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Hacia las montañas Mandeville
Mandeville & The South Coast Mandeville is one of Jamaica’s hidden treasures, a community tucked high in the mountains at an elevation of 2,000 feet above sea level, ensuring cooler days and nights than in the coastal communities. The region first appealed to Jamaica’s English settlers, who came here to escape the heat and founded a town in 1816. Soon, an English-style community, with a central square and clock tower, was established. Small hotels arose to serve the expatriates and the travelers who came to do business in the area’s bauxite industry. But in the 1950s, Jamaica’s other assets, its beautiful beaches and coastal areas, began to outshine this getaway. Tourism in Mandeville declined, although the area became a favorite with Jamaicans who had lived abroad and returned to retire, building grand homes. Today Mandeville is a strong contrast to other Jamaican cities. Shiny new fast food outlets stand on clean, guttered streets. Jamaica’s omnipresent burglar bars are missing from many residences. Massive homes, as impressive as any along the California coastline, cling to hillsides. No vendors search for travelers. Still, the city remains true to its Jamaican roots. In this environment almost devoid of tourists, adventure travelers can meet Jamaica residents up close and personal. Take a stroll around town, dine in one of the small, local restaurants, and don’t be surprised by an invitation to join someone at a private party in their home. It’s easy to see that Mandeville boasts the highest standard of living on the island as well as the lowest crime rate. Much of the wealth seen in the town comes from the Alcan Jamaica bauxite plant, the region’s major employer. Mandeville & The South Coast: Where to Eat PRICE CHART Note that prices, unless otherwise noted, are in US dollars. ACCOMMODATIONS Prices are per room, based on double occupancy. In the case of all-inclusive properties, prices are per person. $ = up to $50 per day $$ = $51 to $100 per day $$$ = $101 to $175 per day $$$$ = over $175 per day Hotels, Villas and B&Bs THE ASTRA COUNTRY INN AND RESTAURANT 62 Ward Avenue, Box 60 Mandeville. 876-962-7979 or 962-3725, fax 876-962-1461 ($-$$) Astra offers 20 guest rooms, each with air conditioning and some with kitchenettes. We enjoyed a stay in the housekeeping suite, complete with bedroom, living room with convertible couch, and full kitchen. This isn’t the suite of a North Coast resort, but for the money and hospitality here, it can’t be beat. Operated by Diana McIntyre-Pike. She’ll point the way for guests – whether you’re looking for a remote bird watching site, a rum shop for a game of dominos, or dinner with local residents. FLEUR FLATS RESORTS 10 Coke Drive PO Box 485 Mandeville 876-962-1053, fax 876-905-3429; reservations 305-252-0873 ($-$$) There’s nothing fancy about Fleur Flats, but if you’re interested in an extended stay in the Mandeville area, this is a good choice. The furnished two-bedroom apartments come with the comforts of home and maid service is available. HOTEL VILLA BELLA Christiana 876-964-2243, fax 876-964-2765 ($$) This bed and breakfast is in the community of Christiana, 13 miles from Mandeville. Perched at 3,000 feet above sea level, it has the feel of a country inn. There are 18 rooms in the two-story property, which also includes six acres of gardens, a reading room, television lounge, the Nasturium Room restaurant, cocktail lounge, outdoor garden terrace, gift shop and, on request, high tea. INVERCAULD GREAT HOUSE AND HOTEL PO Box 12 Black River PO, Black River St. Elizabeth 876-965-2750 or 968-1053, fax 876-965-2751 ($$) This Georgian-style hotel has 52 air-conditioned rooms and suites with private bathrooms and balconies. This great house was built over a century ago by a Scottish businessman, and only recently became a hotel. Dr. Trevor Hamilton, an international businessman born in the area, converted the home into a hotel for visitors looking to enjoy the South Coast. Amenities include a restaurant, cocktail bar, swimming pool, tennis, disco, gift shop and tour desk. Active travelers will also find bicycles, tours to cultural and ecological attractions and aerobics. JAKE’S VILLAGE Treasure Beach 876-965-0635; reservations 800-OUTPOST www.islandoutpost.com ($$$-$$$$) In the past few years, Jake’s has almost become synonymous with Treasure Beach and, while small, is the best-known property on the South Coast. Part of the Island Outpost chain owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Jake’s is a unique property, a place for those