Andy Capwell’s Favorite Vacation Spot

Cabin fever might be settling in. Thoughts of sunshine and beaches are seeping in while you stare out the window at work. Alright, I guess that's just me! It did get me thinking of what my favorite vacation location is and I want to hear what yours are.

Back in 1976, my family sold our house in Lewiston and we moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida. My Dad had been stationed there with the Navy during World War II and he decided he wanted us to move there. I loved it! We lived a mile from the Gulf Of Mexico, tennis courts everywhere and sunshine almost all the time! Only 8 months later my Dad became homesick and we moved back to Maine. I've managed to go back a few times since then and it is my favorite vacation spot.

Tarpon Springs was incorporated in 1887 and has a large Greek population. It's a small community of 23,507 people but offers a large choice of diverse experiences to enjoy. Tarpon Springs is famous for it's sponge docks. You can experience sponge boats and sponge divers downtown, while the street is lined with Greek restaurants and bars, along with gift shops and antiques.

Tarpon Springs is also filled with history. St.Nichols Greek Orthodox Cathedral anchors the wide, spacious Main street that is filled with older buildings filled with character.

Tarpon Springs also has great beaches, Fred Howard Park attracts almost 2 million visitors annually and features white, sandy beaches, a mile long causeway, wildlife like nesting ospreys, eagles, dolphins and manatees. There's plenty of great fishing and picnic areas as well. Tarpon Springs has plenty of great golfing, including the Innsbrook Golf Resort. Spend time at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and visit the St. Micheal's Shrine.

The town also features a salt-water bayou right in the middle of town that features the annual 'epiphany' ceremony.' Tarpon Springs is also less than an hour away from Tampa and St.Petersburg and the awesome beaches in Clearwater. My favorite thing about Tarpon Springs is the small, cobble stoned streets and the majestic Spanish Moss trees.

Well, there's a little bit about my favorite vacation spot. I'd love to hear about yours!