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