Historic Greek Community

Sponges, Aquarium, Restaurants, and Much More

Love going to Tarpon Springs – going down the historic main street feels like you’ve stepped into another time….fishing boats line the waterfront with old Greek fishermen on board. These aren’t ordinary fishing boats – they are actually sponge boats. You see strings of sponges where on traditional boats you see strings of fish. The sponges are great too. All sizes and shapes. We have used them in our house for years. This year, my girls saw them and said “hey they have our sponges!” – I was excited to show them where we get our sponges and to tell them more about how they get into these stores.

They loved walking along and touching sponges – GIANT sponges, tiny sponges, and decorative shaped sponges. The place has so much character it is really fun. We got coffee and desserts at Hellas Bakery – where there is almost always a line because the pastries are just that good! From Baklava to simple ice cream in a cone – there is something for everyone.

We also love going to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. Owned and operated by Scott Konger and now his son. It is a really cool aquarium; you can feed the stingrays and pet them as well as feeding small sharks through a wire barrier. They have a giant tank where Scott dives and hand feeds loads of amazing fish from Jewfish to nurse sharks. He is very comfortable and plays with them a little as he feeds them. He also has some great snakes – which he is keen to show you. After watching the feeding show in the tank – we went on to feed the stingrays and sharks. Mr. Konger came back and invited us back into the front room to see and hold the snakes.

The food in Tarpon Springs is incredible too. Start your day with coffee and a danish at Hellas = be sure to buy some dessert for another time as well. Have greek treats at one of many cute restaurants along the strip – from Mama Maria Costas to Mykonos. The food at any of the restaurants is pretty wonderful – never find an empty restaurant. Fresh seafood abounds, baked goods are amazing.

You can’t have a story on Tarpon Springs without talking about Epiphany….diving for the cross in early January each year – is attended by around 30000 people….a story in an of itself.

Visit Tarpon Springs on your next visit to Florida’s West Coast – you’ll be blessed glad you did.

See You on the Beaches!

Article by:
Shannon Zolar
Z Family Adventures