Considering the natural beauty of the landscape, with its ribbon of beaches and backdrop of mountains rimming the Caribbean Sea, it is shocking to learn that Montego Bay actually means "Bay of Lard." Columbus named it "Gulf of Good Weather" in 1494, when he and his party were the first non-natives to visit the area. But, when it became a major seaport for the Spanish settlers who cashed in on the wild boars roaming the island, rendering their fat for export to the other Spanish colonies in the West Indies, it's name changed to Bahia de Manteca (Bay of Lard.) From that, it morphed into Montego Bay. No matter the origin of its name, it is a lovely place indeed.

Montego Bay is the entry point for most of Jamaica's tourism, which rims the north coast of the island from Port Antonio in the east to around the tip of the west end of Negril, but is itself the largest tourist destination in the country.

Resorts and golf courses cover the land where the sugar cane fields once stood, the huge plantations administered by British overlords after occupying the island in the mid 17th century. Once they started bringing their families over for "holiday," the placid waters and lovely vistas of the region became ripe for the tourism market. The belief that the spring-fed waters of Doctor's Cave Beach could "cure any ailment" sealed the fate of the region; tourism accounts for most of its economic viability.

Sassy, saucy and exuberant are terms that aptly describe the mood and feel of "Mo'Bay," as frequent visitors and locals refer to their piece of heaven. Jamaican patois, the wafting scent of jerk and patties, street vendors hawking their wares, sounds of reggae and ska all form pieces of the mosaic that comprise this large and active city. A favorite of the Spring Break crowd, of the young and young at heart, of those seeking noise and fun and urban hip with a Caribbean backdrop, the town of Mo'Bay aims to please. The outlying areas are home to some of the most exquisite resorts in the West Indies, frequented by well-heeled golfers, honeymooners and sun-seekers. Family-oriented resorts in the greater Montego Bay area create lasting memories for both parents and kids.

Map Courtesy U.S. Government