Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort Blog
Florida Residents Save 10% on Your Lower Keys Getaway
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
Located at Mile Marker 20 on US-1 in the Florida Keys.
Left on Old State Rd 4a/State Road 939.
Celebrate American literary giant Ernest Hemingway during the annual Hemingway Days festival from July 23-27, 2025, on Duval Street in Key West, Florida. This festival honors the author's contributions to American literature and his enduring influence on the Key West region. Hemingway Days is an iconic island event with something for everyone, whether you are a fan of Hemingway's work or looking to experience the local culture.
Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for most of the 1930s, and the region inspired much of his writing. During his time in Key West, Hemingway wrote some of his most popular works, including novels “Death in the Afternoon” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” as well as short stories “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.” His novel “To Have and Have Not” was even set in Key West.
Today, Hemingway's house and writing studio make up the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, a National Historic Landmark that honors his life and work. The Key West Hemingway Days are an annual celebration to recognize his enduring legacy in the island's history and spirit.
Hemingway Days started over 40 years ago to celebrate one of Key West's most famous residents. Over the years, this event has evolved into an internationally recognized festival of the beloved author. Hemingway Days offers a variety of activities and events.
The Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition was started in 1981 and allows emerging writers to share their work. Lorian Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's granddaughter, is the competition's founder, director and final judge.
Step into Hemingway's world by taking a tour of his iconic Key West home. Located at 907 Whitehead St., you can see his estate, gardens, pool, writing studio and nearly 60 six-toed cats who live on the property. Daily tours will be offered throughout Hemingway Days.
Ernest Hemingway enjoyed deep-sea angling, so the Marlin Tournament celebrates this passion with a friendly competition. Anglers can compete for cash prizes by catching marlin and other fish.
Do you have a passing resemblance to the late author? The Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Contest is one of the festival's most iconic events. The contest was started at Sloppy Joe's Bar, one of Hemingway's frequent hangouts during his Key West years. Men from Key West and across the world can submit their names. After two preliminary rounds, the official Papa Hemingway for 2025 will be announced on July 26. The winner gets a trophy.
The Caribbean Street Fair celebrates the island's spirit with food from local restaurants. You will also find unique artwork from talented Key West artisans.
The Running of the Bulls event combines the iconic Spanish tradition with Key West style, reminiscent of the island's 1930s era. Past Papa Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners dress in Pamplona attire in this fun event.
Hemingway Days happens around the time of Ernest Hemingway's birthday on July 21, so Key West would be remiss not to have a birthday party. The birthday bash is hosted by Sloppy Joe's and features signature drinks, photo opportunities with Papa Hemingway 2025 and a birthday cake.
Choose Sugarloaf / Key West KOA Holiday as your place to stay during Hemingway Days. This KOA Campground is only 20 miles from Duval Street and has many ways to stay, including Back-In and Pull-Thru RV Sites and Tent Sites. You can also enjoy amenities at the campground like a private beach, full-service marina, boat rentals and delicious food on-site. Reserve your campsite today!
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