Feeding an ostrich can be fun at the Prospect Plantation.
Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Reporter
Location: Prospect, St. Mary (a 10-minute drive from Ocho Rios, St. Ann)
Attractions: Jitney tour of plantation; butterfly sanctuary; horse-back riding through the property and by the river stream; feeding animals such as an ostrich. Opening hours: Reservations required. Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Complementary drinks on arrival.)
Tour times: 10:30 a.m.; 3:00 p.m.
Cost of tours: $700 per person. However a family of four $2,500, receiving a 10 per cent discount. (For school groups it varies from $200 to $400 per person, two teachers admitted for free).
Contact: Ph: 994-1058.
THE EASTER holiday has ended, signalling the resumption of school come Monday morning. So, send your children back to school feeling rejuvenated, ready for the final term that entails examinations. Have a day out.
One of the best places to have your children energised and get in the game for school is a tour at the 18th century estate, Prospect Plantation.
Prospect Plantation, a coconut and lime estate during slavery has been restored and offers a cultural and entertaining package. High in the hills of St. Mary the plantation comprises several attractions for the young and old.
Experience a jitney (a tractor with a wagon that seats 35 persons) tour of the plantation; horseback riding through the estate's forest alongside the rushing White River; have a picnic in a secluded garden; visit the butterfly sanctuary; or visit the ostrich farm. Experience all these, while exploring the culture and history of the 18th century plantation. Details of a few tours are:
1. VIEW JAMAICAThis trail offers spectacular bird's eye views of the White River and passes through lime and citrus groves. The return route presents varied and picturesque views of the mountainous and wooded landscape. Approximately two and a quarter hours.
2. VARIETY PROSPECTOn this trail the wide variety of Prospect's flora and fauna is seen everywhere. The rider will see many Jamaican trees, including mahogany, blue mahoe, guango and dwarf coconut. Approximately one hour.
3. WHITE RIVER GORGEThis spectacular trail passes through primeval forest land descending to the White River. Here it touches the rushing stream with its series of rapids and pools. Approximately one and a half hour long.
The property is also home to the locally-renowned Prospect College, a unique educational establishment in Jamaica for young boys.
Marilyn Burrowes, vice-president of marketing at Prospect Plantation, says that it's the place for families. "It is fabulous especially to gain insights to our history and culture, while enjoying fun tours. It is fun while giving visitors the culture and history of yesterday," Ms. Burrowes said. She also notes that the great house has the world's largest known collection of tortoise shells' combs, some made for Sir Henry Morgan. Also, from the veranda of the great house, on a clear day, one gets the most magnificent view of Cuba.
