by Heidi Schilling

Created on: August 10, 2011

Welcome to the Sponge Capital of the World ~ Tarpon Springs, Florida.  Located on the Gulf of Mexico of Florida's west cost, Tarpon Springs is the oldest city in Pinellas County, Florida.  Tarpon Springs is 16.9 miles yet is worth the time to visit, relax and enjoy. The early-settled Greek culture of Tarpon Springs, mixed with Victorian and Floridian architecture deems Tarpon Springs historic.

As a visitor to this lovely area, you will not want to miss one of the captivating glories.  The internationally known Sponge Docks are the pulse of this Greek-settled city.  This area is referred to as the Sponge Dock District reminiscent of a street in Greece having the docks at one end and the Tarpon Springs Aquarium at the other.  In 2007 a record harvest of sponges was made.  Once you view a movie on the initial Greek-inspired process of sponging to set the tone, enjoy the remainder of your day at one of the docks many shops, restaurants, bakeries or museums.

The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is a splendid must-see underwater living reef showing live coral, sponges, shark and different species of fish, along with tank feeding and demonstrations.  You may even consider a dolphin watch on one of the cruise boats that Tarpon Springs has to offer.  If antiquing is your thing, you've come to the right area.  Tarpon Springs offers at least ten antique shops with antiques that include memorabilia of the Civil War era and something for everyone.  The Safford House Museum and the Heritage Museum both showcase many symbolic relics that have shaped the history of Florida.

Feast on food from one of the many restaurants that offers Greek, Mediterranean, American, or seafood cuisine, to name a few.  As Tarpon Springs is predominantly of Greek heritage, partake in homemade, authentic Greek food, indulging while enjoying the ocean view.

Tarpon Springs offers a variety of hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.  The prices for a one night stay begins at about $56.00, not including tax.  While Tarpon Springs is a quaint area for you to anchor, keep in mind that you are close to other Tampa Bay areas such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, and Tampa.  

So to enjoy Greek ambiance with many attractions, consider the lovely area of Tarpon Springs, Florida.  You will certainly attain a new appreciation for sponge and make memories that last a lifetime.

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