I’ll be honest. From the moment I heard it, I disliked the phrase “staycation.” For me, vacation is all about going somewhere different, experiencing something new and being fascinated that you haven’t done it before. Maybe that’s because I’m originally from the Midwest … and when I hear people promoting a staycation, I feel like someone’s just trying to put lipstick on a pig. I mean, let’s face it, once you’ve driven an hour and a half to see the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas, you don’t need to see it again.

But I had no idea that within a little more than an hour’s drive of my home in Sarasota, Florida, I could find an enjoyable staycation destination in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

About 45 minutes north of St. Pete, Tarpon Springs is its own little slice of fascinating. Known as the Sponge Capital of the World, Tarpon Springs has the most charming downtown district of Greek heritage. I’m actually taken aback by how the little shops, the warmth of the people and the general feel of the area harkens me back to my trip to Greece four years ago.

My first stop is a little boutique called Antonio’s, which is extremely appropriate (and a little surprising). My Greek lineage comes from my mom’s side of the family, and her uncle Tony’s full name is Antonio (in addition, the only female cousin on my mom’s side was given the name of Antonio as well).

Antonio’s is light and airy with little trinkets, gauzy Greek clothing and jewelry. I almost buy a pair of shoes, but I’m just getting started.

I wander into locally owned soap shops with sponges galore and scents I adore. I meander through clothing stores and museums before eventually

picking up a colorful one-of-a-kind handcrafted bracelet made of vegetable ivory from a store of the same name (Vegetable Ivory).

Based on a recommendation from the soap shop owner across the street, I stop for a snack at Mama’s, and from the instant I walk in, I realize how authentic this place is. I order both the hummus and the tzatziki plate with my pitas (after all, it’s just a snack), and I glance at the family-style tables around the entire restaurant. I smile at the paper placemats adorned in Greek key borders, columns and the Greek flag. This place might look kitschy to the naked eye, but I can tell it’s just part of the ambiance. I see photos of family members opening the establishment in 1978 right alongside a huge 5-foot painting of the blue domes of Santoríni. I even take a few moments to walk around and strike up a conversation with a local who says it’s the best Greek restaurant in town.

After my snack, I wander out to the docks. This is what Tarpon Springs is known for: intrepid divers in full suits and helmets I’ve only seen in the movies retrieving sponges from the Gulf of Mexico for us to enjoy in our baths and showers. And not just a few sponges; these things are everywhere (hence, the numerous soap shops!).

I’m lucky enough to see a ship that’s just come in – and the boat’s captain tells me it’s his family’s shop next door. He tries to hide behind me unseen for a few pics – and not so much in other ones.

And before I can leave, I’m told my trip to Tarpon is not complete without a bakery dessert from Hellas. There’s a crazy long line of people waiting outside both the restaurant and the bakery,  but I’m told it’s worth the wait, so I join in. Surprisingly, the line moves very quickly; and before I know it, I’m face to face with a kind cashier who’s politely trying to help me determine how many slices of baklava I want with my Italian cannoli, éclair, and biscotti (I’m still kicking myself about leaving the Athenian chocolate mousse behind).

Hellas lived up to every piece of press I heard; and with its over-the-top Greek heritage décor, I have to say it will be one of my favorite memories to recall whenever I hear the phrase “staycation” ever again.

— Carrie Cox, account executive