and saltfish.
If you like to people-watch while sunning, drop by world-famous Doctors Cave Beach (admission: US$3). Rent a chair and an umbrella and relax on the deck or on the sand. The food court offers right-off-the-grill fare.
Before dinner, grab your cover-up and sandals and sneak in some shopping. You'll find everything from the ubiquitous "Red Stripe beer," "We Be Jammin'" and "Life's A Beach" T-shirts to more eclectic crafts of wood or seashell. A wealth of fine-jewelry merchants and duty-free items are present, too. Haggling is fairly easy with sidewalk vendors, who are simply happy you stopped by. American dollars are practically preferred here. Many of the shops differ only in name - the goods for sale are often similar.
Back at your hotel, arrange for a free pickup by The Native restaurant, where a feast for all your senses awaits. Jamaican cuisine, from tropical fruit plates to jerk wings and an authentic atmosphere are just the beginning of the experience.
For a nightcap, saunter down to The Brewery, a sports bar with a tropical, everyone-knows-your-name feel. Sip their signature "Firewater" cocktail and watch the scenery become much more colorful. A live band on the patio plays original and cover music.
DAY TWO: Slip on a comfy pair of shoes and get ready for Agua Sol Theme Park at Walter Fletcher Beach (admission: US$2.50 per adult, US$1.25 per child). Set against a beautiful white-sand beach, choose from a plethora of activities in and out of the water: go-carting, banana-boat rides, personal-watercrafting, kayaking, pedal boats, glass bottom-boat excursions, snorkeling, beach volleyball and tennis courts (complete with a pro on hand for lessons).
For MoBay's - and quite possibly the whole country's - best jerk food, cross the road to the Pork Pit. This casual, open-air eatery offers fish, pork, chicken and sausage done the traditional way. Eat with your hands -everyone else does.
BIG NIGHT OUT: Night-life here isn't for the meek. Dine at Marguerite's, a fine seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean, then hop over to its evil twin, Margueritaville - a nightclub and restaurant with a tunnel-like sliding board that flings brave souls into the Caribbean. The late-night energy here is incredible, even if you're a wallflower. The cover charge and drink specials vary, depending on the night of the week.
WHERE TO STAY: For pampering to the max, stay at Superclubs' Breezes, an all-inclusive resort that fronts the beach next to Doctors Cave. A three-night minimum stay starts at US$880 and includes all meals, drinks and activities.
If you'd like a more simple place, the charming 30-room Coral Cliff Hotel has standard rooms for US$90-$100 per night.
WHAT TO AVOID: The temptation to stop in each souvenir store. If you're an impulse buyer, limit yourself to an hour or less of shopping per day. Do your homework before you buy (the shops are close enough to comparison shop quickly).
E.T.A. FROM AIRPORT: Less than 10 minutes.
Marsha Hogg, CT&L's copy editor, was born and raised in Montego Bay.
Posted online 12/01/00.
