Key West Gay Culture

Mel Fisher was one of the great Key West characters. In 1985 he discovered the wreck of Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sunk in the 17th-century. It contained $450 million of treasure, including thousands of silver ingots and pieces of 8. His company also discovered the wreck of the Henrietta Maries, a British slave ship that sunk close to Key West in 1700.

You can see some of the treasures recovered from these ships at the museum. It brings you face to face with the great age of exploration and the dark days of slavery.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is located in Old Town Key West. Hemingway lived on the island and drew much of his inspiration from it. He remains one of America's most influential authors and cultural figures. His books are still widely read.

He called Key West home for ten years and wrote many of his masterpieces at this property. You can see the typewriter he used and the descendants of his six-toed cats. Join a guided tour and learn more about his life and work. This is a must for bibliophiles.