Former Church is now the Home of Father John’s Brewery

On this beautiful Sunday afternoon, my sinful urge to have a beer led me to Father John’s Brewery, the former Methodist church in Bryan, Ohio.  Originally built in 1867, this wooden church was later renovated in 1895 with a red-brick exterior, beautiful stained glass windows and the addition of a pipe organ, custom built.

Instead of waiting for a table, I grabbed a chair at the cross shaped bar and placed an order for a flight of brews.

A self-proclaimed novice to local craft beer, I tend to lean towards the light beers or ones that offer hints of fruit flavors.

My beer selections for my flight of 6 include:

  • The Venerable Bede IPA 1% – love this one
  • Sacrificial Goat Amber 66% – just a slight  nutty taste
  • Proverbial Porter 1% – grows on you; wasn’t my favorite at first
  • Michael’s Pale Ale 6.3%  a fellow bought the very first pint and they named this beer after him
  • Fresh off the Bine Fresh op Beer 5.3% – can taste the wheat
  • The Imp Imperial Rye 8,4%
  • Ranger IPA 6.5% – love this one

Enjoying my selection of craft brews, I grabbed a couple of my samples so I could walk around and browse the amazing set up.  I felt as though I was standing in the middle of a Renaissance castle with life-size armor, period furniture and Medieval embellishments.

Father John’s Brewing Company opened in 2012 to produce ales and lagers in addition to wine and meads.  With a brew-on-site operation, Father John’s includes eighteen draft beers.

Red hymnals rest on each table in lieu of the traditional church pew.

While indoors you may notice the dark, mysterious interior, a walk outside will have you feeling as though you have taken a seat among the French countryside.

The owners of Father John’s want visitors to consider their brewery as a place to discover.  One way is to roam both the beautiful exterior as well as the fascinating interior.  During my exploration, I learned that there is a crypt within the grounds of the church.  The space below the ground has been covered with a clear glass as it is thought to be containing remains, but out of respect it has been undisturbed.

Did you know that the first gluten-free craft beer made in Ohio came from Father John’s?  They appropriately named it Intolerant Ale.

Exiting the brewery, I found the beautiful garden with fire pits, flowers and tables to enjoy the outdoors.  What a change from the dilapidated structure that had lay empty over a period of time leaving the slate roof falling in and its foundation crumbling.   Saving the building, Dr. John Trippy opened the space as a brewery/restaurant in 2012.  Shortly thereafter, the Stoned Goat Inn was opened for visitors needing an overnight stay.

There is an incredible serenity at Father John’s.  Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the brewery, experience a wine tasting, book a private gathering or even a night at the inn for an immersive experience.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Father John’s Brewery in Bryan, Ohio? Did you stay overnight?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my exciting visit to Father John’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone:  419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

Where to Stay:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone:  419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

Where to Eat:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone:  419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

I ordered the Angelic Wings with the Sweet Thai sauce in addition to the Charcuterie Board with its many cheeses and meats.

Where to Drink:

Father John’s
301 W. Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone:  419 633 1313
Website:  https://www.fatherjohnsmicrobrewery.com/

What to Read:

  • A Sweet Century: The 100-Year History of Spangler Candy Company and the Spangler Family, Bryan, Ohio, by William L. Culbertson

NTPRD Chiller: Springfield, Ohio’s First Ice Skating Rink

On a hot summer day, I had the idea to escape the heat by visiting the NTPRD Chiller in downtown Springfield, Ohio.  A complex that is a part of the City’s Parks and Recreation’s program, the ice rink also has a partnership with the Chiller Organization, associated with Columbus’ professional hockey team, the Blue Jackets.

I had the opportunity to talk with Chris, who explained that the rink sustains temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit so that they can maintain an ice thickness of 1 ½ inches. I While the rink is regulation National Hockey League (NHL) size, it is smaller than an Olympic rink.

The Chiller provides several children’s programs for children starting at the age of two years old and in addition, they host adult leagues as well.

Founded in 1993, the NTPRD Chiller is Springfield’s first indoor ice skating arena.  The location is the perfect place to host birthday parties by renting out the mezzanine when the space is available.   Wittenberg University and Wright State University’s hockey teams use the rink for practice, college games while high school programs are beginning to offer team sports here as well.  Last year the organization hosted a cardboard bobsled competition where there were lose to fifty participants.

There are several opportunities for visitors to register for freestyle and public skate sessions when space is available.  All visitors must register online and until further notice, visitors are required to wear masks due to COVID.

