Viewing posts categorised under: Things To Do
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Craft Beer, Dining, Downtown District, Family, Florida, Food, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, Wine | 0 comments
This article is part of a series of pieces written by Visit St. Pete Clearwater called “Detours” designed to send you just a little off the beaten path from the beaches and attractions of St. Pete/Clearwater, to discover other, lesser-known local favorites like family-run stores, unique galleries, and tantalizing restaurants. Read on and take a Detour into authentic St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida!
Tarpon Tavern, Tarpon Springs. A local favorite.
Dan Jenkin figured the last thing his adopted hometown of Tarpon Springs needed was another place serving gyros, souvlaki and moussaka. The county’s popular Greek community, with its rustic sponge docks and kitschy shops, has more than its share of Greek eateries.
Dan chose a different path with the Tarpon Tavern in the downtown district, a few blocks south of the Hellenic-focused waterfront. It’s an American place—with food he describes as “traditional American that’s been brought up a few notches.”
When he opened Tarpon Tavern four years ago, the big question was: Would the locals come? It didn’t take long to get an answer: absolutely. The restaurant/bar (emphasis on restaurant) has become a go-to place where locals mix easily with visitors.
In Tarpon Tavern’s first year, Urban Spoon named it one of the Top 50 Bar/Restaurants in the U.S.
The 1920s-era building is painted an eye-catching ruddy pink. It features a homey interior and a breezy covered deck, each of which seats 50.
Dan, a first-time restaurateur, came up with most of the menu items. The staples are burgers and sandwiches, along with salads, flatbreads, seafood and pasta. Behold the ultra-tasty Big Buffalo, a gargantuan stack of breaded, fried chicken bathed in buffalo sauce, topped with bacon and bleu cheese crumbles on a brioche bun.
Dan proudly represents St. Pete/Clearwater’s booming craft brewery scene by serving a rotating array of locally produced beers.
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Events, Family, Florida, News, Things To Do | 0 comments
The Mottola Twins will be performing at Tarpon Springs First Friday events.
Meet Anthony and Vincent Mottola, 16 year old twin brothers who share a passion for music.
The Mottola Twins first performed live when they were eight years old. Mom and Dad set up instruments for the boys in front of a strip mall during Christmas. Anthony and Vincent played holiday songs that they had been practicing.
Over the past eight years Anthony and Vincent have continued to perform in talent shows in elementary, middle, and high school. The boys have also done many performances at their church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where they attended faith formation and Life, a teen youth program.
A Talented Team of Two.
Vincent loves dancing, playing drums, piano and acoustic guitar. Anthony and Vincent both love photography, acting, and travel, and performed in the play Bye Bye Birdie at the Richey Suncoast Theatre. The Mottola Twins were selected one of 26 talented youths in the Tampa Bay Area out of 300 applicants to join the Grammy Revolution Project at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Anthony composed two original songs and performed them live at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and came first runner up in a local singing contest at the 21st Annual Philippine Festival. The boys are devoted to their studies and being respectful to everyone.
The Mottola Twins perform locally as an acoustic duo playing anything from Justin Bieber, Greenday to James Taylor. Anthony and Vincent recently played at the Grand Opening of the Rays 3rd baseman Evan Longoria’s restaurant, Ducky’s. They also performed at Taste of South Tampa, Oldsmar Beef O Brady’s, and are preparing for their third performance at Tarpon Springs First Friday.
If you love acoustic music, don't miss the Mottola Twins live performance at Tarpon Spring's next First Friday Event!
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in art, Downtown District, Family, Historical, Museum, photography, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, tours | 0 comments
The Heritage Museum is situated in Craig Park on beautiful Spring Bayou. This beautifully renovated facility, formerly a library, has two separate wings. The History Wing traces the development of Tarpon Springs from prehistoric times to the Second World War. It features a vintage photography exhibit of the city, a native American presentation and a sponge diving film and display. The film is shown on demand and is 16 minutes in length.
The Greek Community of Tarpon Springs
A permanent interactive exhibit, “The Greek Community of Tarpon Springs” explores the history and culture of the Greek community, including domestic traditions, food, ways, religion, and celebrations. It also includes a special focus on the sponge industry and other maritime traditions, as well as music and dance. A Greek Arts Kiosk features examples of music, video and photos of local and Greek traditions and festivals. Tour groups will enjoy exploring the exhibit and talks by local experts can be arranged in advance.
