Key West's literary oasis and its enchanting six-toed felines
Peaceful Florida retreat once inhabited by author Ernest Hemingway: Tour his house and favored bar today
Step into the vibrant realm of Key West, home to Ernest Hemingway, the celebrated American author who inked his legendary tales while basking in the island's balmy embrace.
Born in 1899, Hemingway, known as "Papa" to many, embodied the spirit of an adventurer, traipsing across continents as an ambulance driver during World War I and later honing his craft as a foreign correspondent. Yet, Key West captivated him like no other destination-so much so that he penned both A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls within the walls of his Whitehead Street abode.
In a twist of fate, Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, planned to merely visit the island in 1931. However, they found themselves stranded, unable to secure a car from the dealer. Forced to rent a house on Simonton Street, they stumbled upon Casa Antigua, a charming bed & breakfast that would go on to bear witness to the creation of A Farewell to Arms.
Tempted by the island's idyllic allure, Hemingway immersed himself in the local culture, particularly befriending Charles Thompson, a hardware dealer. It was Thompson who introduced Hemingway to the art of fishing, igniting an all-consuming passion that would forever intertwine his name with the Keys. On Fleming Street, you can still glimpse the Thompsons' former residence, where the pair were frequent guests.
Once enraptured by Key West, Hemingway and his wife settled down in the city, purchasing a colonial-style house on Whitehead Street. This extraordinary dwelling would become the heart of Hemingway's literary empire, with the writer penning works such as Death in the Afternoon and The Snows of Kilimanjaro within its walls. Today, the house serves as an extraordinary museum, offering a glimpse into Hemingway's life as a Nobel laureate.
As you walk through the museum's halls, you'll feel as though Hemingway might appear at any moment-between the vintage typewriter and well-worn books adorning the shelves. However, no visit would be complete without meeting the property's star attractions: the polydactyl cats. Descendants of Hemingway's fleet-footed feline companions, these cats boast an extra complement of toes, making them a unique and captivating feature of the museum.
Venture outside to the lush gardens, where the six-toed cats frolic freely amongst the flowers and verdant foliage, eagerly engaging with curious visitors. The adoption of these distinctive felines has ensured that the museum remains a must-see destination for cat lovers and Hemingway enthusiasts alike.
As the sun sinks below the horizon, the vibrant bars and watering holes of Key West beckon, with the legendary Sloppy Joe's bar at Green Street offering a glimpse into the island's history. Sloppy Joe's was a gathering spot for Hemingway, where he forged friendships and perhaps even embarked on a few romantic escapades. Although Sloppy Joe's has relocated to Duval Street, it remains an essential pitstop for anyone seeking to imbibe Hemingway's spirit.
Capt. Tony's Saloon, a mere block away from Sloppy Joe's, also offers a nod to the author, with numerous reminders of Hemingway's storied life scattered throughout the establishment. For those seeking a more leisurely dining experience, Blue Heaven provides a charming backdrop amidst the tropical flora that permeates Key West.
As the days melt into twilight, immerse yourself in the island's tribute to Hemingway during the annual Hemingway Days in July. The event is a fervent celebration of the author, featuring a lookalike contest, readings, and a banquet that truly encapsulates the spirit of Key West.
Miscellaneous facts
- Location: Key West, United States
- Nearest airport: Miami International Airport
For those eager to delve further into Hemingway's life and legacy, Casa Antigua, the Hemingway Home & Museum, Sloppy Joe's bar, Capt. Tony's Saloon, and Blue Heaven all serve as invaluable touchstones in the author's rich tapestry of life and work.
Citations
[1] Hallman, John. "The Cats of Key West." National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 1 Mar. 2017, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2017/03/key-west-cats-hemingway-museum-science/.
[2] "Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Key West | The Top Thing to Do and See in Key West, Florida." Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | Key West, Florida. www.hemingwayhome.com/.
[5] "Polydactyl Cat Facts." Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | Key West, Florida. www.hemingwayhome.com/polydactyl-cat-facts/.
The enchanting six-toed felines that roam the gardens of the Hemingway Home & Museum are descendants of the author's own polydactyl cats, ensuring a unique blend of lifestyle, travel, and history for visitors.
Born an adventurer, Ernest Hemingway, a distinguished American author, was inspired to create some of his most renowned works, such as A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, while residing in Key West, making it an integral part of his extraordinary lifestyle and travel experiences.
