When I travel, I love to zero in on what I call the real places of the world. In Tarpon Springs, in West Central Florida, about 30 miles northwest of St. Petersburg I found a small, but extremely vibrant, authentic Greek community. Although this…Read More

When I travel, I love to zero in on what I call the real places of the world. In Tarpon Springs, in West Central Florida, about 30 miles northwest of St. Petersburg I found a small, but extremely vibrant, authentic Greek community. Although this little village has definitely been discovered, it has its roots in history. It dates back to the 1880’s when Greek sponge divers and their families immigrated here to carry on their sponge diving occupation. Today, Tarpon Springs is know as the sponge capital of the world, and you’ll find plenty of sponge related activities here—from sponge diving exhibitions and a museum and a deep-sea fishing boat where you can see sponge divers at work, and lots of gift shops. But my daughter and I love this quaint Mediterranean village for its array of authentically delicious Greek cuisine.

To get an overall view of this little town of about 20,000, start your visit at The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, where you can watch a Smithsonian video about the fascinating history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs. There are plenty of souvenir shops here, but, unlike many other places, these shops are authentic: Greek people selling Greek merchandise.

Tarpon Springs has many lively festivals and events through out the year. But if you plan your visit for January 6th, Epiphany Day, a Greek religious celebration of the Baptism of Jesus, you’ll be able to attend the celebration at The St. Nicholas Cathedral and, down at the water, witness enthusiastic Greek boys as dive into the water for a cross.

Look closely and, as these competitive swimmers wait for the signal to dive, you’ll probably see more than one cross himself with his right hand—and, with the left, make certain an opponent doesn’t get between him and the water. I haven’t been here for this festival, but as a staunch supporter of women’s liberation, I wonder if the girls are given the opportunity to try. After the dive, the town comes alive with festive parades dancing, celebrating and, of course, plenty of tasty Greek food.

When you come to Tarpon Springs at any time of the year, come hungry…real hungry for here you will find an array of Greek foods that would make even the Greek Gods happy. I’ve eaten in the Mykonos Restaurant twice. Family owned and operated, it offers a vast array of delicious Greek foods. You can treat your taste buds to such authentic Greek delicacies such as and Soutzoukakia (ground beef and Greek herbs, charbroiled on a skewer), Taramosalata (fresh caviar spread), and patatokeftedes (pan-fried Greek potato patties). Accompany these with delicious Greek village bread and pastries from their own bakery, and you’ll think that you’ve been transported to Greece.

After all that food, take it easy for a while by going on a sponge diving boat ride with the St. Nicholas Boat Line, where you can witness an actual sponge diving exhibition. St. Nicholas Boat Lines in the oldest established sponge diving exhibit in the western hemisphere. You’ll board a U. S. Coast Guard Certified Vessel and then take a half-hour round trip boat cruise through the historic sponge docks of Tarpon Springs. Through the narration, you’ll learn about the history of sponge diving and then have a demonstration of sponge harvesting as you watch a diver in traditional diving equipment jump, weight himself down and jump overboard. For more information contact For more information visit tarponsprings.com.

This is a classic travel story. One evening in 1927, a Mrs. Mae Risher and her husband were dining at the elegant Vinoy in St. Petersburg, Florida. Before leaving the dining room, they asked the waiter for a paper cup of water for their thirsty…Read More

This is a classic travel story. One evening in 1927, a Mrs. Mae Risher and her husband were dining at the elegant Vinoy in St. Petersburg, Florida. Before leaving the dining room, they asked the waiter for a paper cup of water for their thirsty dog, who was in the car. The water was delivered, in typical Vinoy style, in a small silver creamer pitcher.

After satisfying the dog’s thirst, they said they tried to return the creamer, but somehow managed to drive off with the creamer. This little pitcher, now on display at the Vinoy, traveled the world with the couple to places as far away as Germany and Hawaii. Mrs. Risher finally was able to return the creamer to the Vinoy in 1999.

Today, the luxurious 77-year-old Renaissance Vinoy Resort, still offers a truly magnificent experience for travelers. Originally built in 1925, this stylish resort in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, pampers guests with its elegant setting, a variety of fine dining experiences, and attentive, yet unpretentious service.

At The Terrace Room, you’ll be surrounded by massive pillars, hand-painted ceiling and walls, and rich plaster carvings that provide a stylish setting for your breakfast, lunch, dinner—or most impressive Sunday Brunch. How does Macadamia Crusted Grouper and Black Pepper Stuffed Ravioli with feta cheese, spinach and pine nuts sound? These are some of the most popular items on their menu.

The Vinoy offers variety of other dining options including Marchand’s Bar and Grill, with a definite Mediterranean flair, both in décor and in cuisine. Chef Tom Chin’s creativity is something you’ll soon learn to appreciate once you dine here.