really looking to get away from it all and into a relaxed rhythm with the sea. Beach kitsch best describes the decor of the resort’s eight guest units, each in pale shades of ochre, blue, pink and lavender with tin roofs. Five single cottages and two two-bedroom cottages make up the offerings, along with Abalone, a two-story, three-bedroom guest villa built in the style of a miniature Moroccan palace with terra-cotta walls. Each of the guest rooms at Jake’s is filled with rustic local furniture: cast iron beds and platform beds covered with a veil of mosquito netting. Each room has a private bathroom and outdoor shower. Rooms are not air conditioned, but they do have ceiling fans. MANDEVILLE HOTEL 4 Hotel Street, Box 78 Mandeville 876-962-2460, fax 876-962-0700 ($$) The Mandeville offers a delightful blend of traditional Jamaican elegance with modern comfort and convenience. Just steps from the downtown square, the hotel sits on the site of one of Mandeville’s first buildings, a structure used as an officers quarters and mess in a former hill station. In 1875 the site became the Waverley Hotel, later changing to the Brooks Hotel, before finally becoming the Mandeville Hotel. It’s operated by Ceceline McIntyre, and has a warm and charming atmosphere. There are 46 units, including 17 housekeeping suites with one, two or three bedrooms. The hotel has a nice pool adjacent to the restaurant. Part of the Insider’s Jamaica program. SHAFSTON GREATHOUSE Bluefields 876-997-5079 E-mail frank.shafston@cwjamaica.com www.shafston.com ($$) This great house has been operating as a hotel since 1992. Located 1½ miles from Bluefields, the home offers single and double rooms with breakfast, lunch (or a beach transfer) and dinner. Camping is also available. Right behind the great house hikers can enjoy a trail to the communities of Rosebank and Content. TREASURE BEACH HOTEL Treasure Beach 876-965-0110, fax 876-965-2544; reservations 800-742-4276 ($$$) This quiet hotel offers air-conditioned rooms right on the beach. It’s also home to the Yabba Restaurant and near many attractions, such as Lover’s Leap. Each of the rooms has a ceiling fan and private verandah. A pool is set in a grove of tall coconut palms. Mandeville & The South Coast: Where to Eat PRICE CHART Note that prices, unless otherwise noted, are in US dollars. RESTAURANTS Restaurant prices indicate the price of a meal, drink and gratuity for one person. $ = up to $15 per person $$ = $15 to $30 per person $$$ = $30 to $45 per person $$$$ = over $45 per person Asian Restaurants THE NASTURTIUM ROOM Hotel Villa Bella, Christiana 876-964-2243 ($$$) The Nasturtium Room is open 7 am to 10 pm daily and features a variety of dishes, including chicken Szhechuan, lobster fettucine, shrimp Creole and T-bone steak. The ambience, like that of the inn itself, is a throwback to a bygone era when visitors expected to be entertained in style. Furnishings and service are pleasingly old-fashioned and gracious. High tea is served at 4:30 pm. Bars THE MANCHESTER ARMS PUB AND RESTAURANT Mandeville Hotel, 4 Hotel Street Mandeville 876-962-2460 ($$) This bar resembles a traditional English pub, a dark, cool place that’s an excellent spot to meet other travelers and enjoy a cool beer. Caribbean Cuisine BLOOMFIELD GREAT HOUSE 8 Perth Road Mandeville 876-962-7130 or 962-7192 ($$$-$$$$) International-Caribbean cuisine is the order of the day at Mandeville’s finest restaurant. Once Bill Laurie’s Steakhouse, this property has reopened and undergone an elegant refurbishment. Guests can dine on an open-air verandah, which offers a spectacular view of the Mandeville lights at night, or in the antiques-filled main dining room. Entrées include filet mignon with roasted garlic guava sauce; beef Wellington; seafood kebab; shrimp Creole; and grilled pork chops stuffed with tropical fruits, served with plum sauce. Don’t miss the bar, which is open daily and affords a great view of the city. It’s an all-wood affair reminiscent of a century-old pub. Australian and Chilean wines are featured. Jamaican Restaurants THE ASTRA COUNTRY INN AND RESTAURANT 62 Ward Avenue Mandeville 876-962-7979 or 962-3725 ($$) The restaurant is just past the inn’s lobby. Like the hotel itself, it’s clean and simple, although there’s nothing simple about the food here. These are traditional Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken, salad with peanut dressing, and an unbeatable rice and peas. JAKE’S VILLAGE Treasure Beach 876-965-0635 ($$$) Jake’s is an open-air restaurant serving ackee and saltfish, conch salad, pumpkin soup and steamed fresh fish. THE MANCHESTER ARMS PUB