Historic Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs, Florida: A stroll along the historic sponge docks of Tarpon Springs is a trip back in time.  This coastal city has thrived of the sponging industry for over a hundred years and evidence of this tradition is alive and well up and down Dodecanese Boulevard.

Originally founded by farmers and fisherman in 1876 and was named after the Tarpon seen jumping from the waters of the bayou. While this was how the town was founded, this wouldn't be what made the town come alive. Philadelphia banker John Cheyney relocated to Tarpon Springs in the 1880's and opened the town's first sponging operation and from there the legacy of Tarpon Springs began. But the industry and the town would be changed forever in 1905 when Greek business man John Cocoris came to Tarpon Springs and introduced sponge diving and transformed the coastal town into little Greece. The sponging industry became a multi-million dollar industry and Greek immigrants migrated to Tarpon Spring making it the largest Greek residency in the United States.


As you walk down Dodecanese Boulevard you can see the Greek influence on the island in the shops and restaurants that line the waterfront. At just five blocks long, Dodecanese Boulevard packs a big punch in such a little area.  From the food and pastry shops to the solicitors walking up and down the streets trying to get you to buy anything from dolphin cruises to flaming cheese, Greek culture is every you look.  Across the boulevard and onto the docks, the maritime industry comes alive.  Along the docks you will find vessels filled with fresh sponges and fresh fish, all which are available in the shops and restaurants that line Dodecanese Boulevard.

There is plenty to see and do along Dodecanese Boulevard.  There is the Tarpon Spring Aquarium, the St Nicholas sponge diving tour, Sponge-O-Rama and many more shops, restaurants and attractions.  There is a something here for everyone in the family from trying new foods, learning new cultures or just sitting down and people watching.  In addition to the permanent attractions, be sure to check the visitor's center for exciting events like the seafood festival or the popular night in the islands event.

Click on the photo above to view my Tarpon Springs photo gallery.

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