Known as the 'Sponge Capital of the World' Tarpon Springs is often considered one of Florida's most interesting small towns. The 'Sponge Capital' tag came from the Greek immigrants that settled here in the last 19th century and harvested the sponges which grew in abundance off shore. Fascinatingly, today almost one third of the entire population still descend from the original Greek settlers.

The winding Spring Bayou Creek runs just south of Tarpon and is bordered by towering oak trees and grand Victorian homes, combined with the smaller initmate buildings alongside the docks help to make this one of the most picturesque towns in the state.

The lively dock area forms the central hub of Tarpon Springs, here you will find a very lively, carnival style atmosphere with quaint old buildings home to a host of souvernir shops and Greek family restaurants. Along the town's main street you find a long line of antiuque shops and art galleries. At the Cultural Center, you can pick up directions for a walking/bus tour of this historic district.

Another excellent attraction, sure to delight the children, is the Spongeorama which is a museum that shows and tells all there is to know about the town's favourite sea creature, the sponge.

For those happy to venture a little further afield you will find major theme park action at Busch Gardens just over 30 minutes away while the fabulous long, white sandy beaches of Clearwater are just a few minutes further. Closer to home is Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only waterpark that is in a completely natural setting and the Weeki Wachee Spring “City of Mermaids” show both in Spring Hill which is only a 15 minute drive north.