The ecology wing features the large-scale murals of Tarpon Springs artist Christopher Still. The murals are fine giclee reproductions of the series that hangs in the chambers of Florida House of Representatives, and tell the story of the state’s vivid history. Each of the murals contains many symbolic elements that introduce the people and events that shaped Florida’s history from 16th century European discovery to modern times.
The Heritage Museum is located at the heart of Tarpon Springs, in shady Craig Park overlooking Spring Bayou. The serene waters of the Bayou attracted the town’s very first settlers, and many wealthy northerners of the late 19th century later built their winter homes on this “Golden Crescent.” Still very much a town landmark, the bayou is the site of the annual Greek Orthodox Epiphany Celebration and cross-diving ceremony, and the winter home of numerous manatees.
Chamber music concerts and lectures are held at the Heritage Museum, and it is also available for rental for weddings and special functions.
HOURS AND ADMISSION
Wednesday and Friday 11 am-4 pm. Admission is $3.00 for adults, children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. TarponArts members are always admitted free.
GROUPS
Schools and other groups are entitled to group rates (school children $1, other groups of 10 or more $2). Chaperones are admitted free with 10 paying guests.
Directions to Heritage Museum
From U.S. 19, go west on Tarpon Avenue to the end of the street at Spring Boulevard. Make a left and an immediate right around Craig Park. The Museum is the first building on the right.
Parking at Heritage Museum
Parking is free at the Heritage Museum. There is both street parking and a parking lot behind the building. The main entrance is ADA accessible.
Visit TarponArts.org for more information.
Photos and text courtesy of Tarpon Arts.
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Family, Florida, Historical, Museum, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do | 0 comments
One of Tarpon Springs’ best kept secrets is the 1883 Safford House Museum. Visiting the home of one of the city’s original developers is a journey back in time.The Safford House has been restored to its original Victorian splendor and is open to the public. Today the Safford residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned and operated by the City of Tarpon Springs as a museum.
The house is a fine example of late 19th century Florida vernacular architecture and is filled with period furnishings and original family possessions that bring the Safford family to life. A visit offers the opportunity to get acquainted with the family and to experience Florida life more than 100 years ago.
The late 1800s, when Anson P.K. Safford and his family resided in Tarpon Springs, was an era of gracious living without the pressures of modern society. Touring their house takes visitors back to that restful time and place. From the charming porch swing to the large inviting dining room, the house is filled with pleasant spaces where friends and family gathered for meals and social events.
The Safford House is located in the historic district off Grand Boulevard at 23 Parkin Court. It was donated to the City of Tarpon Springs in 1994. The extensive restoration was funded by the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources and the City of Tarpon Springs. Furnishings were provided in part by a Save America’s Treasures grant, and donations by local residents.
Hours and Location of Safford House Museum
Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 3 PM. Admission is $3 to tour the House; children accompanied by adults are free. Cultural Treasures members are admitted free to tour the house. Please call 727-937-1130 for further information or to schedule a tour, or email. Special events are scheduled during the year, such as the annual Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tour.
Directions to Safford House Museum
The House is located at 23 Parkin Court off Grand Blvd. in Tarpon Springs, Florida, 34689. From U.S. 19 take Tarpon Avenue west to the end of the street (1 mile); Make a right on Spring Boulevard. At the stop sign, proceed straight through the intersection. Make a left on Parkin Court (two blocks north). Go to the end of the street. See map.
Parking
Parking is free in the lot next to the House.
Photo and text courtesy of TarponArts.org
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Amusement, Craft Beer, Dining, Downtown District, Events, Florida, Food, Shopping, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, Wine | 0 comments
29.04.16
Join the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association on the first Friday of every month for our First Friday Event!
The event is held in the Downtown District of Tarpon Springs on E. Tarpon Avenue, Hibiscus Street and Safford from 6pm-10pm on the first Friday of every month (excluding January and December). There will be live music, vendors, food concessions, beer, wine and a different theme each month.
May 6th, 2016 is Latin Night!
Love handmade? We have 100 vendors selling everything from soaps...
textiles...
handcrafted food...
kettle corn, wood work...you name it! All handmade by our community's talented artisans and artists.