At Alfresco, the resort’s Florida-style restaurant, you can enjoy indoor/outdoor (this is Florida, after all) service with a light and creative menu. Since the restaurant overlooks the pool and tennis complex, you’ll definitely be able to enjoy a tropical, laid-back atmosphere.

And, if those choices aren’t enough, there’s Fred’s Bar, a private dining room open to Vinoy Club members and resort guests only, the Clubhouse Restaurant, located at the famous Renaissance Vinoy Gold Club, and the stylish Promenade Lounge, their graceful open-air cocktail lounge.

Warning, if you dine at the Vinoy, you’ll wish you had made reservations to stay here.

For more information about the Renaissance Vinoy, visit www.renaissancehotels.com

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Central Florida area is a nature lover’s paradise. Of course, there are the beaches, a definite major attraction. But there is so much more here for the nature lover. It’s difficult to select a favorite nature experience here — there are so…Read More

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Central Florida area is a nature lover’s paradise. Of course, there are the beaches, a definite major attraction. But there is so much more here for the nature lover.

It’s difficult to select a favorite nature experience here — there are so many. In Central Florida in Polk County, for example, you can enjoy the formal gardens of the Bok Tower Gardens, as well as soak up the natural beauty of its Pine Ridge Nature Trail. On the Florida National Scenic Trail, you’ll be able to witness the swampy homeland of bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, and, of course, some of those famous Florida gators--and I'm not talking football.

From state parks such as Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales, to the bird-watchers paradise of the Audubon Nature Center, you’ll feel good about seeing so much nature at peace.

But, of all of the nature activities, my favorite has to be the Butterfly Conservatory at Cypress Gardens. Here, in this steamy greenhouse, I felt as if I were in a cathedral, surrounded by magnificent creatures so beautiful that I could never really find the words to describe their ethereal ballet. As a photographer, I was truly in heaven as these gentle creatures flew around me, landing, as if they were professional models, in just the right position and lighting.

You could easily spend a couple of days at Cypress Gardens itself because it has everything from exciting action sports to show-stopping entertainment. But, for me, it’s the Butterfly Conservatory that truly captivates me. Fortunately, with the admission ticket, you can enter as many times as you wish.

Once known as Wildlife on Easy Street, this place is a sure eye-opener for those of you who may have had the thought cross your mind of getting a large cat. It has the world's largest and most diverse collection of rare and exotic cats.…Read More

Once known as Wildlife on Easy Street, this place is a sure eye-opener for those of you who may have had the thought cross your mind of getting a large cat. It has the world's largest and most diverse collection of rare and exotic cats. In 1995, Big Cat Rescue became a non profit organization. In their first year, they raised $17,000 to offset the $180,000 annual cost of caring for all of the exotic cats. As of 2003, the sanctuary houses over 200 animals and requires more than $1,100 per day to keep the animals fed and sheltered.

They do their best to take care of the cats through fundraising and marketing. They even orchestrated their first black-tie fundraiser called The Fur Ball and raised ten times more than what they typically did in a fundraiser, netting $22,000. All money raised go directly to the care of the cats and keeping the sanctuary running. Specials have been done on this place by the following:

Jack Hannah Show
Animal Planet
Dateline NBC
Cat Fancy
People Magazine
Discovery Channel
Today Show
Sports Illustrated

If anyone gets the chance to visit or even stay a night, it will really change how you think about things. I had the pleasure to spend a night in one of their cabins next to a lion that had severe medical problems in 2001 due to being mistreated, and it was the most eye-opening experience ever to see what this poor animal had to go through, as well as to see the round-the-clock watch to make sure she was okay. If anyone has the extra money, you can also adopt a cat and help with the care of a cat. Please see their website at www.bigcatrescue.com.

Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to set foot upon these shores, somewhere in Charlotte harbor in 1513. In 1539, while searching for gold, Hernando de Soto sailed into Tampa Bay. The Indian tribes living there called their village `Tanpa`, which means `sticks…Read More

Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to set foot upon these shores, somewhere in Charlotte harbor in 1513. In 1539, while searching for gold, Hernando de Soto sailed into Tampa Bay. The Indian tribes living there called their village `Tanpa`, which means `sticks of fire`. Early explorers misspelled the name when they drew up maps, and the area became known as Tampa.

The first white men traveled to western Florida for adventure. And they found it aplenty: half-naked natives, tricky waterways, impenetrable swamp, and fire-brewed stews. In search for gold and youth, they chose to kill some natives and curse the rest. They brought their own hogs, cows, and citrus to eat, then eventually left, discouraged by the persistent onslaughts from the resident Amerindian tribes – the Timucua around today’s Tampa and Sarasota, the Calusa in the south. Legends fill the region’s early times with dastardly pirates who came to prey upon ships sailing between the Caribbean and established towns in northern Florida. More prevalent in the 17th through the 19th centuries were Spanish fishermen and farmers. They lived in stilt houses built on sand shoals. Actually, commercial fishing developed into a thriving industry.

