Is Hemingway's house cool to see in Key West?
Mar 17th, 2005, 04:50 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is Hemingway's house cool to see in Key West?
We are on a cruise and stopping at Key West for a few hours on April 2, I think. We are wondering about side trips. Has anyone seen Hemingway's house? Is it worth the time?
I was thinking we would just walk around the town and have lunch and find a bar or two...But would like to see the town.
I was thinking we would just walk around the town and have lunch and find a bar or two...But would like to see the town.
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:00 PM
#3
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTW, a horrible thing has happened to Key West. It's like a mini Fisherman's Wharf. Over commercialized, such a shame. The charm may still be in neighborhoods, but certainly not in town. You might want to pop into Sloppy Joe's (old Hemingway haunt) for a drink. At one time there was a little museum with all kinds of fish mounted for display,etc, and the turtle corrals may be something you would want to see (if they are still there). At one time there was a fabric printing factory on Key West (Lilly Pulitzer). Don't know if it's still there are not. We were there about 5 years ago (after the last visit 25 years before that) and were amazed by the change. If you can stay til sunset, the celebration is fun. Street performers, etc.
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:18 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Stuff" happens in 25 years ! The same can be said for any town/city ! Key West is a wonderful place ! The Conch Train is a great idea... gives you an overall view/history of KW and then you can go back and visit places you may have interest in. Sloppy Joe's is always a favorite - as is Capt Tony's. You will love KW ! Great place ! I never tire of the friendly people and great little bars ! Have a great time ! And enjoy those beautiful sunsets !!
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:41 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds like Lahaina. Same thing. Used to be a quaint little seaport, touristy place and now it has the Gap, Banana Republic, all kinds of fast food. It is an entirely different place than 20 years ago. I still enjoy the ambiance, but it has kind of been spoiled by all of the development. Should be laws to keep some places "as is" or special to every other town on the planet. Just my 2 cents.
We are looking forward to our cruise. We will be on the Radisson Navigator and just found out we have a balcony suite, so even if we never leave the ship we will have a blast.
Thanks for all of the help.
We are looking forward to our cruise. We will be on the Radisson Navigator and just found out we have a balcony suite, so even if we never leave the ship we will have a blast.
Thanks for all of the help.
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:42 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hemingway's house is great if you have a good tour guide; it's boring if you don't. Depending on how limited your time is, I think the Conch Train Tour is a wonderful idea, but it takes about an hour and a half. If you don't have much time it might be fun just to walk up and down Duval.
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:52 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We enjoyed touring the home, but also really enjoyed descendants of his six-toed cats! The house tour itself didn't take too long, and you can wander outside on the small grounds at your leisure.
We also enjoyed spending time at the Mel Fisher museum, which highlights sunken treasure found from the Spanish galleon "Atocha".
If you just "wander", stop in at Key West Aloe for great skincare products!
We also enjoyed spending time at the Mel Fisher museum, which highlights sunken treasure found from the Spanish galleon "Atocha".
If you just "wander", stop in at Key West Aloe for great skincare products!
Mar 17th, 2005, 07:42 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How far is the house from the main area in town? Where the boat would be docked? Is it far?
Thanks all. Any other places there you want to recommend?
Anxious to see the six toed cats...
Thanks all. Any other places there you want to recommend?
Anxious to see the six toed cats...
Mar 17th, 2005, 08:35 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hemingway's house is cool only if you are into the history. You can see the cats just by walking by as well. It isn't too far off the main area. I will actually be there on next Monday as the first stop on our cruise. My son's first time so I am planning on taking him to the little aquarium. There are some cute shops (gotta get some Kino's). I would also recommend the conch train tour, you get a little bit of everything.
Mar 18th, 2005, 04:30 AM
#11
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is a bit of a hike to the Hemingway House but well worth it. I would head straight there as I am sure many of your fellow 'cruisers' will be making the same trek. I think the changes that have taken place in Key West are happening everywhere & seemingly can't be escaped. But, it will not ever cover up the charm & uniqueness that Key West possesses. Mangoes is a great lunch stop, right on Duval.
Mar 18th, 2005, 05:22 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Go Travel, we are on the Radisson Navigator. After that we go to Nassau for one day. Not really looking forward to that. Seems to be nothing very appealing about Nassau, so will probably stay on the boat and play Bingo or read.
