The Brimmer Hall in Port Maria is a plantation and a well known tourist destination. Although it has been around for a long time, the plantation is still working. This gives visitors a chance to see how some of Jamaica’s most famous products are made.
Location
The plantation is at Port Maria. It is at northern Jamaica at the northwest portion of Kingston.
What to See
Visitors to the 809 hectare (2,000 acre) plantation can ride on a tractor-pulled jitney. They will see how the crops are being prepared and harvested. The guides are real farmers, so you will get first hand information on how they go about their work.
Guides will explain the process. Different types of fauna and flora will be seen along the way. The guides will also help explain what types they are. Visitors are often given samples of coconut and sugar cane.
The plantation was built in 1817. Visitors to the place can also tour the interior of the Brimmer Hall in Port Maria. Many fine antiques and furnishings can be seen in the rooms. The ceilings and floors are especially noteworthy for their beauty. In spite of its age, the plantation is well maintained.
History
Port Maria is a Caribbean port. For several years now the place has thrived via its banana exports. It also functions as a market for the production of oranges, pimiento and coconuts.
The port is also known for its production of coffee and log wood. It has a population of about 9,000. Given this fact, it is not surprising that the main products of the plantation are sugarcane, ackee, coffee, bananas and pineapple.
Cost
The fee is 18 USD for a tour of the fields. There are extra charges for touring the house.
Other Info
There are now shops in what used to be the stable stalls in the plantation. Some of the items being sold are straw goods and woodcarvings. There is also a restaurant and swimming pool in the vicinity.
You can also have some friendly conversations with the local farmers. They should be able to tell you some stories about the place. You can also go swimming in the pool.
The Brimmer Hall in Port Maria can be toured anytime from Monday to Friday. The place opens at 9 in the morning. The best time to visit would be early afternoon. There are fewer visitors, so the guides have more time to entertain you.
