Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tucked on the edge of Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs is more than just a coastal town. It’s a cultural treasure with deep Greek roots, lively traditions, and a downtown that buzzes with flavor and music.

Tarpon Springs earned its fame from the sea and sponges are its crown jewel. Thanks to the perfect waters along its coast, Greek immigrants built a thriving sponge industry here in the early 1900s. That legacy still thrives today.

On the St. Nicholas Boat Line, historic sponge-diving boats still harvest sponges the traditional way. Take a step back in time as you watch divers in heavy suits plunge to the ocean floor to carry on this remarkable tradition.

And every January, history comes alive during the Epiphany Celebration. For over a century, this iconic event has honored the baptism of Christ. Crowds gather as young men dive into the waters of Spring Bayou, racing to retrieve a cross thrown in by a priest. It’s the largest Epiphany celebration in America, and the town’s pride is evident.

Stroll through downtown and it feels like you’ve crossed the Atlantic. Along Dodecanese Boulevard, you’ll find blue-and-white storefronts, shops overflowing with sponges, and the aroma of fresh Greek pastries drifting from the bakeries.

Despite its small population of just 12,000, Tarpon Springs packs a punch. With over 125 businesses and 25 restaurants, the town is a lively mix of culture, history, and entertainment.

Foodies won’t leave disappointed. At Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, you can bite into flaky baklava, flaming saganaki cheese, or a classic gyro stuffed to the brim with flavor. If you’re craving something different, head to H’ours Creole Smokehouse, where New Orleans BBQ meets live music in a space that hums with energy.

Of course, it wouldn’t be LOST IN without a little thrill. With Elite Watersports, e-foiling offers an adrenaline rush like no other. You’ll strap in, rise above the waves, and glide across the Gulf with views of open ocean stretching endlessly ahead. It’s not quite flying, but it’s close.

Whether you’re sampling Greek desserts, cheering at the Epiphany Celebration, or soaring above the Gulf on an e-foil, this town wraps you in history and leaves you hungry for more.

So, grab your walking shoes, your appetite, and your sense of adventure. Tarpon Springs is waiting, and trust us, it’s a place worth getting LOST IN.