AND RESTAURANT Mandeville Hotel, 4 Hotel Street Mandeville 876-962-2460 ($) See listing above. YABBA RESTAURANT Treasure Beach Hotel, Treasure Beach 876-965-0110 ($$ ) Yabba offers Jamaican cuisine, including fish and lobster, steaks, jerk chicken and lamb. Mandeville & The South Coast: Transportation There is no commercial airport in Mandeville. Travelers usually arrive in Kingston and rent a car to make the two-hour drive to Mandeville. Car & Jeep Rentals Away from the main tourist areas, rental cars are scarce. Mandeville has just a few companies. CAR RENTAL AGENCIES Maxdan Car Rentals & Tours 876-962-5341 (6 North Race Course Road) Millinex Rentals 876-962-3542 (3 Villa Road) Moon Glow Car Rental 876-962-9097 (3 Caledonia Road) Guided Tours APPLETON ESTATE Jamaica Estate Tours 876-963-9215 or 876-963-9508, fax 876-963-9218 or check with your hotels tour desk Hours: 9 am-3:30 pm daily, except Sundays Admission charged Sugarcane is a major agricultural product in this region and for nearly 250 years the Appleton Estate has produced one of the island’s top exports made from it. Take a tour of the rum distillery Monday through Saturday. Visitors receive a complimentary bottle of rum at the end of the tour. BAUXITE TOURS Mandeville 876-962-3725, 876-962-3265 or 800/JAMAICA Tours by reservation only Okay, a tour of a bauxite mine doesn’t float everyone’s boat, but if you are interested in tours of Alcan Jamaica, they can be arranged with a day’s notice. Offered on weekdays only. BAMMY FACTORY Mandeville Contact your hotel desk or call Countrystyle at 876-962-7979 or 876-962-3265, fax 876-962-1461 or 800/JAMAICA (Countrystyle is the only company that organizes these trips.) Hours: Open Tuesday and Wednesday only Bammy is a staple in the Jamaican diet, a delicacy made from the cassava root that dates back to the days of the Arawak Indians. Tours of the Bammy Factory, housed in Mr. Clem Bloomfields home, are given on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. BLACK RIVER SAFARI CRUISE Black River 876-965-2513 Open daily This is a popular day trip that takes travelers up the Black River, whose waters contain snook and tarpon, some weighing up to 200 pounds. You may see spear fishermen with a snorkel, mask and speargun, swimming in the dark water stained by peat deposits. Among their catch are tiny brine shrimp, sold by women in the St. Elizabeth parish along the roadside. Highly salted and spiced, the shrimp are a popular snack. The fishermen’s canoes are hand-hewn and burned out using a generations-old technique. The biggest attraction on the Black River is the crocodiles. This protected species can live as long as 100 years, and some of the old-timers have become known by local residents. One 15-foot-long croc named Lester is seen nightly. COUNTRYSTYLE VACATIONS AND TOURS PO Box 60 62, Ward Avenue Mandeville 876-962-7979 or 800-JAMAICA, fax 876-962-1461 These unique tours specialize in community visits. You can set your own itinerary and visit those establishments you’re interested in – whether that means local churches, hospitals, roadside bars, discos, gardens, schools, farms or private homes. Along with tours, CountryStyle also offers packages with accommodations in small hotels, guest houses and even private homes. This operation is headed by Diana McIntyre-Pike, one of the dynamos of Jamaica tourism and a fountain of information and contacts. We highly recommend this company as a way to step off the beaten path and get to know Jamaica on a one-to-one basis. JACANA AQUA TOURS LTD Black River 876-965-2513 Hours: 8:30-5 daily Jacana offers a safari boat tour on the Black River. The package includes a trip to YS Falls. You’ll learn that the Salt Spring River meets the Black River and that this waterway was, for many decades, the main transportation route for rum and sugarcane. The cruise takes you past many mangroves, which need 15% saltwater to survive. In these waters pancake lilies, blue Marie crabs and bullrush thrive. The tide sometimes rises as much as 18 inches so saltwater comes in and mixes with the freshwater fed in by the tributaries. Flooding isn’t a problem because of the surrounding fields of peat, which serve as a giant sponge to soak up the excess moisture. Bird lovers will find many sights along the tour as well, including one spot where over 3,000 cattle egrets live in the trees. MARVELOUS MANDEVILLE TOUR 876-962-7979, 876-962-3265 or 800-JAMAICA, fax 876-962-1461 Tours by reservation only A Marvelous Mandeville Tour (US $40) includes a welcome get-together at a local home, tour of Mandeville, shopping, lunch and high tea. The tour is