Lenny’s NY Style Pizza, Ormond Beach, Florida

 

“Pizza is not a ‘trend’ it’s a way of life.”

Anonymous

After a vigorous bike ride up to Flagler Beach, my husband and I turned around and headed back to Ormond Beach tired and hungry. We found a little pizza place with a sign out front stating they served NY style pizza. That sounded great but we were a little skeptical since we were from New Jersey, the home of the the best pizza, and we were in Florida. Could there really be a pizza that is as good as we could get at home? We were about to find out.

We parked out bikes, and went inside. Stepping into the quaint restaurant, we were warmly greeted and asked whether we wanted to eat in or get take out. We told them we would eat in. They said just pick a table and take a seat. The pizzeria was small but was decorated with loads of interesting pictures on display decorating the walls. The staff was very friendly and made us feel right at home. They joked with each other and us and other customers as they came in. We enjoyed the show of them tossing the pizza crust in the air and singing as they worked. We found it was a fun stop.

We ordered a slice of pizza each and when it came out, we were amazed by how large the slice  was. It was the size of three slices or more of a regular pizza. I was happy I only ordered a piece of pizza. When we tasted the pizza, we discovered it was the real deal. They use the freshest and best ingredients and put their heart and soul into making a great pie. It was an authentic NY/NJ style pizza and tasted fabulous. We were thrilled and left stuffed.

During the peak of COVID last year, when the children were learning from home in Ormond Beach, Lenny’s offered free lunches to go for children 14 years and under Tuesday – Friday. What a special thing to do. That made me like them even more.

This family owned and run restaurant is on our short list. Lenny Fries is the owner and he established the restaurant inn 1975. Lenny’s has two restaurants in the area. One is located at 298 S. Nova Road and the other on Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, Florida. If you are in the area, it is a must stop if you are craving pizza. They also sell nice looking salads, subs, and dinners. They are open six days a week and even offer catering. Check them out at Ormondpizza.com.

We left feeling full and satisfied and looking forward to our next visit. Till next time. Bye for now.

The Casements, Ormond Beach, Florida

 

“I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.”

John D. Rockefeller

After passing by this magnificent building many times, we finally had time to stop and check it out. All we knew about this building was that at one time, John D. Rockefeller Sr. owned it. So on a beautiful December day, we were excited to visit The Casements and were particularly happy to get to see it when all the lovely Christmas decorations graced the mansion. We parked in the parking lot next to the house and walked up the manicured walkway to the front doors. We were surprised there was no admission cost to visit.

This mansion is within the city limits of Ormond Beach and is now used as a cultural center with a picturesque park across the street that sits on the banks of the Halifax River which is now a part of Florida Intracoastal waterway. The beautiful mansion was built in 1913 by Reverend Dr. Harwood Huntington, from New Haven, Connecticut. Grace, Reverend Huntington’s wife was given this prime lot from her family. The couple later bought two more lots in 1913. It was named The Casements after the windows on the building that are attached to its frame by hinges on the side and opens like a door. The window glass was imported from France.

When we entered the building, we walked into a massive central foyer that was exquisitely decorated with magnificent and colorful decorations for the holiday season. Standing in the foyer, you could look up to the second floor and view the amazingly beautiful staircase. Walking around downstairs of this building were many historic photos as well as beautiful holiday decorations. These decorations that grace the mansion are a great memorial for Mr. Rockefeller since he always elaborately decorated his home and celebrated with large Christmas parties. He loved giving out dimes to his neighbors who would visit him along with this poem that is thought to be written by Mr. Rockefeller himself. “I was early taught to work as well as play; my life has been one long, happy holiday. Full of work and full of play. I dropped the worry on the way, and God was good to me everyday.” What great words to live by.

John D. Rockefeller, a retired Standard Oil Tycoon, bought this mansion in 1918 to be used as his winter residence. He was 78 years old when he bought this home for $75,000 which included another house that was located on Riverside Drive. He had hoped to live here till he was 100 but unfortunately died in his bedroom on May 23, 1937, short of his goal by three years.

The 9000 square foot mansion, considered the Crown Jewel of Ormond Beach is located at the base of the Granada Bridge. The mansion includes eleven bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, a large dining room and living room, and a kitchen located on the first floor. As elaborate as the home was, Mr. Rockefeller had a frugal streak and decorated his house with second hand furniture. Which is a stark contrast since Mr. Rockefeller was know for his elaborate parties and was known to socialize with many famous people like, Will Rogers, Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. His neighbors knew him as “Neighbor John” who loved golf, watching auto races on the beach, and meeting at Hotel Ormond.

After Mr. Rockefeller passed away, The Casements was sold to Maud Van Woy, the headmistress of The Fairmont Junior College of Washington, D C. That college remained open until 1951. It was then used as a religious retirement facility and school. It later became a transient hotel and in 1973 was bought by the leaders of Ormond Beach who renovated the run down property. That same year it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

We really enjoyed walking around this elegant house and learning about the history of the home and the life of John D. Rockefeller. There is also a lovely gift shop. After we left the home, we walked across to the park across the street that is a beautifully manicured and designed park. This was a great stop. If you are ever in Ormond Beach, be sure to visit. They are open from 8:30 – 5:00 weekdays and 8:30 to noon on Saturdays. This home can also be rented out for functions.

Take care and bye for now. Till next time.