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Anyone know if Summerset lane is relatively safe to walk? I know anything can happen at any time, etc... but whats Summerset's reputation? This is the road next to Seastar lane. Also Im pretty sure there is a path connecting the two- any one have any experience walking this path? Thanks for your feedback!
I "hear" it is ok just keep your wits about you saying that from what I hear I did not feel like I wanted to holiday on that lane with small children but I would have definately considered staying if it was just me and my partner.So I guess it boils down to personal opinion and if you believe what your hear.I guess you need some trusted advice from those on the ground but like I said I would consider staying as a couple but I just did not fancy it with the kids.
This is my take on Summerset Road as a woman living here...
Summerset is a quiet/relatively inactive road. Since there is not a lot of activity happening there other than Bella Donna's restaurant at the beginning...I prefer to remain on the cautious side when walking on a road that is not well populated.
I'm not saying it's dangerous & that you wouldn't be fine walking it...but I choose to err on the side of caution.
Note. Seastar Lane is still quite a distance from Summerset Road.
While Summerset Rd and Seastar Lane are not next to each other, because of the ways the roads are directed they do get closer together the farther you travel the roads.
There is a walking path that takes you from Summerset to Seastar Lane, but it is a bit of a walk. Here is a Wiki/Google map that shows this area in excellent detail:
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=18.2584832&lon=-78.3623242&z=18&l=0&m=b
Coming from a perspective of a person who has lived in multiple areas of Jamaica (including Kingston), I would not walk in a (for lack of a better word) "rural" area without a backup Jamaican friend or sufficient enough "power" (personal ability or multiple numbers of tourist friends) to fend off a surprise attack or unwanted harassment.
The time to be vigilant is always before you need to act on a surprise encounter. 99% of the time you are safe and in no danger but the 1% of the time when you let your guard down or act irresponsibly that is when you could ruin an otherwise fabulous vacation experience.
Peace and Guidance
Wow..!!...Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Rob, that-map is GREAT..!!..
..and kinda-scary, too
i can almost see the house i stay-in in Lucea-country
wow
wow
WOW..!!..
thanks, mon
:-)
I have walked Summerset road a number of times in the past (talking late 90s early 00s) in the dark and in daylight, with no problems but i'm a male who is more then able to take care of himself and things change, would go with what Lisa and Rob say as they live in that part of town
lolQuote:
Originally Posted by airportworker
it's a *new* day now, mi fren
lol
e.g., folks who were around back-then,
are dead & gone
there's a *new*-crew in town, now-days
and less/fewer donkeys, too
smith thats why i said i would go with what rob and lisa say
seenQuote:
Originally Posted by airportworker
:-)
Thanks everone for chiming in- it certainly helps.
Rob n lisa- I never got a chance to thank you guys. On our last reach/ honeymoon, hanging out with you 2 was super fun, we appreciate your kindness n will see you both in Feb! Keep shining you two!!! Thanks again, murph n sara
"there's a *new*-crew in town, now-days"
I actually find that Summerset Road is "nicer" now than it was several years back. I have no problem walking on that road in daytime hours...at night, well, I don't walk anywhere that is dimly lit or sparsely populated at night anymore.
I don't think it's a new crew...but a lack of a definable crew. It's less populated since I've been living here and according to Rob way less populated since it's peak time....
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmQuote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
are you-SAY-ing:::>> dem need a more-organized crew..??..
...kind-sorta like a garrison perhaps/maybe..??..
ummmmmmmmmmmm
i like that idea
like it a lot
Ummmmm....sorry, NO....I don't think like that!Quote:
Originally Posted by smith744
I was referring to a lack of a definable neighborhood...there's not many people on that road. Mostly hotel workers going to & from their jobs.
A good example....if you travel down Seastar Lane...everyone knows everyone one...there's a comfort level in this neighborhood...everyone watching out for everyone.....
(((MURPH n SARA)))!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by murph
use to live down at the end of Summerset Road when I had the cottage.......
and was back in the neighborhood again when I stayed at SeaStar Inn last reach........
back in the 90's the road was newly paved with Devine Destiny just being built.......
and Summerset Village has been there forever.........Bella Donna is at the start of Summerset
and Sharks Restaurant and a few other establishments use to be located on Summerset........
and a few cottages sprinkled in here and there........
tourist use to walk up and down Summerset on their way to their respective resort or to the wata.......
a lot of things have changed now with a lot less business at Devine Destiny and Summerset.....
and then Sharks moving, the foot traffic has dropped significantly....so yes it's a lot less populated
and not really what I call a neighborhood as there really aren't that many residents on Summerset..........
you won't really have any problem walking around during daylight..........everyone's friendly........
but the road isn't lit at night and I rather see people be safe than sorry so take head when there at night....
back in the 90's we use to be able to drive down Summerset and bang a right on the wata road and drive by mi cottage which brought you to SeaStar Lane.......but some squatters have put dwellings on the right of way so now you can't drive thru to SeaStar anymore.......
now in between Summerset and SeaStar Lane you now have the "Village" which is squatters with their board houses........
there has been some references to it on here........it's their own likkle community and kinda fun to check out during the day........
mi favorite neighborhood is Pee Wee Lane or now called Ella Drive.........right across from Pee Wees........
Cool Runnings, Marko
My godson's place is on Summerset. When his Mom first got the place the neighborhood was fairly dicey - but the good, hardworking folks there worked hard to clean it up and now...at least from WE road to Devine Destiny the neighborhood is just that - a "definable" neighborhood with great people living there, looking out for each other, all friendly. I'm not comfortable walking past Devine Destiny because I see that area the way Bnewb described...less definable, more desolate...not much really going on and no one really around. But these days Summerset Lane is a lot nicer/friendlier than it used to be 15-20 years ago IMO.
Well, I hope it's not too dangerous, as I will be staying at Summerset Village myself this November from the 7th to December 3rd. They offered me a great deal on a room with air conditioning and tv and mini fridge, so I went ahead and put the deposit down and plan on paying for the rest on the 1st of October. They have rooms with kitchenettes for $500, but they are fan only, and ac is a must for me. I figure how wrong can I go paying $250 for the month, you know? I don't plan on wandering around at night, but am figuring it should be okay to walk up and down to the main road then catch a route taxi to where I want to go like the beach or even a place on the cliffs to hang for the day like Xtabi. I don't plan on walking it at night at all, I haven't walked down that road, but from what I know it's not that well lit, so would take a taxi all the way back to Summerset Village instead of letting me off at the corner of the road, at the end of the day, that's for sure. And even in the daytime, plan on keeping my wits about me and not traveling with any large amounts of cash at all. I don't have my expectations up that high, as long as the ac works and the bed is okay I will be all right, and everything after that is gravy. They do have a pool, and a restaurant and bar on the premises, and will have to see how they are when I get there. If worst comes to worst, I just won't spend a lot of my time there, only to sleep, but might be spending more time there if it is halfway decent.
I am not sure how much of this is still the same, but Summerset's own site has a part called the "neighborhood" and it describes some people in it...here's the link: http://www.negrilvillageresort.com/Neighborhood_1.html
I guess it will be interesting to find out who is still there and who isn't..will find out for myself soon enough. :)
RG,Quote:
Originally Posted by rastagirl777
I know your godson and his Mom, as well as the other people on the road back in those days, including Birdy and his wife and their son. It was certainly a different day back then, a real neighborhood is what it was... unlike now with that yard being fenced off and many of the others leaving the road...
Negrilaholic,
The Neighborhood tour is a bit outdated, some of the people mentioned are no longer on the road. Other's mentioned are not on Summerset but near by.... so.... please be sure to meet Bella Donna and Dr. Quailty and Faye.... and dont be hesitant to use their names should you feel uncomfortable...
Back in the day, Summerset was a great place to walk the road, in fact, I utilized the walk as rehabilitation after a car accident in Ohio. But until things change, I have to error on the side of caution...
That map is pretty helpful..I think I see the building I will be staying in even..the pool looks a bit green, so doesn't look like I will be using that, lol. That's okay, I kinda had a feeling I wouldn't be getting the taj mahal, it will be mostly a place to crash. I'm just glad that staying there will enable me to spend longer in Negril than I ever have before. :)
I will be sure and meet with Bella Donna and Dr Quality and Faye. :)
I know there were some "problems" on it during the summer-and this from my friend whos lived on that lane (back of charlies shop) for years...So yes, Be extra careful and use your street smarts and I wouldn't walk that lane at night-yes with friends-but better to have a Taxi around for transport at night..
