After the discovery of natural sponge beds in the early 1900s, Greek sponge divers arrived in Tarpon Springs, a community at the northern end of the St Petersburg/Clearwater area. The main attraction of Tarpon Springs then became its famous Sponge Docks, which are set along the Anclote River. The Greek heritage is still strong here - if you’re even remotely of Hellas heritage, you’ll probably discover a cousin or two in this tow

Dodecanese Boulevard, which follows the riverfront, is lined with gift shops that carry everything from souvenirs to home goods, natural sponges to olive oil soap. Wander a few blocks south and you’ll find several antique shops on downtown’s Tarpon Avenue. Authentic Greek restaurants - including Mama’s Greek Cuisine, Hellas and Mykonos - smell too good to resist. Stop in for a honey-infused pastry and