We like libraries. We visit a library in practically every town we go to, whether it's the main library or a branch doesn't matter. Peg likes to collect the book bags that some libraries sell as fund raisers, so the local library gets a visit or at least a call to see if they have them. Not just any bag will do. It can't be generic. It has to have at least the name of the library stenciled on it. The Ormond Beach Library had them, but we had to make a separate trip to pick them up because no one knew where they were kept except the lady who only came in on Tuesday. Peg bought 3.
We also go for the free and fast Wi-Fi. And if we're in a campground without Wi-Fi we'll go more often. We can tether our phones in a pinch, so we're not completely dark, but for downloading massive amounts of info like I do, or posting massive numbers of food pictures to Pinterest or Facebook, like Peg does, free and fast is better.
The Ormond Beach Library (herein known as OBL) is not an impressive building. It is big and white and fairly new. It sits right on the Intracoastal waterway and has a great view of it from large windows. There are rows of computers available but what they really did right is the long tables placed perpendicular to those large windows. Running down the center of each table is an equally long power strip, so there is no searching or fighting for an outlet.
There is also a separate room for used books for sale and the books are cheap, usually $.50 or a dollar, and no more than 2 dollars.
But for me the defining feature of the OBL are the old photographs which line the walls. They depict the history of Ormond Beach, from young girls playing in the sand to the early auto races on the beach to lounging on the veranda of the Ormond Hotel.
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| Ormond veranda with guests and pet fawn
The library sells these photos as fundraisers and Peg bought me one of my favorites, the one of the two girls on the beach.
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| Traffic on the ocean beach, circa 1890 |
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| Hull's Seafood |
We stopped by Hull's Seafood Shop and Restaurant for lunch yesterday and for fish today. They have massive amounts of fish of all types in the store. The bargain is fish left over after fillets are cut. These are sold at a reduced price. We wanted something for fish tacos, so these "chunks" were perfect. The lady behind the counter recommended Tile, a type of fish I'm not familiar with. Sweeter than grouper and cheaper she said. So we picked up 2 pounds of that and will freeze what doesn't go into the tacos. But the real score was finding smoked mullet. Ever since we were introduced to it in Carrabelle I've wanted to try to make it but hadn't found a source once we left the panhandle. I bought one and will try making the dip in the next day or so. Here is what a smoked mullet looks like. Maybe not to appetizing to look at? I don't know, but it smells great.
Across the street from the seafood store is Theia's Pastries.
She has free Wi-Fi and pastries so we stopped in this morning for coffee, Greek pastries and a Wi-Fi fix.
Then we rode on down to Daytona beach, but this time on the intracoastal side rather than the A1A. This area has very nice homes facing the water with good water views. One block back from the water it is a different story, with housing a fraction of the size and price, and several more blocks inland you get into a not very nice neighborhood, the kind of area with half-way houses and people standing around without much to do.
We went home, dropped the fish off, and headed out for Free Beer. Not far from us is a place called Buffington's. It's fairly new and Peg had found coupons for free beer, so we had to go. They have an extensive selection of craft beers and wings are half price on Wednesday. Tuesday is "Brewsday" where you can sit at the bar try different beers with the bartender. We'll be there. Peg is also going back to get more coupons for more free beer.
Here is our beer and their beer menu.
And here are our wings, half gone already so you know we were hungry.
And here is our doggie bag.
Yes, we are seniors. We paid for it, by gum we're going to take it.
Actually, I need celery for the mullet dip and I didn't feel like going to the store just for that.
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