by Chenay Jordan

Created on: August 19, 2008   Last Updated: August 24, 2008

An absolute classic tourist destination in Jamaica, Montego Bay is located on the north coast and is the second largest city on the island.

Located in a bay (duh!) Montego Bay has unparalled beauty with seemingly endless sandy beaches and a lush mountain backdrop so that vacationers are surrounded with majestic tropical nature.

The history of Montego Bay begins all the way back with the Spanish, who deemed the bay "El Gulfo De Buen Tiempo" (The Gulf of Good Weather) and began settling there sometime after 1510.

When the British invaded Jamaica in 1655 they did a shoddy job of building Fort Montego, which is about a half mile away, resulting in the explosion of a gun and the death of a gunner during a party celebrating the British capture of Havana.

Luckily, in 1779 the fort was renovated so the British could fire off the cannons on the King's Birthday and other celebrations because the French, Spanish, and pirates were never a threat to Montego Bay so the fort was futile, resulting in bored soldiers.

Today, Montego Bay is popular for its all-inclusive resorts and is known as a major shopping hub (try Gloucester Avenue) and a great neighborhood for exquisite dining (see you down at Margaritaville).

There is no doubt that Montego Bay the perfect Caribbean mixture of adventure and laid back fun.

With the city steeped in mysterious history one place not to miss is the Rose Hall Great House. Home of Annie Palmer, known as the "White Witch" of Jamaica, this crazy chick killed her three husbands and loads of her slaves before someone finally offed her.

Beautifully restored, visitors often report seeing Annie's miserable soul roaming around the grounds.

But if seeing ghosts doesn't get your blood pumping, try the Jamaica Zipline Adventures or Chukka Canopy Tour. Offering lines that range in both height and length, as well as a guided tour along the way, this is an island activity vacationers absolutely love. Surprisingly very safe and not surprisingly very fun zip lining is a unique way to experience the beauty of Montego Bay.

With so much beauty around, you never know when the naturist in you will want to come out and when it does why not try the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary?

Feed the colorful creatures by hand (hummingbirds are everywhere), enjoy a guided nature tour, and take exquisite and memorable photos.

But be sure to avoid the ever present bird over your head because we all know what that can mean!

If vacationing in Montego Bay for a more passionate reason (like your honeymoon awww) take a bamboo raft ride down the Martha Brae River. Lush greenery on both sides, clean, and of course, a guided tour all await you at this popular destination that most call "romantic."

Psst gentleman, this might be a good compromise to make if you want to do the zip lining and she doesn't!

With so much to do in Montego Bay, no vacationer even has the option of being "bored." On the other hand, if you do just want to "veg out" on your vacation, Montego Bay's laid back atmosphere is perfect for that too.

Either way, you're sure to have a great time in Montego Bay, Jamaica!

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