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Tour guide Rob leads the group through the beautifully preserved, Hemingway House. He is doing a great job balancing stories and facts, working to give each tourist the information they desire. Some are here for the architecture. Some are literature nerds, and some are here for the cats. I am here for all three.
Nestled among the botanically lush streets of Key West, Florida, is a former home of renowned author, Ernest Hemingway. The house was built in 1851. Abandoned and left to crumble, Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, acquired the house, in the 1930s. They then started an ambitious renovation.
We rope drop The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (its proper name). There are no online tickets or reservations, you can only purchase your entrance, in person, at the front gate. It’s just before the 9am opening and there is already a line.
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Key West.
Just past the ticket booth, we spot our first cat. We’ve been here for minutes and I am already ecstatic.
A brief history, in case you are unaware. While living in Key West, a boat captain, gave Ernest
Hemingway a white polydactyl (six-toed) cat. Snow White the cat, produced polydactyl kittens, and the circle of life continues. Some of the cats on property are Snow White’s descendants. If not six-toed, cats on property carry the six-toe gene. All of the Hemingway House cats are named after famous people.
Hemingway House visitors can roam the house and grounds, for as long as they like. Guided tours start every fifteen minutes throughout the day.
Rob gathers our group, then leads us through the home’s lower level. He gives us a the history of Ernest Hemingway and his writing career.
Rob points out the special architecture and design features of the downstairs.
He then brings the group to the second floor. Entering the bedroom, we are greeted by Joe Dimaggio. Ignoring the nearby sign, Joe is having a wonderful snooze on the bed.
Since Joe is a friendly, low-key kind of guy, Rob takes a moment to set up a fantastic, Hemingway House, photo op.
More cats lounge in the upper level.
Exiting to the balcony, tour guide Rob, advises us not to pet Betty Davis. Much like her namesake, kitty Betty is a bit cantankerous.
On the balcony, Rob explains the grounds, including the swimming pool.
It was the first inground pool in Key West. The story goes that the pool was so expensive, Hemingway imbedded a penny in the surrounding concrete, announcing that the pool may as well take the last penny he owned.
After thirty minutes the guided tour is over. Rob is a fun and informative Hemingway House guide. He appreciates enthusiasm.
The official tour group is set loose to enjoy the house, gardens, and cats.
We linger on the Hemingway House balcony, admiring the excellent view of the Key West Lighthouse.
Hemingway is known for his love of travel and incorporated his experiences into his writing. I am thrilled to visit Hemingway’s writing studio.
The studio is bright but cozy. Aside from gazing upon the vintage typewriter, the best design feature, is a napping kitty.
I try to soak in as much writing genius mojo as I can.
After watching the fish in the pond, viewing the various fountains, and
stopping to smell all of the flowers,
we take a break on nearby benches. During our visit to the Hemingway Home and Museum, we witness zero cats approach visitors, only visitors approaching cats.
Solidifying his reputation as a cat whisperer, one of the museum’s occupants jumps into Shannon’s lap.
The kitty asks for pets and scratches, then settles next to Shannon for a sleep.
Eventually, a child, seeing an easy target, runs up to pet the cat, sending the kitty scrambling away into the garden.
The cats own the Hemingway House. They are given full roaming and napping privileges. There are also non-visitor areas, if they don’t want to be touched by hundreds of daily
visitors.
You can find them everywhere on the grounds, even in the gift shop.
The longer we stay, the more crowded it gets, so arriving first thing, is a good idea.
Visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum was at the top of my travel bucket list. It was one of the places where I can’t believe I am finally here.
I’ve read and studied Hemingway’s writing. I admire beautiful homes and grounds, and I LOVE cats. If you are visiting Key West, the Hemingway House is a must-do. No matter your literary or feline inclinations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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