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Lake Tarpon

Tarpon Springs

The northern terminus of the Pinellas Trail, Tarpon Springs has a rich history as an early Greek settlement

Tarpon Springs sponges

Exploring Tarpon Springs

Settled in 1852, Tarpon Springs is the most Greek of Florida communities. Settlers from the Dodecanese Islands – which include Rhodes and Kos – brought their knowledge of diving with pressurized suits to collect sponges as they did in the Mediterranean, creating Florida’s natural sponge industry. The original Greek settlement along the Anclote River feels like a piece of Rhodes dropped in Florida. Although touristy (just like the original), it’s a charming place to stroll the waterfront, visit the Sponge-O-Rama, and indulge in tasty Greek food at a variety of restaurants.

Closer to the springs for which the city is named, the historic downtown district is just as walkable. It is the terminus of the 38.2-mile Pinellas Trail, a paved bicycle trail stretching south to St. Petersburg. The Tri-County Trail, a northerly bike path connection into Pasco County, contributes to this as part of the greater Florida Coast to Coast Trail, 250 miles across the state.

Lake Tarpon is an imposing presence in the community, which grew around it. Fed by Brooker Creek, which rises from marshes to the northeast of the lake, it has large parks like A.L. Anderson Park and John Chesnut Sr. Park protecting significant portions of its cypress-lined shores.

Resources

50 Hikes in Central Florida Orlando & Central Florida: An Explorer's Guide Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State Exploring Florida's Botanical Wonders

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.

Featured Destinations

Beach at Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park
Caladesi Island beachfront

Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park

Brooker Creek Preserve

Brooker Creek Preserve
Anclote Gulf Park boardwalk

Anclote Gulf Park

Anclote Gulf Park
John Chesnut Park

John Chesnut Sr. Park

John Chesnut Sr. Park
Bike path through pine forest

Florida Coast to Coast Trail

Florida Coast to Coast Trail
Tarpon Springs sponges

Sponge-O-Rama

Sponge-O-Rama
Honeymoon Island Osprey Trail

Osprey and Pelican Trails

Osprey and Pelican Trails

ALL Destinations

Articles

The bins outside Gift World

Gifting in Greek

June 29, 2009//  by Sandra Friend

Gift World in Tarpon Springs is the one place I know I can find authentic imports from Greece, be it the latest pop CD from Anna Vizzi or a new alphabet primer for the little ones.

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INCLUDES: Oldsmar, Palm Harbor | NEARBY: Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, New Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Tampa| PART OF: Central Florida

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