I will definitely be keeping a sharp eye out and only walk the lane during daylight hours, and be careful and aware even then.
All those yards are fenced off Rob - my godson's, the neighbors across the street...back in the day when his Mom first got the property and even before the lane had some pretty dubious characters hanging around. Now, back in the day - LOTS of folks lived there it was a pretty happening place, like in the late 80's early 90's. True, a lot of those folks moved on and my actual first visit to Summerset Lane was after that. The lane went through a rough patch around the mid-ninetines and it seems to have taken a turn for the better more recently.
Much of the West End is walled and fenced in now. Doesn't make it less of a neighborhood. Take our neighborhood for instance...great vibe there, everyone knows everyone - that's the vibe I get on my GS's part of the road and most importantly they respect each other. As far as the gates and walls that surround people's property - you know that's for protection from certain dubious elements that are all over, not just on Summerset Lane. For anyone looking to stay on Summerset my personal belief is that you will be as safe as you would staying on West End Road or Seastar Lane - just don't forget to pack your common sense.
RG,
Even from the map link I posted, you can see that Summerset is sparsely populated in respect to the abundance of people on West End Road and Seastar Lane. There is no one on your GS's property at present, there is no one living next to the property. When you drive by Summerset Road, it is a rare occurrence to see anyone walking on the road there. It is an equally rare occurrence to NOT see anyone on Seastar Lane.
Back in the mid 90's Devine Destiny was open as was Addis Kokeb and Summerset Village providing many choices of accommodations for visitors. Chef's Restaurant as well as Serious Chicken and Bella Donna's were all open and serving some of the best food in Negril. Today, the only places still open are Summerset Village and Bella Donna.
Here is Summerset Road as seen today, about 20 minutes ago....
Attachment 4172Attachment 4173
In comparison, here are some "blasts from the past" pages that I posted on Negril.com back in 90's.
Here is Serious Chicken from 1997:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn100797.htm
Here is Chef's Restaurant from 1997:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn240797.htm
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/bay0127.htm
and 1998:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/bay0263.htm
Here is Bella Donna's party from 1999 for Katy Thacker's benefit bash:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn061199.htm
And even Ruben's Bike Rental in 2002:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn150202.htm
You may get the same friendly vibe on Summerset, but in truth and from one who actually lives in Negril and passes Summerset regularly, it is not the busy, feel good neighborhood it was in the 90's...
"There is no one on your GS's property at present, there is no one living next to the property. "
You are mistaken on both counts. There most definitely IS someone living on my GS's property and the property next door has someone there I'd guess pretty much all the time.
Your photos make me smile...and I see your point about "busy-ness" on the street. However, knowing who I know living there at this time I know the neighborhood in my GS's vicinity to be friendly. No, no one is hanging out on the street, there are no markets or restaurants (except Bella Donna) but that doesn't mean its not a decent neighborhood. Now I remember mid-90's when the lane would indeed be more busy with local traffic and folks hanging out - but in and amongst those folks were the stalkies and drug dealers. As I recall, some would be fairly aggressive. I don't see that there anymore.
I'm not saying you are wrong Rob because you are not - but Summerset Lane is not a "tourist mecca" so you won't find many tourists there - but it is a decent local neighborhood not too unsimilar to our neighborhood (at least our neighborhood prior to 2007, lol). Its just that - a neighborhood. If you are staying at one of the cottages there or at Summerset Village while you wont' find a a whole lot of activiities right on the block, it is a short walk to West End Road and into a pretty busy area for tourist-type enjoyment.
You know, Rob and others..... I was just here thinking about "back in the day" and the funny thing about it is that it evokes such good memories (although a little clouded by the time gone by) that most things today don't compare favorably. When you start out a story with words similar to "I remember when.....(fill in the blank) that...", chances are a smile creeps over your face with the warm and fuzzy rememberings.
Truth is that; money was worth much more, education/literacy was better, people had jobs, nuclear families were the rule instead of "baby muddas or faddas" providing little or no support. A gangster in Kingston couldn't or at least wouldn't bother to come to Westmoreland to commit crimes because cars were scarse and pickings were better in town anyways.
