Gator Country

**alphaOmegator** · 06-16-2013, 10:07 AM

Has anyone got a feel for Tarpon Springs in terms of attractions, good restaurants, and places to stay? Are there any nice breaches in the vicinity?

Wife has training in Tampa week of the 24th and we are thinking of going to Tarpon Springs for a few days prior to her training. I visited so many years ago that I don't remember much at all about the place.

Thanks for anyone's insights...

corpgator · 06-16-2013, 10:37 AM

Lots of good Greek restaurants. Sunset beach and Fred Howard Beach are both nice. Fred Howard is good for a long visit. Sunset beach is mostly to watch just that the name says.

Mykonos and Costas are pretty recommended. Stay away from Hellas. On Dodacanese Blvd there is a small stand attached to the gift shop on the water side that sells mostly gyros called The Limani. They are fantastic.

deathroll · 06-16-2013, 12:35 PM

Brother lives there. Never thought of visiting Tarpon Springs for more than a few hours; don't believe I could.

Make reservations for Berns Steakhouse in Tampa. Tour the kitchen and the wine cellar after your meal, then go upstairs for dessert and coffee/a drink.

deathroll · 06-16-2013, 12:40 PM

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...s_Florida.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...s_Florida.html

**ufMIB** · 06-16-2013, 01:33 PM

Go to honeymoon island state park in dunedin for the beach, nice place. There is a ferry to caladesi island that is pretty too, it rates up there on the nicest beaches lists that come out. 10-15 minutes from Tarpon springs.

**toon66** · 06-16-2013, 02:43 PM

You can do Tarpon in a day, no problem. Take Deathroll's advice on Bern's and add a good Cuban restaurant to the mix. I recommend Arco Iris on Columbus Dr. Don't let anyone tell you to go to La Terresita, no good.

If you want a beach, go to St Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grille.

u2gator · 06-16-2013, 03:44 PM

If you are looking to go to that area for a couple of days look into staying at Innisbrook. Rather then go to the beach in Tarpon you can relax at one of the Innisbrook pools (plus you can golf if that is your thing). You can go to Tarpon for the afternoon to look around and then grab a bite to eat. Our favorite is Mr Souvlakis, can't beat the Greek chow mein they serve there.

Wuerffel5220 · 06-16-2013, 04:06 PM

Agree with the crowd that a few hours in Tarpon is plenty

**toon66** · 06-16-2013, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by u2gator

If you are looking to go to that area for a couple of days look into staying at Innisbrook. Rather then go to the beach in Tarpon you can relax at one of the Innisbrook pools (plus you can golf if that is your thing). You can go to Tarpon for the afternoon to look around and then grab a bite to eat. Our favorite is Mr Souvlakis, can't beat the Greek chow mein they serve there.

Yes, mr Souvlakis is a good one. If I am having a slow work day, I'll make drive up there for that. Sometimes you need to take a 2.5 hour lunch. Stop off at Lucky Dill on US 19 on the way back for some baked goods.

anstro76 · 06-17-2013, 01:06 AM

enjoy tarpon

**tbgrowler** · 06-17-2013, 07:54 AM

Mama Maria's on alt 19 and rusty bellies at the very end of the sponge docks are both consistently excellent. Walking the docks and shops is fun for a few hours. Fred Howard park is nice and quiet beach scene filled with locals. Fishing inshore is great. Si.ghtseeing by boat is very nice with lots to see I'm a fifteen year TS resident

jsc28 · 06-17-2013, 08:04 AM

No need to stay longer than a lunch or dinner.

rburnett · 06-17-2013, 02:06 PM

Used to live near there and went to middle school in tarpon springs. Skip the sponge docks crap and go to caladesi island.

gtr2x · 06-17-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsc28

No need to stay longer than a lunch or dinner.

That's my take also.

Have relatives in Pasco and a friend that lives in Tarpon Springs. Better places to spend a couple days imo.

**alphaOmegator** · Yesterday, 03:37 PM

Any fairly nice places to stay in Tarpon Springs? Also, we are really looking for several days of peace and quiet away from any hustle and bustle....secluded beaches, a hotel not near to shopping centers, etc. Any help here, guys?

u2gator · Yesterday, 03:42 PM

Alpha- you really should look into staying at Innisbrook. It is on the edge of Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. It for the most part can be considered all inclusive as you do not need to leave the property for anything once you check in. There are crowded family pools but also some quiet out if the way pools. Good is good, golf is great, there is tennis and a spa. Cannot go wrong there.

**supagator** · Yesterday, 04:45 PM

Really don't understand why so many people think it's nicer on the West coast of Florida than the East coast. And if your gonna say because of the beaches. Whatever! There is nowhere to sit on a nice day and the traffic is awful to and from.

**toon66** · Yesterday, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphaOmegator

Any fairly nice places to stay in Tarpon Springs? Also, we are really looking for several days of peace and quiet away from any hustle and bustle....secluded beaches, a hotel not near to shopping centers, etc. Any help here, guys?

You have to understand that Tarpon isn't known for beaches or has any hotels to speak of. Innisbrook is probably the closest you're going to get.

**toon66** · Yesterday, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supagator

Really don't understand why so many people think it's nicer on the West coast of Florida than the East coast. And if your gonna say because of the beaches. Whatever! There is nowhere to sit on a nice day and the traffic is awful to and from.

Well, his wife is training in Tampa so the east coast isn't an option.

rpmGator · Yesterday, 06:42 PM

The beach off Tarpon Springs, Caladesi Island and Longboat Key had the cleanest water in the state in the last rating I saw.

You can also go south from Tampa instead of north and hit some of the best beaches in the state. Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Lido and Siesta are just south of Tampa, and have a ton of great beaches and things to do.

Prices are more reasonable this time of year also.