If you’re looking for a quick getaway that offers a chance to experience Greek culture without leaving the Sunshine State, you may want to check out Tarpon Springs.
Besides having a chance to sample sweets from Greek bakeries, or dine on more substantial fare at Greek restaurants, you can learn about the sponge-harvesting industry that played a starring role in this community’s history.
The Sponge Docks, situated on Dodecanes Boulevard, is a great place to get a taste of what Tarpon Springs has to offer.
You can get a feel for the community’s history at the Spongeorama Sponge Factory, at 510 Dodecanese Blvd., which offers a free movie and museum about sponge diving.
And, while the sponge industry isn’t what it once was, you can still see men tossing sponges on the docks, or take a boat ride to see a sponge diver in action.
For those with other interests, there are dolphin cruises available, and sport fishing, as well.
And, there are scores of specialty shops, too.
The Spiceman’s Kitchen, at 815 Dodecanese Blvd., for instance, offers more than 300 hot sauces, 50 barbecue sauces and marinades, and a variety of seasonings, rubs, pickled vegetable, jams, jellies and other items.
And, not far from there, you’ll find The Spice & Tea Exchange of Tarpon Springs, at 824 Dodecanes Blvd. It offers a selection of spices, custom blends, loose-leaf teas, sea and mineral salts, and other goods.
There also are a number of shops selling soaps and skin care products, including Katherine’s Gifts Natural Skin Care, at 628 Athens St.
If you’re seeking spiritual refreshment, there’s St. Michael’s Shrine, at 113 Hope St., a small chapel built by a family in thanksgiving for the recovery of a young son who was near death.
Many linger in the serene setting, where they light candles for their intentions and gaze at the icons covering its walls.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, at 36 N. Pinellas Ave., offers another sacred place in the city. It was designed as a replica of St. Sophia of Constantinople.
It’s easy to get around this Pinellas County community that’s situated off the Anclote River, and there are plenty of special events offered there throughout the year. For more information about upcoming events, visit SpongeDocks.net.
