The Sponge Exchange is an outdoor mall located at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. Created in 1907, the Sponge Exchange was where the Greek sponger divers would take the sponges they harvested. The Sponge Exchange was an organized system established for grading and selling the sponges. The original Sponge Exchange consisted of storage bins surrounding a central auction block in the center where auctions took place twice a week. In 1946 a red algae toxic outbreak killed the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs and people began using newly invented synthetic sponges.
Today in the courtyard along the paths of the Sponge Exchange are over 30 restaurants and shops to browse. Businesses include Anclote Brew, Anclote Brew, Blu-A-Gift Boutique, Boshi Boutique, Candy Barrel, Caribongo, Columbia Leather, Cotton Boutique, Cottonwood Casual Wear, Destinations, Dockside Creamery, Eurasian Lady, Five Fish, Funny Bones, Hala's Boutique, Joey's Boutique, Katina's Mini Mart, Kris Rose Kreations, Leather Factory, Mama's Greek Cuisine, Ocean Seaside Escape, Pelican Gifts, Sock Exchange, Susie's Summer Wear, Tarpon Sponge, and Vegetable Ivory. Shopping options include fun souvenirs for just a few dollars to much more expensive art pieces.
In addition to all of the interesting places to eat and shop there are also great photo ops throughout the courtyard with a great white shark, sea turtle, and with a 1935, 42 foot sponge diving boat. Yes, this area may be touristy but when you want to pack a lot in, the Sponge Docks is here to caffeinate, wine, and dine you and keep your shopping bag full. read more