26 Small American Towns With Secret Celebrity Connections

7. Key West, Florida: Ernest Hemingway's Island Retreat

Key West, Florida, is famed for its vibrant arts scene and laid-back lifestyle, both of which were profoundly influenced by one of its most famous residents, Ernest Hemingway. The legendary author spent much of the 1930s in Key West, where he wrote some of his most celebrated works, including "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "To Have and Have Not." Hemingway’s presence in Key West is immortalized through the Hemingway Home and Museum, a beautifully preserved estate that offers visitors a glimpse into the writer’s life and creative process. The annual Hemingway Days festival celebrates the author’s legacy with a week of literary events, fishing tournaments, and the famous Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, drawing participants from around the globe. Key West’s connection to Hemingway is more than just historical; it’s a reflection of the adventurous spirit and artistic freedom that continue to define the island’s culture. In Key West, Hemingway’s legacy is a vibrant part of the community’s identity, inspiring writers and adventurers alike to follow in his footsteps.