Hemingway Home and Museum
Arriving in Key West in the late twenties, Ernest Hemingway was already a published author. Through the years it has drawn more than its share of creative types, but it is Hemingway that has left an indelible mark.Fashioned from native rock and boasting the first pool in Key West, the Hemingway home belonged to the famous writer from 1931 until his passing in 1961. The pool was built in the late thirties and cost $20,000 which was a pricey sum in those days. It was this that prompted him to take a penny and press it into the surrounding patio and pronounce, "Here, take the last penny I've got!" That penny is still there.
Hemingway was given a six-toed cat by a ship captain, and it is said that about sixty of his cats' descendants call the museum their home. Cat lovers will enjoy the frolicking felines.
The Hemingway Home and Museum is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is $12.00 and children (6-12) $6.00. Children 5 and under free. | Photo |
Getting to Key West
Key West is the southernmost island in a chain south of Florida. The islands provide a natural barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is the end of the road, literally, for US 1 stretches more than 100 miles from the mainland to the tip of Key West. >See the Overseas HighwayThe upper keys are only an hour's drive from Miami, making them a perfect day trip. The drive to Key West is three hours or more depending on traffic, so if you want to make Key West a day trip, you may want to take a tour bus. Otherwise, plan on spending at least a couple of days allowing for travel and exploring the island.
Although the summer is the off-season in the Florida Keys, many Floridians make that their weekend getaway destination because typically the temperature is 10 degrees cooler than the southern mainland of Florida. Beginning Friday afternoons the highway to the Keys becomes packed with cars, so weekdays are a better time to travel if you drive.
Key West has a small commercial airport, but most people prefer to fly to Miami International Airport and rent a car. It is most often quicker and cheaper than making the connecting flight to Key West.
Directions: Take the Florida Turnpike south to Exit 4 - Homestead/Key West. This turnpike extension will connect you to US 1 in Florida City which takes you through the Keys.
There are a variety of accommodations available once you get to Key West, but it is preferable to have reservations. If your visit coincides with one of the many special events and festivals scheduled throughout the year, you may find yourself without a place to stay.