In the 19th century Florida, after being passed back and forth between Spain and England, became a US territory. The Gulf Coast became a significant center for trade between the US and the Caribbean. This was due in part to Henry Plant, whose rail line from Virginia, laid in 1880s, helped to fuel both Tampa’s and region’s greatest period of prosperity.

I've logged an incredible number of FF miles hauling back and forth to Florida. Delta gives 1000 each way. American figures actual miles of about 960. However if I can get a really cheap flight, I pass the opportunity to get miles. I figure the…Read More

I've logged an incredible number of FF miles hauling back and forth to Florida. Delta gives 1000 each way. American figures actual miles of about 960. However if I can get a really cheap flight, I pass the opportunity to get miles.

I figure the miles are worth slightly less than 3 cents each.

I'd rather travel cheap and have the money in my pocket than get the miles.

Save some of your miles for those emergency trips when you have to haul out to see Mother in the hospital. If you have a miles award certificate in hand, you can go out to your airport and get a ticket for a flight. I telephone ahead to get a reservation.

Both American and Delta are very good about getting me on flights when I have to go in a hurry. Yes, I would prefer to use my miles to go to Europe, but it's cheaper to use an award certificate to get an emergency flight than to pay 'day of' prices.

Both American and Delta are very aware of family members that 'gotta go' to St. Pete in a hurry. The customer service reps at both airlines have always been wonderful.

The waters off the beaches of the St. Petersburg area are shallow. I've always noticed sharks, but never gave them much of a thought until the recent shark attacks. Although I love swimming at dawn, I'm stepping into the water later when more people are…Read More

The waters off the beaches of the St. Petersburg area are shallow. I've always noticed sharks, but never gave them much of a thought until the recent shark attacks.

Although I love swimming at dawn, I'm stepping into the water later when more people are around.

I can't promise you that these beaches are safe from shark attacks, but I still swim off them.

So far so good!

I've driven my mother miles and miles and hours and hours around the St. Pete area. Where? (in case you have the same task). Drive the Beach road along St. Pete Beach all the up to Clearwater Beach. Stop for ice cream along…Read More

I've driven my mother miles and miles and hours and hours around the St. Pete area. Where? (in case you have the same task). Drive the Beach road along St. Pete Beach all the up to Clearwater Beach. Stop for ice cream along the way. For a break, get off the barrier islands & zip into Bellair. It's a beautiful area and actually is a little bit above sea level.

A hill in Florida! When you run out of road on Clearwater Beach go over to the mainland and head north on OLD Highway 19 all the way to Tarpon Springs. If you are lucky, the traffic will be bad and it will take a couple hours.

With the slow down in the economy, there is much less tourist activity in this part of Florida. Hotel prices are very competitive, so hunt for bargains.

Rent cars are also less expensive than in the past. Bargain hunt with them also, before you go to Florida.

Looking at my expenses for my 7/01/01 trip, I spent about 35% less than on previous trips at the same time of the year. The savings were on the rent car, air fare and gas.

This is the smaller airport on the St. Petersburg-Clearwater side of Tampa Bay on Hwy 19. It's much easier to get in and out of. Often the less expensive airlines offer flights. It's much closer to St. Pete than the big airport…Read More

This is the smaller airport on the St. Petersburg-Clearwater side of Tampa Bay on Hwy 19. It's much easier to get in and out of. Often the less expensive airlines offer flights. It's much closer to St. Pete than the big airport over in Tampa.

With Florida traffic what it is, that's an issue. If you use a 'bargain finder' such as Quikbook, likely this is an airport where you can get a cheaper ticket. Car rentals available.

Due to the general slow down in the economy, fewer flights are available, but you can still get your dates.

Since we just arrived back from St. Petersburg Beach, a few additional and hopefully helpful tips on bad/cold weather is a must. Just our luck, it was quite cold the end of Jan. and you can be at a loss for ideas on what…Read More

Since we just arrived back from St. Petersburg Beach, a few additional and hopefully helpful tips on bad/cold weather is a must. Just our luck, it was quite cold the end of Jan. and you can be at a loss for ideas on what to do when you can't beach/pool it. We (my husband & myself) found the very best Flea Market(s) - Wagon Wheel Flea Mkt., asked anyone where it's located. I believe it's on Park Blvd. Just not sure of the town. Perhaps 15 mins. from St. Pete's. 2nd, and not quite as good is Red Barn Flea located in Bradentown, perhaps 20 mins. from St. Pete's. If shopping is your thing, the best indoor Mall around this area is Tyrone Square - check it out for some great stores! St. Pete's is always a great vacation area, but sometimes you need to bring out the old Scrabble game and also find alternate things to do! Have a great vacation!Close