Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Key West and made it his home in 1928. While living there he wrote some of this century’s most important works, including A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon and, his homage to the island, To Have and Have Not. Visitors can still get a taste of Hemingway and his Key West at these locales.
The mecca is the Hemingway Home & Museum, the Spanish Colonial Villa where the author resided during his tenure. The property is now a National Historic Landmark and visitors will be delighted by where he lived, wrote and caroused. The unique six-toed Hemingway cats are a highlight.
Papa’s first residence, however, was Casa Antigua. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens, though the house itself is privately owned.
Captain Tony’s Saloon and Sloppy Joe’s Bar compete to call themselves Hemingway’s favorite hangout. Legends about the man abound at either bar: he almost certainly met his third wife at Sloppy Joe’s. He also took home a urinal claiming rights to it by frequent usage.
Over its 100-year history, the Blue Heaven hosted cockfights, a bordello, a playhouse and boxing matches, over which Hemingway used to preside. Today it is restaurant and favorite haunt of Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney.
Finally, though it has changed over the years, a stroll along Mallory Square and the pier will help visitors appreciate the sea as Hemingway once did. They will also be able to study human nature and have a drink because, let’s be honest, that’s what Papa would have done.
Also, don’t miss the Hemingway Days held annually during the summer. The fair features a look-alike contest, literary contest, readings and book signings, “Running of the Bulls,” and a three-day marlin tournament.
Read This Next
Get the Most Out of Havana
Destination
Nov 2, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
ShareThis