Literary Destinations

When you make vacation plans, what are some “must-do” items that you put on your itinerary? Perhaps you insist on a day at the beach, a visit to a historic site, monument or museum, or maybe a meal at a special restaurant or shopping. Well, my two “must-do” activities are ride bikes and visit a bookstore or library or some book-related place.

Fortunately, on my most recent trip during Thanksgiving week, I got to do all of those things, and it was wonderful!

We drove (yes, drove) to the Florida Keys. If you have never visited there, I highly recommend it if you like warm weather and being near the water. Before we left, I researched all book- and reading-related things to do, and I was excited for what lay ahead.

Our first stop was the Hemingway Home and Museum on Key West. While I was never a huge Hemingway fan, I have read enough and studied enough of his works to want to learn more. The home itself is amazing, surrounded by lush greenery, colorful flora, a swimming pool, and a huge wraparound porch. Behind the main home is Hemingway’s writing studio, which contains all of his original furniture and the actual typewriter he wrote on. I also learned that the grounds are home to 61 polydactyl (six -toed) cats (a number that fluctuates over the years) most of which are direct descendants of Hemingway’s cat Snow White. I learned interesting tidbits about Hemingway’s life and writing that were completely new to me, and I came away with a new appreciation for the storied American author.

The same day we rode our bikes around Key West and made our way to Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West. Books & Books is a “locally owned, nonprofit, independently minded neighborhood bookstore” started by George Cooper and his wife, the author Judy Blume. While I would have visited the store anyway, Judy Blume’s connection was a definite draw. The store itself is part of Books & Books, “one of the leading independent booksellers in America.” The store is small with friendly, helpful staff and a wonderful selection. They didn’t have any copies of the book I was looking for, but I did buy a T-shirt.

From there we biked a few blocks over to Key West Island Book Store, a lovely space that offers “new, used, and rare books, national bestsellers, local authors, first editions, and all things Hemingway.” There is just something about browsing through a quiet bookstore, the tall shelves full of so many stories, book spines just asking to be touched, that brings a smile to my face.

Because it was a holiday week, I did not get the opportunity to visit a library, but I did find one during our bike ride on Thanksgiving Day. As we rode out to see the Blue Hole and the Key deer, we came across the Monroe County Public Library, Big Pine Key Branch. This was

quite interesting because the library is in a strip mall next door to a Chinese restaurant! No matter the location, I am always happy to see a library!

As you plan your travels, especially this holiday season, seek out some book-themed ideas, shop at independent bookstores, and if you can, explore a library or two!