Skate rental are available for a small fee with a selection of over 800 pairs of skates.  Sizes start at children’s 6 and they are also available for purchase through stores such as MC Sports, Dunhams and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

NTPRD offers hot dogs and Mother Stewart’s root beer at their refreshment stand for that much needed break off of the ice.  So if you are looking for a great way to cool down in the summer, or sharpen your skating skills year around, check out NTPRD in Springfield, Ohio.  Their online calendar provides a schedule for skating times, lessons and hockey games to cheer on your favorite teams.

Have you skated at the NTPRD Chiller?  How was your experience?  I would love to hear about your time spent at Springfield’s first ice rink if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my fun visit to The Chiller and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

NTPRD Chiller
301 West Main Street
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone:  937 323 RINK (7465)

  • Admission Fee:  Admission $5 and Skate Rental $2; kids 5 and under are free.
  • Hours:  Check out the Freestyle hours on their website
  • Amenities:  Skate rental, snack bar, hockey leagues and ice skating classes
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Book your reservations online.  Wear a sweater or jacket if you plan on spending more time at the rink.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries.   I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread.  Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant.   If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

A 2010 Return to San Clemente, California

My friend Dani and I decided to take a cruise out of Long Beach stopping in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.  While booking our flights, we decided to arrive in San Diego a couple of days earlier and drive up the coast.  I was excited that we would be passing through San Clemente and thought it would be a fun time to reminisce in my old neighborhood of SoCal.

We stopped at BeachFire Grill on Del Mar before we drove down towards the beach.   It was a cool evening as we set out towards the pier, enjoying the palm trees and beautiful skies.

We walked at the end of the pier and looked back towards the beautiful surfing town, waiting for the sun to set.

Towards the left were the more private homes high above the cliffs.

Facing south we were looking towards another popular surf area but with the colder weather and lower tides, it was no surprise that the beach was empty.

The sun was beginning to set and we had another hour to drive up the coast.  The pier was beginning to clear out as we stood along the beach.

Waiting for the sun to set was worth every minute and as we started the uphill trek towards the parking lot, we had one last view of the beautiful sky.  A view never to take for granted.

Have you lived in a place or visited a place that had a lasting impression on you?  I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my visit to San Clemente and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Walk the San Clemente Beach and the charming town of San Clemente

Where to Eat:

The Fisherman Restaurant at San Clemente Pier
611 Avenida Victoria
San Clemente, CA  82672
Telephone:  949 498 6390

What to Eat:

  • Dungeness Crab
  • Seafood Chowder
  • Pan-Fried Oysters

Where to Stay:

Casablanca Inn
1601 North East El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA
Telephone:  888 639 3053

What to Read:

  • California Girl, by T. Jefferson Parker

Photo Guide for San Clemente:

  • Calafia Beach Park
  • Del Mar Street
  • Outlets San Clemente
  • Pico Park
  • San Clemente Beach Trail
  • San Clemente Pier
  • The Triton Wall

The Mutineer Restaurant Before Reaching Key Largo

Escaping to the Florida Keys, life seems much simpler and relaxing from the everyday minutia of living in Tampa.  It’s a much slower pace where the speed limit is a maximum of 35 miles per hour along US 1.  Scenic sleepy towns and sailboats pop up along the islands with views of the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean until we reach our final destination of Key West.

Staying overnight in Miami, we packed up our belongings in pursuit of the Keys.  Leaving Miami, we made our first stop at The Mutineer Restaurant in Florida City.  Just past the southernmost end of the turnpike, we would order a drink before tackling the two and a half hour drive to Key West, with a few “Key” stops along the way.

The restaurant was built in the 1980’s and was a last stop for many travelers before reaching the southernmost part of the United States.  Built in the shape of a ship, the restaurant offered primarily seafood options on its menu, most notably grouper and yellowfin tuna.  The restaurant was quite nostalgic for us as it seemed as though its interior had not been updated since the day it opened.

With its rustic interior and creepy pirate greeting us at the door, we would enter the kitschy restaurant and make a beeline to the huge bar in the center of the restaurant, known by locals as the Wharf Lounge.  Melissa and I would always order a fruity drink to kick off our Florida Keys road trip and then off to our next stop, Key Largo.

Depending on the traffic, we could reach Key Largo in less than 40 minutes, but we always made a stop for another beverage and pit stop.  My favorite part of visiting the Caribbean Club was the homage to Humphrey Bogart, who starred in the film “Key Largo”, which was filmed at this location.

The Club was opened in 1938 and is the oldest bar within the Upper Keys.  The location is perfect for watching the spectacular sunsets while dancing to the music of local musicians.

Known for its Key Lime Punch, we loved taking a seat outside to enjoy the Atlantic Coast before making our way towards Islamorada.

