Ernest Hemingway said, “Any man’s life, told truly, is a novel,” and part of Hemingway’s true story is Key West. He is among many who have used this island as an escape from reality and it’s easy to see why after visiting Key West.
Not only was this my first visit to the southernmost Florida key, it was also my first visit to Florida ever (yep, just a Jersey girl totally deprived of a Disney vacation as a child. Something, I still haven’t let my parents live down). It was certainly a unique first impression of the Sunshine State as it feels more like a foreign country than a Florida getaway but that’s exactly how it serves as a true escape.
I did have the opportunity to travel to Cuba nearly two years ago (perhaps a future post about that), and there are obviously many parallels between the two destinations. It’s definitely unusual to have visited Cuba before Florida but it gave me a unique perspective during the trip. From the “90 miles to Cuba” advertised everywhere, the cuisine and the cigar shops, it’s influence can be felt everywhere.
In the most obvious ways, Key West is the capitalist version of Cuba and I mean that as both a good and bad thing. It obviously has its travel perks over Cuba: drinkable tap water, improved plumbing, and working internet but it does lack a bit in authenticity. The main drag of Duval Street, lined with t-shirt and souvenir shops resembles more a Jersey Shore boardwalk (I’ve been to a few of those) than unique island shops. Speaking with a local bartender, he told us how many of the cool shops that were once there left due to the age old story of ‘the rent got too damn high.’
While those stories are always disheartening, Key West still has plenty of authentic and honest spots despite its often tourist feel. Because after all, “Any man’s life, told truly, is a novel” and there is still plenty of truth to be told in Key West, you just have to know where to look.
El Meson de Cuba
This clearly Cuban inspired restaurant became one of our favorite spots on the trip, particularly if you can snag a spot at the outdoor bar which has an incredible vibe. Great mojitos, an ocean view and lively music make for a great hangout. Try the ‘nachos’ with plantain chips and enjoy that ocean breeze!
Ernest Hemingway’s House
It’s clearly no surprise that this destination makes the list as it’s one of the most well known tourist destinations in Key West but it was more worth our time than I even expected. I would recommend taking the tour and then walking through the property on your own. Photography is allowed on the tour so it makes for a great photo opportunity. Plus you can enjoy the company of dozens of cats that roam the interior and exterior of the house. Some who even have 6 toes! As Hemingway also poignantly stated, “One cat just leads to another.”
The Salty Angler
We found this spot while taking the Choch Train Tour. (Sidenote: the Chonch Train Tour is honestly worth a ride. It helps you see more areas of the island and you definitely learn a few more factoids along the way.) The Salty Angler is a low key bar on the southern portion of Duval Street. This whole area of Duval was far less crowded and ‘tourist-y’ than the main drag. We enjoyed a great appetizer and few good beers while listening to some great music. Definitely would like to spend more time in this section of Duval on our next trip and make another stop at the Salty Angler.
Truman Little White House
I never knew about the Truman Little White House until this trip and it honestly was way better than I expected. We went there during the one rainy day of our trip and apparently everyone else on the island had the same idea as the line was out the door. At first, we were regretting our decision; will this really be worth our time? But once the tour started, it didn’t disappoint. We had an excellent tour guide named Rob who made the experience really interesting. The tour gives you the opportunity to walk through the entire house and hear stories about how Truman and other U.S. presidents have used the house through the decades. It’s a great time capsule of the past and filled with interesting antidotes. As well as some awesome retro interior design inspirations. (One day my house will have the same bar in the living room. #goals) The only drawback, no photography was allowed which was too bad because there was a lot of good material in there.
Frita’s Cuban Burger
We found this little gem on our way to the Truman House. We didn’t have time to stop in at that moment but took note of how delicious it smelled and added it the list. Leaving the Truman Little White House, we stopped first at the Green Parrot for a few drinks (a legendary bar on the island that is definitely worth stopping by). But after a few too many, we needed some sustenance and found our way back to that delicious smell and we were not let down. My boyfriend got the famous Frita’s burger and I got the roasted pork tacos and both were incredible. We also enjoyed some plantains and sangria. Definitely would love to try more off this menu on our next trip.
Honorable Mentions
Some other places worth noting include Firefly, Sarabeth’s Kitchen, Two Friends Patio, Blue Heaven, Turtle Kraal, Flying Monkey Saloon, Half Shell Raw Bar, (yeah, we ate a lot in 4 days) and the lovely B&B we stayed at, the Frances Bottle Inn. So certainly, don’t hesitate to book a flight to Key West and enjoy the escape.
Lauren Hans 