By Lulu

If you haven’t made a recent trip to lakefront Tavares you must. They have renovated the entire lakefront business district with brick paved streets. For T.J., a really “Cool Joint” requires being “cigar friendly” which Hemingway’s at 126 W. Ruby St. certainly is. Owner, Andy Thompson, bought Hemingway’s Wine, Beer & Cigar Bar 6 months ago and his friendly personality, hard work and business sense is paying off as the business has been rapidly growing. Andy was born in Marion, Indiana but moved as a child to Deland, Florida. He worked with his family in their recycling business, then ended up as a senior manager in food service in Atlanta, Georgia. I am sure that has helped in knowing how to make and keep NEW customers! This is his first bar and when I asked what made him take the leap into having his own business he answered, “Personal dream…right price…right time!” A father of two sons he gave up motorcycling earlier in his life, although he built his own bike in his youth. Now owning Hemingway’s, I doubt he has much time for ANY pastimes or recreation, as he is always onsite when I stop in.

The bar is open 7 days a week, Mon-Thurs 2pm-12am, Fri & Sat 2pm-2am and Sun noon-10pm. What makes this a Cool Joint for cigar lovers like T.J. is a walk-in humidor with 50+ varieties and prices that range from $4 to $29 dollars. So many bars don’t allow cigar smoking so whether you want to sit outside on the patio with a view of the lake and passersby or sit right up at the bar with one of their ice-cold beers you won’t be annoying anyone! They have craft drafts including Guinness. long necks reasonably prices at $3 and wine by the glass or bottle. Happy hour is Mon-Fri 4-7pm $1 off drafts or wine of your choosing. The bar also has pool and darts. Saturdays they have GOOD karaoke starting at 8pm, Tuesdays is High Stax poker at 6pm. They do have live music on Fridays and you can follow them on Facebook to see when it is scheduled or call 352-508-9771. Check out their website at Tavareswinebar.com too!