Dragging ourselves away from this spectacular view, we would soon reach Islamorada in about 25 minutes, ready for a hearty seafood lunch at Robbie’s on Mile Marker 77.5.

Have you stopped by the Mutineer or the Caribbean Club at Key Largo?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for ready about my quick stop in Key Largo and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Mutineer Restaurant
11 SE 1st Avenue
Florida City, FL  33034
Telephone: 305 245 3377

The Caribbean Club
104080 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL  33037
Telephone: 305 451 4466

Where to Stay:

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  305 664 4651

Where to Eat:

Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
77522 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone: 305 664 8070

What to Eat: 

  • Conch Fritters
  • Crunch Grouper Sandwich
  • Florida Keys Stone Crab Claws
  • Lobster Bisque
  • Manhattan Clam Chowder
  • Sesame Seed Ahi Tuna
  • Wahoo Ceviche

What to Read: 

  • Four Days with Hemingway’s Ghost, by Tom Winton
  • Principles of Navigation, by Peter W. Fong
  • Tropical Depression, by Lawrence Shames
  • Salvage Diver, by Zachary Ball

 

Lunch Stop and Tarpon Feeding at Robbie’s in Islamorada

Hopping into our car, we leave the Caribbean Club with our windows rolled down taking in the salt air of the islands.  Over the course of our drive we will cross 42 bridges connecting more than 100 miles to our destination of Key West.

Miles of ocean surrounded us on both sides of the Overseas Highway as we drove southbound towards Islamorada.  Mesmerized by the never-ending shades of blue, I dreamt of a day of sailing through the Keys.

Within a few miles from Islamorada, my stomach was beginning to growl, thinking about the seafood selection on the menu at The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant.

We found an amazing table with  shade away from the 84 degree weather and our server arrived within minutes to take our drink order.  I couldn’t resist the Trailer Trash Bloody Mary, which is a top-seller at the restaurant.

I was surprised that there were not as many seafood selections on the menu, so I selected the Cuban Press, with ham seasoned pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo & pickles on Cuban bread.  When my sandwich arrived, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to bite into it.

We all decided to order their chips and salsa because the table beside us had ordered them and they looked amazing.  Once we had finished, we decided to settle our bill and visit the pier to feed the tarpon.

Approaching the pier, I could hear the splashing of the tarpon and noticed a large crowd gathered around, looking down into the clear waters.  With bait in their hands, they waited in line to feed the tarpon, a tradition which began about thirty years ago.

One day, while Robbie was close to the water’s edge, he noticed a tarpon struggling to free itself from the shallow water of the bank.  Trying to save the Silver King, he lifted it up out of the water and noticed that its right jaw was injured.  Reaching out to Doc Roach, the doctor stitched up the injured tarpon and Robbie decided to name the fish, Scarface.  After six months of nursing him back to health, he released the tarpon back into the wild.  Scarface returned, eventually bringing several of his “friends” and Robbie would feed them when they would visit and the rest is history.  Schools of tarpon arrive to the dock each day while visitors pay a small fee to feed them bait and the tradition continues.

Sun-drenched and stuffed to the gills, we continued our drive towards Key West with about two-thirds of the drive to complete.  Soon we would be checking into our hotel with plenty of time to reach Mallory Square to watch the magnificent sunset.

Have you fed the tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada?  Or stopped by for lunch at the Hungry Tarpon?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the  comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Robbie’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Robbie’s of Islamorada
77522 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  833 913 1842

Where to Stay:

Islander Resort
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  833 913 1842

Where to Eat:

The Hungry Tarpon
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
Telephone: 833 913 1842

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • Islamorada, by Howard Hunt

 

A Key West Sunset on Mallory Square

My friends and I met up together on Duval Street agreeing to watch the sunset at Mallory Square.  Knowing it would be crowded, we decided to leave a couple of hours before dusk to find the perfect location.   The square was already starting to fill up as entertainers played the steel drums, walked on stilts and performed magic tricks.  We found a front row seat to enjoy the main attraction, sipping on rum punches and mai tais.

A sunset cruise would have been another great option for watching the sun setting over Sunset Key.

From our location, we could capture great sunsets as sailboats and catamarans provided the perfect addition to our photos.

The sailboats seemed so small as the sun was slipping past the horizon.

Even the birds could not stay away from this beautiful scene.

