Ernest Hemingway

1. John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park Made up of 70 nautical square miles, there are many ways locals and tourists can enjoy a day at this national state park. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the reef from a dry place or get up close and personal with a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. Speaking of boats, canoes and kayaks are available for those who wish to get some exercise in while having fun. Inland adventures also await you with relaxing tropical hammocks and mangrove swamps waiting to be explored. We can’t help but mention the extraordinary 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium made up of several species of fish. 2. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe You can’t visit the Florida Keys without indulging on some delicious homemade key lime pie. What better place than one of Key West’s famous key lime pie shops? The Food Network and Paula Deen have raved about this spot; we think it’s safe to say this is one of the best places to get the tastiest treat. The historical background of this pie dates back to the 1800s when the first key lime pie was made just south of Miami. 3. Vandenberg Artificial Reef If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to explore a sunken shipwreck, you’ve come to the right place. At 520-feet long and 100-feet tall, this vessel is one of the largest artificial reefs in the world. It is still fairly new, as it sank in 2009 and therefore is still developing its complete formation. However, the sight of the wreck is definitely one to behold and one you won’t forget. 4. Key West National Wildlife Refuge Created to protect and preserve the natural wilderness of the Florida Keys, the Key West National Wildlife Refuge includes several endangered native species of birds and sea animals. It was established by President Roosevelt in 1908 and has been successful in the preservation of land and animals. 5. Robert The Haunted Doll Halloween is just around the corner, so why not include a doll enchanted with spirits. Ever heard of Chucky the doll from Child’s Play? Robert the haunted doll was the inspiration behind this horror movie classic. You can “play” with this doll and learn about its history and how it became haunted at the East Martello Museum. 6. Duval Street Now for some food, drinks, and lots of laughs at Duval Street. From Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spot Sloppy Joe’s to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 7. Ernest Hemingway’s Key West Home Just a few streets down from his favorite bar, Ernest Hemmingway lived in a cozy two-story house. Learn how he lived in his Key West days and about the infamous cats living here. The cats are said to be descendants of the cats that lived with him, as many of them were born with extra toes. Inside the house, you’ll find paintings his wife collected from Paris, and outside you’ll experience the lovely garden with plenty of different species of flora.