Little money, lots of fun
DEVON HOUSE
Devon House, another place for leisure, is basically an open park where you can picnic or just lounge. Ice-cream and pastry shops are enclosed, as well as the heritage house itself.
The heritage house is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. However, only the ground floor is available for viewing as the other two floors are being renovated. The cost for the ground floor viewing is J$200 per adult and J$100 for children under 12 (these fees may vary after renovations are completed). If a medium to large group is interested in touring the house, there will be need for an appointment so arrangements can be made for proper accommodation.
For further information visit:www.devonhousejamaica.com and www.jamaicatravelandculture.com.
HOPE GARDENS
Over recent months Hope Gardens has been receiving a facelift and improvements are still being made on a daily basis. There are several beautifully constructed gardens such as the butterfly garden and the fountain garden, which are all open to the public free of cost.
You can have picnics or relax in the gazebos or just lounge on the benches. This place would be fantastic for a first date if you want to get to know each other in a quiet, scenic and romantic environment.
The zoo is the only place that requires an entry fee and this is J$80 for adults and J$50 for children under 12. There is also a petting zoo that will soon be available where one can interact with the animals (this will be at an additional cost). There are also other facilities that will soon be available.
Also situated on the grounds is the Ashanti Oasis Ital (vegetarian) restaurant.
SERENITY PARK
Another recreational attraction is Serenity Park in Spring Village, St Catherine. It is a beautifully constructed park that consists of a playground, a scrimmage field (used for football or volleyball), and an animal petting zoo.
You can even go pond fishing (free of cost) in one of its three man-made lakes. Or check out a few of the exotic animals like the emus, ostrich, water buffalo or any of the 100-plus foreign birds. Thatched roof gazebos are scattered around the lakes where you can also sit and enjoy the local dishes served or simply take in the scenery.
Entry fee is J$250 for adults and J$150 for children four to 12 years.
For further information you can check out the website: www.serenityparkjamaica.com or call 876-708-5522.