operated by Diana McIntyre-Pike, owner of the Astra Country Inn and Restaurant and founder of Countrystyle Tours (see above). MRS. STEPHENSON’S GARDEN TOUR 876-962-7979 or 876-962-3265 or 800/JAMAICA, fax 876-962-1461 Mandeville Open by appointment only Mrs. Stephenson has won many prizes from the Mandeville Horticulture Society. Her gardens are filled with orchids as well as the unique ortanique, a citrus fruit that combines orange and tangerine. PICKAPEPPA SAUCE FACTORY TOUR Shooters Hill 876-962-2928 Tours by appointment only Near Mandeville, Shooters Hill is the home to one of Jamaica’s best known (and one of our best loved) exports: Pickapeppa Sauce. It is used by cooks to spice up eggs, meats and sauces, and is a mix of tamarind, onions, tomatoes, sugarcane vinegar, mangoes, raisins and other spices. Pickapeppa Sauce is prepared in this small, nondescript factory. Tours aren’t scheduled, but if you’re interested, call Countrystyle (876- 962-7979 or 962-3265) to see if they can help you get a look at this fragrant operation. ST. ELIZABETH SAFARIS Black River 876-965-2374 Hours: 8:30 am-5 pm daily Tours (1½ hours) of the Black River and YS Falls are available from this large operator. The trip includes an excursion up the river for a chance to see crocodiles, birds and fishermen. River trips leave daily at 9, 11, 2 and 3:30; YS tours leave every half-hour from 9 to 3:30. SHAFSTON TOURS Bluefields 876-997-5076 E-mail frank.shafston@cwjamaica.com www.shafston.com These guided tours give travelers a real taste of Jamaica with hikes, historic site visits, fishing, and more. SOUTH COAST SAFARI LTD Black River 876-965-2513, fax 876-965-2086 Tour times: 9 and 11 am, 12:30, 2 and 3:30 pm daily This excellent tour company runs a boat tour six miles up the Black River for a chance to see crocodiles as well as rural life. There’s also an excursion to the remote YS Falls. On this tour you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the 100 species of birds that have been identified on the Black River as well as vegetation such as mangrove, thatch palms and royal palms. The tour takes 1½ hours and includes a buffet lunch as well as admission to the falls. Mandeville & The South Coast: Things to do & See Throughout Jamaica it’s common to see pedestrians, but in Mandeville these walkers stroll, not just to the market or to a hotel job, but on their morning constitutional. Many folks spend their free time at the Manchester Club, the oldest golf course in the Caribbean. This nine-hole course is set on rolling hills. Nearby tennis courts challenge players and indoor squash courts offer more fast action. Other activities in Mandeville include a tour of the High Mountain Coffee Factory. Jamaica’s second best-known variety after Blue Mountain, this coffee originates on nearby plantations and is produced here at the factory. Tours can be arranged and a sample taste of the island’s java awaits at the gift shop. Nature lovers flock to Mandeville. Twenty-five bird species are endemic to Jamaica and all but two are found in this region. Garden lovers can stroll the fragrant fields at Mrs. Stephenson’s Garden. The winner of many prizes from the Mandeville Horticulture Society, the gardens are filled with orchids as well as a fruit that was developed in Mandeville: the ortanique. The combination orange and tangerine is unique, hence the name. In all directions beyond Mandeville’s borders, the roads continue their scenic routes, either into the hills of Christiana, the rich agricultural regions on the drive to Spanish Town and finally Kingston, or on one of Jamaica’s most scenic drives toward the South Coast. Here, Bamboo Avenue winds for over two miles, a green tunnel of tall bamboo that arches over the roadway. Along the road’s edge, vendors sell chilled young coconuts, cracked open with a quick machete chop to reveal the jelly inside. The South Coast is home to the community of Black River, another must for eco-tourists. While travelers to the North Coast resorts are happy to hear “no problem” as an answer to just about any request, whether its for another Red Stripe beer or a taxi or more towels in the room, in Black River you’ll hear “no problem” in response to spotting a seven-foot crocodile. There’s no need to fear; these crocodiles represent no threat. Unlike their cousins on the Nile, the Americanus crocodilius is not aggressive. Like vacationers on the nearby beaches, they’re content to lie in the sun and take life easy. INTERESTING FACT: The 44-mile-long Black River is the longest in Jamaica. It is named for the color of its water that comes from the peat bog runoff. The