Photo of exterior of Hemingway Home by Rob O’Neal; Hemingway’s dining room courtesy of The Hemingway Home and Museum; Cats at The Hemingway House courtesy of iStock by Getty Images
KEY WEST
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS
A prolific place
The Hemingway Home and Museum
By Heather Turk
Ever since Ernest Hemingway penned such literary classics as “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” while living in Key West, the Florida city has been synonymous with the American author. Not only can visitors enjoy various experiences inspired by the legendary writer — including a tour of Papa’s Pilar Distillery, which was named after Hemingway and his fishing boat — but they can also drink and dine at Hemingway’s favorite hangout, Sloppy Joe’s, which was owned by his good friend and fishing companion, Joe Russell. Of course, the first place on any Hemingway fan’s must-see list while visiting Key
Cats at the Hemingway House in Key West, Florida
West should be The Hemingway Home and Museum. A registered National Historic Landmark, The Hemingway Home and Museum lets guests tour the Spanish Colonial villa Hemingway lived in from 1931 until 1939. The property opened to the public in 1964 and offers daily guided tours
Writers and literary buffs can book a separate afterhours experience, too, that gives them private time in Hemingway’s writing studio. every 20 minutes from 9:20 a.m. until 4:40 p.m. Visitors will not only get to walk through Hemingway’s home and his adjoining second-story writing studio, but also see approximately 60 polydactyl (six-toed) cats roaming the estate — some of which are descended from a six-toed cat given to Hemingway by a sea captain.
See Hemingway’s dining room on a tour of The Hemingway Home and Museum
Writers and literary buffs can book a separate after-hours experience, too, that gives them private time in Hemingway’s writing studio. Limited to two people, the 3-hour experience is available by advance reservation only. While guests aren’t allowed to use Hemingway’s battered typewriter, they’re encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet or pen and paper to record their thoughts. Although admission to The Hemingway Home and Museum includes a guided tour, visitors are welcome to tour the lush grounds at their leisure. A QR code can even be scanned at the entrance to the property so that guests can learn more about Key West’s most famous literary resident. hemingwayhome.com SUNSEEKER
13