The whole point is that Jamaica is both a wonderful and can be a dangerous place if you don't take at least as much care as you do at home. I wouldn't walk an unlit, sparcely traveled lane here in So. Florida so why would I do that in Jamaica?
What you could safely do 5-25 years ago is not necessarily true today. You could be a stumbling drunk and the goodness of people or "the Alcohol God" would keep you safe but too often it just opens a window of opportunity for some never-do-well to make a fast few dollars.
I love Jamaica and don't feel threatened by much of anything that goes on around me but I do maintain a vigilance and an awareness of my surroundings. In short; Summerset Lane is a great place to walk in the daytime or at night with a close friend or two.
Peace and Guidance.
Sorry, but I seemed to leave out DJ's Restaurant in 1997:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn310797.htm
and Gladstone's Top Yard Coffee in 1997:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/bay0113.htm
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn230797.htm
There was a lot of fun stuff going on Summerset in the late 90's....
RG,
I was just there about an hour ago and I did not see a soul on your GS's property. The yard is not being kept up and is becoming quite overgrown. Maybe you should contact him or his Mom and let them know...
And it seems I forgot another one of the major spots back on Summerset in the late 90's - Horselips! They had one of the Jamaican bobsled's as the centerpiece of the bar - their sign is across the street from Chef's sign on the page below:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn111097.htm
And here is an inside picture taken at Serious Chicken in 1997:
http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn251097.htm
whoa that's a blast from the past!
and if i was gonna walk down that road - i would walk right down the middle - and be prepared to run :-)
i used to LOVE it up there, on my very first trip to JA it was our refuge after Gilbert.
i admit i have nothing useful to add to the question re: current conditions, just had to pop in and say i have wonderful memories of the place.
"I was just there about an hour ago and I did not see a soul on your GS's property. The yard is not being kept up and is becoming quite overgrown. Maybe you should contact him or his Mom and let them know..."
I'll look into it. Thank you for the information.
you'll enjoy yourself quite nicely at Summerset Village......very good deal you got.........Quote:
Originally Posted by negrilaholic
it's not dangerous unless you make it that way....like any place just use your common sense...
people walking aournd half drunk with gold chains and diamond rings at 3AM in the morning anywhere is asking for it....
though I did plenty of walks down Summerset in the wee hours of the morning and never had a problem.....
but mi always been a likkle bit crazy.......lol
mi bet this will be one of your best trips ever!
Cool Runnings, Marko
tru things have changed a lot on Summerset.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
back in the 90's there wasn't much of a need to leave Summerset.....plenty going on der
though I wouldn't mind it the way it is now on Summerset cause der be less people around....
thanks for the look back at all dem places Rob as mi pea brain needs some help once awhile.......
oh da memories.......
Cool Runnings, Marko
I have a question about something that was posted and would like some clarification on it.
"In short; Summerset Lane is a great place to walk in the daytime or at night with a close friend or two."
Do you mean it would be okay to walk alone only during daylight, and with a friend or two at night, or do you mean with someone else at all times?
personally mi would say it be fine to walk alone during daylight..........and the early eveningQuote:
Originally Posted by negrilaholic
with a friend or two at night wouldn't hurt.......better safe than sorry.......
carry a flashlight so you can see where you going as there isn't any major lighting on Summerset
you'll be in good hands with the people at Summerset and they'll show you the ropes too.........
and it's not like Summerset Village is at the end of Summerset so the walk isn't too bad.......
with mi cottage it was at the end of Summerset so that was a hike.....but mostly used mi bike
Cool Runnings, Marko
Thanks, appreciate that. Plan on getting and bringing a maglite, just in case, but will be taking taxi all the way back to where I am staying after dark, and only plan on walking it during daylight hours.
yep yep ABSOLUTE-lyQuote:
Originally Posted by negrilaholic
maglite is a MUST-HAVE .... BELIEVE DAT...!!..
especially on that WestEnd road & area
ONCE upon a time, i walked from EasyRockSue's place to SeaStar
Negril electricity was locked-OFF
..no 'lectricity NO-place
.....'twas darker than dark
could NOT see my feet,
as i walked along
*thought* i was blindfold-ed
:-(
so,
if i'm gonna be out
after sundown
i make-SURE i got mi maglite
..in my pocket/bag/whatever
smith if you eat more carrots you'd see in the dark