water on the lower stretch of the Black River is brackish, as saltwater comes in and mixes with the freshwater during high tide. These conditions are perfect for mangroves, which have roots that cascade from high branches and reach the water. The result is a curtain of thick roots, an almost impenetrable fence that divides the river from the marshy swampland beyond the trees. Black River fishermen use wire traps to catch blue Marie crabs. Shrimp are caught using a traditional trap, an African design dating back over 400 years. The bamboo trap, shaped like a large inverted bottle, holds coconut and oranges in the wide end. After two or three days in the river, the trap is checked and the shrimp fall out when the smaller end is twisted (much like pouring liquid from a bottle). Although crocodiles reside in these tea-colored waters, you’ll see men snorkeling along the river’s edge. With a speargun in hand, they fish for the evening meal. Others fish from dugout canoes, many using techniques brought from Africa’s Niger River centuries ago. The waters are also dotted with bull rushes, giant ferns (one of 600 species found in this country) and pancake lilies. If you tour the river with a guide, he or she will probably point out things of interest, such as a 35-year-old termite nest and trees where over 3,000 cattle egrets nest nightly. But the biggest attraction on the Black River is the crocodiles. Once hunted, these crocodiles are now protected, but they remain wary of humans. Loud talk (or even a spear fisherman at work) causes the crocodile to take refuge. Sightseeing Parks APPLE VALLEY PARK Maggotty 876-963-9508, fax 876-963-9531 Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10-5; weekends 11-5 Admission charged Apple Valley Park consists of parkland, lake and forest surrounding a plantation great house. It offers camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, birding and musical entertainment in the evenings. A tractor-pulled tour of the nearby Black River gorge is one of the most popular attractions. Because the park is visited by locals and visitors, it is also a good spot to people-watch. CASHOO OSTRICH PARK Lacovia 876-965-2576 Hours: daily Admission charged This 100-acre working ostrich farm is situated on the Black River. You can boat on the river, fish in ponds or visit a medicinal herb garden. Natural Delights BAMBOO AVENUE On A2 between Lacovia and Middle Quarters Free Beyond Mandeville’s borders, the road west (A2) winds along one of Jamaica’s most scenic stretches, with a green tunnel of tall bamboo that arches over the roadway. Along the road’s edge, vendors sell chilled young coconuts (jelly coconuts), cracking them with a quick machete chop to reveal the jelly inside. LOVER’S LEAP East of Treasure Beach off the main road Hours: 9 am-6 pm, Monday through Thursday; 9 am-7 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday 876-965-6634 Admission charged This sheer 1,700-foot cliff drops straight into the sea and provides a beautiful view of the coastline. Travelers can enjoy a drink at the Toby Bar (try the Lovers’ Punch) or dine at the Chardley Restaurant. A miniature farm demonstrates the dry farming technique used in this area. You can also arrange hiking excursions in the hills; call ahead to make arrangements. A LOVER’S LEGEND Legend has it that at this site a pair of lovers, escaped slaves, leapt to their deaths rather than face capture. If you’ve ever visited Lover’s Leap and heard the sad, romantic legend about the cliffs, you’ll want to read Lover’s Leap. Based on the Jamaican legend, the novel was written by Horane Smith, who was born near the South Coast attraction. MILK RIVER MINERAL SPA Milk River at Clarendon (22 miles from Mandeville) 876-924-9544 Hours: 7 am-7 pm daily Admission charged Take a soak in natural waters whose high levels of radioactivity soothe aches and pains. The radioactivity here is higher than any other spa in the world, and 54 times more radioactive than the waters of Baden-Baden. The waters are a constant temperature of 92°. YS FALLS 876-997-6055 Open daily except Mondays (closed) Admission charged Negril vacationers looking to get away from the sun-loving crowds for a while often take a day trip to YS Falls on the South Coast. These spectacular waterfalls cascade in steps through tropical forest. As spectacular (and far less crowded) as Dunn’s River Falls, YS has remained untouched by hassling vendors and long lines. At the top, swimmers enjoy clear waters under a canopy of ferns. “We try to keep this as private and natural as possible,” says spokesperson Simon Browne. WHY YS? Why is this