The Largest Greek Community in The US
A night out in this city is better than your average date night! The Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs is rich with culture and will make you feel like you are walking the streets of Greece – I promise! The “sponge capital of the world” is home to the biggest Greek community in the US. Early Greek immigrants migrated to harvest the sponges and as a result brought along a culture that has never left.
First, Do All The Fun Things At The Spongedocks
- Stingray petting at the FREE aquarium
- Participating in feeding live Tarpon from the docks
- The 1883 Safford House Museum. The Safford family were the original developers of the city and the house is a fine example of late 19th century Florida.
Tarpon Springs is known for holding annual events such as the Greek Festival every March 22nd. The festival is a lively event where you can experience Greek music while watching the parade and share authentic homemade Greek delicacies! Opa! If you have the chance to visit during one of the festivals – don’t miss out on all the Greek fun!
Another big ticket item that I enjoy doing down at the docks is shopping for unique gifts! You can find everything from Greek music and artwork to hundreds of variations of sponge abd beauty products.
Then Experience The Famous Greek Epiphany
The Epiphany is a religious ceremony held by the Greek Orthodox Church in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s baptism! Every January 6th People from all over gather to watch selected members of the church dive for the sacred cross in the brisk and chilly morning. This event that has been held since 1903 and Tarpon Springs is the only place in America where this event is identical to the one performed in Greece. It is no wonder that this quaint and charming town is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Now It's Time To Grab Lunch
My favorite restaurant in Tarpon Springs hands down is Hellas! They also have an amazing bakery next door to the restaurant where you can find every Greek pastry and cake that exists! In other words, the restaurant has something for every kind of sweet tooth! My favorite Greek dessert are the wedding cookies. They are deliciously light with almond pieces, covered in powdered sugar and they are just amazing. After you try the wedding cookies you must try the baklava!
Last Big Ticket Item To Properly End Your Day In Tarpon Springs
The romantic night shouldn’t end after dinner. Fred Howard Beach is just a five minute drive from the Sponge Docks and worth the visit. Find a palm tree to sit under and watch the sun say it’s final goodnights. I especially love this beach due to its old Florida feel. Fred Howard isn’t very developed so you get an amazing ocean view.
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