Florida has a lot to offer in things to do and enjoy. With my family living within close proximity to Tarpon Springs we love going to the Sponge Docks.
Tarpon Springs is a leader in the worlds natural sponge market. Greek immigrants built the Tarpon Springs signature sponge industry. It has the highest percentage of Greek Americans than any other American city.
One of the main things we like to do is shop there. They have many one of a kind shops, over 125 to be exact. They have shops for unique Florida gifts and spices. They also have many stores where you can buy authentic sea sponges. One place the Spongeorama Sponge factory also houses a small museum with daily showings of a movie about the history of the Sponge Docks.
They also have many Greek bakeries and restaurants there. One bakery that stands out is the Hellas Bakery where the Greek pasties are delicious. Mr. Souvlaki and Rusty Bellies are good restaurants to try for seafood.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks boasts several cruises such as Spongeorama Cruise Line, Odyssey Dolphin Cruises, and the Viking Gulf Star Fishing Cruises. We went fishing on the Viking one year and had a blast!
They also have a nice, but small aquarium, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. The admission is cheap. and they have a shark tank in there where they have a diver go in and do a show. You can also pet small stingrays in their petting tank (Of course the barbs have been removed), along with a few other small sea creatures you can pet and feed.
Tarpon Springs holds their Epiphany celebration every January. Its a 100 year old tradition highlighted by local boys diving into the Spring Bayou to retrieve a cross thrown into the water by an archbishop. The boy who surfaces with the cross is said to have good luck for the following year. Afterward they have a lively celebration with food, drink and live music.
With many things to do and see, this is surely a place to stop and see! The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are located on Dodecanes Blvd. Tarpon springs, Florida 34689.
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