By Jordan Coates, Editor in Chief
For anyone who longs for the smell of baklava, craves the taste of a gyro, and appreciates the essence of Greece, an authentic Greek town is right around the corner.
Not far from Saint Leo University, a small Greek community has been thriving in Tarpon Springs for many years. It was discovered in 1876, and in 1890, Tarpon Springs’s sponge industry was firmly established. Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek influence and is also known widely for its booming sponge industry.
Many years ago, Tarpon Spring’s sponge industry led a thirty year reign as the largest industry in Florida. It was known as the “Sponge Capital of the World” and was a bigger industry than even citrus and tourism. It has had its highs and lows, but today it is back as one of the leaders in the world’s natural sponge market. In fact, it is this industry that has helped the tourism industry grow. The sponge industry is also what helped build the Greek community. Now, Tarpon Springs is not just famous for sponges, but also for some of the finest Greek restaurants, markets, and bakeries in the country.
With all this fame, Tarpon Springs has greatly developed and now offers many attractions and ways to immerse oneself in the Greek culture. Right on the water, the community has many ongoing sightseeing tours and dolphin cruises. In large, convenient boats, tourists can explore natural estuaries and visit the historic lighthouse, go on nature tours, sightseeing tours, sponge diving exhibitions, and even to small islands where they can wander while enjoying Florida’s nature and looking for shells. It is a relaxing way to explore and appreciate some of life’s beauties. Also, for the sporting type or just for relaxation, full day and multi-day trips are available to fish on the Gulf of Mexico, in some of the most fertile fishing spots in the world.
After getting a chance to bond with nature relative to the water, land tourists can become a part of the Greek culture. There are about ten or twelve restaurants and bakeries. Many of the places to eat have outside decks, perfect for watching the sunset while getting a fresh breath of air and a delicious bite to eat. To go along with the very authentic Greek cuisine, sometimes there is authentic Greek music and even belly dancing. A personal favorite is Mama’s Greek Cuisine. The food is delicious and as authentic as it comes, and the atmosphere gives a real presence of Greece. Mama’s also offers a full bar after dining hours. Also, if one can resist the tantalizing smell of tons of pastries all in walking distance, hidden in the corner is the Candy Barrel, any sweet tooth, candy lover’s dream.
Tourists can learn from the culture through more than food though. Cultural classes and workshops are offered all year round, like learning Greek dances, Greek cooking, Greek songs, and plenty more. Already there is plenty to do, but Tarpon Springs also offers an aquarium, shrine, Greek Orthodox Cathedral, manatee viewing, painting museums, heritage and antique shops, and much, much more. While there is too much to do at once, an adventure to Tarpon Springs is usually a day trip; however, there are two hotels.
Tarpon Springs is a beautiful, peaceful community, rich with culture and history. Tourists would be unwise to miss out on this uniquely authentic opportunity, even if just to grab a bite to eat on the way to the beach. The beach is also gorgeous and not far away. Tourists should make sure to stop in one of the many sponge stores like Tarpon Sponge Company and Spongeorama, and pick up a sponge. There are many to choose from and some are very inexpensive. Tarpon Springs gives tourists a chance to take a little bit of Greek culture and a memento of Florida history back to campus. Make the trip; this chance to travel will only take one tank of gas.
