It's time for a road trip!

Kareem Latouche, Gleaner Writer

THOUGHT OF taking a road trip recently? Forget petrol prices, grab a few friends, share the cost and get moving. Our adventure began with the plan to escape Kingston for a day and so we were off to the south coast to explore the off-beaten path of Jamaica.

Rest Stops

The first rule of our road trip is always to eat very little before we leave home. After all, you can't truly enjoy a Jamaican road trip without sampling food along the way. Our first stop was at the colourful Murray's Fish and Jerk Hut in the community of Clarendon Park. This brightly painted purple and yellow hut just off the main road offers scrumptious seafood meals. Our perfectly steamed fish, simmering in okras, carrots and crackers would all disappear in record time. Thanks to chef Leroy!

A few chains up the road you will find Juici Patties which also offers Jamaican breakfast and pastries. After all this, we found the most colourful fruit stall laden with pineapples, oranges, jack-fruits, and the juiciest tangerines. Just tell George we sent you.

Magnificent views

The sheer beauty of the countryside and its cool breeze would soon bring us to a stop at Spur Tree Hill in Manchester. There are no attractions here but the view is spectacular and the friendly staff at the All-Seasons Restaurant willingly allowed us on their terrace to capture the view. This was only one of many picture-perfect moments as we journeyed through the winding Junction road to the community of Southfield.

Lover's Leap

You have heard the tale of the two young slaves who were madly in love and leapt to their death to escape their master who wanted the girl for himself. The tale may be a stretch of the truth, but not so for the amazing view from the 1700-foot cliff where the skies kiss the sea and the blues are so intense that you won't be able to tell the difference.

We were disappointed to find that the popular restaurant and bar attraction were not opened to the public. But the folks at Southfield are super friendly and they eagerly showed us around.

Getting Lost

Even the best navigator must admit that road trips are no fun without getting lost! On our way to Treasure Beach, we made a wrong turn and ended up in the unassuming fishing community of Great Bay. We stopped for directions but were held spellbound by the magical sunset.

Relax at Treasure Beach

Escaping urban life was easy as we explored a string of friendly fishing villages and six miles of beautiful beaches. We could think of no better place to do so than Jack Sprat at the western end of Jake's Resort.

We were soon hungry and the Jack Sprat beachside dining with causal outdoor tables, vintage dancehall posters and an old juke box were the perfect setting for crab cakes, delicious pizzas and my personal favourites jerk shrimp and conch soup.

Back Home

Alas, all good things must come to an end and so with heavy hearts we headed back to reality. On the bright side, the south coast is truly a gem and who knows where we will be off to next!

• Road-trip tips

✓ Fill up on gas and pay attention to spare tyres.

✓ Designate more than one drivers.

✓ Always travel with a map and someone who knows how to read it.

✓ Have a great selection of music on hand.