The winning author, Ernest Hemingway, left an enduring legacy in Key West — his zest for life, literary accomplishments and steadfast affection for the island he called home throughout the 1930s is well documented and celebrated once a year. The celebration, Hemingway Days, is always held around July 21 — Ernest Hemingway's birthday.
The highlight of Key West's Hemingway Days, now entering its 29th year, is the look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded Hemingway look-alikes. Readings and book signings by nationally acclaimed authors, an award ceremony capping a leading American literary competition, a one-man play exploring the legendary author's life and motivations, a zany "Running of the Bulls" and a three-day Marlin tournament that recalls Hemingway's devotion to the deep-sea sport are also on the agenda.
Although Hemingway Days is celebrated once a year, tourists can peek into the life of Ernest Hemingway any day of the year. The Hemingway Home & Museum is open daily to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West at 907 Whitehead Street, Key West. There you can wander the grounds and gardens and step back in time as you visit some of the rooms. You might even see descendants of Hemingway's infamous six-toed cats.
