A Few of Ernest Hemingway’s Favorite Spots
Here at RGP, we like travel and natural locations. Much like famous and famously troubled author Ernest Hemingway, author of classics such as “For Whom The Bell Tolls,” “A Farewell to Arms,” (Disclaimer: saddest book ever. Worth a read.) and “The Old Man and the Sea.” Hemingway was also a world traveler, visiting Spain, Paris, Cuba, and several more remote and natural spots such as Key West and Idaho. We will focus on these spots, although the other spots are fine too. Something about a tower full of eyes? Whatever.
Before we continue feel free to peruse these classics.
Now onto the beautiful natural locations. I am biased towards the tropics because of the cold room I type this from, so we’re going to analyze the nature of Key West.
Key West
Ironically we will start by cheating and talk about Dry Tortugas National Park which is not actually in Key West, but is instead nearby. Of all National Parks, I would guess this one has the most water. Further research indicates that it is actually only 1% dry land. It is 70 miles west of Key West, so it’s really out there.
While less natural than many other National Parks this place still looks sick and worth a visit. Much of it is actually encompassed by Fort Jefferson but you can camp inside overnight with a permit which is tight. Among the snorkeling highlights are Texas Rock Coral Reef, the Windjammer Shipwreck (definitely sick) and the Long Reef Key. Lots of cool corals to see down there. Also, fish dig these coral reefs so plenty of opportunity to see some aquatic jawns. If you’re ever in Key West the move is hopping aboard the ferry to peep this crucial nature.
Also down Key West are some cool parks and plenty of wildlife to check out. Key West Wildlife Center seems like a primetime spot to see birds, and there’s also Fort Zachary Taylor Beach & State Park. Plus check out these local animals.
Finally, given the bizarre twist of the fact that all the places in these article are Ernest Hemingway spots, I’d be remiss to not recommend you local bars. Apparently Sloppy Joe’s is not only a former favorite spot of Ernie’s but also still goes hard into the early morning to this day.
Idaho
So Hemingway lived in Ketchum, which is in/near Sun Valley, which is a big time spot for skiing, but also nature. Very different vibe from Key West but we’re not here to rank based on similarity. We’re here to rank based on the favorite spots of a famous American author. Lots to choose from. Let’s get into it.
We kick it off with Sawtooth National Recreation Area, an incredibly large forest which encompasses a cool 750,000 and change acres. You got your camping, your white water rafting, your backpacking, your hiking, your classic fishing and hunting, and mountain biking for all you Lewis & Clarks’ out there. The area is named for the Sawtooth Mountains and also contains parts of 10 other mountain ranges. How does one differentiate which mountains are which? A question for another time.
Above are some pictures from around the area. Most dope. As far as local wildlife, we’re clocking in at 243 different species of bird, 78 mammals, 28 reptiles and amphibians (presumably combined) and 29 fish. Thank you wikipedia. Among notable residents are Bald Eagles, Cutthroat Trout (baller name), Sandhill Cranes and Moose. As previously alluded to, there are 374 other species of animals in the area which you are free to look up on your own time.
As you can tell there is a diversity of wildlife in the area. The other major local nature attraction we’re talking about are the hot springs. For those of you who have never been to one, sad. They’re sick. Imagine this: water, heated by geothermal energy (see:magma) that comes to the surface and then you chill in it. Sounds like there’s worse ways to spend a day to me. We give you the overview of some fresh local ones here and now.
Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs
Frenchman’s Bend aka Warfield Hot springs aka hot springs near Hemingway’s crib are supposedly the best in town. There’s a couple places you can go all along the same river which is tight. Known for their natural feel and “lack of facilities” which can be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it. Also apparently crowded which objectively blows. If I’m tryna soak in a volcanic river I want to be at one with nature, not at one with tourists. Having said that, peep this picture and tell me you wouldn’t pull up in an instant.
Kirkham Hot Springs
So obviously we need to conclude this on an exciting note, which is why we’re stopping at Kirkham Hot Springs last. These are about an hour away from Sun Valley so I’m talking liberties a little bit. Having said that, it is my sworn mission in this blog to bring you favorite spots of Ernest Hemingway’s and I will not quit until you’ve seen the coolest of the cool.
You may not be able to tell if you don’t eat your carrots, but in that tiny picture is a waterfall which is a hot spring. There are many cases in which the two are mutually exclusive. Not here. I am a digger of both hot springs and waterfalls, so this is an absolutely electric combo, not to mention that going an hour out of the way definitely clears out a lot of the foot traffic. If you’re ever up in Ketchum make your way that way for your own sake. The nature is prime.
This concludes our journey on today’s blog, but you know I’ll be back for more as time goes on. To support, you can check out our website, patreon, or find us on Instagram as theregrowthproject. ‘Till next time.
