One of our favorite places to visit is Tarpon Springs. It’s a must go, when we have guests. If you have never been, I highly recommend it. It’s one of those hidden treasures in Florida. Not the big boxoffice like Disney or Busch Gardens but, if you want beautiful and relaxing, this is your place.

Hollywood Ties

Years ago I saw a movie called Beneath the 12-Mile Reef. It starred Robert Wagner and was actually filmed at Tarpon Springs. It was released December 2, 1953. I’m not old enough to have seen it in theatres but, I have seen it on a couple of classic movie channels. It’s interesting to imagine what the docks were like then.

Sponge Docks

There is so much to see in Tarpon Springs. This post is primarily about Dodecanese Boulevard and the Sponge Docks. Our guest usually want to visit here to do a little shopping and eat some delicious Greek food.

 

Speaking of movies, the Spongeorama is a cute gift shop with tons of gift items, including sponges and a small theatre.

There you can watch a very old black and white movie about sponge fishing. I can remember seeing this movie when I was a child, many, many years ago. I think all of my children have seen it and hopefully all of the Grands will get to see it someday. It’s a fun piece of history and a good start to your visit.

Amazing Restaurants

There are so many restaurants to choose from. We have never been to one that disappointed. These are 3 that we go to most often but, like I said, there are many more.

The most recent restaurant we went to was Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. Every time we have been there it has been delicious. This time we ate outside and the seats were well spaced due to Covid. It was still a wonderful experience and the food was delicious. This restaurant is actually more of a seafood restaurant and the view of the water is a bonus.

 

Another favorite of ours is Mykonos. It used to be our go to for lunch but, I do not believe it has a patio so we need to wait a bit longer to enjoy it again. They do have indoor dining and I’m sure they do a great job, I’m just not there yet. We will definately be back when things settle down. I will say they have the most delicious Greek Salad and the Gyros are the best I’ve ever eaten.

 

Dimitri’s on the Water is right across from Mykonos and another favorite. The food here is Greek and delicious. We always get a table outside on the water. It is so cool to have a boat come into the dock that is so close you feel you could touch it. Our Grands love it. We have had lamb, chicken souvlakki, Greek salat, gyros, all delicious. Our son even had octopus once. He said it was good. I’ll trust him on that one.

Coffee and Dessert

My mother and daughter always go to Hellas Bakery for coffee and dessert. It is perfect when you want to take a minute to rest before doing more shopping. The only problem is deciding what to get, its all delicious!

Cute Shops

There are shops that have come and gone over the years. When you go, take your time. There is no telling what wonderful new shop has opened. A few of the shops have beautiful coastal clothing and jewelry. There is an exotic jerky shop, if you are into that like our sons and their sons. On one of the corners is a linen and gift shop with beautiful Greek linens and many gift items.

Two shops that we always go to are The Spice & Tea Exchange and Lori’s Soap and Sponges. If we are in Tarpon Springs we are restocking our spices at the Spice Shop. I even made special containers to hold my spices.

 

Visiting Florida Soon?

There are so many places to visit in Florida. When scheduling your trip, include Tarpon Springs. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you for stopping by. Wishing you Health, Happiness and lots of Sunny Days!