The Tarpon Springs Merchants Association supports the "Shop Local" initiative.
There are many people who supplement their income by vending at festivals and markets like ours. For some, it is a hobby that they hope will one day be a full-time venture. Your support and encouragement can help launch the business of their dreams. Before you click the 'Buy It Now" button online, why not see what our local community has to offer? All of our downtown businesses support and carry local art, jewelry, accessories, and many other items. If we don't make a concerted effort to support local, it won't be long before all we have is big box discount stores. How boring would that be?
Many of the local boutiques and galleries have extended hours on the evening of the event. This is a great way to discover the eclectic art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, home decor, furniture & gift stores that Downtown Tarpon Springs has to offer.
Prefer to dine in?
The downtown district has award-winning burgers and craft beer at our taverns, breweries and sports bars...
Fine dining, from Modern American to Greek...
Bistros...
Craft pizza...
Bakeries...
with mouth-watering pie...
and strong coffee : )
Bring the kids and enjoy Replay Amusement Museum which houses the largest collection of classic arcade and pinball machines in the Southeast!
Concerned about parking?
No worries!
Park in the Splash Park parking lot at 508 Live Oak Street and we will bus you to the event.
The bus will run from 5pm-10:30pm.
If you are interested in being a vendor
please email tarponspringsflorida@gmail.com and an application will be emailed to you.
A 10’x10′ booth space is only $20, (additional fee of $15 for electric).
This is a great way to promote your business or product and direct people to your Etsy or online store.
We hope to see you at this fun monthly event!
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Amusement, Boat Cruises, Boating, Dining, Downtown District, Events, Florida, News, Shopping, Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do | 0 comments
27.05.15
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Amusement, Boat Cruises, Dining, Downtown District, Events, Florida, Food, Shopping, Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, Wine | 0 comments
27.05.15
Expect The Unexpected In Tarpon Springs!
A visit to the World Famous Sponge Docks will transport you to a charming Grecian fishing village and working waterfront, with many eclectic, independent shops, restaurants and bakeries that sprinkle the streets. One can't help but fall in love with the small town where both Greek and Floridian histories blend together to create an intoxicating cornucopia for the senses.
While at the Sponge Docks, why not BOOK A TOUR with a Tarpon Springs native...
Since the first Greek settlers arrived in Tarpon Springs in the early 1900s, the district has thrived as a cultural haven where generations have planted roots that sprouted into what has now become a prime Florida destination.
The historic community of Downtown Tarpon Springs and SURROUNDING AREA is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also an All American City Finalist.
The Pinellas Trail runs right through the Downtown District and links to the Splash Park, Dog Park and Sponge Docks area.
For locals living in the surrounding cities, Downtown Tarpon Springs serves as a quintessential and convenient escape from the norm. The myriad of mom-and-pop retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, brewery, winery and taverns in this district help create an ideal setting to enjoy a stroll in the beautiful climate, sample culinary treasures or enjoy a savory meal, shop for a new outfit or stylish home décor, take in the picturesque scenery and much more. The district has so much to see and do that every visit is a fresh, invigorating experience.
Visitors with a knack for marine life can take a short walk from the Downtown District and head to Spring Bayou and Craig Park to see Alma, a famous six-foot-four-inch striking bronze mermaid sculpture. During the winter months, manatees become the local favorite as they grace Spring Bayou in search of warmer waters.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, shops, restaurants and working waterfront, what else can you expect in Tarpon Springs? A good celebration! It's no wonder the eclectic seaside community attracts thousands of visitors: in addition to its vibrant "Shop Local" initiative, the district hosts monthly festivals and events that include the Fine Art Festival, Seafood Festival, Night In The Islands, Snow Place Like Tarpon Avenue and an Antique Car Show.
For more information about the unique shops, restaurants, bakeries, taverns, breweries, tours, cruises, events, and more, visit TarponSpringsFloridaUSA.com.
"Like" Tarpon Springs Florida USA on Facebook for frequent updates, specials and event news. Follow @Visit_Tarpon on Twitter.
Expect The Unexpected In Tarpon Springs!
textiles...
Bring the kids and enjoy Replay Amusement Museum which houses the largest collection of classic arcade and pinball machines in the Southeast!
