🇺🇸 Florida Trip 3: Greek Town – Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks 🧽

Located on Florida’s west coast, less than an hour’s drive north of Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs is a charming Greek-inspired town 🏛️. Originally settled by Greek immigrants who made a living by sponge diving, it has now evolved into a popular tourist destination with authentic Greek food, pastry shops 🍯, and unique local products like natural sponges, soaps, shower gels, and loofahs. 💡 Pro tip: Many restaurants offer free parking—avoid the $10/day street parking! Must-visit: HELLAS RESTAURANT 🏆 Awarded "Most Customer-Satisfying Restaurant" in 2024 by The Talk Awards! The blue-and-white decor immerses you in a Greek vibe 🇬🇷. Complimentary bread with olive oil is served as soon as you sit down 🍶🥖. Recommended Dishes: Greek Salad: Fresh veggies + giant feta cheese + hidden mashed potatoes 🥗 Combination Platter: Greek meat rolls, potatoes, green beans, and rice 🍖 Octopus Dinner: Crispy fried baby octopus 🐙 Salmon Dodecanese: Grilled salmon with tomato-lobster cream sauce + feta 🐟🧀 Shrimp Ala Samos: Pasta loaded with large shrimp 🍤 Seafood Combo: Shrimp, scallops, and seasonal seafood 🦞 Pan-Fried Squid: Tender, juicy squid with salt, pepper, lemon, and olive oil ✨ 📍 Address: Hellas Restaurant 785 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 #Tampa #Florida #GreekTown #TarponSprings #FoodRecommendation #HiddenGemEats #MustTry #SeafoodLover 🍽️🇬🇷🌊