A Day Trip to Key West

 One of my favorite places in the world is the Florida Keys. I love the laid back vibe, the weather (minus hurricanes, of course) and the view of that aquamarine water from almost everywhere you go. We recently made a trip to the Keys and stayed in Marathon. It was about an hour drive to that funky capital of the Conch Republic, Key West. We hadn't been in ages so we decided to take a day of our vacation and enjoy that southernmost city.

Hemingway House & Museum

I've been to Key West several times but I've never had the chance to visit Ernest Hemingway's house. The writer an his wife, Pauline, lived here in the 1930's. (1931 to 1939) The residence was not built by Hemingway but by an Asa Tift, a marine architect and salvager. When the Hemingway's moved in the house was in a state of disrepair. They made many improvements, including a swimming pool that was state of the art - and the first in ground pool in Key West. (There was no running water on the island so salt water had to be pumped in from the ocean - which took 3 days)

Ernest wrote some of his most famous works here including The Snows of Kilimanjaro and To Have and Have Not. You can see his office, which is in the pool building in the back yard, along with the house, grounds and six toed cats. (Tours are available though we didn't take one as our timing was off. )

The Hemingway House & Museum is home to approximately 60 six-toed cats. Ernest was given a white six-toed cat by a ship's captain and the cats here today are descendants of that cat, named Snow White. They are very important to the house & museum - in fact, I believe that caretakers stayed behind to guard them in the last hurricane. So if you're a cat lover, this is your place!

Fun fact: Not all the cats here have 6 toes but they all share the polydactyl gene in their DNA.

Ernest moved to Cuba in 1939 and he and Pauline divorced in 1940. She stayed on in the house and when they both passed away, their sons auctioned the house to a private buyer who thought it would be their private residence. That was not the case and today it's the number one tourist attraction in Key West.

Southernmost Point

We had already had our picture taken at the Southernmost Point of the US - next stop, Cuba, 90 miles away - but it had been awhile and we were a few blocks away so why not? (If you're thirsty while waiting in line then take advantage of the coconut water vendor there) Then we walked across the street to the Southernmost Bar in the US. It's a very pleasant, and small, outdoor bar right next to the Southernmost Point Guest House. (Do you think they get a lot of mileage out of that Southernmost thing?) A fun bit of time enjoying great weather and a beverage.

Sunset Pier

After a walk down Duval Street and popping into several shops we decided to take another break and enjoy a water view at Sunset Pier. A very popular place (with lots of Instagram popularity), we hit it just right at late afternoon - and no wait. We enjoyed the live music and watching all the boats and jet skis go by. I could probably have spent more time there but our stomachs were grumbling and it was time to head out for dinner.

Hogfish Bar and Grill

Hogfish Bar and Grill doesn't sit directly in Key West - It's about 10 minutes outside of town on Stock Island. Known for its Old Key West flavor, this funky, open air eatery is locally owned and is a true "locals" spot.

 Seafood is the name of the game here - and its signature fish is in its name, the Hogfish. The Hogfish has a mild flavor with just a tad of sweetness and is similar to Grouper. Of course, Mr. UR had to try it out. And I believe he was a fan. 

So if you want an off the beaten path place to eat, with a bit of funkiness and Old Key West, then Hogfish is for you. No pretentiousness here - just old fashioned seafood, water views and few tourists.

I love Key West - and all of the Florida Keys. I just hope my next visit will be much sooner than later.

How about you? Have you been to the Florida Keys?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!