Lisa Browder

It wasn’t until the late 1870s that Northerners arrived. They found Tarpon Springs to be a great winter location and built gorgeous Victorian mansions that line the waterfront. These new settlers quickly discovered the sponge-rich bayou and a thriving industry developed. They brought experienced sponge divers from Greece to Florida and the Greeks stayed, starting their own businesses – from restaurants to markets to pastry shops.

When you get there, you can park in any number of lots along the main street; most are $10. From there, walk up and down the main drag and take in all manner of establishments – a spice shop, an olive oil store, restaurants, touristy stuff, and a fudge shop. Personally, I think the fudge is worth the whole trip.

The day I chose to go was insufferably hot. I was sweating before I stepped out of my car and walked across the street. The lesson here is twofold: choose the day carefully and wear a hat. All of the photos above are along the same street so you would be walking to each one, not driving.

As for the Australian Oil of Eucalyptus, I wouldn’t plan my trip around that commodity if I were you. I’ve been to Tarpon Springs twice and it’s never been open. Of course, you have to wonder what a kiosk selling Eucalyptus oil is doing along sponge docks in Florida anyway.

My own tour plans included a dolphin tour but once I got there, the thought of hot, humid air swirling around my face in an open-air boat suddenly lost its appeal. I opted for lunch in an air-conditioned restaurant. I settled on a seafood place called Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. I ordered the lunch special and although it was delicious, I’m not sure it was $22-worth delicious. Nevertheless, I reckon the air conditioning alone was worth it.

Then I was back out in the heat, contemplating what to do with the rest of my day. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral had been recommended, but I decided to save it for another time, opting instead to make a slow loop around the downtown historic district from the comfort of my air-conditioned car and then head home. However, I discovered a quaint art gallery across the street from a place called the Tarpon Springs Historical Train Depot Museum and decided to stop. The art museum was small but had some nice paintings from local artists. It’s worth the browse if you’re in the market for something distinctly “Florida.” I then wandered across the street to the train depot museum and loved its history, artifacts and original wood floors.

The docks are located at 735 Dodecanese Blvd. and the train depot museum is about 3-4 blocks away at 160 E. Tarpon Ave. When planning your day at the docks, keep in mind that the train depot museum is closed on Sunday/Monday/Tuesday and only open at noon on the other days.