Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Springs boomed in the late 1800s when wealthy Northerners built Victorian mansions and started businesses, still evident in the historic downtown, where arts and antiques are a main draw.
But most know this harbor town for its famous sponge industry, developed by divers from Greece in the early 1900s. “They put Tarpon Springs on the map for its Mediterranean flair,” said Sue Thomas, president of the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce.
“Three family-owned excursion boat cruises are the way to enjoy our Anclote River, that leads to the Gulf of Mexico,” said Thomas. “St. Nicholas Boat Lines offers a narrated cruise on a converted sponge boat. It’s so much fun — a diver in old gear goes overboard and gets a sponge every time.
“On Sun Line Cruises, groups cruise to our lighthouse and observe the abundant wildlife, like dolphins and eagles. Island Wind Tours offers a catamaran tour that boasts the wind in your hair and the most beautiful sights.”
727-037-6109
www.tarponspringschamber.com
Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi
Taryn Pratt Sammons, media relations manager for the Mississippi Gulfport/Biloxi Convention and Visitors Bureau, recommends time at Mississippi Gulf Coast’s museums to absorb the coastal history.
“The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi features original art by George Ohr, the self proclaimed ‘Mad Potter of Biloxi.’ The buildings and campus, directly across from the beach where live oaks and the Gulf breeze offer a stunning setting, has been designed by Frank Gehry, and it just speaks volumes about the epitome of our Southern culture,” she said.
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs offers the original work of this famous artist, a legend in the area. “Anderson really did suffer from mental illness and spent years living on an uninhabited island. His work reflects his love of nature,” said Sammons.
To spend time on the water, Sammons suggested taking a cruise on a shrimp boat with authentic shrimpers, a fun day or evening experience.
“Or take a one-hour cruise on a Ship Island Excursion to Ship Island, a barrier island off of Gulfport that offers stunning beaches, a boardwalk and historic Fort Massachusetts. A National Park ranger explains the importance of this Civil War site.”
228-896-6699
www.gulfcoast.org
Beaufort, South Carolina
The Lowcountry salt-marsh ecosystem and beaches make Beaufort, celebrating its 300th birthday throughout 2011, the place to observe nature on a guided boat tour, on the Port Royal Boardwalk or on nearby Hunting Island State Park.
“Boat tours begin on the mainland and travel throughout the Sea Islands. Groups will not only hear our history, but keep an eye out for dolphins and abundant bird residents,” said Christy Brewer, marketing and public relations manager for the Beaufort, Port Royal and Sea Islands Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“A myriad of bird species on their way to the Atlantic Flyway take advantage of the beaches, maritime forests, salt marsh and freshwater environments. We can also arrange for smaller groups to go out on a shrimp or fishing charter — seafood is king here.”
The top-ranked beach on Hunting Island State Park includes an 1873 lighthouse that offers a bird’s-eye view of the island and coastal waters.
843-525-8531
www.beaufortsc.org