falls named YS? The shortest place name in Jamaica has been long debated. Some believe it comes the Gaelic word “wyess” (winding or twisting). Others say the name comes from a combination of the initials of the land’s 1684 owners: John Yates and Lt. Col. Richard Scott. The land has a long history. The property went into bankruptcy and was held by the Encumbered Estates Court in London for some time. The great-uncle of the present owners traveled to London in 1887 to purchase a property in St. Ann; once he arrived he learned it had already been sold and so he purchased YS. For years, the 8,000-acre farm grew sugarcane, raised cattle and sold logwood trees to Holland, where they were used for making dye. Today there are still some logwood trees along the farm’s fence lines. The farm covers about 2,500 acres and raises Jamaica Red Poll cattle and thoroughbred racehorses; you’ll also see many papayas grown on the plantation for export. Coffee Factory Tour HIGH MOUNTAIN COFFEE FACTORY Williamsfield 876-963-4211 Open Monday through Friday; Admission charged This coffee originates on nearby plantations and is produced here at the factory. Tours can be arranged and guests can stop by the gift shop for a sample taste. The visit isn’t terribly interesting – the factory is, well, a factory – but it has a good gift shop selling High Mountain products. Hiking APPLE VALLEY PARK Maggotty 876-963-9508; fax 876-963-9531 Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, 10-5; weekends, 11-5; Admission Just west of the Appleton Estate, this park offers quiet hikes as well as fishing and canoeing. It’s closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. MAYFIELD FALLS & MINERAL SPRING Whitehall 876-957-9185 or 957-3075 Hours: 9-6 daily; Admission You can take a guided hike to these secluded falls. Bring a bathing suit as well as some money for lunch. Other hikes in the Mandeville area can be arranged through Countrystyle (876-962-7979 or 800-JAMAICA), or through Perth Great House (876-9962-2822). Golf MANCHESTER COUNTRY CLUB Caledonia Road at Ward Avenue, near central Mandeville 876-962-2403 This club has the oldest course in Jamaica, one of the oldest in the entire Caribbean. At an elevation of over 2,000 feet, it enjoys much cooler temperatures than the courses found along the coast. Nine greens, 18 tee boxes. Tennis MANCHESTER COUNTRY CLUB Caledonia Road at Ward Avenue, Mandeville, 876-962-2403 The country club opens its tennis courts to guests of the many small properties in the area that don’t have their own facilities. Adventures on Water Beaches n Treasure Beach is a great place for a quiet walk – you won’t see the crowds of Negril or Montego Bay along this remote stretch. If you want to swim or snorkel, plan your visit for the morning hours when the sea is at its calmest. These waters can have an undertow and strong currents. Adventures on Horseback PARADISE PARK Savannah-La-Mar 876-955-2675 Open daily Admission charged This farm offers horseback rides for most ages. Call ahead to discuss specifics. Be sure to bring your bathing suit for a cool dip afterwards! PERTH GREAT HOUSE Mandeville 876-962-2822 Open daily This 18th-century plantation offers rides on the grounds of the estate. A quiet place. Eco-Travel ALLIGATOR HOLE Near Alligator Pond, south of Mandeville Hours: daily Free This small nature park has manatees and crocodiles. There’s a small visitors center here with information on the special residents, but there’s no guarantee that you will spot the creatures. The best time of day to see the shy manatees is late afternoon. MARSHALL’S PEN Mandeville 876-963-8569, 904-5454 or 962-7890 Open daily Admission charged Nature lovers flock to Mandeville, and a top birding spot is Marshall’s Pen, operated by ornithologist Robert Sutton. Tours are conducted by Sutton and are by appointment only. Nearly 100 species have been recorded on this cattle farm and around its great houses. Of the 25 bird species endemic to Jamaica, all but two are found in the Marshall’s Pen area. Shopping Folks don’t come to Mandeville to shop. We did find a very interesting store during our stay, however. The S.W.A. Craft Centre, sponsored by the Soroptimists and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Mandeville Parish Church, features the crafts of local young women. This short-term work provides assistance to unemployed young women, who work at the center sewing, crocheting, embroidering and preparing pastries. Located just off Caledonia Avenue, the motto of the shop is “God gives birds their food, but they must fly for
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