Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks – Day Trip

Mom and me in Tarpon Springs, FL. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Since the drive up the road to Mississippi for the family reunion my mom has become hell-bent on getting out on the weekends. This weekend she took me to a destination right here in Florida and only 30 minutes away from our place. The historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are located in Pinellas county and house many delicious Greek restaurants and other attractions.

My mother and I started the day off by grabbing a bite to eat. We took the parking attendants’ suggestion and headed over to Santorini Greek Grill. He said it was one of his favorite picks because it sat right on the water and above all the food was scrumptious. As we made our way to our seat by the water we could tell that the food would not only be tasty, but filling. No matter the type of dish all plates seemed to be spilling over with food. For our first-time experience we had a zucchini appetizer and dolmades. For the main course I had a Mediterranean octopus dish with Greek style green beans and potato. My mother decided on the Greek salad. Everything was really good from the service, food and atmosphere. Next time I’ll go lighter on the appetizers and wait for the main course so that I am able to finish it all.

Our yummy plates from Santorini. Photos: Adrienne C. Wilson

Once we finished eating it was time to walk it off. There is an enormous amount of recreation, culture and shopping to soak in at the docks depending on your interest. With most shops selling a variety of multi-purpose sponges you’ll more than likely be tempted to pick one up to use for your face, car or even as a pot for a plant. Pick up and sponge and let your imagination soar. I didn’t buy a sponge on this particular day, but my mom and I each treated ourselves to some of the handmade soap found at Getaguru. Still – soap seems so incomplete without a sponge from Tarpon Springs. An excuse to visit again in the future? Maybe…

Sponge Capitol of the world!!! Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

The monument honors the spongers who dove into the deep waters for sponges in the Tarpon Springs area. Many were from Greece as they had much experience in the biz of sponge diving. Then there is a bit of tourist posing on my part. Photos: Adrienne C. Wilson & The Mothership

Sponges for purchase! Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Things to see at the Sponge docks… Photos: Adrienne C. Wilson

To be more specific about the activity my mum and I filled our time at the docks with let’s just say someone had a sweet tooth and it wasn’t me. We headed in to get fudge and later found a shop that sold all kinds of trinkets and munchies like pineapple licorice. We strolled pass the many shops in the Sponge Exchange and simply enjoyed exploring a site close to home right here in Florida. Did it feel like Greece? Just a pinch, but I’ll have to visit the country first and report back on that one. In the meantime I’ll surely make more trips to Tarpon Springs for my Greek food fix and on the next go I’ll even be sure to buy a sponge and take a boat ride.

If your vision is good enough and you can read the tiny words on the marker in this shot then please do so! Such fascinating history on this industry. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

All this and much, much more at the Historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. What are you waiting for? Photos: Adrienne C. Wilson