With so many great photos and minutes before the sun would eventually disappear, we decided to leave the square before the crowd decided to do the same.  First stop, Irish Kevin’s.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mallory Square in Key West?  Do you have a favorite place to watch the sunset?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my photos of the Key West sunset and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mallory Square for the Sunset

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • Sunset at Mallory Square
  • The Strand

The Nightlife in Key West

Key West was a stop on our cruise ship itinerary while working for the cruise lines.  With a day off, we would stroll through Duval Street ending with our last few moments watching the sunset over Mallory Square. Unfortunately, the ship would leave before the nightlife began and I had always wondered if it was as fun as I had always imagined.

For a long weekend, I packed my bags with a couple of my favorite bar-hopping friends to check out the night scene, starting at the infamous Irish Kevin’s.   With the motto, “I came, I drank, I don’t remember”, the southernmost Irish bar is a favorite among visitors to the Conch Republic.

Music was a big part of Kevin’s life as his father was an American Folk musician.  His only dream was to entertain and today he is living his dream.  Offering live music all day, there is a schedule of entertainers that perform, each with their unique talent.  The place is packed by nightfall and well into the time the place closes each night.  With fun singalongs and funny jokes, Irish Kevin’s keep Key West tourists entertained.

A visit to Key West wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Sloppy Joe’s and it is one of my favorite places, made famous by Ernest Hemingway.  My go-to drink is the Sloppy Rita made of Tequila, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Sour Mix, Soda and as squeeze of lime.

Sitting at the bar, I struck up a conversation with the bar tender and learned that the current location is not the original Sloppy Joe’s, so I headed over to Captain Tony’s for a drink and a little history lesson.

Captain Tony’s Saloon is one of the most historic bars in Key West as the first and original Sloppy Joe’s bar in the early 1930s.  I pulled up Sean Connery’s chair at the bar and took a seat.  Inside are license plates hanging from the ceiling and dollar bills pinned up throughout the walls.  Interesting characters and celebrities have passed through these doors, not to mention the fascinating owner of this long-standing dive bar, Tony Tarracino.

First constructed in 1852, this location was once an ice house, a morgue, a cigar factory, a bordello and speakeasy before becoming the original Sloppy Joe’s, first opened by Josie Russell.  In 1968, Captain Tony purchased the bar and by the early 1970’s, Jimmy Buffett would make his debut, writing and singing his popular island tunes.

The Hog’s Breath Saloon was a short walk to try their Key Lime Shooter.  The bar was easy to find as we followed t-shirts with the famous slogan, “Hog’s Breath is Better than No Breath at All”. While the Original Hog’s Breath was first opened in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, owner Jerry Dorminy was looking for a sunnier location and headed to Key West as far south as one could go.

If I wasn’t paying attention, I would have easily passed by “The Smallest Bar in the US.” Measuring the size of a small jail cell, it is one of the busiest bars in Key West.  We each ordered another Key Lime shot and decided to start our walk back to the hotel for the night.   Walking southeast along Duval Street, I recognized the Bull and Whistle and since it was on our way, we wanted a view of Duval from the second story balcony.

The lower level bar is The Bull, the second floor is The Whistle, while the top floor is the Garden of Eden, an adults-only bar.  From the second story, I could see that the night was slowing down and I wanted to take a photo of the Bull on Caroline Street (see the original bull from my second blog post, Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989, dated, January 19, 2014).

We had finally reached the Huron House and realized that we were more tired than we had thought.  With a couple of days of vacation ahead, we agreed to more rest so that we could explore the next day.

Have you visited the bars on Key West on Duval Street?  Do you have a favorite?  I would love to hear about your visit to Key West if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my full day in Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Irish Kevin’s 
211 Duval Street
Key West, FL 22040
Telephone:  305 292 1262

Sloppy Joe’s
201 Duval Street
Key West, FL  22040
Telephone:  305 294 5717

Captain Tony’s Saloon
428 Greene Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 1838

Hog’s Breath Saloon
400 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 296 4222

The Smallest Bar Inn
124 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone: 305 240 0860

The Bull and Whistle
224 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 296 4545

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • The Strand

The Hemingway House in Key West

Acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway’s travels took him all over the world, yet he made his home in the tropical climate of Key West, Florida.  Today, visitors can explore the Nobel Prize winning author’s home where he spent nearly ten years and which inspired some of his latest writings.

Hemingway first arrived in Key West in the late-1920s with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer.  They eventually purchased their home in 1931, renovating an old carriage house into a writing studio where he wrote To Have and Have Not.  His favorite haunt was Sloppy Joe’s when he was home between his writing trips to Europe.

On one of these trips, Hemingway’s wife wanted to surprise him with a swimming pool.  Unfortunately, he was not pleased with the cost of the pool and threw a penny into it claiming she would have spent his last cent.  Today, that penny can be seen embedded in the concrete of the pool as a reminder of Hemingway’s disdain for the purchase.

