If you haven't been to The famous Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs Florida, then make it a detour from the usual Florida vacation spots and you will see why it is one of the treasures of the West Coast of Florida. Located just north of Clearwater and Dunedin, a trip to Tarpon Springs Sponge docks is a celebration of all things Greek. The Sponge Boats dock on the river and unload their precious cargo of Natural Sponges on the sidewalks, and you can eat at one of the waterfront restaurants offering traditional Greek food and some of the best seafood to be found. You can eat outside on the water or inside if you prefer air conditioned atmosphere. Bakeries line the street, fudge factories, art galleries, clothing boutiques, hand made crafts, and Greek and Florida souvenir shops.
Steeped in Greek tradition, there are religious and traditional festivals throughout the year, as well as arts and craft festivals. You just never know what you will find if you take to a trip to a community with its distinct and embracing flavor. I happened to stop last weekend to get my favorite hand made olive oil soap from Get a Guru, and found that the main street was blocked off. The air was alive with music and I could see that the streets were lined with tables...I had stumbled on a Saturday night festival and couldn't resist. There were vendors offering beer, wine and soft drinks, the restaurants were serving dinner and the servers were dressed in traditional Greek garb, and I stopped to ask what was the occasion.
It appears that Tarpons Springs Florida has a new tradition called "A Night in the Islands". Once a month the community gets together for a cultural celebration, featuring all things Greek. Good food, drink and dance are the order of the evening. What a pleasant surprise and I cannot think of a better place to live than on the West Coast of Florida where the November weather is good and there is always something new to discover.
