June 02, 2025

Key West is rich with history, but few places capture the island’s literary and cultural essence quite like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. To get an authentic look inside this iconic landmark, we sat down with Key West local and tour guide Amy Bebbington. Amy brings Hemingway’s world to life for visitors, sharing insights on his life, the books he wrote, and the stories behind the famous cats that rule the grounds.

The best way to learn more about the Hemingway Home? Ask someone who tells its story every day.

Photo credit: Hemingway Home & Museum.

Q&A with Amy Bebbington, Tour Guide at the Hemingway Home & Museum

Amy has lived in Key West for more than six years. She began working at the Hemingway Home in the bookstore, which she loved, and now gives tours where she shares stories of a literary legend and the famous cats with visitors from around the world.

bookstore hemingway amy

Hemingway’s Key West Years

Q: Hemingway’s connection to Key West is legendary. What’s the story?

Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, came to Key West in 1928. They were only supposed to pick up a car that Pauline’s wealthy uncle bought for them. But like many people, they fell in love with the island. In 1931, they moved into the home on Whitehead Street. Hemingway lived there until 1939 and wrote some of his most important works while in Key West.

Books written here include:

A Farewell to Arms
Death in the Afternoon
Green Hills of Africa
To Have and Have Not (set in Key West)
The Fifth Column
For Whom the Bell Tolls
The Snows of Kilimanjaro

Amy’s favorite Hemingway quote, from A Farewell to Arms:
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”

He loved the people, the light, and the tropical air. He kept a strict routine, writing from 6 AM to noon in his studio, then spending his afternoons fishing, boxing, or relaxing with friends. It was the perfect mix of discipline and island adventure.

The house remained in the family until 1961, when it was purchased by Bernice Dixon, a local businesswoman and friend of Pauline’s. She’s the reason the home became a museum. Even today, some of the Hemingway family, including his son Patrick, still visit from time to time.

Touring the Hemingway Home

Q: Any hidden gems?

The writing studio is a time capsule. And there’s the fact that Hemingway never drank while writing in Key West. He got up early, worked with discipline, then played hard in the afternoons. Also, the pool in the backyard? At the time, it was the largest private pool in the Florida Keys.

hemingway urinal

Q: What do visitors love most about the tour, and what’s your personal favorite?

People love the personal stories. The “penny by the pool” story is always a hit. So is the tale of the urinal from Sloppy Joe’s Bar, which Hemingway dragged home and Pauline eventually turned into a fountain. It’s still in the garden today. My favorite part is talking about the wives, especially Martha Gellhorn. She was a powerhouse in her own right.

In the photo above, you’ll spot one of our cats. That’s Piiper Laurie, holding court beside the famous fountain like she’s in charge, and honestly, she might be.

Q: Guided tour or self-guided, what do you recommend?

If you have time, take the guided tour. Each tour guide brings their own perspective, whether it focuses on his writing, his relationships, or the more unexpected details of his time on the island. No two tours are the same, and returning guests often say they learn something new with each visit. One more thing: it’s the same ticket price whether you choose to explore on your own or take the guided tour.

The Hemingway Cats

Q: Let’s talk about the cats. Are they really as popular as Hemingway?

Honestly? Yes. I’d say half the visitors come for the cats. The first one, Snow White, was a polydactyl cat given to Hemingway by a sea captain. Today, there are 57 cats on the property, many with six toes.

hemingwaycatonbed

Q: Who names the cats?

This is one of my favorite things. When a litter is born, the staff submits name ideas—usually based on artists, actors, writers, or people from Hemingway’s era. We vote, and the names stick. Hemingway himself used to name his cats after famous friends. We’ve kept that tradition going.

In the photo above, Betty Grable is living the dream, napping in Hemingway’s bedroom without a care in the world.

Q: Do you have favorites?

Of course. Blanche DuBois is a bookstore queen with a huge personality. John Wayne is our wanderer. He’s everywhere. Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio tend to stay near the house. Every cat has its own routine and quirks.

Q: Can guests interact with the cats?

Absolutely. The cats are used to people and often stroll right up to say hello. We just ask that guests let them make the first move. Watching them roam the house and gardens is part of what makes the place feel so alive.

Photos courtesy of Amy Bebbington.

Planning Your Visit

Hours
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Guided tours run every 15 minutes and last about 30 minutes.

Admission

Adults: $19
Children (6–12): $7
Children 5 and under: Free

Your ticket includes either a guided or self-guided tour — it’s up to you.

Insider Tip:
Don’t wait until the end of the day to visit. Give yourself time to explore the garden, take the tour, and hang out with the cats. It’s worth it.

Learn more or plan your visit at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

Whether you're a lifelong Hemingway reader or simply looking for something special to do in Key West, the Hemingway Home & Museum is a must-see. Come for the history. Stay for the cats. And don't be surprised if you leave with a new admiration for Hemingway, or maybe even a new favorite cat. #lovethemarker

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