Over the years, Hemingway would take up deep sea fishing and with fellow sailors, created a family bond.  He owned a large fishing boat, called the Pilar, a nickname for Pauline.

For a gift, two of the fishermen gave Ernest a polydactyl cat, which were known for catching mice and considered good luck.  He named his new pet,  Snowball and today there are over fifty of these beautiful felines living on the property.

Just over a decade, Ernest’s second marriage would be in trouble and he would leave Key West for Cuba with third wife, Martha Gellhorn.  Pauline would remain in Key West until her death in 1951 taking care of the estate and the cats.  Hemingway’s sons sold the Key West home, which would eventually become The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Have you visited The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hemingway’s Home and Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 1575

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • Sunset at Mallory Square
  • The Strand

Strolling the Island of Key West

The road trip to Key West had finally come to a close as we crossed the bridge into the southernmost part of the United States.  After checking into the Huron House, we finally found a parking spot a few blocks away and started our mid-morning exploration of Key West.

Several members of our group wanted to start bar hopping while a few of us wanted to wait at least until the afternoon before a pitstop at Sloppy Joe’s.  Splitting up in two groups, the explorers entered the Mel Fisher’s Treasures Store on Duval Street.    It was exciting to see first-hand some of the treasures that Mel found from the Atocha.  Original coins start at $2465.

We explored t-shirt and souvenir shops set in two-story Victorians and tropical-themed Key West boutiques.  We bought Key Lime pies and sampled rum cakes from the West Indies.

Bahama Village is a colorful, revitalized neighborhood that includes a market as well as upscale shopping and lodging.  This section of Key West was named for the Bahamians that made The Keys their home and now displays colorful murals and island restaurants.

Located on Duval Street is The Strand.  Once a theater that had opened in the 1920s, today, it houses a Walgreens Pharmacy.  This location was also a Ripley’s Believe it or Not attraction before 2002 and each business had kept the facade which is a lovely attraction.

We held out until late afternoon to have lunch and agreed on the authentic Sunset Tiki Bar with its Tahitian-inspired decor.  I ordered the grouper strips with a dill dip that was absolutely delicious and ordered a Mai Tai served in an Easter Island-esque plastic cup.

After a great meal and our first drink, it was time to meet up with our party half of the group, unsure of what we would be getting ourselves into, but we were ready to find out.

Have you visited Key West? What were your favorite shops, activities, restaurants and bars?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to The Keys and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mel Fisher’s Treasures
613 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 295 9555

Open 10AM to 4PM daily.

Don’t forget to stop by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum located at 200 Greene Street!

Montage Key West Collection – shop has closed

Bahama Village – 16-block neighborhood, a short walk from Old Town.

The Strand (now Walgreens Pharmacy)
527 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • The Strand

Don Arturo Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, NOW LAS CALEñITAS RESTAURANT

Spending my twenties in Tampa, I fell in love with Cuban food, especially Cuban sandwiches served with black beans and saffron rice.  I had been living in Cincinnati for nearly six months when I decided to fly down to Fort Lauderdale to visit my best friend, Melissa.  She had been transferred to South Florida with United Airlines and had already scoped out the best Cuban restaurants, so I was so excited to hop off the plane and have a much-needed lunch.

Don Arturo Restaurant is minutes from the airport, so when I met her at the gate, we immediately set out for lunch.  There was not much of a crowd so we ordered our drinks and food straightaway. Within minutes our meals were brought out to our table.   My Cuban sandwich was perfectly prepared with nearly two inches of shredded pork on a perfectly pressed bun.

The Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano in Spanish is said to have originated in either Tampa or South Florida where Cuban immigrants migrated and set up communities.  The sandwich is made with ham, roasted pork (mojo), Swiss cheese, pickle, and mustard placed on Cuban bread and then pressed on a plancha, similar to a panini press but without the grooved surface.  When or where the sandwich was invented is difficult to confirm as many believe it became a lunch item for cigar makers who worked in communities such as Key West or Ybor City, outside of Tampa.

My black beans and yellow rice were topped with onion, which is exactly how I like them, My meal also came with an order of plantains, which was absolutely perfect.

It was great to catch up with Melissa and learn that she was looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale to set up as an Airbnb.  Currently she has an apartment on South Beach and would like to make some additional income.  I was excited that we would be hanging out on South Beach the next couple of days and I would be able to see her new place and catch up on life.   For now, I am catching up on some amazing food at Don Arturo’s.

Do you have a favorite meal or a restaurant that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about your favorite place and/or food if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Where to Eat: 

Don Arturo Restaurant
1198 SW 27th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33312
Telephone: 954 584 7966