Hemingway Cat
Key West
A Little Reckless
“The Keys are relaxed, a little reckless. The Keys are water and sky, horizon, daybreak, spectacular sunsets, the cup of night. The least interesting thing about them is the road, but the road, as is its nature, allows entrance. The road is the beginning … The best way to enjoy the Keys is still to seek out their simplicity and their eccentricity.” – Joy Williams, The Florida Keys: A History & Guide, 1988
What I’m Reading …
“Beginning in the summer of 1935, Arthur Rothstein, a twenty year old photojournalist, was sent on dozens of photography assignments by the federal government’s Resettlement Administration … The appointment allowed him to travel to the Florida Keys in 1938 to document the effects of the Depression. Rothstein’s remarkable and humbling photographs of spongers, cigar makers, barbers, fishermen, residents and architecture demonstrated the frailty and the resilience of communities along the island chain.”
Schooner Wharf Bar
Of all the bars in Key West, the Schooner Wharf Bar is by far our favorite. We love the laid-back atmosphere and enjoy listening to live music by legendary singer-songwriter Michael McCloud. Check it out!
Capt. Tony’s Saloon
I’m old enough to remember when the late, great Capt. Tony himself would hang out near the entrance of Capt. Tony’s Saloon greeting visitors, telling stories and posing for pictures. Great times! So, we always make sure to drop by Capt. Tony’s Saloon during every Key West visit.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
After recently watching the superb PBS documentary of Ernest Hemingway by Ken Burns, I knew I had to visit Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West just to once again check out all the cool stuff on the walls!
Key West Cemetery Revisited
We took a bike ride through the Key West Cemetery looking for unique gravestones and iguanas. As you can see, we weren’t disappointed!
A Sunny Place for Shady People
Easily one of the coolest dive bars ever, the Green Parrot is simply a Key West icon. There’s colorful decor, good strong drinks, live music, a liquor store and, of course, a T-shirt shop with all kinds of cool stuff to take home. While you’re out there, make sure to get your photo at Mile Zero, just down the street!
West Martello Tower
Billed as “a tropical garden paradise,” the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is on the site of a former Civil War fort and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a good place to escape the bustling crowds of Duval Street for a bit and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Custom House
We have always walked by the Custom House in Key West and I always thought it looked like a cool building, but we never got around to actually going inside until this past visit. It’s definitely worth the effort! The Custom House is home to the Key West Museum of Art & History, which contains a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and artifacts that include Ernest Hemingway, Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway, the USS Maine, the great folk art of Mario Sanchez and much more. Don’t miss it!
Wandering Florida 