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Florida’s gift to you from the Grecian Isles...Tarpon Springs, part III
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Shopping the Tarpon Springs' sponge docks is a delight. But there's much more to see in this friendly town on Florida's
underrated West Coast. So, after you've had your fill of souvenirs (and outstanding Greek pastires in the sidewalk bakeries), think of driving south, about a mile or so to downtown Tarpon Springs.
Exploring Tarpon Springs’ downtown area isn’t as convenient as seeing the sponge docks, but it’s interesting in its own right, and you’ll discover the same sense of history, though not as touristy and not as tidy.
The beautiful church you can’t help but notice on your travel to and from the docks on Pinellas Ave. (Alternate 19) is St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The church is an exact replica of St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople and has nearly two-dozen intricate stained-glass windows. Constructed .jpg)
in 1943, the cathedral’s neo-Byzantine architecture is unique in the area and the sculptured Grecian marble inside is said to have come from the Greek exhibition at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Many graceful icons adorn the interior, including the famous “weeping” Blessed Virgin. Note: call ahead for open hours as the church is closed to the public at various times. Also, proper attire is expected when you visit. 36 N. Pinellas Ave. 727-937-3540.
Originally the Tarpon Springs City Hall, Tarpon Springs Cultural Center resides in a restored brick building with colonial columns. You’ll find the cultural center to be a welcome retreat from the town’s commercialism and its convenient location on Pinellas Ave. is easy to access. Exhibitions rotate to include local artists and national traveling shows in the center's galleries. Concert and film schedules change weekly, and are usually reasonably priced. This is a good place to take a break from touring activities and learn about Tarpon Springs history. You might even find a neat item in the museum gift shop. 101 S. Pinellas Ave. 727-942-5605.
The Downtown Historic District has been greatly upgraded in recent years and offers an array of interesting shops and restaurants to sample. Centered primarily around the junction of Pinellas Ave. and Tarpon Ave., there are perhaps a dozen antique shops to explore, as well as crafts outlets and art galleries. Overall, prices are very reasonable. At the east end of the district (160 E. Tarpon Ave.) is the Tarpon Springs Historical Society housed in a former Old Atlantic Coast railroad station. One section has an animated model train exhibit you might enjoy. Other areas have pleasant displays on Tarpon Springs history. Open Tues-Fri: 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sat., Noon - 4:00 p.m. Free admission. 727-943-4624.
Not far from downtown is beautiful Spring Bayou, one of Tarpon’s true highlights any time of year. During winter months, manatees often cruise into the bayou and frolic in the clear water. January 6 is the most important date every winter, as this day marks the celebration of Epiphany. See it once and you will never forget the pageantry of this decorous religious event.
First, a procession marches from St. Nicholas Church to Spring Bayou, where the Archbishop tosses a cross into the water. Young Greek lads dive in and compete to recover it...the triumphant retriever is then carried back to the church and blessed with a year of good luck Afterward, Spring Bayou and Craig Park is the scene of festive, old-fashioned eating, drinking and dancing. It really is an amazing ceremony if you have the chance to see it at the height of the Florida tourist season.
Next time, we will explore dining options in Tarpon Springs—the dockside Greek cuisine is authentic and delicious. If you would like to make a comment, please do. If you missed the first two parts about Tarpon Springs, start here.
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