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Enjoy a taste of Greece along Florida’s Gulf Coast in Tarpon Springs

By Heather Turk

Shop and dine on Dodecanese Boulevard

Just 30 minutes north of Clearwater and 45 minutes north of St. Pete, travelers will find a glorious Greek getaway that doesn’t require a passport to visit: beautiful Tarpon Springs, Florida.

The perfect day trip destination, Tarpon Springs is the next best thing to visiting Greece. Originally founded in 1887 as a health resort community, the coastal city attracted Greek immigrants in the early 1900s who were looking to harvest the natural sea sponges that thrived in its waters. They brought with them their families and culture, and today Tarpon Springs boasts the largest Greek community in the United States.

Visitors can learn more about the destination at the Historic Train Depot Museum in downtown Tarpon Springs. Originally established in 1976 in two waiting rooms of a historic 1909 train depot, the museum now encompasses the entire building and spans one city block. Guests can see various exhibits detailing the history of Tarpon Springs, including why the city is known as the Sponge Capital of the World. Admission is free, and there is a fun History Hunt for kids to enjoy. tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org

An almost 100-year-old sponge diver’s helmet on display inside the Historic Train Depot Museum

Learn about the importance of the sponge industry at Tarpon Springs’ Historic Train Depot Museum

Naturally, guests will want to check out Tarpon Springs’ famous Sponge Docks during their visit. Located in the center of Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Docks are almost a carbon copy of a traditional Greek fishing village. Guests can walk along Dodecanese Boulevard to not only see the docked sponge boats, but also visit shops like the Spongeorama Sponge Factory that sell natural sponges and other local souvenirs. spongeorama.com

When it’s time for lunch, Tarpon Springs is home to dozens of delectable restaurants, many of which are known for their Greek cuisine or seafood. One of the tastiest eateries on Dodecanese Boulevard is Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. The family-owned seafood restaurant and tiki bar has its own shrimp boat that unloads fresh Gulf shrimp right onto its dock! In addition to such signature seafood favorites as the Snapper Due West — pankoencrusted American red snapper finished with two Gulf shrimp and topped with a light Key lime cream sauce and fresh avocado — guests can order an assortment of delicious pastas, salads and chicken and steak dishes, guaranteeing there’s something for every palate to savor. rustybellies.com

Visitors 21 and older will also want to make some time to take a guided tour of the Tarpon Springs Distillery. Offered every half-hour from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, the complimentary tour includes tastings of some of the award-winning distillery’s handcrafted spirits as guests are led through the building (formerly the Stephen Katzaras Sponge Company) learning about its history and how the spirits are made. Reservations are recommended. tarponspringsdistillery.net

To make the most of your day trip, go to visitstpeteclearwater.com/communities/tarponsprings.

Tarpon Springs Distillery’s owners, husband and wife team Barry and Lisa Butler, at the distillery’s bar

Rusty Bellies’ Snapper Due West is served over roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus Photo of The Rye Bar by Joy Davis Photography; Rusty Bellies’ Snapper Due West and shrimp boat courtesy of Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill