Nestled in the heart of the Old Town section of Key West, a mere one block from the Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast, is the one time home of Nobel Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway. The colonial southern mansion style home witnessed some of the most prolific years of Hemingway’s career.

Located at 907 Whitehead Street, the Hemingway House has been listed as a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 1968. Serving as his home from 1931-39, this where Hemingway wrote such classics as the final drafts to “A Farewell to Arms” and short classics “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.”

The original structure was built from limestone quarried from the site by Asa Tift in 1851. Only 16 feet above sea level, the house sits on the second highest location on the island and has survived many hurricanes, a testament to its location and construction.

Other notable facts of the Hemingway House include being one of the first homes on the island fitted for indoor plumbing and the first to have an upstairs bathroom with running water fed from a cistern collecting rainwater on the roof. The high brick wall surrounding the property was built in 1935 after Hemingway’s house was published in a Key West tourist brochure.

The home also has other notable features that will not be given away here, you have to see it for yourself. The house is a great tribute to one of America’s most fascinating but complicated authors. It is a must on any Key West itinerary and literally right around the corner from the quaint bed and breakfast, the Tropical Inn.

A convenient, quaint and historic spot to visit while staying in Key West is the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Located just south of Duval Street off Truman Avenue, an entire day can be spent at the best beach in Key West.

Construction of the fort, named after the 12^th President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, dates back to just after the War of 1812. Only one of three forts in Florida that remained in Union hands during the Civil War, the fort served as headquarters for a blockade squadron that intercepted Confederate supply ships sailing from ports in the Gulf of Mexico.

Over the years, the fort was adapted to the times and was useful in the Spanish-American War. Serving as a strategic defense post for the United States, the fort continued to see a military role through World War II. By the time the fort was decommissioned in 1947, radar and other more sophisticated weapons took the place of artillery.

Guided tours of the fort are available daily at 12 and 2 pm.

Aside from the rich history, the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park offers many of the other leisure activities Key West is known for. You can experience the rich marine life snorkeling off the beach. Or, fishing is allowed on the west side of the park along the shipping channel.

Also, dine at the Cayo Hueso Café. Open daily from 10-5 at the park, they serve up great Key West beach cuisine.

So while you are staying in Key West, plan a visit to the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.