Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks — Attraction in Tarpon Springs

Finally after two years, I made it to Tarpon Springs.

Heard so much about the Sponge Docks and this authentic Greek village, that literally, it has taken 2 years to travel the 79 miles—which as it turns out, Waze, has it all wrong. It’s more like 110 miles at least.

As you enter the main street leading to the docks, right away you will notice, you may not be in Florida anymore. And as you slowly drive through the cozy little street, you will feel as if you have landed in one of the many Greek Islands.

So what happens after you quickly end up at the end of the docks, well you turn around and head back to the beginning. It is then when you see all the parking lots lined up at one side of the street.

With prices ranging from $3.00 to $10.00 for all day parking, we opted for one closer to the entrance to the Sponge Docks @ $5.00 for all day.

It is then when you’re quickly indoctrinated and realize, the sidewalk hustle is actually a thing.

At parking lots and in front of just about all the stores and boat cruise establishments, there are people handing coupons and as a broken record, repeat the same thing to everyone who passes by and is willing to listen.

So here are my thoughts.

First and unfortunately, taking pictures of the main drag at the sponge docks, turns out to be a very disappointing event. You can not capture the uniqueness of the docks and all the stores, bakeries, restaurants and available boat tours. That feeling of arriving in Corfu, Mykonos or being close to Santorini totally disappears when you’re taking pictures and are no longer seating in a convertible car.

Then—and please be aware—the very best thing you can do so you don’t become confused as you try to recall who said what and where to go is, forget the coupons—forget who said, there was all you can drink free sangria; forget who said, here’s a coupon for flaming cheese; forget who said, this one or that one is the best restaurant here and I don’t work for them; forget who said, you will love it, he’s my uncle, or my sister… and forget who said, there, you can get second dish at half price.

Forget all of that. And just go to Hella’s—period.

Unfortunately we didn’t because we didn’t know, the sidewalk hustle was exactly that. There’s no all you can drink free Sangria; there’s no half price of anything anywhere. There’s however about a two square inches of flaming cheese which in the menu shows to be @ $10.00. And overpriced seafood —$43 for a Snapper full of bones—

If you go directly to Hella’s you can bypass all the con jobs and just go straight to the best—but with a slight wait time for a table. And as to coupons, don’t know if they have a ‘rep’ roaming the streets, because Hella’s is right on the strip and is the biggest restaurant there.

I would’ve loved to return to Tarpon Springs at some point, but the con jobs did it for me! So buyer beware, those coupons are worth nothing!—More about my eating experience when I review Mama’s Authentic Greek...

For anyone looking for OLD FLORIDA attractions and experiences, youve found it!!! Tarpon Springs is like going back in time and experiencing Florida the way it used to be. Take a boat ride out to see some Dolphins, a baby manatee and her Mama, get off onto a secret deserted island to collect a handful of shells to take back north and be back in time for lunch at the most AMAZING Greek Restraunt and Bakery, HELLAS!!! The kids eyes will light up with the Flaming Cheese coming to the table, OPA!!! And again when the desserts come out filled with chocolate and strawberries! After lunch browse all the fun lil shops and find a souvenir to take home. You can find anything from Megalodon teeth, giant shells, sea animal plushies, t shirts, and dont forget the FAMOUS Sponges and Handmade Soaps from LORI'S SOAPS! The Honeysuckle scent brings me to a place next to heaven! Oh and the kids love all the cute scents like Monkey Farts!! The best part is taking home a stack of soaps and using them thru out the year to remind you of you fun trip to the village called Tarpon Springs! I swear I can lather up and smell good all day from those soaps! And dont forget to hide one in your panty and socks drawer to make them smell amazing. No matter when you go you will have a great old fashion holiday. Oh and ill share one more secret, go down the main drag and go around the circle and head south of the shops to the little residential area. Its the cutest part of Florida ive ever seen. Its fun just to take a drive or park and take a lil walk around and window shop for your dream home if you win the...

A very tourist style destination. I enjoy this when I want a short walk outside and have a craving for some Greek food. There is a little local flavor beyond the food in some of the small shops, most of which are selling t-shirts and towels, shells, etc. It's very geared toward the tourists and they flock here in good weather. I enjoy all the restaurants on the main strip. A ride on one of the boat tours may be enjoyable, I have not done one in so many years, but as I remember it, a peaceful little ride along the river with some information told by the tour. There are a few sites to go deep sea fishing too.

The main reason I visit is for the food. I recommend you try a cold plate which typically has a variety of strong-tasting spreads. The flaming cheese "saganaki" will have your server encouraging you to yell, 'Opa!' when the cheese is lit at your table. A fun moment. The salads are well known as well as the Gyros. I myself almost always go for the grilled octopus. The stuffed grape leaves "dolmades" are another strong flavor, but I like them.

Hellas is the best-known place to eat and my vote for best bakery. Do not leave without taking a box of baklava home. So many to choose from. Greek cakes and cookies are not as sweet as what you may be used to, but the baklava with its honey coatings will more than meet any sugar craving. Great stuff.

If you are looking for a bit of touristy kind of fun, some good food and a pretty spot to walk along the Anclote River and see some of the sponge boats along the...