2 Chicas and the Case of the Strange Sponge
Tarpon Springs is a small village known for its large Greek community and their history of sponge diving. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek residents in the country and is considered the “sponge capital of the world”.
All of these traditions live on and the area has any number of Greek restaurants selling traditional foods. Snuggled up against the shores of the Anclote River, the historic sponge docks are a haven of fun for all ages. 2 Chicas are drawn to fun like a turkey vulture is drawn to road kill, so off we go.
As you drive through Tarpon Springs, it is hard not to notice how small the community is, yet it is so filled with tradition. Turning on to Dodecanese Blvd, you are immediately teleported to a different place and time.
Boats and sponges are everywhere, and some of the boats have sponges attached! Chica 2, began dreaming of a luxurious drawn bath with large masculine servants pouring bubble bath into the water. Chica 2 put that sponge down! Incredibly, Chica 2 then began a rambunctious version of some song from Sponge Bob. It’s best not to ask; just go along with it!
Stop into the small Harbormaster/Visitor’s Center building and pick up some information on the area. You can have all your questions answered and get some advice on an interesting boat ride to see the sights down the river.
If not, there are plenty of “callers” on the block trying to entice you to take a ride on their boat. It is an interesting experience that harkens to a different time period.
Next, go over to Sponge O Rama, where there is a free museum. The store also carries lots of trinkets, but so does about a hundred million other souvenir stores on the block. Tee hee he!
Wander down the block and check out the different Greek restaurants. Stop and have lunch or plan for dinner, but you can’t come to Tarpon Springs and not have some authentic Greek food.
Chica 2 randomly picked a restaurant, Costa’s. Chica 2 was reviewing the menu, looked up and yelled “FIRE!!” It’s not a fire Chica 2, it is actually a menu item. Saganaki is a sharp Greek cheese doused with brandy and then extinguished with lemon juice. Naturally we had to secure our own order of flaming cheese. OPA! In addition to being a great presentation, it was also very tasty! Chica 2 stuck to the Fish and Chips, but Chica 1 ordered the Dolmades. Both dishes were very tasty.
Back out on the strip, there is an impressive bronze statue in honor of the sponge divers who lost their lives in the pursuit of their profession. The heavy helmet and small air hose made this a very dangerous occupation. Well, we don’t want to get into teary eyed thinking about all the handsome Greek men who didn’t make it back home….
Make sure you get a good picture of the old diving gear. Chica 2, I’m not sure that head gear will fit, you better stick with your every day helmet – Tee hee he!
Spring Bayou is located just west of the sponge docks and it is the site of the annual Epiphany Celebration in January. Fifty select young men jump into this very cold water in search of a cross that promises an extra special blessing. There is quite an impressive procession of individuals in bright, traditional Greek costumes, grand church pageantry and a few dressed as divers. 2 Chicas salute the town for embracing this spiritual ceremony. Otherwise, this body of water is home to manatees and other Florida wildlife.
There are museums, tours of founder’s homes, and lots to do if you enjoy being out in nature. Come to Tarpon Springs and squeeze a sponge. Yes that’s right a sponge Chica 2. Maybe you’ll get lucky and meet a handsome Greek hunk! Chica 2 says she’s sure that it’s better than squeezing any old brand of toilet paper. Only she understands.
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