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<\/a><\/p>\nI went to Tarpon Springs for the first time yesterday and immediately wondered where this place had been all my life!\u00a0 This bizarre little town was hiding just 2 hours away from where I live in Orlando.\u00a0 How have I not been here?\u00a0 Perhaps it’s because I’ve never once wondered what the sponge capital of the world is, but now that I know I’ll be back for sure.<\/p>\n
Tarpon Springs is so many confusing things.\u00a0 Well, mainly two confusing things- Greeks and sponges, but that’s pretty odd right?\u00a0 Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the U.S..\u00a0 That means lots of great food at every turn!<\/p>\n ~The Sponge Docks~<\/strong><\/p>\n ~<\/p>\n ~Greek Food~<\/strong><\/p>\n Hellas Restaurant and Bakery were the most popular, perhaps for the over the top Greek decor, or perhaps for the luscious dessert counter .<\/p>\n ~<\/p>\n ~Sponge-o-Rama~<\/strong><\/p>\n Tarpon Springs has everything I never knew I wanted to know about sponges, displayed in what may be the world’s saddest sponge museum, though this is unconfirmed.\u00a0 Join me as we travel through Sponge-o-rama.<\/p>\n Of course sponges are always all fun and games, their history can get pretty dark.<\/p>\n Oh, and in case you were wondering, these aren’t just terrible pictures.\u00a0 It’s actually a dark hallway with dimly lit dioramas.<\/p>\n This one is missing a hand.\u00a0 Sponging can be dangerous.<\/p>\n Best of all, when it’s over you just hit a plywood wall.<\/p>\n But hey, at least it’s free!<\/p>\n There’s also a parking lot at sponge-o-rama that costs $3 a day, but seems to run on an honor system.\u00a0 Do what you want with that information.<\/p>\n ~<\/strong><\/p>\n ~Waterfront~<\/strong><\/p>\n Go figure, the sponge capital of the world is on the water, and the view is gorgeous.<\/p>\n On weekends you can check out a sunset dolphin cruise or sponging expedition.\u00a0 You can also find plenty of spots to buy local sponges harvested from the ocean nearby.<\/p>\n Just don’t try to board the boats without buying a ticket, they’re pretty clear on that.<\/p>\n ~<\/strong><\/p>\n ~Historic Downtown~<\/strong><\/p>\n Tarpon Springs is more than just the sponge docks.\u00a0 They have a really cute historic downtown area full of antique stores and restaurants.\u00a0 If you make it there on a Saturday they also have local craft booths and flea market finds set up for sale until 4pm.<\/p>\n ~<\/strong><\/p>\n ~Silverking Brewing Co.~<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n You know I’m a sucker for a brewery!\u00a0 When I saw signs for Silverking Brewing Co. I had to check it out.\u00a0 It’s more of just a bar.\u00a0 They don’t offer tours, but they do brew a couple of their own beers and also serve some other local beers.\u00a0 It was a very cool atmosphere though and seemed to be a popular haunt for locals.\u00a0 Including one really awesome mastiff.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n