5 Montego Bay Highlights During Jamaica Jazz and Blues Fest

The 19th annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival promises the expected array of eclectic music, with Mariah Carey making her Jamaican debut among other American, Canadian and Jamaican acts. Scheduled for January 29-31 2015, the three-day fest offers a great way to experience essential Montego Bay activities. Here are some of my favorite options for enjoying Jamaican culture in between the hectic festival schedule:

Doctor’s Cave Beach

This pretty slip of sea and sand smack in the middle of the bustling Hip Strip of downtown Montego Bay is always my first stop. This historic beach boasts warm, turquoise waves and a small beach club that caters to locals and tourists alike. The beach’s hallmark is the Groovy Grouper Beach Bar, which pumps out classic reggae and current dancehall hits as well as drinks and sandwiches. At night, the bar transforms into a popular nightclub and features live reggae and calypso bands on several nights.

Scotchies

A pilgrimage to Scotchies Restaurant is an absolute necessity: the outdoor setting with thatched roofs and bar stools crafted from beer kegs supplies the perfect backdrop for digging into authentic jerked chicken or pork. The elaborately seasoned meats are served by the pound and wrapped in tin foil with tasty sides including bammy, (pounded cassava) and festival (cornmeal fritters). I especially like the fish and breadfruit selections. There are several Scotchies scattered around the island but the Montego Bay original is considered the best.

Mystic Mountain Bobsled Ride

The famous Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team has spawned a thrilling ride that rushes down the side of Mystic Mountain, fueled by gravity.  The Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain bobsled ride is located about 30 minutes outside of Montego Bay, in Ocho Rios. What impressed me about the bobsled was how closely it resembles the actual bobsled the Olympic team used. The ride is scary and scenic, diving through dense foliage with only a hand brake to guide you. There’s also a cool exhibit showcasing the historic team’s uniforms, equipment and stats.

Tastee Patties

Patties are the quintessential Jamaican snack and in my opinion, the flaky crusted Tastee patties are the best. Roll into one of the Tastee patties shops in Montego Bay and you’ll be dazzled by the choice of ingredients for the savory, stuffed pastries but I recommend classic beef, chicken or callallo (a sort of spinach). Wash it down with a local juice like june plum or soursop and you’ll capture a real Jamaican taste experience.

Reggae Bar

Yes, even though you’ll hear tons of live music at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues fest, paying a trip to this legendary hangout is a must. Located on the second floor of a ramshackle building covered in red, green and gold, the bar overlooks the Hip Strip and overflows with Jamaican style. Inside, you’ll find a lively scene of locals dancing to reggae hits and walls plastered with reggae motifs.