Tarpon Springs
Spring Bayou, one block west of downtown, is home to manatees and dolphins in winter and the site where men dive for the cross during the Epiphany Celebration in January. Nearby Crescent Circle features lovely Victorian homes. The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum , 100 Beekman Ln. in Craig Park, features a variety of items pertaining to the Victorian era as well as a video presentation about the history of the sponge-diving industry; phone (727) 937-0686.
A replica of St. Sophia's in Constantinople, the 1943 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral , at the corner of Pinellas Avenue (US 19A) and Orange Street, is the center of colorful pageantry during Greek festivals; phone (727) 937-3540. St. Michael Shrine at 113 Hope St. reflects the Greek culture through its artwork and murals.
The Safford House , at 23 Parkin Ct., was home to Anson Safford and his family. Safford was one of the city's founders. His sister, Mary Jane, was the first practicing female physician in Florida; phone (727) 937-1130.
Tarpon Springs also offers two sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico: Fred Howard Park, 1700 Sunset Dr.; and Sunset Beach, 1800 Gulf Rd.
Visitor Centers
Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce 1 N. Pinellas Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Phone:(727)937-6109
Shopping
More than 100 gift shops and homespun Greek eateries dot the historic Sponge Docks area; you’ll find most establishments on Dodecanese Boulevard and along Athens Street. Munch on sticky baklava chunks as you putter past tour boat operators bellowing the latest cruise times and neat sale racks displaying sandals of every color and dimension. Along with a myriad of sea-harvested products, including loofahs and natural sponges, local businesses proffer a variety of keepsakes—from shell jewelry and safari hats to tropical wind chimes and hand-rolled cigars. Break up your afternoon of Florida kitsch by visiting Tarpon Springs’ historic downtown, home to a handful of antiques dealers operating on Tarpon Avenue.