I wanted to highlight the literary towns I’ve found myself in on my adventures. In my last post about literary tourism, I spotlighted many of the local bookstores I’ve visited on my travels.
Key West, Florida
Many visitors come for the party and Spring Break vibes of the Florida Keys. But Key West holds a rich history of hosting literary legends Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.
The Hemingway home is, of course, famous for its six-toed cats. These adorable felines wander the premises as you tour the estate, learning about the writer’s lavish lifestyle.
At the Tennessee Williams Museum, you will learn all about the author’s works, career, and life as a member of the Key West community. As a writer myself, I geeked out at seeing his old typewriter on display. They even host an arts festival in March!
Dublin, Ireland
Although small, the Dublin Writers Museum packs a punch. With so many manuscript pages and artifacts on display, you get a crash course on Ireland’s literary history. There’s even a book shop with a selection of the authors whose work you learn about in the exhibits.
Simply strolling around the city, you come across various statues of writers who helped shape Dublin’s role in literature. From the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square to the James Joyce monument on North Earl Street.
I missed out on the Book of Kells on my trip to Ireland in 2017, which only means I have to return. But this ancient manuscript, housed in a historic library at Trinity College, is a book lover’s dream.
La Mancha, Spain
In 2015, I took a trip to Spain with my parents. We rented a car and had a loose itinerary, which meant lots of unexpected turns. One of these accidental adventures brought us to La Mancha, a land made famous in the story of Don Quixote.
The local museum holds exhibits of life during the times the book is set in, including artifacts that depict the hero’s quest. Some of the windmills house mini museums with different aspects of Spain’s history, like music and movies.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Taking a train beyond the Big Apple brings you to the smaller cities of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown. Fans of classic literature may recognize this place as the setting of Washington Irving’s haunting novel. It’s filled with historic houses and small-town charms, but the ghost walking tour at the cemetery was perhaps my favorite.
Thanks for following along on my travels to literary towns. Let me know your favorites or any recommendations you have for me.