Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Old Florida on the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail

The Casements (FL)

From the National Scenic Byways Program and located at www.byways.org

December 1, 2010 in Food, Friends and Family and Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Cruise beneath leafy canopies into the heart of “Old Florida” on the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail. Along with stunning views of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and other natural areas, you’ll find such historic spots as the winter home of John D. Rockefeller, the famous American industrialist and philanthropist, who purchased it in 1918. He died there in 1937. The Rockefeller Home and Gardens now serve as a cultural center and park for the city of Ormond Beach. Admire the view of horizon-spanning Granada Bridge from Rockefeller Gardens Park while strolling, fishing or biking beside the Intracoastal Waterway or shopping for fresh produce and local handcrafts at the weekly Farmer’s Market. Take a guided tour through the historic halls of Rockefeller’s home, also known as the Casements, and explore grand rooms filled with opulent furnishings and colorful rugs. One such room is the Rockefeller Room, where furniture and decorations are set up just as they were in Rockefeller’s day. There is no fee for the tours, though donations are gladly accepted.  The Casements is open Monday-Saturday, and tours are offered throughout the day.

If tours by daylight aren’t exciting enough, come in late October for a historic candlelit tour. All of the volunteers don historic costume to take you back to Rockefeller’s time. Other annual events held in the park include the Riverfest Music Festival in November and the Christmas Gala in December, the latter offering tasty food and unique crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, a tree-lighting celebration, and more. Call 386-676-3216 for more information about events held year-round. Be captivated by history at the Rockefeller Home and Gardens on the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail!